Anyone know anything about Sceptre HDTV?

[Dback Jon]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11298221&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

 

[Darth Llama]

I have used their LCD Computer Monitors in the past and they were quality. I never used one of their TV's, but if it's as good as their PC LCD's, it looks like a good deal. I might have to look into one of those myself, I need a new TV for the bedroom.

 

[abomb]

A quick search on Amazon for reviews tells me that the remote and instruction manual are very subpar.

You might also check www.avsforums.com, as some reviewers had problems with some models.

 

[Dback Jon]

Thanks!

 

[abomb]

Are you set on that size? Costco has some awesome deals on the Vizio TVs and people seem to go crazy for them and the company.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I wouldn't recommend Sceptre over Visio like abomb mentioned if you are looking for TV's in that size/price range.

 

[Dback Jon]

Are you set on that size? Costco has some awesome deals on the Vizio TVs and people seem to go crazy for them and the company.

No - not set on size.

would like at least 37"

 

[dreamcastrocks]

No - not set on size.

would like at least 37"

Are you set on a budget? I think the most important thing to do would be to decide on a budget, and then find the best TV to fit that budget. Along those lines, factor in an extended warranty into your budget. It WILL pay for itself.

Are you set on the technology? DLP/LCD/Plasma etc.

 

[Dback Jon]

Are you set on a budget? I think the most important thing to do would be to decide on a budget, and then find the best TV to fit that budget. Along those lines, factor in an extended warranty into your budget. It WILL pay for itself.

Are you set on the technology? DLP/LCD/Plasma etc.

Really just starting the search. I think LCD is the way to go, but could be changed on that.

Under $1000...

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Really just starting the search. I think LCD is the way to go, but could be changed on that.

Under $1000...

With $1000 budget, you should go with either LCD or Plasma.

Would you consider shopping online?

Either way, with $1000, I would recommend getting a Panasonic Plasma.

Last week, Best Buy had a 50" Panasonic Plasma for $899.

 

[Dback Jon]

Little concerned about energy usage with Plasma.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Little concerned about energy usage with Plasma.

Here's a good post I have seen about the energy debate...

The LCD uses less energy, however, keep in mind, the energy usage is based on the "Content". LCD backlights are generally constantly "ON", and are always consuming power, even when the scene you are watching is dark. Plasma uses tiny fluorescent type bulbs, which only turn "On" when needed, based on the scene you are watching. The energy debate is controversial as it is possible your plasma may use less power during darker scenes vs. an lcd. Also, because lcd lamps are always on, the black levels cannot possibly be true, because the lcd chips are "twisting" closed to dampen out the backlight, leaving small gaps for light to come thru, (Like a bathroom door, you can tell you left the light on around the door trim) Most plasma's have True contrast ratings of over 10,000-15,000 shades between black and white, as the bulbs can "vary" intensity, unlike lcd, which cannot generally produce deep black.(Most LCD's have a True contrast of about 2,000-5000 shades) All said and done, don't buy your new tv because it uses less energy, as most new TV's use at least half the energy of the old "CRT" type tv's anyhow. Also, plasma's do not have a refresh which means they don't have a "lag" in the image when watching fast moving sports or movies. Good luck.

 

[Dback Jon]

So what does DCR have?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I have a DLP. 60" Sony. It's about 2.5 years old. It is the 1st generation 1080p sets.

I'm going to upgrade to projector in 1-2 years.

 

[JS22]

1. Extended warranties are generally rip-offs. As Consumer Reports says, you'll most likely pay more for the warranty than any repairs. Plus, if there is going to be a problem with the TV, it usually shows up in the first 30 days. TV's are known to either break quickly, or last forever. I know people here will disagree, as there are ALWAYS exceptions to this.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/shopping/2006/11/resist_the_pitc.html

2. If you're comfortable, buy online. You'll almost always find a better deal than retail. (Unless retail is having a crazy sale.) I recommend Newegg.com. I've used them many times in the past and they've been great.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

1. Extended warranties are generally rip-offs. As Consumer Reports says, you'll most likely pay more for the warranty than any repairs. Plus, if there is going to be a problem with the TV, it usually shows up in the first 30 days. TV's are known to either break quickly, or last forever. I know people here will disagree, as there are ALWAYS exceptions to this.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/shopping/2006/11/resist_the_pitc.html

2. If you're comfortable, buy online. You'll almost always find a better deal than retail. (Unless retail is having a crazy sale.) I recommend Newegg.com. I've used them many times in the past and they've been great.

I'll disagree with consumer reports, and here's why. China is having a major problem right now with parts. Transistors, capacitors that are being sold as quality parts, but are really knock offs in terms of quality. It would be like buying a pair of Adidas with 4 stripes. Mitsubishi for example was a part of a class action lawsuit because the parts on their TVs were breaking 12-24 months after purchase.

No normally I would agree that most extended warranties are not needed. I wouldn't agree with TVs.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Samsung LN40A650.

40 inches of peaceful bliss. Very highly rated on amazon and has 4 HDMI ports.

It's a bit higher than your range but it might be worth it IMO. I hit pay on a Monday at noon and had it on Wednesday (Xmas eve no less) by 11am. Less than a 48 hour delivery time!

Definitely buy it online unless Circuit City really get cheap when they liquidate.

I paid 1,244.00 - No tax or shipping on Amazon either.

 

[Dr. Jones]

lol......

Post count *****.

 

[KloD]

I have a DLP. 60" Sony. It's about 2.5 years old. It is the 1st generation 1080p sets.

I'm going to upgrade to projector in 1-2 years.

I would not recommend that. I've been using a projector set up for the last 8 years. I've had 3 different ones in that time and after buying my 50" Samsung, the picture quality doesn't even compare. Plus the cost of replacing the bulbs every year or two (depending on your usage of course).

 

[KloD]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11298221&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

Jon,

I don't know if you've made your choice yet, but I wouldn't recommend anything other than a Sony or Samsung. They are the two highest rated and after buying several different brands and models for my employer, I went with Samsung myself.

I know they have a nice LCD 40" I've seen for around $800-$850. I have two friends that have had it for a few months and they love it.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I would not recommend that. I've been using a projector set up for the last 8 years. I've had 3 different ones in that time and after buying my 50" Samsung, the picture quality doesn't even compare. Plus the cost of replacing the bulbs every year or two (depending on your usage of course).

The usuage will be low. It will be for movie watching only.

 

[Dback Jon]

What about Vizio's?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

What about Vizio's?

They are pretty highly recommended when deciding cost vs. performance.