TVs

[R3N]

Going to take a look at some TVs tomorrow and would appreciate some input. I don't mind getting an older model as I know the new ones have already been or will be launched soon. Trying to get my head around the whole Edge LED vs Full-array, to me it seems that Full-array seems like a better way to go? I know it won't be as thin but not really fussed about that. Also is the un-uniformity really that noticable? I know it's difficult to tell in-store sometimes. Is micro-dimming really worth it?

I don't want to spend too much, probably around 1-1500, sizes I've been looking at would be 46-50" (Maybe 55"). I know there is a way of working out what the optimum size TV to get is based on viewing distance, but I'm sure that comes down to personal preference. I would hazard a guess of about 2.5-3m viewing distance.

Looking at LEDs at the moment as it will be in a fairly bright area, so no plasmas. I'm assuming matte screens are better in this scenario?

Any stand out brands at the moment (even for the 2011 range) Samsung/Sony/Panasonic/LG?

[RGVFAST]

See dan at Jb Hifi ( i think Cockburn shop now?), the Hook up king.

[3sgte]

I bought a 42" LG LED Smart TV from Harvey Norman about 6 months ago when they first cam out and payed about $1000. The picture is great, good program guide and good for gaming. Stay away from the cheaper brand unless you will be using 5.1 sound or similar as they sound shit and little things like the program guide is shit. My 2 cents anyway

[mr top hat]

edge lit advantages are better power consumption and thin.
full array is worth it imo contrast is alot better. power consumption is higher though. also if your looking for a full array make sure it can turn off sections of the backlight (to get better black) not all full array have these, usually the cheapish ones are "full array" backlit but cant turn off sections which ends up nearly being the same as a edge lit lcd.

Also if your going to spend $$$ on a good tv. make sure it has a high refresh rate, i bought one a few months back for the bedroom and during high panning tv shows like AFL or nascar it's noticably glitchy.

most shops only use SD or component (red, blue & green plugs) leads for demo tvs this offers 520i tv quality. so if a tv looks shit compared to the tv next to it that's $300 more look at the back of the tv's and
make sure they are using the same video source. this is a way that salesmen get you to buy the $300 more tv when the tv is the same quality as the one next to it (sneaky tricks of the trade).

final thing if you find a tv in your price range but it looks crappier than the $300 dearer one next to it, get the salesmen to connect the tv directly to a bluray player and double check the quality.

ps: for the love of god, don't buy a HDMI cable for more than $10 for 1.8m. $18 for 2m etc... huge rip off just buy the cheapest one from jaycar or coles or something like that you'll get the same 1080p as a $90 cable.

/rant

[RaGH*]

The new models have now been released, but there isn't much competition at the moment. Samsung have got their top of the line models out now and at good sizes but I'm not too impressed by them, and I hate all the crap of motion sensing and voice control... I'd wait till Panasonic get some TVs out, Sony too. Reviews for the new stuff from both of those houses are looking really strong, so maybe hang out for a few months?

--edit--

PS I've been moved all the way down to Mandurah now, so I'll help advise, but if I'm too far to make a trip to let me know and I'll try to refer you on to some awesome guys at other stores that should be able to help out heaps still.

[R3N]

I bought a 42" LG LED Smart TV from Harvey Norman about 6 months ago when they first cam out and payed about $1000. The picture is great, good program guide and good for gaming. Stay away from the cheaper brand unless you will be using 5.1 sound or similar as they sound shit and little things like the program guide is shit. My 2 cents anyway

Cheaper brands such as? Won't be looking at TCL/DSE/AWA etc brands anyway


edge lit advantages are better power consumption and thin.
full array is worth it imo contrast is alot better. power consumption is higher though. also if your looking for a full array make sure it can turn off sections of the backlight (to get better black) not all full array have these, usually the cheapish ones are "full array" backlit but cant turn off sections which ends up nearly being the same as a edge lit lcd.

