New TV advice

[KidCanada]

So my 8 year old Plasma just gave out. I think im in the market for a new flatscreen.

Im hoping to spend less than $500, and get something at least 42" (ideally between 42 and 50"). I know around boxing day you could get a 42" for as low as $380 (not sure if that type of deal can be found now).

So Im wondering if you guys have recommendations on:

1) The stores with the best deals.
2) Good TV product/brands and TV products to avoid.

Not looking for a 3D TV!

Thanks for any advice!

[Rathji]

Post this in Tech Talk, probably gets more response.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by KidCanada

Not looking for a 3D TV!

If you're not going to buy another TV for another 8 years, that's probably a mistake.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by SebC

If you're not going to buy another TV for another 8 years, that's probably a mistake.

I didn't see the OP say he wanted a TV to last 8 years, just that his previous one did.

Visions is generally awful in a lot of ways but I've had better deals on TVs from there than most places.

Costco is probably your best bet for a good price without loads of haggling.

If you're looking for a set under $500 in that size, you absolutely cannot get caught up in specs of a TV. Just find one that looks good to you. You'll find good quality 720p sets at that price and a few 1080p sets, but you'll probably be sacrificing something for a 1080p set under $500.

I swear by Samsung. I've got a 50" 1080p LCD and a 42" 720p Plasma (cost me $399 on boxing day). Of course the LCD is the better TV but the Plasma also has an excellent picture, just no bells & whistles. My girlfriend can't tell the difference.

[Kybosh]

I got a 46" Samsung LED a few weeks back that I cannot say enough good things about (bought the TV, a stand and a blu-ray for $1500). It would be a little above your budget, but you could probably find a similar 42" for ~$800 (I'm guessing).

[PIMking]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

I didn't see the OP say he wanted a TV to last 8 years, just that his previous one did.

Visions is generally awful in a lot of ways but I've had better deals on TVs from there than most places.

Costco is probably your best bet for a good price without loads of haggling.

If you're looking for a set under $500 in that size, you absolutely cannot get caught up in specs of a TV. Just find one that looks good to you. You'll find good quality 720p sets at that price and a few 1080p sets, but you'll probably be sacrificing something for a 1080p set under $500.

I swear by Samsung. I've got a 50" 1080p LCD and a 42" 720p Plasma (cost me $399 on boxing day). Of course the LCD is the better TV but the Plasma also has an excellent picture, just no bells & whistles. My girlfriend can't tell the difference.

Please tell me how LCD is better?

[SebC]

Originally Posted by PIMking

Please tell me how [that] LCD is better?

1080p?

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by PIMking

Please tell me how LCD is better?

I didn't say LCD is better.

And, there are about 20 threads about that already.

[Russic]

If I was buying a tv today I'd go for a 720p 42" just because they are a great size and fantastic price. I used to pride myself on pursuing strong tech, but one day I decided to look for the differences and I couldn't find them. I wish I'd gone a cheaper route when I bought my tv a few years ago.