View Full Version : Best 32 and 37 LCD HDTV
mig2000
08-26-2006, 02:18 AM
I like to find out which brand has the best quality for LCD HDTV. I am not looking for HD ready as I want HDTV. I bleieve what I also like to see who has the best Contrast ratio as I have seen 1000 to 10000 (mostly on Plasma). Any experince you have to help me decide, please share.
Many Thanks
Alex
bored28
08-26-2006, 02:30 AM
Firstly, I think you have your terms confused. HD ready simple means you need an HD source to view HD content (OTA HD broadcasts, Dish HD, etc). What you want to look for is an LCD with an integrated HD tuner. This allows you to pick up OTA HD broadcasts if they are available in your area. HD ready means that there is no tuner/HD source and you must provide one. It is becoming more commonplace to see this offered with each set. Secondly, Contrast ratio is misleading so be sure you know how the manufacturer has defined it.
It is my belief that both Sharp and Panasonic have the best picture for that size LCD.
PM me for more info if you like.
Ratman
08-26-2006, 04:18 AM
Firstly, I think you have your terms confused.
I think he had it correct:
HD Ready: needs an HD tuner
HDTV: Has built in tuner
mig2000
08-26-2006, 03:17 PM
I am well aware of HD ready and HD. I am looking for a HDTV that has a build in HD tuner. I do not undrestand what you mean for contrast ratio misleading. As far as I know the higher the contrast ration the better the pictire quality. I have two seperate computer LCD monitors one with 500:1 and the other with 1000:1 contrast ratio and you can see the different in resolution. Am I missing somthing here?
Ratman
08-26-2006, 04:27 PM
Contrast ratio has nothing to do with picture quality nor resolution per se.
It is the amount of "true black" that can be produced.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/contrast_ratio.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrast_ratio
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5107912-4.html
The other issue to be aware of with Contrast is that the TV needs to be properly set up when you get it home. You seldom leave it at "full contrast", therefore although the "ultimate contrast" may be different in various TVs, the "final contrast" you choose also varies.
In addition, since many people look for the best contrast, many manufacturers "stretch" the number. The same way that almost every Amp out today has 100 W/ch, however, some cost $200 and some cost $2000. The difference being that the $2000 one actually produces 100 W/ch, all channels driven, 20-20kHz, while the $200 one would be lucky to produce 100 w of dirty power on one channel.
See the HDTV FAQ "What you need to do to your new HDTV".
Ratman
08-26-2006, 05:15 PM
Previous discussion:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=26543&highlight=contrast+ratio
I like the quote from post 8 in that thread:
"Contrast Ratio numbers, quite frankly, are used just to hook the uninformed."
mig2000
08-26-2006, 06:39 PM
If the contrast ration is not the main thng, so what should a consumer look at when purchasing one? WHen I walk into best Buy, I can see the different between 5 different brand of 37 or 32 inch LCD HDTV. very few of them has the ultimate sharpness of the picture.
bored28
08-26-2006, 07:24 PM
If a TV can reproduce a 720p or 1080i source on its screen, its an HDTV. It has nothing to do with having a tuner or no tuner. An HDTV is an HDTV. Whether or not it has a tuner or not is irrelevant to its ability to display an HD picture. If a set can display an HD source in its native HD resolution, then its an HDTV.
mig... the difference is in the manufacturing process and the end-result. Which set has the nicest looking picture? As I said, I find Panasonic and Sharp to be neck and neck with Sony coming in right behind them. I have a Sharp 30" LCD, and contrast ratio is 500:1 I believe, but I've never noticed any problems with it. It is an older LCD but compared to my Samsung DLP, its black levels leave me quite astounded.
When you look at resolution, an HD LCD will be either 1399x768 (considered 720p) or 1920x1080 (considered 1080p) Those are your resolutions, which are not dependent upon contrast ratio whatsoever. I think you need to do a bit more research. Its a confusing and somewhat frustrating experience but if you put in the time, your future purchase will be exactly or very close to what you truly desire.
Ratman
08-26-2006, 07:33 PM
So, to recap....
The OP is looking for an LCD capable display with an Internal digital tuner (HDTV).
Other discussions indicate that "contrast ratio" should not be a major inhibitor/contributor to a purchasing descision.
I guess we can go from there...
mig2000
08-26-2006, 08:07 PM
I bleieve Bored28 is right. I do need to do more research. I am looking for 32 and 37 inch and need to undestand what it is that some of these LCD HDTV ranges from 800 to 1900 dollors with the exact size but you can easily see the diffeernt. I was looking at HSN.COM and they just sold out a very nice one for $999.00 with free shipping:
Westinghouse 32" Flat Panel LCD HDTV with DVD Player Features:
Model #: WESLTV-32W4
Screen Type: Color nonglare, flat panel LCD
Screen Size: 32" diagonal
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Additional Features and Specifications:
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Brightness: 400
Built-in HDTV Tuner
NTSC TV Tuner: 480i
Speakers: (2) 10-Watt
Child Lockout/V-Chip: V-Chip
Headphone Jack
Viewing Angles (H/V): 176 degrees/176 degrees
Languages: English
Refresh Rate: 8ms
Measurements: Approx. 25.5"H x 31.5"W x 8" deep with stand (approximately 4" deep without stand)
Weight: Approx. 32 lbs. (without stand)
Cabinet Color: Black
Inputs/Outputs: YPbPr2/Audio2, YPbPr1/Audio 1, S-video, AV video/Audio, DVI-HDCP/Audio, HDMI/Audio, Audio out, VGA, service port, antenna and AC-in (power)
Comes with a manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty
Accessories Included:
Remote with 2 AAA batteries
Power cord
Quick Connect Guide
User's manual
That I thoungt looks good but again, i perfer to get one that the clearity is at its best.
Ratman
08-26-2006, 08:32 PM
Yes... bored28 is correct that more research is probably in order. Anyone needs to do as much research as possible before making a purchase.
With an HD display, clarity is not the issue. It's an HD display. They will all be "clear"
You need to decide what native resolution is important to you. And you indicated that an internal tuner is a requirement.
If you want an LCD HDTV with the highest resolution (1080), your choices are pretty slim at this time.
The Westinghouses seem to be good sets.
Adam77
08-26-2006, 09:08 PM
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-83%2c3-14&menu=true&Page=-1&id=31168
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-83%2c3-14&menu=true&Page=-1&id=31317
I'm looking at the Samsung in a 26 inch myself.
mig2000
08-27-2006, 02:20 AM
Adam,
Both of these TVs look grat in price. I like the first one better.
mig2000
08-27-2006, 07:24 AM
Ratman,
Is there any simple documetation here for people like me to help me learn what to look for for every type of HD TV? Doing research is one thing -what to research is another.
Ratman
08-27-2006, 10:00 AM
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=23774
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=4801
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=2326
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1143
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1046
Adam77
08-27-2006, 07:14 PM
Adam,
Both of these TVs look grat in price. I like the first one better.
Yes, the Samsung is a nice TV. Samsung offers it in larger sizes too.