Also if your going to spend $$$ on a good tv. make sure it has a high refresh rate, i bought one a few months back for the bedroom and during high panning tv shows like AFL or nascar it's noticably glitchy.

most shops only use SD or component (red, blue & green plugs) leads for demo tvs this offers 520i tv quality. so if a tv looks shit compared to the tv next to it that's $300 more look at the back of the tv's and
make sure they are using the same video source. this is a way that salesmen get you to buy the $300 more tv when the tv is the same quality as the one next to it (sneaky tricks of the trade).

final thing if you find a tv in your price range but it looks crappier than the $300 dearer one next to it, get the salesmen to connect the tv directly to a bluray player and double check the quality.

ps: for the love of god, don't buy a HDMI cable for more than $10 for 1.8m. $18 for 2m etc... huge rip off just buy the cheapest one from jaycar or coles or something like that you'll get the same 1080p as a $90 cable.

/rant

Current standard refresh rate is about 100Hz isn't it? Most of the ones I've seen are anyway. I think there's also 120Hz out now?

Yea I only get HDMI cables from online, much cheaper



The new models have now been released, but there isn't much competition at the moment. Samsung have got their top of the line models out now and at good sizes but I'm not too impressed by them, and I hate all the crap of motion sensing and voice control... I'd wait till Panasonic get some TVs out, Sony too. Reviews for the new stuff from both of those houses are looking really strong, so maybe hang out for a few months?

--edit--

PS I've been moved all the way down to Mandurah now, so I'll help advise, but if I'm too far to make a trip to let me know and I'll try to refer you on to some awesome guys at other stores that should be able to help out heaps still.

So you reckon Samsung isn't all that great? I was thinking about getting the older Series 7 LEDs, not sure what the prices are like. Voice control and motion sensing is just a lot of wank to me and won't be used anyway. Yea not in a super hurry to get a new TV, just wanted to find out what to look out for. Will PM you when I'm ready to buy. Cheers!

[Ryan1080]

Current standard refresh rate is about 100Hz isn't it? Most of the ones I've seen are anyway. I think there's also 120Hz out now?

So you reckon Samsung isn't all that great? I was thinking about getting the older Series 7 LEDs, not sure what the prices are like. Voice control and motion sensing is just a lot of wank to me and won't be used anyway. Yea not in a super hurry to get a new TV, just wanted to find out what to look out for. Will PM you when I'm ready to buy. Cheers!

My samsung has a 200Mhz refresh rate. Definately noticeable next to a 100... Mine is a 7 series 55" LED 3D, can't fault it!

[Alt_F4]

Have samsung 24" LED/LCD screens which are awesome for the PC, but have one of the new panasonic 55" plasma and the picture is amazing.

[ben351]

Samsung have an awesome refresh rate ... notice it when watching sports more so ...

[TJ]

Haha most of the cheaper ones run samsung etc panels anyhow.

Its the little things though - shit housings, software is slow etc.

[R3N]

Haha most of the cheaper ones run samsung etc panels anyhow.

Its the little things though - shit housings, software is slow etc.

Just like iPads

[Brockas]

The only thing I notice with out 50" 3D 1080p Samsung (Plasma) is it's particularly average with 'ghosting'. When playing GT5 or anything like that, even normal TV, you can see the previous image 'burnt' into the screen for a good 4-5 seconds. This isn't permanent ghosting, but it's still noticeable.

Plasma's have a 600HZ refresh rate AFAIK. LCD/LED's should be a minimum 100Hz, but I think a few are 200-400?

[Dagon]

I'm still not sure why LED/LCD is measured in Hz when the hardware addresses and changes individual pixels, therefore response time is what matters...
Marketing rubbish...
My monitor has a 2ms response time, which means it's 500Hz, correct? Or is this armchair maths complete bollocks?

[RaGH*]

So you reckon Samsung isn't all that great? I was thinking about getting the older Series 7 LEDs, not sure what the prices are like. Voice control and motion sensing is just a lot of wank to me and won't be used anyway. Yea not in a super hurry to get a new TV, just wanted to find out what to look out for. Will PM you when I'm ready to buy. Cheers!

No, they are good TVs but reviews for the new Sony and Panasonics make them sound better than the Samsungs. Waiting will do no harm, as prices on the Samsungs will probably drop once competition from bigger brands hits the market.

[R3N]

Went to look at some today, some newer ones have 200Hz refresh rate

Been looking at this one? http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/tv-audio-video/television/led-tv/UA46D7000LMXXY
It's a 2011 model and the places that do have it are selling it at a pretty good price ~$1300, which had a retail of about $3.2k last year. Also looking at the 55" version if I can find one.

