Advice on Flat Panel LCD For Digital/HDTV?

[suite1718]

Hey Guys,

I am in the process of upgrading to a 40" - 47" Flat Panel LCD 1080p, and in the course of researching I've become thoroughly confused.

My budget is $1,000 to $1,300.

The stickler is that I need a screen that will look fine with regular cable as well as the HD channels, because I don't have the option of dish for another year. The majority of what my girlfriend will be watching is non-HD, while I'll be watching the ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and Comcast SportsNet HDTV broadcast sporting events.

I've read that a lot of HD's really bring out the flaws in regular cable, but I've also read some customer reviews stating that their HDTVs looked fine with regular programming. I don't expect anything more than what I would get with a regular set, I just don't want non-HD distortion.

One set that I liked was the Philips 42" from Target. There were also some decently priced Samsungs at Walmart.

Are the Vizios really much lower picture quality?

Basically I want to purchase a solid set for HD and non-HD viewing. I don't need anything to professional level. Just a solid set that will last me several years and handle both signals. Thanks in advance!

[46regza&ps3]

The toshiba regza lines are increadable.I baught my first toshiba a few years back when flat screens not flat panels but flat full tube tv's first came out and loved it I recently purchiced a 46" regza 46rv530u and am just as happy.both signals come in good out of the box but with a little a little research and a calibration disk it looks amazing. even when viewing stanard def content is very very good. and there are quite a few larger regza models in your price range.

[ohheck]

My neighbor has a Vizio and only has Comcast non-HD service. The PQ on his set is very very good. A co-worker has a larger Vizio with HD service and is very happy with it. My brother has a 40" Sony Bravia with only non-HD service and is completely satisfied with it. Personally, I think you should be able to buy a Sony, Samsung or Vizio and be completely happy with it. I don't know much about the Phillips brand other than that I've not liked the PQ of them when compared to others such as Sony, Samsung, Vizio, etc. My son just purchased a 32" Panasonic Viera LCD "open box/floor display" for $500 for his bedroom. It also has excellent PQ. Of course, a 30 day return policy should let you decide in your own home if the PQ on any of these or other sets are satisfactory to you. :grandpa9:

[46regza&ps3]

The vizio has a very nice line up I was looking at one myself but when your spending upwards of a grand I would rather go with a company with history and customer support rather than a brand new company that may or may not be around for the life of there sets.you can't go wrong with a first tier brand and with a little research yaull find everything you need out of your new set. good luck

[kevinw]

I would have no qualms with a Vizio. Besides owning one, I know lots of others that have them too. All are happy.

[ohheck]

Everything that I've read and heard about Vizio, is that their service is very good. I don't know if it's still the case or not, but they used to have a zero pixel defect policy on their sets. I wouldn't be afraid to buy a Vizio as long as the PQ, features and price were right.

[mountainman]

When I was looking for a 42" model a few months ago, I seriously looked at the Vizio and Olevia models. Both are reasonably priced and I nearly pulled the trigger on the Vizio. (Until I saw the Toshiba 42 RV530U and was able to get $100 off so I scampered home with it) I think Vizio is a good, solid choice.

[suite1718]

I just noticed that this Phillips model went on sale from $1,050, plus another 10% off for opening a target card (and paying it off in full and closing the card :) ).

As far as specs, how does this compare with similarly priced options (I'm a total rookie)?
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_qi_detail/602-9626387-4851007?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=&asin=B0013JIXCE

[suite1718]

I should add that the Phillips is up against:

Vizio
http://www.target.com/Vizio-42-1080p-LCD-HD/dp/B00182DL14/ref=sc_ri_1/602-9626387-4851007

Zenith
http://www.target.com/Zenith-42-1080P-LCD-HD/dp/B0017OG7SC/ref=sc_ri_2/602-9626387-4851007

I'm just not sure what to compare as far as specs and options.

[Wolfpacker96]

Wow, that is cheap. I've been looking around for a new TV and hadn't even thought of Target. CC has that same TV for $300 more and amazon is $160 more. I looked around for a review for that TV and can't find any. The larger vizio VO47LF is a Consumer Reports Best Buy, but they didn't test the 1080p 42". The 720p 42" vizio didn't score well, but that doesn't really help you. The zenith wasn't reviewed either on Consumer Reports. The Phillips LCD scored a 4% on reliability (best was 2%(Panasonic) and worst was 11%(Dell)). Zenith and Vizio weren't included in the reliability chart.

Comparing specs on the sets is kind of worthless. The big things you want are color accuracy and blackness levels. Google around and see if you can find some reviews that test these. Just looking at the sets won't help much either as you have no idea how they are set up in the store.