Televesion related queries
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Hey Nish, 1. There really isn't any such thing as an LED TV - they are all actually LCD TVs but they use LEDs as the backlight - which allows them to be thinner and generate less heat (and use less power, I think). The actual mechanism of the screen is otherwise identical -it's jsut LED backlight vs a bunch of candles, or whatever the other LCD TVs use. In my experience, the LCDs look maybe brighter and I'm told the contrast is better - but honestly I couldn't tell much of a difference. 2. No. Buy the TV that is right for the size of room and viewing position - remember the bigger the TV the larger the pixels so if you are sitting close to a large TV it can actually look much worse than sitting further away ot looking at a smaller TV. (up to a point, obviously - sitting 1km away from a 1cm screen, by my logic, should look fantastic and, honestly, you'll see no pixellation!) 3. Personal preferences. I have a Sony - picture is good, sound is nice, it's all fine. But the menuing system is horrible - and it's something I regret not playing with before I bought it! It can take me a minute to choose and select the channel I want. I watch most TV through Foxtel now - even thought its' not HD - cuz I can't be arsed with the Sony TV menu. 4. Internet TVs are about as useful as Internet fridges. Internet enabled PVRs - fineand useful. Get a PS3 then you have internet (wireless) BluRay player, music library oh, and games!
___________________________________________ .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
Thanks Max, that was very useful. It's likely that I may get a 55" TV though, since the wall where it'll be placed next to is going to be rather large (and tall). And the viewing distance is pretty long too.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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I'm very happy with my 2-yr old Samsung 40" LCD. I bought it when my 9 month old Sharp Aquos bit the dust. :( The Samsung's picture quality and black level are much better than the Sharp and a friend's Sony. /ravi
My new year resolution: 2048 x 1536 Home | Articles | My .NET bits | Freeware ravib(at)ravib(dot)com
Yeah, my friends who have the Samsung swear by it. So I am 99.99% decided on Samsung now. Thanks again, Ravi.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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There's only one Costco here and it will be about 25-30 minutes drive for me. But if I do select a TV model that they have at Costco I will buy it from there because of the safety of their 90 day return (in case anything's wrong with the model I get). Thanks Hans.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Don't forget you can also buy online from Costco. Return to store if you don't like it. If you don't find it online, it's worth a visit to the store; I've found that in-store inventory is somewhat different than what's online.
Best wishes, Hans
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Don't forget you can also buy online from Costco. Return to store if you don't like it. If you don't find it online, it's worth a visit to the store; I've found that in-store inventory is somewhat different than what's online.
Best wishes, Hans
Yeah in fact I did not find any Samsungs that are 50"+ online but when I called their local store they did have one in stock.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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Yeah in fact I did not find any Samsungs that are 50"+ online but when I called their local store they did have one in stock.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
I just looked online and they have a nice Sharp 60". Hmmmm. Have I been a good boy?
Best wishes, Hans
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I just looked online and they have a nice Sharp 60". Hmmmm. Have I been a good boy?
Best wishes, Hans
Thanks, but right now I am kinda looking at Samsung-only :-) Sharp may be too expensive for me (and so far no one else recommended it). Ravi swears Samsung beats the pants off other models.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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I am looking to buy a new TV and I'm kinda confused at all the options. I know some of you are TV buffs here, so I hope you guys will know more on these things. 1) LED vs LCD. What's the deal here? The LED models seem to be much pricier for the same TV size. To be safe should I go with an LED model? 2) 46, 52 or 55? 46 inch TVs are half the price of 55 inch TVs. 52 inch TVs seem to be rare these days (compared to 46 and 55). Is it worth spending double the cost to get the larger TV? 3) Samsung vs Sony. Two of my friends have strongly recommended that I get a Samsung. Is this the general consensus too? 4) Internet enabled TVs. Why should I get one of these? What will I lose if my TV does not have a LAN point? BTW I don't think I want a 3D TV so I am not looking for those. Thanks to everyone who has any advice/suggestions for me.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
- Internet enabled TVs Because I do not use cable, an internet enabled TV would be nice so I could use Hulu.com to watch shows I like, but are only available on cable (or some internet outlet). If you would like to sit in your TV chair and check your facebook, twitter, or email, then the internet enabled TV would be nice. But, if you have cable, TiVo (or something like it), and see no reason to check facebook, twitter, email, etc. from your TV chair, then you don't need the internet enabled TV. I have my laptop hooked up to my receiver and TV so I do not "need" a TV that is internet enabled. My laptop serves that function for me. And my TV (26 inch) is too small to check email on from my TV chair.