Do you have any of those on stock Dan? Thoughts on the one I posted above compared to some of the current 2012 models? I won't use the browser etc much so not a huge selling point for me. I don't mind waiting but if I want to get the 2011 model, it has to be fairly soon as it looks like I missed out on when they were clearing last year's models.

[RaGH*]

PM sent - remind me on saturday and I will see whats floating about, as someone else on AL is chasing an older Sony too. Interested in Displays or boxed stock only?

[Syncope]

Current or previous model Samsung 7000 or 8000 Series or the EX720 range Sony, don't mess about, just follow my advice and go buy

[R3N]

Rang around pretty much everywhere, can't find any more Samsung UA55D7000s :(, only a handful of places have the UA46D7000, with only 1 or 2 left at about $1300.

It's pretty much between that and the Sony KDL55EX720 which JB have for about $1600, the 46" is going for $1100.

At first I was worrried the 55" would be too big, but after reading up on some sites with viewing angles and distance etc, doesn't seem too bad, in fact I'm now leaning more towards a 55" TV!

Anyone have any of the above models care to comment?

[R3N]

Picked up a new UA46D7000 today for $1300, missed out on the display 55" that RaGH had, but he has been very helpful.

Have some bleeding/clouding issues but hoping that tweaking the settings will fix it a little. Not sure if they are all like this, and if returning it for another one will fix it, so far only noticed during dark scenes in movies, not so much while watching normal TV. I know its a common issue with the edge lit LED LCDs but it is quite disappointing given that these TVs retail about $2.6k when new. Not sure if the newer models are any better, obviously the ones with micro-dimming would not suffer as badly.

[RaGH*]

You can try to massage the TV and see if that helps, otherwise your stuck with it.. my small 32" LED has it in the corners and has been there for like 2 years. Was hoping time would fix it :(

[Brockas]

I'm currently looking to upgrade my Sony KDL46XBR that I bought in 2008.

I'll be going plasma this time around, as there isn't much light where it's going, and I watch a lot of sport.
Number of fucks given about "smart tv" features is 0. Just want a 3D TV over 60" for under $3k.

So far these are the ones I'm looking at:

http://panasonic.com.au/Products/VIErA+televisions/Plasma+TVs/TH-P60UT50A/Overview
Panasonic 60", about $2k delivered to my door.

http://www.videopro.com.au/p-3633-panasonic-65-viera-thp65st30a-full-hd-3d-plasma-tv.aspx
Panasonic 65", about $2800 delivered.

http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/tv-audio-video/television/plasma-tv/PS64E550D1MXXY
Samsung 64", about $2k also.

http://www.digitalcentre.com.au/p/5916702/new-arrival-panasonic-th-p65st50a-65-full-hd-plasma-3d-tv.html
Panasonic 65", about $3,500 delivered. This is a bit more than I want to spend, but happy to stretch it that far if it's really worth it for the picture quality.


I'm really unsure as to which one will give the best picture quality?? Keeping in mind that I watch a lot of sport, I really need something that doesnt suffer any motion blur.

Can some of you experts offer some advice please?

[2LMILK]

My samsung has a 200Mhz refresh rate. Definately noticeable next to a 100... Mine is a 7 series 55" LED 3D, can't fault it!

I got the same one, love it

[Dagon]

Samsung's are pretty awesome when you also have a Samsung phone... the AllShare app really takes a lot of hassle away from watching movies on your TV, and this is coming from a dedicated lounge-PC enthusiast. If I didn't have my XBMC on my old gaming rig I'd be using it =P

[RaGH*]

Samsung plasmas imo have really average motion. Brockas if you can find a ST30 from Pana in a size you like that would be the best choice, otherwise maybe try hunting down a VT30 if you want a better design (aesthetics) and a THX mode. I've got a 65VT30 display still which I can let go for $3700 if you want to up in quality. Otherwise if your looking at new models, maybe wait a few months for more models to come out and prices to become more competitive.

[yeahlow34]

I'm currently looking to upgrade my Sony KDL46XBR that I bought in 2008

Selling the 46"?

[j3rk]

http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/tv-audio-video/television/plasma-tv/PS64E550D1MXXY
Samsung 64", about $2k also.

