Help with selecting tv (Toshiba or Vizio)

[mountainman]

After months of searching, I've narrowed my buying options to these three 1080P sets and I would like your opinions on which one you think is the best of the three.

1)Toshiba 42" LCD Model #42RV530U http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=206160

2)Toshiba 42" LCD Model #42HL167 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05771417000P?keyword=toshiba+lcd&vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=LCD+TVs

3)Vizio 42" LCD Model #GV42LFHDTV10A http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=188805

I'm leaning toward the 42HL167 but maybe I'm missing something. :thankyou3

[skylolow]

Go with number 2.

[kevinw]

I vote for tv 1.

[mountainman]

Did anyone else know that Circuit City gives you 10% off if you show them your AAA card? I did not know it until my AAA card came in the mail and had a brochure about it. That sweetens the deal.
I'll let you know when I pick one of these sets up.

Keep voting till then please!

[Knicks4973]

You might want to go down and see these TV's in person before buying. None of the Toshiba descriptions mention contrast ratio. Both Toshiba's look good on paper, but unless you see them in person, you don't really know what you are getting. I would stay away from this Vizio model as it only has 2 HDMI inputs and a low contrast ratio of 1500:1.

For a 42" TV, you want at least 3 HDMI inputs and a much higher contrast ratio. Although the contrast ratio is less of an issue if the TV is properly calibrated. Either way, for the price, you are getting more with the Toshiba then the Vizio. Keep in mind though that Vizio has a very good track record with their TV's, so despite its lack of inputs or low contrast ratio, at least on this model, Vizio's are very good TV's.

This is a tough decision to make. If you have the money, I might consider a higher end TV like Sony or go with a plasma instead of LCD.

[mountainman]

Funny that you mention Sony...

Well, I got in my truck and went to Circuit City to buy the Toshiba 42RV530U but while there I was told I'd need a AAA coupon to get the 8% discount. Well, I didn't have it and I didn't feel like buying the set and throwing away $96 in savings. So I left feeling irritated and went to Target to buy some other things and while I was there I saw that they have put the Sony KDL-40S3000 on clearance for $1099.99. So now I'm thinking what do I do?

I've read on this board that Sony does make one of the best LCD tvs around. This is basic Sony model has only 2 HDMI's while the Toshiba has 4. The Sony looks like it is an older model (The Toshiba looks newer) but it is still a 1080P and it has that Sony badge.

And I did examine both the Toshiba in CC and the Sony in Target. Both looked great- particularily the Toshiba with a 1080i feed. I couldn't tell what the Sony had going to it. I've had a Toshiba 26" HD TV for a four years and it has worked well. I like how it stretches the picture to fit the screen. Man , I am confused.

Decisions, decisions... Help! I really value what you guys think.

[Knicks4973]

I have the Sony KDL-32S3000, which is the smaller model of the 40" you saw. My TV also has 2 HDMI inputs and is a 720p model, although it will accept a 1080p signal.

The TV look itself is very basic, but I've had it since December and it's been working beautifully.

As with any TV, it needs to be properly calibrated in order to get the best possible picture it can display.

My suggestion is go with your heart. Maybe CC will compensate the $96 if you tell them your situation, etc.

[mountainman]

:hyper: Well, I drove back to Circuit City with my AAA coupon in hand and picked up the Toshiba #42RV530U

I am loving it! I also picked up a Toshiba 1080P upconverting dvd player (They were out of the HD DVD players)

Everything is working great. I'll update as I tinker with it more.

Thanks for the advice, Knicks4973. I went with my heart and just loved how the Toshiba looked. Sonys are great too