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I am looking to buy a new TV and I'm kinda confused at all the options. I know some of you are TV buffs here, so I hope you guys will know more on these things. 1) LED vs LCD. What's the deal here? The LED models seem to be much pricier for the same TV size. To be safe should I go with an LED model? 2) 46, 52 or 55? 46 inch TVs are half the price of 55 inch TVs. 52 inch TVs seem to be rare these days (compared to 46 and 55). Is it worth spending double the cost to get the larger TV? 3) Samsung vs Sony. Two of my friends have strongly recommended that I get a Samsung. Is this the general consensus too? 4) Internet enabled TVs. Why should I get one of these? What will I lose if my TV does not have a LAN point? BTW I don't think I want a 3D TV so I am not looking for those. Thanks to everyone who has any advice/suggestions for me.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Hey, Nish. Mrs. Flynn and I recently went through the process of buying TVs. :)
- LED vs. LCD -- refers to the back/side lighting used. Both are LCD screens. LED TVs use LEDs for the back/side lighting (the thin TVs use side lighting) while LCDs use fluorescent light. LEDs tend to produce better contrast ratios than LCDs, though newer LCDs are closing the gap.
- Size depends on how far away you're viewing the picture and how much room you have. Take measurements and see what fits best for your viewing area.
- Samsung and Sony both get good reviews. Sony tends to be a little more expensive than other brands for roughly the same results. You may also want to check out Vizio.
- Internet enabled TVs are mostly used for apps built in to the TV. A number of TVs now have Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other apps straight from the TV. If you want to use them from your TV and you don't already have a Blu-Ray, Roku, etc. box, it may be worth it. Also, the manufacture could send firmware updates for the TV over it (usually to update said apps).
When we bought our TVs, we went with a pair of 37" Vizio Razor LED[^] TVs (link to product page). We had a 32" and 37" Vizio LCD previously. We couldn't find much in the way of modern TVs with S-Video (used for our media capture cards) connectors, but otherwise, things worked out pretty well. We didn't opt for an Internet capable TV as we already have a PS3 and media computer connected that have access to Hulu, Vudu and Netflix. Both TVs look nice and have great color and contrast. The TVs were $599 each at Costco. Flynn
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There's only one Costco here and it will be about 25-30 minutes drive for me. But if I do select a TV model that they have at Costco I will buy it from there because of the safety of their 90 day return (in case anything's wrong with the model I get). Thanks Hans.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Another point in Costco's favor is that they extend the warranty for an extra year. The TVs we bought from there have a one year manufacture warranty, and then Costco extends that to a second year at no cost. :) Flynn
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I am looking to buy a new TV and I'm kinda confused at all the options. I know some of you are TV buffs here, so I hope you guys will know more on these things. 1) LED vs LCD. What's the deal here? The LED models seem to be much pricier for the same TV size. To be safe should I go with an LED model? 2) 46, 52 or 55? 46 inch TVs are half the price of 55 inch TVs. 52 inch TVs seem to be rare these days (compared to 46 and 55). Is it worth spending double the cost to get the larger TV? 3) Samsung vs Sony. Two of my friends have strongly recommended that I get a Samsung. Is this the general consensus too? 4) Internet enabled TVs. Why should I get one of these? What will I lose if my TV does not have a LAN point? BTW I don't think I want a 3D TV so I am not looking for those. Thanks to everyone who has any advice/suggestions for me.
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
- LCD/LED - LED TVs use a bit less power and the picture seems a bit richer. Judgement call if it is worth the extra money. Plasma is somewhat cheaper and has the best picture by far, but they use more power (almost twice?) and generate a lot more heat. 2) Size - Depends on distance. I have a 55" at a viewing distance of 15 feet and I wouldn't mind a bigger one (that 65" is really pricey though). 3) Brand - My last two have been Samsung and I've been happy with them. 4) Internet - I don't have this on my TV, but I do through a BD player. I don't use it much but it's kind of nice to have available, occasionally watch some Hulu and YouTube on it, Netflix is also available if I subscribe. I don't know about the TV version, but the BD version just has a couple dozen selected sites you can access, it is not a general web browser.
