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Best TV I can get for <$600? (1 Viewer)

ghostguy123 said:
I am looking into smart TVs, 55 inch, for around $550-600.

They will look just fine
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I just keep going back to an article I read a few years ago when I bought our bedroom TV. kept saying that all things equal, the refresh rate (for sports/action movies) and the contrast ratio (basically making the colors stand out that much more, and making the picture look better) where the things to focus on.

I will be honest - I am not sure if that is fact or not, but it is what keeps steering me towards a Vizio over others Tvs. I see some that have a contrast ration of 40K:1 and the Vizios at 5M:1. When I go into stores and look at what they are playing, I seem to gravitate towards that brand too.

 
KarmaPolice said:
ghostguy123 said:
I am looking into smart TVs, 55 inch, for around $550-600.

They will look just fine
Click to expand...
I just keep going back to an article I read a few years ago when I bought our bedroom TV. kept saying that all things equal, the refresh rate (for sports/action movies) and the contrast ratio (basically making the colors stand out that much more, and making the picture look better) where the things to focus on.

I will be honest - I am not sure if that is fact or not, but it is what keeps steering me towards a Vizio over others Tvs. I see some that have a contrast ration of 40K:1 and the Vizios at 5M:1. When I go into stores and look at what they are playing, I seem to gravitate towards that brand too.
Click to expand...
I don't trust the contrast ratios (manufacturers can quote any numbers they want) and frankly you can even trust your own eyes at stores since you don't know how they are set up. Check out rtings since they do a great job of evaluating TV's.

Refresh rate - 120hz is important because you don't get 'judder' when watching movies. It's good for sports. However, some people don't like the 'soap opera effect' because 120hz makes the video too smooth (I got used to it). 240hz is unnecessary IMO. 60hz shouldn't be a deal-breaker if the TV is cheap enough (i.e. I'd rather have a 60" 60hz rather than a 50" 120hz).

 
"Soap opera effect".

I believe that is what I don't like when I watch TV at my brother's house. It just doesnt look right. It actually looks kinda like you are really there, and not watching a movie, and I don't really like it. The camera movement is just too damn smooth. I am not remotely used to it at all.

Sports are fine on his TV though

 
It's hard to find non-smart Tvs these days. It probably cost manufacturers about the same to make the smart Tvs, and they likely have Deals with some of the services you can get on smart Tvs.

If you find one without smart features its probably an older model.

 
KarmaPolice said:
shader said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7NCS96/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687762&amp;pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=B00K7NCS9G&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=17FBKZJ2GJ58M96Y6M0G

TCL -- IE a Roku Tv. Don't just trust me, read the reviews on Amazon. I don't have this one, I have their 40 inch TV. I needed a 3rd TV, saw it at a store for much less than other TV's, saw the amazing reviews and tried it.

It's awesome, and it really feels like a "next generation" tv.
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I was looking on amazon, and kept seeing these pop up. I had never heard of the brand, and assumed it was a cheap brand. Why do they seem to be a bit cheaper?- looks like there is a 48" one for $400 too.
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I have no idea why they are cheaper. But the amazing reviews out me over the top. I love it. No complaints. Of course I've only had it 3 months so I can speak to the longevity. But for now it's awesome.

 
was just at target checking out the 55" samsung next to the vizio

both are 120hz but the samsung said it has 240 clear motion rate also?not sure if vizio offers this but the two tv's looked totally differnt for being the same refresh rate

 
Soo... I just got the green light to bump up the budget on this. I guess dragging my feet has it's benefits. Can go up to $1k.

NOW the question is - do I just go with slightly bigger and maybe look at the soundbar/surround package right away, or is it worth it to go to 4k (knowing that I probably won't be getting anything else for several years barring the TV taking a dump). Just glancing at Walmart prices - there is a Vizio 55" 4k for $950 that seems to be rated highly. So that would be a possibility or - could stay at 55" + sound, or 60" + lesser sound package, or a 65". Not sure the play here.

Maybe a dumb question, but since there isn't a ton of stuff out there yet geared toward the 4K tvs, does the picture actually look worse when you are playing stuff that isn't up to par? Just thinking about how several old movies actually look crappier on the tv in the bedroom with the bluray since it is a high def picture of a grainy movie. Just wondering if there is a similar feel with the 4k tvs until more and more content starts coming out.

 
Bull Dozier said:
MattFancy said:
Bull Dozier said:
cstu said:
cstu said:
Samsung 48" 720p and a $200 Dell gift card for $348.
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Bumping this, it's a really great deal.
Click to expand...
Not that it isn't a great deal, but why make a TV with only on USB port?
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm missing something, but why would you need more than one USB port?
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DirecTV, Xbox, PS, DVD all connected to it? Or do most people use some sort of tuner?
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That would be HDMI, not USB.

