Thread: Buying an LCD TV

I am helping my friend buy an LCD TV and after reading a lot of articles/threads and listening to a lot of advices i was totally confused . My friend is not a techie and i am doing all the research on behalf of him ....

According to his requirements we decided to go for a LCD TV ..... budget is around 40k rs not more than 45k ..... We decided on Samsung or Sony ..... and we will be buying a 5.1 speaker set and a dvd player (preferably from the same company) along with it .

ok please clear some of my obscure doubts on this issue

1) What does Full HD really mean ? ...... Does it mean we can play Blu-ray movies in that tv (with a player ofcourse) ?
2) Is this a good time to buy a TV ? or should we wait for a few months before buying one as prices may drop drastically
3) Can all LCD TVs display all formats(codecs ex: .mkv) if played with suitable players ??

Visit This : A Daily Guide To PC Tweaking: Tips For Buying LCD TV

That answered my first question
Now for the rest

2) Is this a good time to buy a TV ? or should we wait for a few months before buying one as prices may drop drastically
3) Can all LCD TVs display all formats(codecs ex: .mkv) if played with suitable players ??
4) Will i get black bars on the side if i watch SD content in a say 32 or 37 inch TV ? ....

Is this full HD ??
http://www.samsung.com/in/consumer/d...LXL&fullspec=F

I have no answer for Q.2

3) Yes.

one more thing .... can u confirm if these models have been released in India

Samsung

Series 4

* LA26B450C4
* LA32B450C4
* LA37B450C4
* LA40B450C4

Series 5

* LA32B550K1R
* LA40B550K1R
* LA46B550K1R
* LA52B550K1R

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

I am helping my friend buy an LCD TV and after reading a lot of articles/threads and listening to a lot of advices i was totally confused . My friend is not a techie and i am doing all the research on behalf of him ....

According to his requirements we decided to go for a LCD TV ..... budget is around 40k rs not more than 45k ..... We decided on Samsung or Sony ..... and we will be buying a 5.1 speaker set and a dvd player (preferably from the same company) along with it .

ok please clear some of my obscure doubts on this issue

1) What does Full HD really mean ? ...... Does it mean we can play Blu-ray movies in that tv (with a player ofcourse) ?
2) Is this a good time to buy a TV ? or should we wait for a few months before buying one as prices may drop drastically
3) Can all LCD TVs display all formats(codecs ex: .mkv) if played with suitable players ??

1. Full or True HD means a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels whereas HD-Ready or standard HD means 1280x720 pixels. Remember that all LCD TVs are widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16:9. In addition, a TV has two types of scan modes - the older method called as interlaced scan and the newer (better) method known as progressive scan. Accordingly, the LCD TV (or even plasma for that matter) is denoted as 1080i/1080p (for Full HD) and 720i/720p (for standard HD).
   
   A full HD player can definitely play any full HD content including Blu-Ray, provided of course (as you rightly put), that you have a player capable of the same.
2. There is no such time as the proper time. Note that prices will always come down for existing technology because new technology gets introduced every six months. For instance, in case of Sony, a year back they were selling their top models (the X Series) around 125K with Bravia technology, 5+ ms response time, around 3000:1 as the real contrast ratio (ignore dynamic contrast ratio), etc. The same models are now available at 90+ K. This is because Sony has introduced the Bravia II technology, reduced the response time, upped the contrast ratio, etc. Their new Z series are now selling for 130~150K.
   
   So while it is true that price reduces, it needs to be understood clearly, "for what?". A parallel example is a PC CPU. The latest Intel processor will debut around 18K and price will drop to 12K in a year but because a new model has been introduced.
   
