Modern Vespa

If I try lower case it might work..(Jess, I'm really not shouting). Any comments? What do you like? I'm considering a Sony 55 or 60 inch. 1080. 120 Hz. LED HDTV. I am brand loyal to and have only owned Sony color TV's since 1966. I don't know anything about LG and Samsung brands. I intend to hook it up to my Sony Stereo (pro logic 5.1)
Any home theatre geeks reading this? Thank you for the replies.

Our LG TV and matching DVD player that wont synchronise sound and picture (yes really, common LG problem) is pretty awful for many reasons, aside from the fact that when you go online it sends your viewing habits back to LG. Would not touch the brand again.

I have a samsung 7000 series that I ended up spending nearly 6 months researching and spending time on the av science forums determining it was the most accurate LCD TV on the market at the time and awarded the highest scores by all the respectable top home theater and av websites. I also calibrated it with a rented $300 laptop color calibrator.

My dad about 1 year later picked up a Sony XBR which is their top LCD. It is also nothing but amazing but I'll give the nod to my Samsung for still having the best overall accuracy.

Stepping back though it means absolutely nothing anymore because I would take his Sony over my Samsung for one main reason, the interface and remote is 1000x better. Samsung is click scroll click scroll, click, scroll if you can get the remote to read half the time it had a line of sight of basically directly straight on. The Sony menu to access the daily used stuff is much easier accessed.

I work for one of the largest audio/visual companies in the states where we provide equipment for corporate meetings and convention and trade shows. Sony, Panasonic and Samsung are good brands. I prefer many of the Samsung products as they typically have a great picture, good warranty support, have a classy look and are usually a little further ahead of offering more features (i.e. app offerings) than the rest but Sony has done a great job catching up.

LG is a rebranding of the Lucky Goldstar brand of electronics. It is probably one of the best examples of polishing a turd. While their flat panel televisions aren't horrible in my experience, they aren't any better than what you'd get in a entry level brand (i.e. Westinghouse, Best Buy's house brand Insignia, Dynex, Visio, etc...)

Back in the CRT or Tube television days Mitsubishi and Sony were the two brands to watch as there were only about 5 factories that actually made televisions. Sony and Mits were some of the only two that made their own rather than contract a factory to make their product. Since most everyone has gone to LCD televisions there are a lot more manufacturers out there now.

I will say that even among the entry level brands there can be some incredible values out there but it is very important to do your research. There are some good models of Visio and LG televisions out there but you have to know what model to look for. With so many holiday sales going on my advice would to not be hesitant to buy one and take it home to try it in your living room with your cable/sat/rabbit ears signal to see how it looks. If you don't like it, take it back. Just make sure you fully understand the return policy before buying it.

I did this with Best Buy a few years ago and went through three televisions to see which one was best. You can't trust the signal quality at most stores. I ended up going back and buying the second one I tried and got it for cheaper because it was now open box. (That wasn't my intention though, it just worked out that way. I'm sure I'm flagged in BB's system as some excessive returner but I've never had any issues.)

I have the Sony 3D 240hz TV 60" LED Bravia.
Priced it all over town, and on the internet, and at the time Amazon.com had the best deal. It was delivered and setup for me which I thought was nice. No concern for a dead unit on arrival.
Love it !

Don't do that much 3D Viewing, but that screen had the better specs then a TV that didn't have 3D. The picture is Fantastic...

It's like putting new carpet in the house, once you get the TV, then you go after the Sound... I upgraded my older Sony Receiver to the Newer one, as well as a 3D DVD Player. I love that I can control most everything from my Iphone with the App.

Keith

I would stay away from Visio...
I used to work for Gateway Computer years ago, and we sold that part of the company with is now Visio. I am sure they have made improvements since the Gateway Plasma problems, but its just me...

I like Sony...
Since my purchase the TV has called out to the internet and done its own Firmware upgrade, sort of how Direct-TV does with there receivers.
You have piece of mind you have the latest software...

What Camera is being used for what you see on your TV? They are mostly Sony and Panasonic.

