Does your smartphone affect your TV purchase?

[LIVEFRMNYC]

How high end would one have to go?

Just the norm specs that compete. A tale tell sign of crap is a lack of any real settings, meaning only the basic minimal settings.

I can appreciate wanting to have your Smart functionality already integrated. The problem I have is the inconsistency in both UI and performance. Unless you buy/replace all of your TVs simultaneously, you're not going to have the same functionality in all of your TVs. We have 4 TVs from 3 different manufacturers, only 2 of which have Smart functionality built in but from 2 different manufacturers. The UI on each TV is completely different, as is the Smart functionality. IMO, it's much easier to just hook up a 'smart box' (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, etc) and have the same user experience on every TV. This is especially beneficial when you have a wife and young kids.

I'm hoping to have my TVs for quite a while--great Smart features now likely won't be so impressive in 5-7 years. And if you think manufacturers offer lackluster support updating the OS on their Android phones, they have nothing on manufacturers offering updates to TV firmware. It's much easier just replacing the Apple TV than it is the TV itself to get the latest Smart functionality.

That makes sense. I myself don't really use anything that I wouldn't have to sign into, so dealing with differ interfaces doesn't mean much for me when Netflix, Youtube, and most other apps are basically the same across platforms. I can stop Netflix on my Xbox 360 and resume right where I left off on my blueray player Netflix app. I plan on getting another TV soon and rather apps be integrated instead of having to buy another device or move my existing devices back n forth. As my Xbox and bluray is not small like a roku or AppleTV to keep moving. I can understand for those who already have these small devices or a device for each TV already.

 

[mattopotamus]

How come some Panasonics say "Built in Wireless LAN" instead of WiFi? Is that the same as ones labeled "Built in Wi-Fi"?

There's a lot of mix-and-matching with the feature list and it gets confusing because some will also say "VIERA Connect with Built-In Wi-Fi" for the ones that list "Build in Wireless LAN".

Example:

Image

But for the E60 model, it'll still say in the description:

Image


What?

B.c built in LAN means it has an Ethernet port. Built in wifi means it supports wifi with no need for an adapter or hardwire.

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I recently cut the cord on cable and made a big decision in which TV to buy.

For me my top priorities:

Quality for HD:sports,movies, etc
Smart Apps:HBOGO, Amazon,Netflix,etc
Functionality for other devices: AppleTV,Internal Wifi

I have been a true Samsung TV buyer for years but opened my horizons to other during my search but still came back to a Samsung LED as they do it best imo.

I stream XBMC to AppleTV through Airplay and it works flawlessly and even get HD on some apps on XBMC.

The HD quality is great through my Mohu antenna and even better HD quality as its uncompressed from when I had DirecTV.

AVS forum is a great place to get honest reviews and tech info. I honestly would say dont bother with the Best Buy displays as they jack up all the settings but go to get an idea of size and depth of the screen. I was lucky as my friends had different TVs and used their brands as examples.

I wish ya luck as this is a big purchase for a man.

I have heard that over the air will end in late 2014 as it is no longer required

 

[sviato]

Plasma is so year 2000

 

[onthecouchagain]

Wow, you guys are very right. A Roku box will solve any missing "smartness" from a Smart TV and all for a ridiculously affordable price.

Now with the money I can save getting a "dumb" TV, I could put that money into either better quality and/or larger screen.

Great advice, guys. Glad I did the recommended research. Almost fell for the marketing of "Smart TVs".

 

[JohnLT13]

Plasma is so year 2000

 

[linkgx1]

It almost did. Especially when I had the Samsung Vibrant. Glad I didn't and stuck with a Panny ST30!

The problem with getting 'smart tvs' is that they are inherently backwards. Smart TVs in many ways use off-the-shelf cellphone parts/processors..or at least that's what their power feels like.

I don't want another STV until they make them upgradeable. Like a box on the back you can switch out like an SD card. And make that platform last 5-7 years at least.

 

[onthecouchagain]

The problem with finding non-Smart TVs is that there seem to be a lot of compromises.