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- LCD/LED - LED TVs use a bit less power and the picture seems a bit richer. Judgement call if it is worth the extra money. Plasma is somewhat cheaper and has the best picture by far, but they use more power (almost twice?) and generate a lot more heat. 2) Size - Depends on distance. I have a 55" at a viewing distance of 15 feet and I wouldn't mind a bigger one (that 65" is really pricey though). 3) Brand - My last two have been Samsung and I've been happy with them. 4) Internet - I don't have this on my TV, but I do through a BD player. I don't use it much but it's kind of nice to have available, occasionally watch some Hulu and YouTube on it, Netflix is also available if I subscribe. I don't know about the TV version, but the BD version just has a couple dozen selected sites you can access, it is not a general web browser.
Yeah, it's usually Internet Apps and not WebTV-type access. :) Flynn
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- LCD/LED - LED TVs use a bit less power and the picture seems a bit richer. Judgement call if it is worth the extra money. Plasma is somewhat cheaper and has the best picture by far, but they use more power (almost twice?) and generate a lot more heat. 2) Size - Depends on distance. I have a 55" at a viewing distance of 15 feet and I wouldn't mind a bigger one (that 65" is really pricey though). 3) Brand - My last two have been Samsung and I've been happy with them. 4) Internet - I don't have this on my TV, but I do through a BD player. I don't use it much but it's kind of nice to have available, occasionally watch some Hulu and YouTube on it, Netflix is also available if I subscribe. I don't know about the TV version, but the BD version just has a couple dozen selected sites you can access, it is not a general web browser.
Thank you!
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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Another point in Costco's favor is that they extend the warranty for an extra year. The TVs we bought from there have a one year manufacture warranty, and then Costco extends that to a second year at no cost. :) Flynn
Flynn Arrowstarr / Regular Schmoe wrote:
Another point in Costco's favor is that they extend the warranty for an extra year. The TVs we bought from there have a one year manufacture warranty, and then Costco extends that to a second year at no cost.
Wow, thanks, that's very good to know!
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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Hey, Nish. Mrs. Flynn and I recently went through the process of buying TVs. :)
- LED vs. LCD -- refers to the back/side lighting used. Both are LCD screens. LED TVs use LEDs for the back/side lighting (the thin TVs use side lighting) while LCDs use fluorescent light. LEDs tend to produce better contrast ratios than LCDs, though newer LCDs are closing the gap.
- Size depends on how far away you're viewing the picture and how much room you have. Take measurements and see what fits best for your viewing area.
- Samsung and Sony both get good reviews. Sony tends to be a little more expensive than other brands for roughly the same results. You may also want to check out Vizio.
- Internet enabled TVs are mostly used for apps built in to the TV. A number of TVs now have Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other apps straight from the TV. If you want to use them from your TV and you don't already have a Blu-Ray, Roku, etc. box, it may be worth it. Also, the manufacture could send firmware updates for the TV over it (usually to update said apps).
When we bought our TVs, we went with a pair of 37" Vizio Razor LED[^] TVs (link to product page). We had a 32" and 37" Vizio LCD previously. We couldn't find much in the way of modern TVs with S-Video (used for our media capture cards) connectors, but otherwise, things worked out pretty well. We didn't opt for an Internet capable TV as we already have a PS3 and media computer connected that have access to Hulu, Vudu and Netflix. Both TVs look nice and have great color and contrast. The TVs were $599 each at Costco. Flynn
Thank you Flynn!
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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- Internet enabled TVs Because I do not use cable, an internet enabled TV would be nice so I could use Hulu.com to watch shows I like, but are only available on cable (or some internet outlet). If you would like to sit in your TV chair and check your facebook, twitter, or email, then the internet enabled TV would be nice. But, if you have cable, TiVo (or something like it), and see no reason to check facebook, twitter, email, etc. from your TV chair, then you don't need the internet enabled TV. I have my laptop hooked up to my receiver and TV so I do not "need" a TV that is internet enabled. My laptop serves that function for me. And my TV (26 inch) is too small to check email on from my TV chair.
Thanks Vic!
Regards, Nish
Most recent article : Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com