Keith

My Samsung up grades like a DTv receiver also.I always thought Sony had the best pic,but when looking last year the Samsung pic looked better.Funny thing is I don't watch much Tv.lol

Might as well chime in. We bought a 60" Samsung last December (2012). We like it. It is the smart TV one 7500 range. We also got a Samsung DVD/BluRay player. I like the way that the TV automatically switches to the DVD when I turn it on and back to satellite when I turn it off. The wiring mare's nest was considerably cleaner as I could use HDMI cables for most stuff and optical for the Onkya receiver/amp. The picture is big and bright. I like all the smart features: Pandora, Netflix, Youtube etc are all available.

We had a problem starting a few weeks ago: about 8 minutes after we turn it on the TV would turn itself off and then on. It did this a few times before settling down for the duration. I called Best Buy / Geek Squad who gave me the run-around. I called Samsung and they could not have been more helpful. (Aside from the call center person flagging the issue as resolved, that is.) I opened another ticket and they called back to say it was still under warranty and as soon as the part comes in they will send a technician to my house.

Online people were saying that this problem is endemic with Samsung and often due to capacitors failing in the power supply. The power supply runs at 12v and these errant components were rated at 10v. Samsung said they have fixed this problem but know what is wrong with my set.

Try giving B&H in NYC a call 800-606-6969 and ask for the TV dept. They sell loads of electronics and will guide you to the best one. I like them because the best isn't always the most expensive. 8) Ordered some Harmon Karmon speakers from them for my computer and they had 2 types. They advised me to get the cheaper ones when i asked about which was better. Been buying my camera equipment from them for 30 years. No probs EVER. I can't get TV'S sent to me but you can. They have weird hours. Not open on Fridays i think and Thursday is a short day also i think . Their Jewish and observe their sabbath. Good luck. I will say Samsung has awesome products. Love my fridge. That said i can't say about TV'S because i have a Sony. My other small ones are vizio's but their smaller but the small ones aren't bad.

I manage a software team that writes software for smart TV and set-top boxes. We have a rather large lab with large and small flat screens ranging from cheap to high end. I have seen every thing from outstanding pictures to total crap. I chose Samsung for my own home when I needed to buy a new TV a couple years ago. I had also previously been a Sony customer, but the top-of-the-line Sony didn't compare well against the Samsung picture quality in my opinion.

OP mentioned using the new TV with a Sony stereo. If your Sony A/V receiver supports HDMI, you'll have no trouble routing all your peripherals through the receiver and displaying the output on a Samsung device.

-Craig

Panasonic plasma. Done. Pro version monitor 42" almost constant on for 9 years. Viera plasma in the bedroom, 8 years old. Perfect picture.

Lucky Goldstar has come a long way in growing as a company. Remembering what they were is not unlike the 50's view of Japanese made products. Times and companies change. They now produce many high end highly rated products.
While I am truly happy with my Panasonic stuff, my next move will likely be Samsung.

Here's a snip of a review.

I don't think that is what I was saying, or at the least intending to say. I said they didn't make a horrible flat panel, they just didn't make one that stood out among the rest.

My comment about them polishing a turd was speaking to the brand status alone. This article at tech crunch says a little more about it:

http://techcrunch.com/2007/02/08/the-futurist-from-lucky-goldstar-to-lg-or-brands-that-change-with-the-times/

I lumped LG into the value brands and I stand by that. Their product offering usually doesn't stand out but rather tends to run with the herd. That being said, there are some remarkable values among the value brands. You just have to know what you want and do a lot of research.

When I typically look for electronics, I first set my budget and then figure out the best model that is out there regardless of brand that falls within my budget. This has often times led me to reassess my budget

I don't have much brand loyalty in electronics.

I have 60" LED Samsung 8000 series, it is not cheap, but for what you get compared to other brands, it is the best value.

0 back-light bleeding FTW

Thanks, I understand and agree until it comes to reviewing return and repair history. Having also been around the business by way of a long time friend and store owner, I have seen several brands as listed in the cut and paste, Panasonic and Samsung, as having better than average quality and lowest return and problem ratings. Then again, the market and I apparently don't see things the same way. I still think my old plasma screens are far better looking than anyones LED. As always YMMV.

