If you have a decent display, and a BR player, spend 3 hours per display with this, and it'll look damn good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00462...0273439&sr=8-2

 

Gosh we're all showing a bit of our generational divide here---that alone is fascinating!

Not a gamer but I'm sure any display can be put to the test with some of those incredible graphics. I swear its the gamers who drive the crazy rapid development in F-A-S-T, no matter what the device or software----faster is always better and never costs too much!

As much as those who have it or want it any device that requires connection to the internerd for "better" or more content is almost automatically ruled out. Add in Wi-Fi and I'm so gone I'm invisible. That's one more layer of nonsense I don't want to even begin with.

Plus with something like 14 million channels available and maybe two being of any interest to me OAB are about all I really want to see.

Plasma wise might be a way to go but i so wish I could get the 50" with 1080P---I hear after 46" 720P tends to lose a lot. Of course I've not yet done any in-store viewing for comparison but having these sorts of suggested specs in mind is extremely valuable.

Ambient light can be controlled even though the viewing room has four windows, two each on adjacent walls. I have to give special consideration to my east-facing wall since during the summer it has sun streaming in until late in the afternoon. Nothing a few black trash bags and tape can't fix though!

Great info and advice----add what ya got or know---its very much appreciated!

 

When doing in store viewing keep in mind the settings of each display typically aren't optimized for the environment. Many have a demo mode for in store viewing, which can render images too bright and oversaturated. Not to mention the input signals are commonly shared between multiple displays, which can degrade the quality, or contribute to flaws. Once you have it narrowed down to a few choices, look up reviews online, and pull the trigger.

Just to add, a general rule of thumb for 1080HD display size is that your viewing distance should be within 2-4 times the size of the display(ie: a 60" display should be viewed from a distance of 10'-20'). Too close and you may notice slight pixelation, too far and you miss out on the finer details which is why you buy that nice TV in the first place.

 

I have two Viores I bought in 2010. Though I know almost nothing about them, they've been very trouble-free.

 

i have a samsung 55 inch in the living room.
when i was looking to replace the TV upstairs i looked at all the ones in the stores and the samsung had the best picture clarity. and it only cost $699 on sale.,

 

Excellent points William---thanks!

My viewing would be from 7-10" max straight line to the screen---depending which way or if I reconfigure the room. It would seem a 50" at 1080P would be acceptable, probably almost more than I need.

Your other points about in-store also crossed my mind however in a slightly different way. Since I'll be coming from a 1980's CRT to this new stuff do I really really need or want the 1080P? I'll never add a game system although it will eventually be necessary to get a Blue Ray player that accepts the standard DVD format too. In that case would the 720P create any visible problems for me?

Keep in mind I tend to hang onto anything I buy until it simply no longer works. If that's from age and its crazy to repair or just completely unusable due format changes etc etc whatever I end up with has to be for the longer term.

Great info and thought provoking comments so far----I swear I'm getting closer to buying something!

 

i would go with the full hd (1080p) because your going to be using primarily an over the air antenna and owning the tv for many years.over the air hd is pretty much the best just like blue ray 1080p.(unlike the compressed stuff dishnet gives us.) be a shame not make sure you buy a tv to match the quality of the incoming signal.you probably don't have to worry about going so large for just a 7 to 10 feet viewing distance.too big of a tv up close and you'll get a headache and hate it.
i think your close with the 1080p/50"
as for the type,i went with the led/lcd because the led (the type of back light) is cheap to run.it's not just about the purchase price.it's cost of ownership.and lcd because of price and glare reduction.it used to be plasma had far superior refresh rates you see.but over the last years the lcds have improved greatly.now lcd's are smooth as silk too during sports and high action scenes (and its great for gaming on my ps3 too.though im not a big gamer.i do have a 5 ys old nephew that helps me keep the ps3 warm though.man does he love it.i do as well when i get into a good game from time to time.)
i think if you go 1080p/50" led/lcd with a common decent set with decent reviews via amazon (and other places) your happy for years to come.this is my 2 cents.

 

Yes, go with the 1080. You will like it much better.
We replaced a 50" RCA rear projection we bought new in 93. In it's time it was the best.
When we first watched the new Tv, I kept switching the options, until I came to "stadium"
In that setting, you can see if the news anouncer has a fresh shave, or a day old beard.
I was amazed at the clarity of the picture, as you will be too

 

dang it Charlie, i was expecting to se you say you have a 6 foot X 12 foot picture window and you watch the world pass by in it.

 

Nope I live too far off the road.






I have to use a scope.......

 

Once saw a sign in a man cave, probably intended for outdoors: If you can read this you're in range!

As I'm writing this I think this might be for me: Westinghouse UW48T7HW 48" LED HDTV UW48T7HW - Micro Center

Its just a bit bigger than might be absolutely optimal for my smaller room but with a bit of flexibility in locating the display it shouldn't be too big an issue.

With the 1080P and connectivity I need/want it should fit the bill. I wasn't or haven't been swayed by the price either way however the seller has a great reputation around town and most importantly also highly recommended by a good friend.

Down side is I'll now need to buy new room darkening curtains, another entertainment center (Sauder @ $129). Always something more needed huh?

 

i had a westinghouse before i got the samsung.
one day after the warranty expired the sound card went. they refused to repair it under the warranty, and wanted $500 to repair it. it only cost $700 new.
it is now upstairs in the bedroom and i have the cable box audio output hooked up to a stereo for sound.

 

We got my mom a westinghouse tv for her bedroom approx. 5 years ago.

Don't remember the specs on tv.

TV speakers not that great. Now has a what looks like a small water stain in the picture.

In my living room, I have a 1 yr old westinghouse 32" 720p 60 hz refresh rate tv.

Sometimes when I turn it on, I just get snow. Switch to a different input and back and I get a picture. If I pause tv, it makes an annoying hum. Good sound from the tv speakers. Picture quality not that bad either.

Overall I am satisfied with both tv's and would consider buying a westinghouse again.

With that being said, my good tv is a sony bravia 46" 1080p 120 hz, bought in 07 and that thing rocks.

 

Here is my big screen tv. I can even fix it when something goes out on it.

 

thats the true meaning of country.....JWA may i wish you good luck in your choice and thanks for some good educational reading ...im sure glad my used $100.00 heavy weight TV still is working ...as i knock on wood saying that