This TV is on my wall Brockas. Never noticed any blur but admittantly don't watch a huge amount of sport.
Price vs. size it won out too easily, cost price was 1750 from HN I think. Swing round after work one day and have a look.

[Brockas]

Cheers Paul. I have the series 5 50" here on the simulator already so all good. Not entirely happy with it's picture quality, so I might look more closely at the panasonics.


Samsung plasmas imo have really average motion. Brockas if you can find a ST30 from Pana in a size you like that would be the best choice, otherwise maybe try hunting down a VT30 if you want a better design (aesthetics) and a THX mode. I've got a 65VT30 display still which I can let go for $3700 if you want to up in quality. Otherwise if your looking at new models, maybe wait a few months for more models to come out and prices to become more competitive.
Cheers mate! I might just go with the ST30, as I don't need THX etc. I literally run 1 HDMI cable to my TV as I have a Sony 5300ES amp which runs all my audio.

Will he picture on the ST30 be better than on the UT50?


Selling the 46"?
Sure am! If you want it let me know. Paid something like $3,500 for it new!

[cactus]

I got a Sony 55" LED LCD = the bomb. Previously had a Samsung Plasma which was brilliant, but this thing is in a league of its own IMO.

Was looking at the Panasonic 60" and 65" you mentioned, but though they were too big, and the picture just wasnt that great.

[R3N]

I got the same one, love it

Any light bleeding/clouding issues with yours?

[Brockas]

I got a Sony 55" LED LCD = the bomb. Previously had a Samsung Plasma which was brilliant, but this thing is in a league of its own IMO.

Was looking at the Panasonic 60" and 65" you mentioned, but though they were too big, and the picture just wasnt that great.
I do like the 55" LED LCD from Sony, however as I'm currently using a 46" Sony LCD and it's now too small, 60" as an upgrade is a minimum for me.

In the Sony range, the 65" HX Series is $10,000.

The only one in my price range is the 60" EX series, which uses Motionflow XR200, which is an artificial 200Hz system, which is still too slow for the fast actioned sport that I watch!



Also, at 60+ inches, you need to remember that the resolution is still 1980x1080. It's the same resolution, just 'stretched' to 60+ inches, therefore if you're close to the TV it's not going to look as good as a 40" screen.
This is the trade-off with larger TV's. My olds have a 65" Panasonic which is great, but they paid $5k for it. It's not as crisp as my 46" LCD, but it's bloody massive and I like it! haha

[cactus]

Yeah thats why I went the 55" ... spot on for me. 60" just doesnt look right even if it is massive haha.

Good luck though. So many options/models available and heaps of good deals at the moment.

[cactus]

P.S. considered a projector? My olds have a top line one, and the picture is amazing (i.e. watching F1 and AFL - is as clear as my old 42" plasma).

[Brockas]

P.S. considered a projector? My olds have a top line one, and the picture is amazing (i.e. watching F1 and AFL - is as clear as my old 42" plasma).

Have considered a projector, and it's very tempting, but just wouldn't be practical in the room it's going in.

[RaGH*]

The new UT50 and ST30 look really similar but have a look see yourself... Only downside to an ST is the frame which is a cheap plastic grey surround. An alternative worth considering maybe is the new Panasonic 55" LED. Haven't seen one yet but I think the model is a 55E5A. As said before if you find a 60ST30 grab it, as they're cheap, good, and can be made to look awesome with the right settings.

[cactus]

What settings are we talking about here?

[RaGH*]

The tech specs of a ST and VT 30a are the same.. (panel, processor etc). Have a look on the avforums and see what some of the settings people are using. Reviews and more tech sazzy minds than mine have indicated it's possible to get a ST30a looking as good as, if not better than a VT30a. THX is mostly a preset, but the quality can be reproduced on a ST.

[Brockas]

As said before if you find a 60ST30 grab it, as they're cheap, good, and can be made to look awesome with the right settings.
Found a 65" ST30 for $2,830 delivered to my door.

Bought it :)

Thanks for your help!!

[RaGH*]

Awesome buy.. Slide up your GT5 cockpit up to it and it should be big enough to immerse haha

[Brockas]

Awesome buy.. Slide up your GT5 cockpit up to it and it should be big enough to immerse haha
LOL can!

Just got word that the one that's in their warehouse may already be sold, so I might not get it.