I've just replaced my 3 year old Sony with a Panasonic LED backlit Smart TV (or rather work did - a long service award) and moved the Sony to another room. Disappointed doesn't cover it with the Panasonic, not least because I am a long standing fan of their stuff. I just can't get a satisfactory picture no matter how much I fiddle with settings. I wouldn't describe the HD picture any higher than decent, where the Sony is sensational. I have scoured forums and tried all kinds of different settings that have been recommended, thinking that I am missing something, but it just doesn't hit the mark.

Another failing. I also have a pair of satellite speakers and a subwoofer which simply plugged into the headphone jack on the Sony and overrode the internal speaker, working from the Sony remote perfectly. I thought that this would be the case too with the Panasonic as it has a headphone jack, but no. No amount of setting twiddling will get that to work. Looks like I'm stuck with the internal until I get a compatible soundbar or speaker set. The speakers have gone to the other room with the Sony. Something I also find myself doing quite often.

Yup I prefer plasma myself as the blacks are far better. That said they are not good for every room, do research.

I recently replaced my 5 yr. old $3000 Panasonic plasma with an $650 LG Plasma, picture is every bit as good.

check out the product reviews on CNET.COM and when you're ready to purchase, get your flat screen at BUYDIG.COM they beat all other online competitors by a mile and they're authorized online retailers for all the big names(sony, samsung, etc), oh, and i have a samsung 55'' 7000 series in my living room and the pic and refreshing speed(240 hz) is amazing

"LG: You can stop hiding from your scary SPY TELLY quite soon now"

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/11/22/lg_tv_spying_statement/

we have a sony 60"xbr and love it. it came from sony as a replacement for our 60"xbr lcd projection which was only a few years old. the lcd projection was nothing short of fantastic, just was a poor design. i paid $350 for the new xbr from sony, delivered. and, thanks for the start of this thread. learned a lot. btw... the lcd was $5k...ya, yikes.

Thanks for all the positive replies for the Sony. My wife thinks it's a "big a$$ TV". I hope a 24 by 24 room will be big enough for this TV.

I recently purchased an LG 60" plasma TV and I am very happy with it. This is the model that Fry's puts on sale for $600 every so often, though they don't cite the brand in the ads. I bought it from Amazon for more.
http://www.amazon.com/LG-60PN5700-60-Inch-Class-Plasma/dp/B00CPDRKWG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1386668042&sr=8-6&keywords=lg+5700+smart+tv

The only downsides I have noticed are a very polished screen, so reflections can be a problem if you have a bright window opposite the TV and, like many new flat screens, the sound can be somewhat anemic for movie viewing. I got a Boston Acoustics soundbar (did score this one at Fry's for 70% off ) and that fixed it right up. BTW, you can download a free cell phone app that acts as a remote mouse. Very cool.

I have the same T.V. and the picture blows me away.

franklyspeaking

Part of the title of the article you linked concerning LG was "Brands That Change With The Times"

Seeing that that article was dated Feb 2007, or nearly 7 years ago, kinda difficult to apply it to today, wouldn't you say? Times have changed even more since early 2007.

They have changed. I just don't think of them as a "Premium" brand. I think what separates Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic are their consistent pioneering in the industry, their quality and their ability to resolve issues in a timely manner with a high level of customer satisfaction.

I think it is funny how my comments are being compared to the kind of crap people used to say about Japanese products back in the day. It wasn't like I was touting RCA, Zenith or some other american company. They didn't even make the list of top recommendations. Nationality didn't even enter my mind.

Additionally, I don't think 7 years means a lot for a brand that has been around since 1947. I choose to look at specs, performance and customer support as more important than marketing. Companies like NEC, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung have flown technicians out to our facilities to conduct repairs and conduct training on how to repair issues. I haven't had that same level of service with LG.

On another note, I think Sharp should get some consideration as well. Some of their models perform well.

Regardless, we're all just posters on a vespa forum and if you want better advice on TV recommendations your best course would be to ask on a forum dedicated to home theater. Additionally, I'd find review sites rather than rely on amazon, best buy or wal mart reviews. Here are links to a few:

http://www.avsforum.com/

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/

And here is a decent review site from an industry mag:

http://www.soundandvision.com/

another one:

http://hometheaterreview.com/

and as previously mentioned:

http://www.cnet.com/

And now for a disclaimer...
At the end of the day these are just my opinions, formed from my experience and what I could reason out with the information around me through 18 years in the industry (I don't consider this a whole lot of time either for the record, as I work with plenty of people with 30+ years in the industry). Some of those opinions could have well been formed in err and without due consideration. If you have an LG and love it, I'm happy for you. I am watching the news on an LG in our bedroom as I am writing this. I found it on clearance at Fry's and it works great in the bedroom but I have, at the time purchase a top of the line, Samsung in my living room where I watch movies for entertainment with an Harman Kardon Receiver and Polk floor speakers with dual subs.

