HELP! TV died and it's time to buy a new one.

[Angela]

our TV just died (and no I didn't bust the lamp to get a new one for Christmas, although that is a good idea). We have, er, HAD a Samsung DLP that has been fairly unreliable. We've replaced the lamp twice, the color wheel once and it looks like the lamp has gone again. We are done dumping $100-$200 for repairs into this TV.

so now what? We are at 9,000' (I don't know if that makes a difference on what type to get).

We want something in the 36"-40" range and know little to nothing about plasmas, LCDs and LEDs regarding quality of image and reliability.

HELP! where to start?

thanks in advance,
Angela

[amirm]

Plasmas can buzz at high elevations so I would rule them out.

I am a fan of the basic, CCFL backlit Samsung LCD, the C650 series. It is not as thin as the LED backlit units (about 3-4 inches thick). I imagine that is plenty thin relative to your rear projection TV.

LED sets are thin but can have a ton of artifacts including banding, uneven lighting, etc. The traditional CCFL units don't suffer from these problems and are much cheaper to boot.

See this 40 inch review: http://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/...-ln40c650.html

You can pick these up really cheap especially when on sale.

[Angela]

thanks, Amir. I was hoping you'd jump in. Judging from your other posts, this is definitely an area where you are an expert and I really appreciate the input. I'll check this one out. Everyone is putting stuff on sale now, so hoping for a good price. I just realized how blind I am as I have moved the 27" LCD from the bedroom out to the living room and I can't see a bloody thing!

[DaveyF]

In that size, you might want to try the Sony's. The Bravia's are pretty nice.

[Jay_S]

I've got one of the Samsung LCDs in the series recommended by Amir. I'm quite happy with it. I don't use the Samsung Apps as the interface is cumbersome.

[Angela]

what do you think about these two and what is the difference for the cost difference?

Samsung LN40 C650
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40C6...d=ZCFXG3O6A2G2

Samsung UN40 B7000
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40B7...d=ZCFXG3O6A2G2

[Gregadd]

Have you considered a Sony Bravia 3D?

[amirm]

what do you think about these two and what is the difference for the cost difference?

Samsung LN40 C650
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40C6...d=ZCFXG3O6A2G2

Samsung UN40 B7000
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40B7...d=ZCFXG3O6A2G2

Definitely the C650. The B7000 is liable to have poor viewing angle, non-uniformity (some parts of the image brighter than the other). Take that extra $300 and buy 15 movies with it and you will definitely be far happier with the C650 .

[Angela]

Hey Greg
We are not really interested in 3d, so we don't need to spend the extra money on it. have you tried a 3d yet?

[Angela]

Definitely the C650. The B7000 is liable to have poor viewing angle, non-uniformity (some parts of the image brighter than the other). Take that extra $300 and buy 15 movies with it and you will definitely be far happier with the C650 .

thanks Amir... this research is head spinning at best.