If I don't, I'll just buy this one, as I found it online for $3,200 delivered:
http://panasonic.com.au/Products/VIErA+televisions/Plasma+TVs/TH-P65ST50A/Overview

[Niva]

Went in to JB to put down some cash on a 60" as our 40 does not cut it in the living room. 60 was parked next to an 80, so I came out with nothing. farrrrrrrrrrk when the fuck did 80 become available?!?!

[Brockas]

Went in to JB to put down some cash on a 60" as our 40 does not cut it in the living room. 60 was parked next to an 80, so I came out with nothing. farrrrrrrrrrk when the fuck did 80 become available?!?!
WTF? There's an 80"?

*edit: Ahh yup the 80" LCD Sharp. Pity It's not suitable for what I'm after (fast motion tv, says it's 240Hz but I'd put money on it being a 120Hz TV capable of 120Hz on 3D as well) because you can pick it up for $4k!!

[Niva]

so for the uneducated, why is it so cheap and how will it effect me? used for downloaded movies, foxtel and xbox

[Brockas]

so for the uneducated, why is it so cheap and how will it effect me? used for downloaded movies, foxtel and xbox
Not sure on the technical reasons, but I saw the 70" in real life and thought the picture quality was very average. Possibly just because it was next to a 60" VT series Panasonic, but still...

If you're just watching foxtel and torrents, it'd be fine I'd say?

[SimonR32]

I got my LG 60" Plasma at boxing day sales for $950, I prefer the Samsung panels but for the price I couldn't resist!

80" is crazy, I will buy one when cheap haha

[yeahlow34]

Sure am! If you want it let me know. Paid something like $3,500 for it new!

PM me a price pingpingpingping.
Cheers.

[RaGH*]

80" ?! Since when did we sell them haha. I thought 70" was the biggest :s

[Brockas]

So the TV I tried to buy was only just out of stock... so instead upgraded to the 65ST50A, the brand new model with tablet control etc etc.
http://panasonic.com.au/Products/VIErA+televisions/Plasma+TVs/TH-P65ST50A/Overview

Scored it for $3,200 delivered to my door. Not bad when the RRP is $4,000!

These guys have been VERY good:
http://www.videopro.com.au/

[Sebdullah]

keen to see what it's like when you get it, I'll be on the hunt for a new tv soon

[Brockas]

keen to see what it's like when you get it, I'll be on the hunt for a new tv soon
I'm getting it delivered on the day I arrive back from Europe so you can pop round then and have a look!

[Sebdullah]

just get it delivered to my house & I'll see if it fits in :P

[Crispymk2]

Thread dig.

Looking at picking up a 50" - 55" LCD and not really sure what is good these days as I havent been keeping up with the new releases. Been looking at these models:

Sony Bravia KDL55HX750 55" Full HD 3D LED-LCD Smart TV

LG 55LM7600 55" Full HD LED LCD 3D Smart TV

Budget is $2000 - $2500 and if I can squeeze in an Xbox with Forza into that price then all the better. Any advice/hookups appreciated!

[R3N]

PM Ragh. Can't go wrong with the Sony or Samsungs. LCDs only go from 46" to 55". Any size in between is a plasma

[Lump]

another thread dig.
looking for another HD led tv.
only needs to be a 32" - maybe a little bigger, but the main thing (after picture clarity/colour etc) is that its to as thin as possible (including the bracket), as it will be wall mounted.

decent brand (sony, panasonic etc), but not fussed on 3d/smart tv etc, just want a really slim good led tv.

anyone got any ideas?

[thommo]

i just got an LG from ragh at jb hifi, overall including bracket it would be around 50mm

Is it going into a double brick wall ?

[Lump]

single brick internal wall.

just found the samsung 'edgeless' tv's that look good. catalog says 1.2" deep just for the 32" tv.
cheers

[SircatmaN]

I have a 42" lg smart tv. I've had it for just over a year and its awesome. Added bonus is they have an app for tablets and you can use your tablet as the remote, keyboard and also as the mouse for the tv.
I have it on the network to stream from my pc, so with my phone, tablet, tv, xbox and ps3 streaming tv shows and movies the only things left to upgrade that cant stream are the dog and the missus.

TV is also very thin with wall bracket.

[thommo]

samsung (which is what i was going with at first, but had none in stock) are probably the thinest and if you include their slimline brackets which are 15mm you will get a snug fit. only drama is hiding the cables...