Essentially, it is important for you to do your own research and the best way to do that is to immerse yourself around people who know about these things. A grape ripens on the vine or so they say... Similar to why/how I joined this community to learn more about the wonderful world of scoot'n.

Now, send folks to AV and home theater forums is a truly sound piece of advice.

I doubt anyone here goes to an AV or home theater forum for Vespa purchase decision making advice.

I just purchased a Samsung 8000 Smart TV. It is connected to my Samsung Blu-Ray player and our home Network. I added a blue tooth sound bar and subwoofer and I could not be happier with it. Easy to use and navigate through the menus and set up was a breeze. If your going to get a big screen TV, get a 240Hz refresh rate, it does make a difference in action scenes. If you wait till after the holidays, you can probably pick up a 55"-60" 4K TV for well under $2,500.

LED Backlit LCD panels still don't have quite the black levels and color saturation of the better plasma sets and can struggle with refresh rates, but Panasonic is discontinuing their Plasma screens. Plasma does use quite a bit more energy though. One thing to check on a bargain set...make sure the number and type of inputs will meet your home theater needs. Many times the Wally World special (and other special deals) will short change you on the # of inputs and other features/integration options.

Here's a good site for some research...these folks are the experts and dedicate an enormous amount of time in their recommendations...

http://reviews.cnet.com/televisions/

When I was looking to buy a TV, I wanted the best, most up-to-date TV I could get.
After researching Consumer reports and others, I opted for Samsung 8000 series 60 in. smart plasma TV ... Turns out to be a good TV with a great picture but it does NOT communicate with Apple/Mac, So sharing photo's is not an option... Did not know that

I love netflix and I can get it on my smart TV, and PS3... Neither did a very good job of streaming even though I have Road runner lightning 90 mbps internet with a direct connection through cat6 eithernet on everything!

The internet searching on the smart TV is painfully slow typing on the remote control.
I paid quite a bit extra to have a smart TV... But, I barely use the smart products they offer, And the 3D thing, The novelty of that wore off pretty quick after trying to wear 3D glasses over my eyeglasses...
... I have to admit, "How to train your dragon" in 3D was excellent!

If I had it to do all over again, The things I would change are....
-Not get 3D
-Not get a smart TV - Apple TV is soooo much better! ... apparently it is a processor thing that determines the quality of the stream, if you already have a way of streaming, Why would you double it?
With Apple TV I can mirror my computer onto the TV and use my keyboard to do internet searches AND mirror my photo album onto the TV for showing photos... TAKE THAT SAMSUNG!
... disclaimer - I do not work for Apple, Just an enthusiast.

-Not get plasma - I was told the that plasma TV's are no longer susceptible to burn in's NOT TRUE!
I don't watch more than 2 hours of TV a day and "Bay news 9" is burned into the lower corner of my screen in less than a year! ... Plus, Plasma is hot! In Florida, that is not good.

The latest things hitting the market are 4K hdtv and OLED
... technology is not up to speed for these devices yet.
Apple is getting ready for it and are promoting 4K processing in their new Mac Pro, Also rumored is the new Thunderbolt display will probably be 4K.

If I had it to do over again, Good LED or the 4K newer technology and wait for the blue ray players to catch up... But, you will be paying $1000. more... wait 3 years then go OLED or 4K... I personally like OLED

You know you don't have to plug it into a network
Get a ROKU Box and screw the LG smart TV sending info back to LG.

Should have stuck with a Panasonic, you can't get a better Plasma.

I'd really recommend a mid-high end Phillips one. They tend to have good built-in sound, and the ambilight feature is one of those things that sounds like a gimmick at first, but now I wouldn't buy a TV without it.

David

I saw this on cnet this morning and it thought I'd share:

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p55st60/4505-6482_7-35567256.html