Tips on buying a flat-screen TV

[Gaddabout]

I'm going to buy a TV this weekend. I want to draw the line at $400, but if push came to shove and another $100 gets me into a substantially different category, I'll at least think about it.

I'm looking at deals on craigslist and it looks like I can buy off-brand 40-42" flat screens (with two or three HDMI inputs) for about $400 to $450. Most of them are Vizios, but all of them are 1080p, which is one line I'm drawing in the sand.

Is there something else I need to consider here? I'm not really a hardware guy so I want to make sure I'm not ignoring something.

 

[Shane]

I'm going to buy a TV this weekend. I want to draw the line at $400, but if push came to shove and another $100 gets me into a substantially different category, I'll at least think about it.

I'm looking at deals on craigslist and it looks like I can buy off-brand 40-42" flat screens (with two or three HDMI inputs) for about $400 to $450. Most of them are Vizios, but all of them are 1080p, which is one line I'm drawing in the sand.

Is there something else I need to consider here? I'm not really a hardware guy so I want to make sure I'm not ignoring something.

If you are going craigslist IMO you cant go wrong with a Vizio. They make a really good product! You could probably get a 1080P 32 Inch Brand New though in that price range.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I'm going to buy a TV this weekend. I want to draw the line at $400, but if push came to shove and another $100 gets me into a substantially different category, I'll at least think about it.

I'm looking at deals on craigslist and it looks like I can buy off-brand 40-42" flat screens (with two or three HDMI inputs) for about $400 to $450. Most of them are Vizios, but all of them are 1080p, which is one line I'm drawing in the sand.

Is there something else I need to consider here? I'm not really a hardware guy so I want to make sure I'm not ignoring something.

At that price range, I don't think so. Go for the most HDMI inputs.

 

[Gaddabout]

I did learn one thing today I thought I'd post here in case anyone else referenced it. Not all HDTVs are same in resolution. This may seem like a "no duh," but some people are selling their older massive HDTVs (think 62" Hitachi's from 8 years ago) for $350. They're definitely HD with HDMI ports and everything, but the resolution is 1280x720. Compare that to the 40" Sharp Aquos I'm looking at with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and it makes the other TV's monitor size extraneous. The smaller TV is giving you millions of bits of more information.

I'm sure the rest of you knew this, but informing newbies such as myself for the future.

 

[Cardinals.Ken]

TV Buying Guide

...updated July 2nd of this year.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I did learn one thing today I thought I'd post here in case anyone else referenced it. Not all HDTVs are same in resolution. This may seem like a "no duh," but some people are selling their older massive HDTVs (think 62" Hitachi's from 8 years ago) for $350. They're definitely HD with HDMI ports and everything, but the resolution is 1280x720. Compare that to the 40" Sharp Aquos I'm looking at with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and it makes the other TV's monitor size extraneous. The smaller TV is giving you millions of bits of more information.

I'm sure the rest of you knew this, but informing newbies such as myself for the future.

They aren't and they don't necessarily need to be. If you sit closer than 9' from the TV, you'll probably want 1080p.

Here is a cool chart that shows the viewing difference between the different resolutions.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[SpokaneCardfan]

In case you like Sony.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665746336

I have bought quite a few items from their outlet store and have been happy with all of them.

 

[Gaddabout]

I got a new 37" Vizio (1080p) for $500 and I'm pretty happy with it. Thx for the help.

 

[Mulli]

I got a new 37" Vizio (1080p) for $500 and I'm pretty happy with it. Thx for the help.

So this next football season with be hi-def? Nice.