Less HDMI ports, less nice-looking machines (not thin at all), less screen size range (all the lower tiered models tend to either be in the 30 inch range or jump straight to the 50+ range. Where are the 40 inchers?), and seem to have less picture quality. And they don't seem to be that much cheaper. There's just a lot less choices and variety in choices.

It almost seems like a ploy from the manufacturers to make you go toward Smart TVs, where they put their better things and make more profit on the margins.

Kind of frustrating.

 

[Technarchy]

I use Apple TV, so no.

 

[tbayrgs]

The problem with finding non-Smart TVs is that there seem to be a lot of compromises.

Less HDMI ports, less nice-looking machines (not thin at all), less screen size range (all the lower tiered models tend to either be in the 30 inch range or jump straight to the 50+ range. Where are the 40 inchers?), and seem to have less picture quality. And they don't seem to be that much cheaper. There's just a lot less choices and variety in choices.

It almost seems like a ploy from the manufacturers to make you go toward Smart TVs, where they put their better things and make more profit on the margins.

Kind of frustrating.

Yeah, was putting together a brief post mentioning exactly that when I saw yours. Manufacturers aren't only going to improve picture quality without throwing in more bells and whistles (and thus letting them increase the price further). Over the next year or two I doubt we'll see many new TVs without Smart functionality.

I'd just shop based on the features most important to you and disregard the Smart aspects (unless that disproportionately add to the price). Chances are unless you really have no preference on picture quality that you're probably going to be getting some degree of Smart functionality anyways.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Yeah, was putting together a brief post mentioning exactly that when I saw yours. Manufacturers aren't only going to improve picture quality without throwing in more bells and whistles (and thus letting them increase the price further). Over the next year or two I doubt we'll see many new TVs without Smart functionality.

I'd just shop based on the features most important to you and disregard the Smart aspects (unless that disproportionately add to the price). Chances are unless you really have no preference on picture quality that you're probably going to be getting some degree of Smart functionality anyways.

Yeah. I think I'm narrowing it down to either the Panasonic 42" or the Vizio 47":

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-...8&qid=1379909933&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+tv

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M471i-A2-47-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B00C5B18CQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Leaning toward the Panasonic.

I just can't find a "dumb" TV for a good price with the specs I want. I refuse to have to plug/unplug between my PS3 and Roku Box every time I want to use one or the other. That'd frustrate me.

 

[mattopotamus]

It almost did. Especially when I had the Samsung Vibrant. Glad I didn't and stuck with a Panny ST30!

The problem with getting 'smart tvs' is that they are inherently backwards. Smart TVs in many ways use off-the-shelf cellphone parts/processors..or at least that's what their power feels like.

I don't want another STV until they make them upgradeable. Like a box on the back you can switch out like an SD card. And make that platform last 5-7 years at least.

samsung actually does that with their evlolution kit.
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/...essories/SEK-1000/XC?subsubtype=evolution-kit

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Yeah. I think I'm narrowing it down to either the Panasonic 42" or the Vizio 47":

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-...8&qid=1379909933&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+tv

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M471i-A2-47-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B00C5B18CQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Leaning toward the Panasonic.

I just can't find a "dumb" TV for a good price with the specs I want. I refuse to have to plug/unplug between my PS3 and Roku Box every time I want to use one or the other. That'd frustrate me.

I never thought I would say this, but check out brandsmart. They usually carry the previous year models and a few months ago I found a friend at 2012 panasonic Viera 50" for $599.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I never thought I would say this, but check out brandsmart. They usually carry the previous year models and a few months ago I found a friend at 2012 panasonic Viera 50" for $599.

I will. Thanks.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

The problem with finding non-Smart TVs is that there seem to be a lot of compromises.

Less HDMI ports, less nice-looking machines (not thin at all), less screen size range (all the lower tiered models tend to either be in the 30 inch range or jump straight to the 50+ range. Where are the 40 inchers?), and seem to have less picture quality. And they don't seem to be that much cheaper. There's just a lot less choices and variety in choices.

