TV time!

[[AK]The Beast]

So my TV bit the dust right as last night's epic MLB all-star game was ending (just shy of 1:30 in the morning)--made a noise and my picture is washed in blue, all channels, all inputs. So I figure there's no point in getting my 32" non-HD set repaired, but I'm looking to replace it pretty quickly as it's my main set. I'm looking at this one (Best Buy/ZDNet)--anyone have any thoughts on it or other suggestions in the $1000-ish range? I currently don't have an HD programming package but I'm checking the costs of going that way in the very near future.

[[AK]Clay]

Looks like a steal. IMHO 42" HD is the baseline minimum for a new primary TV for a household. The last time I looked, $2,000 was the lowest you could get such a TV for.

The only thing concerning to me is it is plasma. The technology could have evolved, but around 1-2 years ago, the complaints with plasma were its poor energy efficiecincy/high temperature (heat = wasted energy) and its relatively short overall service life.

[[AK]The Beast]

Yeah, that worried me as well--the ZD site says it's plasma, but Best Buy and the model number both say LCD. I don't believe there's a 42" plasma for that price, either. LCD I believe easily (though it's still a steal).

[[AK]Nuts]

I've been pleased with my LCD... it was brighter than the plasma and had less glare. Just make sure you get a model with every possible input!

[[AK]The Beast]

Definitely. This one has 'em all (and I believe has 2 composite inputs, not that I need them). I'm not buying anything until I go to the store and see it side by side. Unless Woot has their 42" for $650 again. That I'll buy on faith.

[Slaughter]

I'd stay clear of Dynex, personally.

I'm a fan of this one in the 42" size. The Westinghouse is my favorite for the price.

I'd suggest anything 32"-40" that Best Buy has, but everything on their site was either the same price as the Toshiba or more expensive for 1080p.

[[AK]Nuts]

Also, don't forget some of the more traditional stores. I bought my 50" at Sears. They offered a good price on the warranty, and price match for 90 days. The biggest pain in the ass is the inability to do true side-by-side comparisons. You can't grab the 40" LCD and walk it over to the 40" plasma. Or look at two TV's from different makers. They specifically separate the TV's from one another to make it tough. Also, they keep the lighting low so you can't judge glare and brightness.

[[AK]The Beast]

Yeah, I've checked out a couple of other sources; haven't found anything reviewed as well as the Dynex (which I've since learned is a rebranded something-or-other for Best Buy) for the price. As far as low lighting--I don't have a wife to answer to, so my living room is set up for low-light TV and movie watching (painted a dark color, shades that are usually closed, etc.) So I'm not too worried about seeing it in brighter light.

[Slaughter]

Yeah, Dynex is rebranded faulty, but working, parts from LG or some other companies TV's.

I am in no way threadcrapping on this deal but i work for bestbuy and the tvs that are sold that are dynex have lots of issues. Work in the geeksquad and we have to test them out. I know that it is cheap but we are here to save money, if you put out 800.00 dollars for a tv and it craps out it doesn't matter how much you saved you still lost 800 dollars. I am just trying to say spend a little more for a reputable company this way if you have an issue you are covered

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=837964

[[AK]The Beast]

I'll see you and raise you from the same thread:

I worked at BB in home theater for approx a year (before I had to grow up and get a real job) and I must say for $800 this is by no means a bad deal. I would by Dynex before I bought a similarly priced Westinghouse any day of the week. Before working in HT I worked in inventory where we routinely DEVO'd defective tvs and I must say that Dynex tvs came back no more than any other budget-type tv (Westinghouse, Insignia, Magnavox).

Personally, I would say if it fits within your budget and the picture looks well enough for you then this is a pretty good deal.

I'm always very skeptical of online reviews since you never know who's out there posting--for all I know, all the positive reviews are from Best Buy execs and all the negative ones are from Circuit City. That's why I posted here instead of there.

[Slaughter]

Hmm, must've missed that one. One of my friends' moms bought a Dynex not too long ago and had to take it back for some reason or another (think it was the speakers) and they swapped it out for her, so at least thats a positive... When buying a TV I just wouldn't want to have to go through the hassle of dealing with something being wrong in the first place.