 
VA703 said:
guessing only use for usb is diagnostics/tuning and a thumbdrive/camera for pics-videos
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I have my Chromecast plugged into mine to keep it charged. But yeah, I could see a thumb drive or something as a use. But it's not like that would be something that would always need to be plugged into a TV. Or have multiple ones plugged into a TV.

 
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Bull Dozier said:
cstu said:
cstu said:
Samsung 48" 720p and a $200 Dell gift card for $348.
Click to expand...
Bumping this, it's a really great deal.
Click to expand...
Not that it isn't a great deal, but why make a TV with only on USB port?
Click to expand...
It's good enough for my bedroom TV with just a Fire Stick hooked up to it.

ETA: If I do decide to game on it I can buy a HDMI switch.

I'm not expecting to keep this TV forever, just until I can replace my living room TV with a large OLED and move the current 50" 1080p to the bedroom.

 
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MattFancy said:
Bull Dozier said:
MattFancy said:
Bull Dozier said:
cstu said:
cstu said:
Samsung 48" 720p and a $200 Dell gift card for $348.
Click to expand...
Bumping this, it's a really great deal.
Click to expand...
Not that it isn't a great deal, but why make a TV with only on USB port?
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm missing something, but why would you need more than one USB port?
Click to expand...
DirecTV, Xbox, PS, DVD all connected to it? Or do most people use some sort of tuner?
Click to expand...
That would be HDMI, not USB.
Click to expand...
:doh:

 
Looks like the eGift card is $125 now?

"

spacer.gif
[SIZE=9pt]Receive a $125 Dell PROMO eGift Card with this purchase sent via email in 10-20 days.[/SIZE]
Expires Monday, July 27, 2015
 
ghostguy123 said:
"Soap opera effect".

I believe that is what I don't like when I watch TV at my brother's house. It just doesnt look right. It actually looks kinda like you are really there, and not watching a movie, and I don't really like it. The camera movement is just too damn smooth. I am not remotely used to it at all.

Sports are fine on his TV though
Click to expand...
Noticed "soap opera effect" on my in-laws' new TV recently. I was watching a show with a bunch of familiar people on it, but it looked like a new show shot in HD or something. "Overrealistic" setting. Turned out it was an old episode of Reba, and because of the picture quality, I had no idea for the first few minutes.

Also watched an old Rod Serling Twilight Zone on the same TV .. that was trippy..Got used to it like ghostguy, though.

...

KP, good thread. I am exactly in your boat with the living room set (vintage 1998 Sony 51" rear projection). Kinda let the HD thing pass us by, but will be ready to upgrade pretty soon.

 
Bull Dozier said:
DirecTV, Xbox, PS, DVD all connected to it? Or do most people use some sort of tuner?
Click to expand...
Can't a lot of that be plugged in to other ports besides USB? Do TVs still have those red-yellow-white round ports?

Full disclosure: on our living room set up, we have to unplug/replug the DVD player and kids' Wii to use one or the other.

 
Question for the house:

Does it make any sense at all for cheapo late-adopters to buy a used HD TV off of someone? Like, say, a 2011 model that someone is getting rid of to get a smart TV?

The only thing that would worry me is that I don't know how much time HD TVs were meant to last for. If I buy a four-year-old one now, can I expect to get another trouble-free five years or so?

I've never really heard of an aftermarket for HD TVs ... guess there are reasons for that.

 
Doug B said:
Question for the house:

Does it make any sense at all for cheapo late-adopters to buy a used HD TV off of someone? Like, say, a 2011 model that someone is getting rid of to get a smart TV?

The only thing that would worry me is that I don't know how much time HD TVs were meant to last for. If I buy a four-year-old one now, can I expect to get another trouble-free five years or so?

I've never really heard of an aftermarket for HD TVs ... guess there are reasons for that.
Click to expand...
I feel like HDTVs are relatively cheap now, that it makes more sense to just buy a new one. I remember when my dad bought a 46" Sony back in 2007. It was like $1,300 if I remember. 2 years later, I bought a 50" Panasonic for $975. I just bought a 50" LG last year for $500. I think that's why you don't see much of an after market for the used ones. Why buy used when I can get a new one for either the same or a little bit more?

 
MattFancy said:
I think that's why you don't see much of an after market for the used ones. Why buy used when I can get a new one for either the same or a little bit more?
Click to expand...
Perhaps ... but something has to happen to those not-so-old HD TVs that get replaced when the owners buy bigger/newer. I'm sure many are given to relatives/friends or repurposed within the home (e.g. kids TV). But still, for some people, seems letting it go for $200 is better than putting it out to the trash. But I'm making a lot of assumptions.

