Shopping around but am still unsure

Jer wrote:

And are they gonna put pillar bars on all STANDARD 16:9 broadcasts, or
are they gonna stretch it? They are very vague:

"Using highly advanced formatting technology, regular 16:9 content from
sources such as TV broadcasts and games consoles is also adapted to fill
the 21:9 screen."

Yeah, I read that part about their 'highly advanced formatting
technology' business and I recall wondering what's the point? I'll
never need it. I'd have to be sure I could turn that business off.

Letter-boxing on 4:3 aspect ratio programming or pillar bars on 2.39:1
programming doesn't bother me on my 16:9 screen. The bars seem to disappear
a few minutes into the program. No "stretching" or "zooming" for me, please.

Make sure it has at least two - and hopefully three - HDMI inputs in
the back. One is NOT enough. For 40"+, a 1080p set comes into play.
Will you be getting a Blu-ray disc player? Or do you currently have
an upconverting DVD player? If so, a 1080p set may be worth getting.

IMO, I would stay with Sony or Samsung.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166

I've narrowed down my choices to the following models:

SAM LN40A550
SAM LN46A650
SAM LN46A550

SON KDL46S4100
SON KDL40V4150
SON KDL42V4100

I'd be interested in getting opinions as to which I should be looking
at in particular. Also, what speaker/theatre system would go well
with that TV?

thnx,
Christoph

The 42" and 46" plasma models are topped by Panasonics. Larger 50" and 58"
ratings are topped by Samsung and Pioneer.
CR recommended a 32" Insignia plasma at $500, nothing else, less than a
42" screen.
In 42" plasmas, it was Panasonic $900, LG $1000, Hitachi $1200, and
Samsung $800.

Well, plasma isn't really an option for me because the room it is
going in is very bright. There are many large windows on 3 of the
walls.

thnx,
Christoph

wrote:
Make sure it has at least two - and hopefully three - HDMI inputs in
the back. One is NOT enough. For 40"+, a 1080p set comes into play.
Will you be getting a Blu-ray disc player? Or do you currently have
an upconverting DVD player? If so, a 1080p set may be worth getting.

IMO, I would stay with Sony or Samsung.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166


I've narrowed down my choices to the following models:

SAM LN40A550*
SAM LN46A650
SAM LN46A550*


With your "bright room" problem I would choose the Samsungs that have a
"Clear Panel", and NOT the "Ultra Clear" panel. The ones I know of are
the 40A550 and the 46A630. The Samsung web page says the 46A550 is a
Clear panel too, but I haven't seen as much discussion to confirm that,
as I have the 630.

The 40A550 I have, is perfect for my brightly lit bedroom. Note also,
that many of the lines above the 550, have *color* in the black frame
surrounding the TV screen. I didn't think I would like that.


SON KDL46S4100
SON KDL40V4150
SON KDL42V4100

I'd be interested in getting opinions as to which I should be looking
at in particular. Also, what speaker/theatre system would go well
with that TV?

Can't comment on the Sonys, but know they are highly rated by consumers
and reviewers. If you haven't been to the AVS forum, they could answer
most any questions you have about either brand's models.

I'm still looking for the best accompanying sound equipment myself, so I
hope someone else is going to respond to your question about that.
bj

wrote:
The 42" and 46" plasma models are topped by Panasonics. Larger 50" and 58"
ratings are topped by Samsung and Pioneer.

CR recommended a 32" Insignia plasma at $500, nothing else, less than a
42" screen.
In 42" plasmas, it was Panasonic $900, LG $1000, Hitachi $1200, and
Samsung $800.


Well, plasma isn't really an option for me because the room it is
going in is very bright. There are many large windows on 3 of the
walls.

thnx,
Christoph


Yes.... that reply was in response to Richard Harison's request about
plasma's specifically.

My earlier reply to your request noted your bright room problem. The
Samsung LN40A550 or LN46A630 LCD TVs are good in that situation.
bj