Where's j0ker?????

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Poeia

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I don't even watch much TV any longer. My current TV is a JVC with a tube that isn't HD-ready. I'll save a lot of space by getting a flat-screen. If I buy it with my ff mileage, it's essentially free and, with a halfway decent antenna and a little luck, my reception will be good enough that I can drop cable so it will pay for itself.

For things like that I like buying local so I was going to use my mileage to get a Best buy gift card but they're developing a reputation for big sales during which they sell more than they have and then they cancel the orders at the last minute. (They've done that at Christmas two years in a row.) Then I realized two local stores that I really like -- J&R and Adorama -- both sell through Amazon as well as their own sites. So my choices were determined by which models they have on Amazon that are in the right price range and that have PC inputs. I've seen them all in stores and I think I'd be happy with any of them so it's just waiting for the pre-Super Bowl or new model season sales. I just wanted to make sure none of you would say "are you crazy? We had one and it was the worst piece of …"
 

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    Kent C

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    I don't even watch much TV any longer. My current TV is a JVC with a tube that isn't HD-ready. I'll save a lot of space by getting a flat-screen. If I buy it with my ff mileage, it's essentially free and, with a halfway decent antenna and a little luck, my reception will be good enough that I can drop cable so it will pay for itself.

    For things like that I like buying local so I was going to use my mileage to get a Best Buy gift card but they're developing a reputation for big sales during which they sell more than they have and then they cancel the orders at the last minute. (They've done that at Christmas two years in a row.) Then I realized two local stores that I really like -- J&R and Adorama -- both sell through Amazon as well as their own sites. So my choices were determined by which models they have on Amazon that are in the right price range and that have PC inputs. I've seen them all in stores and I think I'd be happy with any of them so it's just waiting for the pre-Super Bowl or new model season sales. I just wanted to make sure none of you would say "are you crazy? We had one and it was the worst piece of …"

    I have a Samsung LED type but this is where I start on TV's

    Best HDTVs overall - CNET Reviews

    In the left hand column, you can narrow down the search by size and if you're looking at a specific type....

    If you want more info on type (LCD, LED, plasma, etc.) see the 'Related Resources' further on down on the left - Step by Step finder, Guide, LCD vs. Plasma, etc.

    And if you're looking for a review on a specific make or model, go here...
    TVs - CNET Reviews

    And lastly, assuming you already know all of those above and were just looking for our opinions, I had Sony tv's most of my life up until the last purchase and I found that Sony's 'features' haven't kept up with their prices. That I could get just as good quality and features on lower priced makes. I also know from my photoshop experience that LG made some of the best LCD monitor panels - sometimes sold under different makes - HP's high end monitors were LG's - the HP LP2065 - a bit dated now - is my primary monitor. However, the goal for photoshop was 'true color' (the resolution - picture quality was a 'given') and while that may also be a factor for TV's, it might not have the same priority as in photo editing where you want a wysiwyg from reality, to camera, to monitor, to print. ;)

    Hope that helps.
     

    Kent C

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    We got a Vizio which isn't even on that list Kent! :facepalm:

    It's 3D capable too.

    We like it!

    It's not on the top HDTV listing but they are listed in the second link given above. You can find info here:

    Vizio TVs - CNET Reviews

    And then sort by 'most popular', Editior's choice, etc.

    And it's the largest selling make in the US, mainly because of price. Cool story here:
    Who Makes Vizio LCD TV's?

    They don't make their own panels but neither does some of the others. Like with monitors - HP has various panel makers including LG and Samsung. HP simply doesn't make monitor panels.

    My only 'experience' is via my best friend who had one and loved it for the first year. It didn't make it into the third year. He has a Samsung now but not the type I have. He as an LCD, me an LED type. But that's so anecdotal that one shouldn't really read anything into it. Sam's, Costco and Sears sells a ton of them.
     

    Poeia

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    CNet is where I go for all my expert reviews on electronics.

    Manhattan is like living in a canyon -- the tall buildings can block an awful lot of reception -- but I'm hopeful. (My 22" Samsung monitor is quite good. I like the idea of a PC input on the TV so it can be a backup if the monitor dies. I cannot be without computer access.)

    Anyway, I'm good to go. Just waiting for the right price. Thanks for all the input.

    ETA: And I'm not getting at TV with a comma in the price. I'm looking at 32" for less than $400.
     
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    Kent C

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    CNet is where I go for all my expert reviews on electronics.

    Manhattan is like living in a canyon -- the tall buildings can block an awful lot of reception -- but I'm hopeful. (My 22" Samsung monitor is quite good. I like the idea of a PC input on the TV so it can be a backup if the monitor dies. I cannot be without computer access.)

    Understood! My second monitor is a Samsung and a good one too. I found having two monitors worked best for me with photoshop - I put all my palettes on the second monitor. Neither is 'wide screen'.
     

    Kent C

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    CNet is where I go for all my expert reviews on electronics.

    Manhattan is like living in a canyon -- the tall buildings can block an awful lot of reception -- but I'm hopeful..


    In the basement, not hooked to cable, I have a smaller Samsung and get all local digital stations (but I'm in open country) with a Futura antenna from Target.

    http://www.amazon.com/GE-24769-Outdoor-Antenna-Digital/dp/B0026SSAOM

    Took two different models back that didn't get all channels, one Sony, before settling on this one.
     
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