Which TV to buy (under 500?)

[ob187]

'm in the market for a TV that is under $500. I really don't care about having a "Smart TV" or "3D", but most of the newer models come with this feature.

In my price range, it looks like most of the TVs are around the 40" size (would love to find a 46" Samsung, but its out of my price range).

Any thoughts on these TVs below. The Plasma is tempting since it is 43" and lower in price (just wasn't sure how the glare would be)

Samsung - 40" LED Smart TV - $449
1080p / 60Hz
Model #: UN40EH5300

Samsung - 40" LED TV - $429
Model #: UN40FH6030FXZA
1080p / 120Hz / 3D / 2 HDMI

Samsung - 43" Plasma LCD TV - $299
Model #: PN43F4500BFXZA
720p / 600Hz / 2 HDMI

LG - 42" LED - $499
Model #:42LB6300
1080p / 120Hz / 3 HDMI

LG - 42" LED - $399
Model #:42LN5400
1080p / 120Hz / 2 HDMI

 

[Eduello]

Well if you don't care for 3D or Smart features, get the last one you listed; It's the cheapest one, it's 120Hz, and it's 42".

Why not the 43" plasma from Samsung? Its resolution is 720p (it only has about 1 million pixels), while the other ones are 1080p (about 2 million pixels) so its image will be more grainy when compared to the others.

 

[ob187]

Well if you don't care for 3D or Smart features, get the last one you listed; It's the cheapest one, it's 120Hz, and it's 42".

Why not the 43" plasma from Samsung? Its resolution is 720p (it only has about 1 million pixels), while the other ones are 1080p (about 2 million pixels) so its image will be more grainy when compared to the others.

How does that LG model stack up vs the Samsungs?

 

[Eduello]

Well if you don't care for 3D or Smart features, get the last one you listed; It's the cheapest one, it's 120Hz, and it's 42".

Why not the 43" plasma from Samsung? Its resolution is 720p (it only has about 1 million pixels), while the other ones are 1080p (about 2 million pixels) so its image will be more grainy when compared to the others.

How does that LG model stack up vs the Samsungs?

It's just as good, but it lacks some of the Smart TV features. Option 1 has a refresh rate of 60Hz, that's why I ruled it out. So the choice is really between 2, 4, and 5. Smart TV features and 3D make 2 and 4 cost more, that's why I recommended option 5.

As far as quality goes, both LG and Samsung are well known brands; All of those options should have very good build quality.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Personally I would pick the Samsung plasma. It will give you a better picture with fewer artifacts than the LED lit LCD panels that all the other TVs use. At this price level they can't use all the tricks that the top of the line ones have to overcome the issues that all LCD panels have.
The lower resolution will only be an issue is you are going to sit very close to the screen. You may be able to get a 1080p plasma within you price range.
If you have a lot of sunlight hitting the screen then the plasma will also be compromised.

 

[Eduello]

Personally I would pick the Samsung plasma. It will give you a better picture with fewer artifacts than the LED lit LCD panels that all the other TVs use. At this price level they can't use all the tricks that the top of the line ones have to overcome the issues that all LCD panels have.
The lower resolution will only be an issue is you are going to sit very close to the screen. You may be able to get a 1080p plasma within you price range.
If you have a lot of sunlight hitting the screen then the plasma will also be compromised.

Also, remember that plasma screens suffer from more or less permanent burn-ins (also known as ghost images), which happen if you leave the TV to display the same image for too long (photos, paused movies, and PC backgrounds for example).

 

[thee_prisoner]

Personally I would pick the Samsung plasma. It will give you a better picture with fewer artifacts than the LED lit LCD panels that all the other TVs use. At this price level they can't use all the tricks that the top of the line ones have to overcome the issues that all LCD panels have.
The lower resolution will only be an issue is you are going to sit very close to the screen. You may be able to get a 1080p plasma within you price range.
If you have a lot of sunlight hitting the screen then the plasma will also be compromised.

Also, remember that plasma screens suffer from more or less permanent burn-ins (also known as ghost images), which happen if you leave the TV to display the same image for too long (photos, paused movies, and PC backgrounds for example).

Plasma TV's haven't had that problem for years and even then it wasn't much of a problem. I have an old Pioneer Kuro that I bought dirt cheap used (almost new) because some fool told him about a burn in problem.

The best judge is your eyes when you take it home in the room you're going to use it in and properly calibrate the TV. And see what looks best. If glare is a problem stay away from Plasma but then again I would stay away from LED/LCD too. if glare is a problem, CRT TV would be better! haha.

 

[Eduello]

Personally I would pick the Samsung plasma. It will give you a better picture with fewer artifacts than the LED lit LCD panels that all the other TVs use. At this price level they can't use all the tricks that the top of the line ones have to overcome the issues that all LCD panels have.
The lower resolution will only be an issue is you are going to sit very close to the screen. You may be able to get a 1080p plasma within you price range.
If you have a lot of sunlight hitting the screen then the plasma will also be compromised.

Also, remember that plasma screens suffer from more or less permanent burn-ins (also known as ghost images), which happen if you leave the TV to display the same image for too long (photos, paused movies, and PC backgrounds for example).

Plasma TV's haven't had that problem for years and even then it wasn't much of a problem. I have an old Pioneer Kuro that I bought dirt cheap used (almost new) because some fool told him about a burn in problem.

The best judge is your eyes when you take it home in the room you're going to use it in and properly calibrate the TV. And see what looks best. If glare is a problem stay away from Plasma but then again I would stay away from LED/LCD too. if glare is a problem, CRT TV would be better! haha.

Read page 3 of the quick guide; Samsung actually warns about permanent burn-ins.
http/www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/PN43F4500AFXZA

 

[thee_prisoner]

Of course it warns about burn ins. They do the same with LCD/LED. They're covering their asses. Like this:http://www.avforums.com/threads/just-bought-an-led-tv-scary-warning-about-burn-in.1481063/ and it's on the first page! hehe

Edit: The only time I saw an issue with was with some really old monochrome CRT's from about 30 years ago. But it really inst an issue.

Edit: 2.0 burn in and image retention are two different things. For example when I mentioned the old CRTs they could get actual images burned onto the screen. LCD/LED and plasma can get image retention but turning them off will fix it.

 

[Eduello]

Of course it warns about burn ins. They do the same with LCD/LED. They're covering their asses. Like this:http://www.avforums.com/threads/just-bought-an-led-tv-scary-warning-about-burn-in.1481063/ and it's on the first page! hehe

Whatever you say, but I still wouldn't recommend the 3rd option.

 

[thee_prisoner]

I was just responding to the issue of how great plasma TV are and not having burn in problems. I wasn't referring to a particular TV. If he has to add more to the list a 1080p plasma would be a nice choice. Maybe this one is his price range. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889354530

be seeing you, the Prisoner...