It almost seems like a ploy from the manufacturers to make you go toward Smart TVs, where they put their better things and make more profit on the margins.

Kind of frustrating.

Yup your right about that. Dumb TVs will soon be extinct. Not really a bad thing since prices of smartTVs will be on average of what dumb TVs are now. It's really a ploy to make sure EVERYONE has whatever services available. Netflix, Pandora, and etc: will one day be accessible in everyone's home even if they don't buy a separate device and have no interest. That's what all these companies want. I wouldn't be surprised if 3 years from now, getting a new TV without a built in camera is near impossible. Might even have xbox and Playstation consoles come in a form of TVs a couple gens from now.

 

[APhillyApple]

Performance and picture quality should be your only guide when purchasing a new television. That is until Apple decides to release one!

 

[onthecouchagain]

Yup your right about that. Dumb TVs will soon be extinct. Not really a bad thing since prices of smartTVs will be on average of what dumb TVs are now. It's really a ploy to make sure EVERYONE has whatever services available. Netflix, Pandora, and etc: will one day be accessible in everyone's home even if they don't buy a separate device and have no interest. That's what all these companies want. I wouldn't be surprised if 3 years from now, getting a new TV without a built in camera is near impossible. Might even have xbox and Playstation consoles come in a form of TVs a couple gens from now.

You had mention Vizio being good before. I've been researching and they seem to be an up-and-coming American brand.

Would you say this is a good buy?

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M471i-A...UTF8&qid=1380032189&sr=1-13&keywords=vizio+tv

 

[mattopotamus]

You had mention Vizio being good before. I've been researching and they seem to be an up-and-coming American brand.

Would you say this is a good buy?

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M471i-A...UTF8&qid=1380032189&sr=1-13&keywords=vizio+tv

I would say 2-3 years ago they were up and coming, but now are very popular. The main concern with that TV and most LEDs is that you want at least 240hz or you will really notice that "soap opera" effect I mentioned.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I would say 2-3 years ago they were up and coming, but now are very popular. The main concern with that TV and most LEDs is that you want at least 240hz or you will really notice that "soap opera" effect I mentioned.

I'm looking for 120Hz at least. Nothing lower. Not sure if I can afford higher. Also, the higher ones that offer 240Hz seem to be for much larger screens. And again, pricing, and just the size won't work for me. :T

Is 120 Hz not good enough?

 

[mattopotamus]

I'm looking for 120Hz at least. Nothing lower. Not sure if I can afford higher. Also, the higher ones that offer 240Hz seem to be for much larger screens. And again, pricing, and just the size won't work for me. :T

Is 120 Hz not good enough?

I would really suggest going in store and looking at the TV then maybe ordering it on amazon. I notice things when watching TV that none of my family seem to notice in regards to quality. Similar to how people notice pixels on phones and others cannot.

Also, calibrate the tv when you first get it. Look online for settings b.c the default ones will mostly likely be horrific.

 

[kdarling]

I just can't find a "dumb" TV for a good price with the specs I want. I refuse to have to plug/unplug between my PS3 and Roku Box every time I want to use one or the other. That'd frustrate me.

Yes, having enough HDMI, A/V and component inputs is major.

Wow, you guys are very right. A Roku box will solve any missing "smartness" from a Smart TV and all for a ridiculously affordable price.

I got a refurb Roku 2 XS with free HDMI cable, and Amazon Prime shipping, for $60.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092QV9GM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The reason for me was because it supports Netflix, Amazon Videos, Redbox, Pandora, Disney, Facebook and Flickr. Not every smart box has all those. It also has a lot of other channels and apps available.

It also has a terrific Search capability. Just type (click) in the beginning of the show or movie title you want, and all the sources where it's available show up to choose from. Super handy.

However, it does not have YouTube. Edit: oho. By using developer mode, you can install an unofficial YouTube app. http://www.myvideobuzz.in/Account/Install.aspx Yay. Just did and donated $10 to them as a thanks. My daughter will be happy.

