Saturday, November 15, 2008

Plasma or LCD

Hi folks,
I'm finally ready to buy a new TV. I've browsed the stores and read the on-line reviews but can't decide what to buy. Do you have any recommendations?

Also, what sound system do you recommend?

Cheers
BB

11 comments:

chrisrawk said...

I think there's not that much difference between plasma and LCD these days. Samsung came out with a "black-er" black on the TVs, so that's not really as big of a problem.
we are using Hyosoon's Samsung PAVV LCD TV these days - it's HUGE and awesome. you should know that you'll need to get HD TV channels (so cable package could be more expensive). Sport events are amazing in HD. Movies too. You won't believe nature documentaries on HD.
I think the main issue is size. You want it BIG, but make sure you have enough space between the sofa and TV. I think 42-inch is good for most rooms and 50-inch is probably tops.

Balcony Babe said...

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll get a 42" since my living room seating arrangement is about 10 feet. The room is larger but I don't see the point of sitting far far away from the TV just for the privilege of having the biggest one around.

Next question - wait until Christmas sales or buy now? I'm leaning towards buying it now but am not sure if that is the best approach.
BB

Cycling Potato said...

We have Samsung and like it very much. Viewing ratio is about 3 times screen size for seating arrangement. Post Christmas there will be blow-out sales but not necessarily in the specific product that you would like, so look for a pre-Christmas sale and jump! LCD is less of an energy hog, I think but it probably isn't a big deal. Good Luck

chrisrawk said...

hmm - tough decision. I think you can save money on "last year's model" if you wait for a month - but I think having a big TV would be great for the winter months. you won't be on the sofa come springtime. you'll be on the balcony, of course! so buy it now and enjoy it over the winter. check online and choose the best price between internet shopping and the local stores.

will you get it on a stand or on the wall?

and I do recommend Samsung in this case.

chrisrawk said...

** this is off topic **

I'm not sure if I gave you this link or not:

http://woxy.lala.com/

great internet radio.

Balcony Babe said...

It's good to have your recommendations. I was thinking about either Samsung, LG or Sony but might go ahead with the Samsung brand.

I have a Samsung washer and dryer and was very impressed with their customer service when they had a product recall notice on the washer just after I bought it. A lot of large companies cut back on quality and customer care when the economy tightens but as a consumer I really think it is important and am happy to support a good company.

Time to go shopping....

Cycling Potato said...

We bought two Samsungs at the same time and one had a problem so did a warranty exchange without any problem. When buying look at Future Shop as they offer very competitive prices and finance up to two years interest free. In other words, pay cash or finance over two years, the price is the same. So I did that with the TV's (so I could leave the money invested and loose 40% in the market!). Last week I bought a Compaq 17" for Courtenay at a great price ($150 less than Dell for same thing) and put it on the two year plan.

Let me know if you want my latest scoop on DVD players and bargain speaker systems for TV's and Computers.

Balcony Babe said...

I'd love to hear your thoughts on a sound system and Blue Ray / DVD player. Now that I'm ready to splash out, let's do it properly.
BB

Cycling Potato said...

I don't know anything about Blue Ray but think it is a good time to buy all the old DVD's that you always wanted as prices are so heavily discounted.

For Courtenay I bought the Bose 3-2-1 system. It is a good sound system with a CD/DVD/radio tuner. I will load CD's onto the Compaq laptop that I will take out there. This gives great sound for TV, DVD, CD and music from the internet (CKUA!). It is scaled about right for an apartment so I think it is a good deal.

Balcony Babe said...

Thanks for the advice. Bose is a very good name brand so that might be a good choice for me.

It sounds like Courtenay is becoming a "must see" destination. I hope you guys have a great time out there in the spring and can't wait to see it myself.
cheers
BB

Unknown said...

And I can't wait to see you!