[R3N]

Trying to decide between a Samsung UA46F7100, UA55F6800 and UA55F6400 at the moment. A 55" in the Series 7 is about $1k more.

Anyone have any of these? Trying to work out if I am better off with the 46" Series 7, or if not much difference in PQ, a 55" in any of the series 6s. A 55" in the Series 7 is about $1k more, and not entirely keen on spending that extra.

[volt_bite]

I just got one of these from Goodguys for $1,448 - Samsung ua50f6400am

[R3N]

How are you finding it Marshall? Main diff I can see between the series 6 and 7s are the 100hz vs 200hz refresh rate.

[XsQuiZiT]

If you're after a plasma:

This looks like a good deal
http://www.binglee.com.au/samsung-ps60f8500-60-series-8-3d-fhd-plasma-tv

with free delivery & it's still $600 cheaper than good guys list price

[volt_bite]

How are you finding it Marshall? Main diff I can see between the series 6 and 7s are the 100hz vs 200hz refresh rate.

Yeah so far so good. Is it an extra 1k for the series 7? I wouldnt say its worth it. Probably better to go a bigger 6 series.

It comes with a cool touch pad remote and it also has voice activation although it doesnt work so well.

[R3N]

Yeah so far so good. Is it an extra 1k for the series 7? I wouldnt say its worth it. Probably better to go a bigger 6 series.

It comes with a cool touch pad remote and it also has voice activation although it doesnt work so well.

I think the F6400 looks a little bulky with the bezel, I've been spoilt by the series 7 look. The only other models in the series 6 that are a slightly better step up is the F6700 (JB HiFi only) or F6800 (Harvey Norman only)

[Syncope]

If you're after a plasma:

This looks like a good deal
http://www.binglee.com.au/samsung-ps60f8500-60-series-8-3d-fhd-plasma-tv

with free delivery & it's still $600 cheaper than good guys list price

Damn, that's cheap.

[kirbo]

Can a TV nerd please let me know if theres anything wrong with this TV? Thinking of picking it up tomorrow... In the flesh I was very happy with the picture.

http://www.kambos.com.au/shop/product/panasonic_60_premium_full_hd_smart_plasma_tv/4505

[R3N]

Buy the samsung in the post above Duncan

[kirbo]

I haven't heard of Bing Lee. Why is the Samsung better?


Buy the samsung in the post above Duncan

[R3N]

I haven't heard of Bing Lee. Why is the Samsung better?

Bing Lee is an electrical retailer over east and is actually a bricks and mortar store rather than online only. The F8500 Plama TV have been consistently been voted one of the best plasmas for 2013. One of the biggest weakness of plasmas are that they don't perform overly well in well lit areas, however the backlight brightness in this model rival some of the LED variants making the requirement of a dark room a thing of the past. Also, the ST60 is of a lower level compared to the F8500, the VT60 is more in the same league.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/best-plasma-tvs/

[S85FI]

so I might look more closely at the panasonics.

I have the 65 inch Plasma Panasonic. 600hz full high def crap.
Good things:
-Picture Amazing
-Viewing angle is no idea but I can watch it from the kitchen and I reckon I would be at least 40 degrees and no worries at all
-quick start up
-great menu
-Great tv guide menu
-Internet no worries although I don't use it for that
-action movies sport etc no problems. Impressive.
- 3D is unreal don't watch porn you will be mesmerised with the chick on the screen and not the chick your're fucking.


Down side:

Heavy - around 50kg and it's wall mounted. Bracket rated to 6okg so the tv is still on the wall even though the bracket has sagged. Bracked does the whole pull out and twist on any angle so I guess when the tv is 1m from the wall it is expected. No worries in the folded position.

Picture quality is so good you can see the caked on make up on chicks, pimples and ingrown hairs on their pussy.

Since you live not to far from my stomping ground feel free to swing past and have a look at the tv in a 'no shop environment'. Bring what ever blue ray want to test picture/sound. Don't do down loads, no matter how good people say with a good amp and tv the pic is ok but the sounds isn't.

[R3N]

LOL, Brockas' post was from last year. Pretty sure he has already bought that

[RICEY]

Can vouch for ZZM5s TV, gay porn looks so clear you could taste it.