 
Doug B said:
MattFancy said:
I think that's why you don't see much of an after market for the used ones. Why buy used when I can get a new one for either the same or a little bit more?
Click to expand...
Perhaps ... but something has to happen to those not-so-old HD TVs that get replaced when the owners buy bigger/newer. I'm sure many are given to relatives/friends or repurposed within the home (e.g. kids TV). But still, for some people, seems letting it go for $200 is better than putting it out to the trash. But I'm making a lot of assumptions.
Click to expand...
Oh I agree with that. When I replace my 50" Panasonic, I tend to try and resell it. I know I won't get much more than $200 or so for it though. But, if I was in the market for a TV, if I could spend a little bit more an buy something brand new, that makes more sense IMO. Unless you have a strict budget for a TV.

 
Doug B said:
MattFancy said:
I think that's why you don't see much of an after market for the used ones. Why buy used when I can get a new one for either the same or a little bit more?
Click to expand...
Perhaps ... but something has to happen to those not-so-old HD TVs that get replaced when the owners buy bigger/newer. I'm sure many are given to relatives/friends or repurposed within the home (e.g. kids TV). But still, for some people, seems letting it go for $200 is better than putting it out to the trash. But I'm making a lot of assumptions.
Click to expand...
I looked into this as well, and what I was running into was an effect like Gamestop- might as well buy it new for the little savings there were. There are cheap ones out there, but barely better than what I have. Mostly it seemed like I could get a used one for about 10% less than I could get a new one, and it probably isnt worth it. I would bet a lot has to do with how much tv prices have dropped. Someone paid $1k for a tv 3 years ago that you could get new for 600 or so. They probably aren't willing to sell it for $400 which is probably what people would want to looking to buy a used one for. Most people i know just seem to rotate the tvs- put the living room one in the basement/bedroom and upgrade the main one. Whatever small one they have in the bedroom isn't worth much and either toss it or give it to a family member.

 
OP, can you explain again why you are anti-smart tv. Is satellite internet too slow to stream or???

eta: just hit me that maybe the satellite internet allow you to perform the same features through your satellite receiver...I have no experience whatsoever with that type of network.

 
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Prince Myshkin said:
OP, can you explain again why you are anti-smart tv. Is satellite internet too slow to stream or???

eta: just hit me that maybe the satellite internet allow you to perform the same features through your satellite receiver...I have no experience whatsoever with that type of network.
Click to expand...
It is slow, and you are capped at Xgb/month (I think 12). I am sure I could stream a couple things, but the data allotment would be used up after a couple movies. Not worth it for us, but like I said, I dont think I am finding a 2015 TV without it.

 
KarmaPolice said:
Doug B said:
MattFancy said:
I think that's why you don't see much of an after market for the used ones. Why buy used when I can get a new one for either the same or a little bit more?
Click to expand...
Perhaps ... but something has to happen to those not-so-old HD TVs that get replaced when the owners buy bigger/newer. I'm sure many are given to relatives/friends or repurposed within the home (e.g. kids TV). But still, for some people, seems letting it go for $200 is better than putting it out to the trash. But I'm making a lot of assumptions.
Click to expand...
I looked into this as well, and what I was running into was an effect like Gamestop- might as well buy it new for the little savings there were. There are cheap ones out there, but barely better than what I have. Mostly it seemed like I could get a used one for about 10% less than I could get a new one, and it probably isnt worth it. I would bet a lot has to do with how much tv prices have dropped. Someone paid $1k for a tv 3 years ago that you could get new for 600 or so. They probably aren't willing to sell it for $400 which is probably what people would want to looking to buy a used one for. Most people i know just seem to rotate the tvs- put the living room one in the basement/bedroom and upgrade the main one. Whatever small one they have in the bedroom isn't worth much and either toss it or give it to a family member.
Click to expand...
I've got a nearly 5 year old 32" TCL that I think a homeless person might take...maybe.

 
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.

 
ghostguy123 said:
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.
Click to expand...
I get what you are saying. I have always tried to stay behind on technology by a few years. I don't know the difference for the most part, and it is a lot cheaper. Don't get people rushing out to get a 4K TV a few years ago for a couple grand on a 40". But, if people have the money and that's their thing, more power to them. I went from a 36" tube TV to a 51" projection TV about 7 years ago for 50 bucks that someone was trying to get rid up because they upgraded everything. The size isn't the main thing, just sad my bluray is in the bedroom on our 32" TV now.

A TV has just been one of those things I have really wanted for awhile. I really don't buy myself ####, have a 40th birthday coming up soon, and movies are one of my few passions. This all adds up to maybe finally spending a couple bucks on this. Granted, it will still be a low-end TV in the overall scheme of things, but we are not made of money. Unless they are side by side, I doubt I will be able to tell the diff between what I get and the highly rated $2500 TV (given they are both 1080p).