With the money I saved (yes, this is the story I tell my wife - grin), I want to experiment with an Vizio Google TV box (which has HDMI pass through... nice!), or XBMC, or maybe even one of those el cheapo Android HDMI sticks.

.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

You had mention Vizio being good before. I've been researching and they seem to be an up-and-coming American brand.

Would you say this is a good buy?

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M471i-A...UTF8&qid=1380032189&sr=1-13&keywords=vizio+tv

I'm looking for 120Hz at least. Nothing lower. Not sure if I can afford higher. Also, the higher ones that offer 240Hz seem to be for much larger screens. And again, pricing, and just the size won't work for me. :T

Is 120 Hz not good enough?

That's an excellent buy. Like anything you purchase, just make sure to look at user and pro reviews on that specific model to make sure there is no major flaw. 120Hz is good enough. I have a 60Hz Sony Bravia 48" in my living room which still has better picture quality than plenty of 120Hz and above. Your eyes will definitely have to adjust to higher Hz above 120. And it could really take days for that adjustment depending one the person.

 

[ToothTooth]

HDMI switches

I just can't find a "dumb" TV for a good price with the specs I want. I refuse to have to plug/unplug between my PS3 and Roku Box every time I want to use one or the other. That'd frustrate me.

If not having enough HDMI ports on a "dumb" TV is the main problem, then look into the HDMI switches on the Monoprice website. Makes expanding and switching HDMI inputs quite flexible and easy. Especially when paired with a Harmony remote that can be programmed to handle all the input switching automatically based on the TV "activity" (Xbox, Roku, Blu-Ray, etc.) you select.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Thanks guys. All very insightful. I went to Best Buy and after checking out the TVs, I'm leaning toward Vizio. The picture quality is pretty amazing. The picture quality of the Panasonic unfortunately did not impress -- whites weren't really white and blacks weren't really black. And this was an LED.

I'm favoring the Vizio 47" now.

I also found a decent 46" non-Smart TV 120Hz from Samsung: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN46F...5&sr=8-2&keywords=Samsung+6030#productDetails

But it's almost the same price as the Vizio so I might as well get the Vizio and gain an extra inch and gain Smart TV built in. I'd have to buy a Roku box to go with the Samsung non-Smart.

 

[jrswizzle]

Ya it pretty much comes down to what you need.

My wife and I bought a cheap 42" Sony from Sam's when we first moved in to our apt.

Then I needed a second TV for our bedroom (then my man cave in our current house) and I HAD to get a 1080p TV as cheap as possible. An Insignia worked well here (a Best Buy brand) and honestly, it really is a great TV.

We recently decided to get a TV for our bedroom in our house so we moved the Sony that was in our living room to the bedroom and wen as high end as we could go that would fill the space we needed to fill. A 55" Samsung did the trick.

We didn't need any of the smart features on any TV as we have DirecTV and AppleTVs on all of them. All-in-all:

-42" 720p (60 Hz) Sony for rougly $465
-39" 1080p (120Hz) Insignia for $350
-55" 1080p (120Hz) Samsung for $799

 

[mattopotamus]

Thanks guys. All very insightful. I went to Best Buy and after checking out the TVs, I'm leaning toward Vizio. The picture quality is pretty amazing. The picture quality of the Panasonic unfortunately did not impress -- whites weren't really white and blacks weren't really black. And this was an LED.

I'm favoring the Vizio 47" now.

I also found a decent 46" non-Smart TV 120Hz from Samsung: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN46F...5&sr=8-2&keywords=Samsung+6030#productDetails

But it's almost the same price as the Vizio so I might as well get the Vizio and gain an extra inch and gain Smart TV built in. I'd have to buy a Roku box to go with the Samsung non-Smart.

I cannot attest to the quality of the Panasonic LEDs, but remember a lot of times the TVs are not hooked up the same way in store, and the Demo settings the stores use may not highlight the best picture the TV can actually achieve. I personally think that samsung does make the best LEDs though and I would not worry about gaining an inch.

 

[Dontazemebro]

I don't see a lot of plasma smart TVs. Why is this?

I have a 60" Panasonic Viera and I swear by it.