school me on hdtvs

[scourge]

.) Is 3d really worth it? Is everything in 3d, or just certain things?

2.) Whats with these tvs that connect to the internet? Is this service free? Is it different than just connecting my laptop to my tv?

3.) Prob gonna buy on black friday, what do I need to know? What should I avoid?

4.) good deals?

[woodjer]

Re: school me on hdtvs

.) Is 3d really worth it? Is everything in 3d, or just certain things?

2.) Whats with these tvs that connect to the internet? Is this service free? Is it different than just connecting my laptop to my tv?

3.) Prob gonna buy on black friday, what do I need to know? What should I avoid?

4.) good deals?

Just picked up a new TV (LG 47LW6500) myself. Arrives Friday so I can't wait. Anyway, here is what I found during my research. Others can correct anything that I may have misunderstood.

1) Not everything is in 3d. You have to have a 3d Blu-Ray or a 3d source from cable. Whether or not 3d is worth it depends on you. If you haven't already go somewhere and check out a demo. For the little bit extra that it cost me, I figured it was worth having, at least. I went with a passive 3d one though so the glasses don't cost me an arm and a leg.

2) My new one is a "smart" TV (one that can access the internet). It wasn't a big factor in my decision but when I compared the non-"smart" TV without 3d to the one that I got, it was about $200 more so I figured it couldn't hurt. You can access Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other apps similar to an iPhone type of thing. Not sure how they compare to iPhone apps but the idea is similar...you just have the apps on your TV.

3) I detest Black Friday. I guess my advice would be to really pay attention to the deals that you might get. Some weird brand that you've never heard of might have a great price but it might not be all that great of a product, quality-wise. Also, the really good deals are only available that day so they make you decide too quickly for my tastes.

4) I found my best deal on Amazon. Not sure if there are better places to look but I was pretty satisfied with mine. If you can get a bundle of some sort (360/PS3, blu-ray player, sound system, or anything else they might want to throw in), that might be your best option.

Hope that helps, man.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: school me on hdtvs

.) Is 3d really worth it? Is everything in 3d, or just certain things?

2.) Whats with these tvs that connect to the internet? Is this service free? Is it different than just connecting my laptop to my tv?

3.) Prob gonna buy on black friday, what do I need to know? What should I avoid?

4.) good deals?

1. Depends on the person. Some like it, some don't. Keep in mind, 3D comes in 2 flavors: active and passive. With active, the glasses are "heavier" and more expensive. You get full HD (1080p) resolution in both eyes but the image is slightly darker (compared to not wearing the glasses). Passive uses cheap glasses like those at the movie theater and are lighter to wear. But you get half the resolution (540 x 1920). Some people prefer passive over active.

Even if you buy a 3D HDTV, you don't ever have to use the 3D technology. Most 3D TVs have 2D --> 3D conversion ability where the TV puts something in 3D for you. Some TVs are better than others at doing this, but it obviously won't be as good as something that was made specifically in 3D.

Here's a good link to use: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-...6-1/3d-tv-faq/

2) Yes, free. Basically eliminating the need to hook your laptop to the tv for Facebook, Pandora, Netflix, etc.

3) If this is going to be your main TV, you will want to stick with a name brand: Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG...even Vizio. You then have to decide what size you want and what you budget is. Also, have to decide are you going with a traditional LCD, LCD that is LED backlit, or Plasma. Plasmas require a bit more care, especially early on. Black Friday is usually the time where cheaper TVs with less features get sold. Don't expect perfection from a $200-300 tv.

4) For black friday, use the search function on www.bfads.net
Type in the size of the tv you're looking for and it'll give you all the stores that meet that criteria. Ex. 32" LCD or plasma

Good luck

[Skyboxer]

Re: school me on hdtvs

.) Is 3d really worth it? Is everything in 3d, or just certain things?

2.) Whats with these tvs that connect to the internet? Is this service free? Is it different than just connecting my laptop to my tv?

3.) Prob gonna buy on black friday, what do I need to know? What should I avoid?

4.) good deals?

Not everything is in 3D BUT the tv's (mine does) can switch 2D to 3D. Is it worth it? Well for me it's a cool feature. I was in the market for a new tv so it was a no brainer , with the deal I got, to just get one with 3D.
Some 3D is better than others but it's cool none the less. As far as games, Crysis 2 was pretty sweet in 3D and there are more and more games coming out in 3D especially with Sony backing 3D.

The two types of 3D are both cool but from what I've seen the shutter glasses 3D are in 1080p while the cheaper glasses type, like what you wear in theatres in not full 1080p. Does that matter as far as 3D..? Don't really know as I've not watched other than with the shutter 3D.

[scourge]

Re: school me on hdtvs

Want to get as big as screen as possible. Gotta be 1080p and 120hz. Was leaning toward LED.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: school me on hdtvs

Want to get as big as screen as possible. Gotta be 1080p and 120hz. Was leaning toward LED.

Need to know a budget. There is an 80" LED out there

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: school me on hdtvs

Need to know a budget. There is an 80" LED out there

What he said. We talking 55" , 59", 65" , 70" or 80"

HHGreg and Sears have the 70" Aquos LED (120Hz) for just under $2K.

Amazon has the 80" version for the low, low price of $4,407. (with free shipping)

If you're thinking 80+, you might want to consider a projector.

[scourge]

Re: school me on hdtvs

80" LED would be amazing, but I don't have that kind of money


prob looking at about 500 to 800 dollars

[55]

Re: school me on hdtvs

prob looking at about 500 to 800 dollars

You're not going to get an LED set that is anything but third rate (and relatively small) at that price point.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: school me on hdtvs

80" LED would be amazing, but I don't have that kind of money


prob looking at about 500 to 800 dollars

http://www.amazon.com/LG-Infinia-42L...2023415&sr=1-1

$680 for 42", $850 for 47"

[scourge]

Re: school me on hdtvs

looks like maybe a 42" or 46" at best. Guess I don't need a beast. Hoping black friday comes through with something

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: school me on hdtvs

Are you dead set on LED?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: school me on hdtvs

http://www.amazon.com/LG-42LW5300-42...2024076&sr=1-5

This appears to be a nice starter LED 3D TV (Amazon every day price). 42", 1080p, 120Hz , 3D, with 3D blu ray player and 4sets of glasses for $727 shipped (no taxes depending on what state you live in).

Note: The 47" step up version will be available for Black Friday (no price set yet--- perhaps $800?) Same deal except bigger TV with internet apps and 240Hz. http://bfads.net/Amazon-Black-Friday...-of-3D-Glasses

HH Greg BF deal. 47", 120 Hz for $800. http://bfads.net/hhgregg-Black-Frida...-Bluray-Player

Walmart.com has the HH Greg deal available online right now for the same price. $800 http://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-47-47LW...93273619632452 SOLD OUT ONLINE

Just a FYI: 3D versions of blu rays run about $10 more than the just 2D version. New releases start at (and stay close to) $30 each. Good luck

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: school me on hdtvs

Some other questions.

Do you have a 3D capable blu ray player?

Is this your first HDTV? Are you gonna have to upgrade your TV service?

[scourge]

Re: school me on hdtvs

great reccomendations so far guys. thanks for all the info