That said, the more I think about it, the more I miss a decent sound with the movies. I think I am going to compromise a little on the size to have some sort of decent sound going and add it some sort of 5.1 speaker thingy. Plus we are right by an interstate, so I usually have to have it a little louder to begin with.

 
KarmaPolice said:
ghostguy123 said:
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.
Click to expand...
I get what you are saying. I have always tried to stay behind on technology by a few years. I don't know the difference for the most part, and it is a lot cheaper. Don't get people rushing out to get a 4K TV a few years ago for a couple grand on a 40". But, if people have the money and that's their thing, more power to them. I went from a 36" tube TV to a 51" projection TV about 7 years ago for 50 bucks that someone was trying to get rid up because they upgraded everything. The size isn't the main thing, just sad my bluray is in the bedroom on our 32" TV now.

A TV has just been one of those things I have really wanted for awhile. I really don't buy myself ####, have a 40th birthday coming up soon, and movies are one of my few passions. This all adds up to maybe finally spending a couple bucks on this. Granted, it will still be a low-end TV in the overall scheme of things, but we are not made of money. Unless they are side by side, I doubt I will be able to tell the diff between what I get and the highly rated $2500 TV (given they are both 1080p).

That said, the more I think about it, the more I miss a decent sound with the movies. I think I am going to compromise a little on the size to have some sort of decent sound going and add it some sort of 5.1 speaker thingy. Plus we are right by an interstate, so I usually have to have it a little louder to begin with.
Click to expand...
Terrible time to be buying a high end TV. You can get a big 1080p for $1000 (I was this close to buying a 70" Sony). In a year OLED will be reasonable and that's the TV you want to drop two racks on.

 
cstu said:
KarmaPolice said:
ghostguy123 said:
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.
Click to expand...
I get what you are saying. I have always tried to stay behind on technology by a few years. I don't know the difference for the most part, and it is a lot cheaper. Don't get people rushing out to get a 4K TV a few years ago for a couple grand on a 40". But, if people have the money and that's their thing, more power to them. I went from a 36" tube TV to a 51" projection TV about 7 years ago for 50 bucks that someone was trying to get rid up because they upgraded everything. The size isn't the main thing, just sad my bluray is in the bedroom on our 32" TV now.

A TV has just been one of those things I have really wanted for awhile. I really don't buy myself ####, have a 40th birthday coming up soon, and movies are one of my few passions. This all adds up to maybe finally spending a couple bucks on this. Granted, it will still be a low-end TV in the overall scheme of things, but we are not made of money. Unless they are side by side, I doubt I will be able to tell the diff between what I get and the highly rated $2500 TV (given they are both 1080p).

That said, the more I think about it, the more I miss a decent sound with the movies. I think I am going to compromise a little on the size to have some sort of decent sound going and add it some sort of 5.1 speaker thingy. Plus we are right by an interstate, so I usually have to have it a little louder to begin with.
Click to expand...
Terrible time to be buying a high end TV. You can get a big 1080p for $1000 (I was this close to buying a 70" Sony). In a year OLED will be reasonable and that's the TV you want to drop two racks on.
Click to expand...
Unless I win the lottery, I could never see myself spending much more than I am about to on a TV. Even this I am hesitant about and am having a hard time pulling the trigger on.

 
ghostguy123 said:
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.
Click to expand...
Especially if what people are talking about is getting a backup/second tv for their bedrooms.

 
ghostguy123 said:
It's pretty remarkable what so many people just simply MUST have for a TV these days.

I have a 37" regular ol flat panel with no features that I got at walmart like 3 years ago for like 200 bucks. It is just fine. I mean, I WANT a better TV and am getting another one soon, but it's totally not a necessity and I have been putting it off a while already.
Click to expand...
same boat

been enjoying my 42 Panasonic plasma for probably 8 years? I see everyone with the 55" and 60" which looks awesome. but ill wait probably 1 more year and grab one super cheap on sale when the 4k's reduce the 120hz&amp;240hz even more. honestly the plasma still looks brand new so im in no rush

 
Spike said:
What is everyone's viewpoint on refurbs?
Click to expand...
No issues. My brother has a refurb and I would never be able to tell if I didn't help him buy it. Just make sure wherever you buy it from has some sort of warrant or something on it in case something goes wrong soon after you get it.

 
Spike said:
What is everyone's viewpoint on refurbs?
Click to expand...
I see some awesome deals on groupon for refurb tv's. I have purchased refurb laptops before and had 0 issues. most refurbs are cosmetic issues

 
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