HDTV recommendations

[Texman4268]

Hey all,
Was just wondering what some recommendations for HDTV equipment.
I have an older generation TIVO that I've had for about almost 4 years now and it's fine but seems to be going out with some channels fading (mainly ESPN, NFL network) and DTV has told me for $19, I can get a refurbished one but it will extend my contract for 2 years.

Before I do that, I was wondering what people think of the HD tivo units.
I haven't got a really good HDTV yet so I'm ahead of myself, but figured I'd ask. I've heard some bad reviews of them.

Basically I eventually want to get a good 1020p HDTV with an HD tivo.

There's got to be some better deals out there to get an HD Tivo setup without just buying one for $300. I've been a DTV subscriber for 4 years now and I'm not offered anything as a deal to upgrade my service.

Also, can you get new service in another name but at the same address.
It's currently in my wife's name, but maybe I can cancel service, then re-add it in my name but will they catch it that it's the same address.

Any help or advice on this is much appreciated.

[kate59588]

From CNET

$1,600 - $2,200 TVs

Sony Bravia KDL-52EX700

The good: Innovative automatic power-off feature saves energy; extremely energy-efficient; matte screen works well in brighter rooms; relatively accurate color; solid Internet services including Netflix, Amazon Video, and numerous niche videos; snappy menu system.

The bad: Reproduces lighter black levels; darker areas tinged blue; cannot adjust dejudder processing much; less-even screen uniformity; Netflix image quality worse than on other streaming devices.

The bottom line: Sony's midrange edge-lit LED-based LCD is nothing special from an image quality standpoint, but its Internet video and eco-friendliness will attract a lot of buyers.

[kate59588]

Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1

The good: Reproduces deep black levels and excellent shadow detail; solid color saturation; adequate connectivity with three HDMI and two component-video inputs; relatively efficient for a big-screen plasma.

The bad: Less-accurate primary colors and color temperature; skimpy picture controls; uses more power than comparable LCDs

The bottom line: Excellent picture quality for the money makes the Panasonic TC-PS1 plasma the best value among large-screen flat panels.

[kate59588]

LG 60PS80

The good: Superb suite of interactive features including Netflix, Vudu, Yahoo Widgets, and YouTube; accurate color; extensive picture controls including a unique Picture Wizard; solid connectivity with four HDMI and one PC input; beautiful styling.

The bad: Produces relatively light black levels; cannot properly process 1080p/24 content with consistency; exhibits some temporary image retention; no S-Video input.

The bottom line: Despite image quality a notch or two below competing plasmas, the LG PS80 series will win over shoppers who prioritize built-in video streaming.

[kate59588]

Samsung UN46B8500

The good: Deeper black levels than any HDTV available aside from Pioneer Kuro; solid shadow detail; reduced blooming compared with other local dimming LED-based LCDs; accurate, highly saturated color; excellent video processing with adjustable dejudder; numerous picture adjustments; extensive interactive features including Yahoo widgets; beautiful styling with 1.6-inch deep panel; extremely energy efficient.

The bad: Expensive; poor off-angle viewing; some blooming effects; benefits of 240Hz difficult to discern; glossy screen reflects ambient light.

The bottom line: It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested.

[kate59588]

Vizio VF551XVT

The good: Inexpensive for a local dimming LED-based LCD; can produce extremely deep black levels; less blooming than many local dimming models; relatively accurate color; solid dejudder processing; plenty of connectivity with five HDMI and one PC input; energy efficient.

The bad: Backlight fluctuates with program content; below-average shadow detail; fewer picture controls than some high-end HDTVs; ho-hum styling.

The bottom line: Sure, it has a few flaws, but nothing fatal prevents the local dimming, LED-backlit Vizio VF551XVT from exhibiting excellent LCD picture quality for the buck.

http://tv.toptenreviews.com/flat-panel/lcd/

[megados]

Something that should also be mentioned is that it is said that a person will want to lean toward 240 Hz refresh rate capability if HD 3D operation is, ir is going to be desired.

Thanks for the rundown :)

[mziggler]

Hello,
VIZIO VA370M 37-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV – In our budget line we chose a smaller TV. Its a compromise in size for price. At 37 inches it can still function as your primary screen in most family rooms. The TV is 1080p which really doesn’t matter since you’ll have to sit about three feet away from it to see the difference. Regardless you can tell your friends that you have a 1080p set. Picture quality is good but it won’t compare with the previously mentioned TVs. However, if this is your first HDTV or you plan on using it for your bedroom you won’t be dissatisfied.

thanks!!

[shemamaja]

Hi there, I just have a suggestion for direct tv. We know that some network providers has satellite tv offers and deals when you are subscribing to them. The cost is always concerned but if you want to have an HD channels, you should choose the good provider. You can have all answers for all yours questions here: [No URLs.] They will show you satellite tv offers and packages. Hope this will helps you.