   The call whether to buy or not to buy should be determined by the following factors:
   
   - Do I need an LCD TV now? Can I live without it?
   - What advantages do I get with an LCD TV?
   - Do I have the right sources, e.g., a BD player/movies/content, that will take the optimum advantage of the new technology? If one is going to watch analogue cable, then "Duh! Forget about LCD". If one is hoing to watch digital cable/DTH then LCD will provide a better viewing but certainly not worth spending 50+ K.
   - Am I buying it as a "status symbol"? This decision is highly personal and I cannot comment other than "Think. It is your money that you are spending".
   - Situation: Have an excellent HT, power packed original DVDs/BDs, excellent content and hence need an LCD TV. Then, definitely "Yes". Don't look at the possible price drop as that will always happen.
3. The LCD TV does not decide what formats it can display. It displays video signals - whatever is fed by the player. The LCD TV accepts the input in form of Composite AV, S-Video, Component AV and HDMI. Composite AV, S-Video and Component AV are analogue while HDMI is digital. As long as you have a player that can play a video source (including .mkv) and has any of the four output methods, then the TV can display the video.
   
   What I am trying to say is that any TV (including LCD or Plasma) plays no part in whether it can display any format.
   
   For a TV, the only thing that is important is the TV Video Standard (NTSC/PAL/SeCAM). And this applies to analogue video (Composite AV, S-Video and Component AV) only. HDMI is digital and is not hampered by the above.
   
   So the player needs to comply and not the TV.

Hope this answers your queries. Shout if you need more answers.

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

one more thing .... can u confirm if these models have been released in India

Samsung

Series 4

* LA26B450C4
* LA32B450C4
* LA37B450C4
* LA40B450C4

Series 5

* LA32B550K1R
* LA40B550K1R
* LA46B550K1R
* LA52B550K1R

The best way to confirm is from the Samsung India web site.

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

4) Will i get black bars on the side if i watch SD content in a say 32 or 37 inch TV ? ....

5) Is this full HD ??
81cm (32) HD LCD TV that gives unexpected delight LA32A450C1 - LCD TV - Television | SAMSUNG

Ans 4) Yes and No.

When you watch SD content, broadcasted in 4:3 format, the way it is displayed on TV depends upon the TV setting:

a) 16:9 mode (default mode): The picture will be stretched to fit the screen. All characters and objects will appear fatter than they are.

b) 4:3 mode: The picture will be shown as is without stretching but there will be black bars on the left and right ride.

c) Zoom mode (if the TV supports this mode): The picture will be digitally zoomed two times so that it fits the screen without distortion. But picture on all side will be cropped and the center portion will be seen intact. Some minor resolution loss will be introduced because of digital zoom.

d) Just mode (if the TV supports this mode): The picture is digitally zoomed in such a manner that 4:3 picture will fit the screen. The center portion is adjusted so that there is no distortion due to the aspect ratio but the edges will be distorted like in 16:9 mode. This mode is a combination of 4:3 and Zoom.

Ans 5) The Samsung 32" TV that you have given link to is NOT Full HD. It's resolution is 1366 x 768 and hence falls in the Standard or HD-Ready category.

List of all Samsung Full HD TVs:

• All from Series 6
• Series 5 - LA32A550P1
• Series 5 - LA37A550P1
• Series 5 - LA40A550P1
• Series 5 - LA46A550P1

Is a LCD TV needed now (for my friend) ??

Yes , because he just bought a new house , in which he plans to settle so he is planning to build a HT slowly .....

1) ok if u had a choice of 2 TVs ....

A Full HD 32" LG Jazz LCD

and Plasma 42" Panasonic PV8 HD ready

which would you choose ..... both are almost the same price

I am not too good at this but just like to add that you might wanna check out some of the new LED lit LCD tvs which give a better picture quality and sharper images and the black shows more black on them dont know how to put this...

There are a couple of them available in the price range you indicated in 32 inch size with full HD.

Sorry to add more ifs and buts to your already difficult task

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

Is a LCD TV needed now (for my friend) ??

Yes , because he just bought a new house , in which he plans to settle so he is planning to build a HT slowly .....

1) ok if u had a choice of 2 TVs ....

A Full HD 32" LG Jazz LCD

and Plasma 42" Panasonic PV8 HD ready

which would you choose ..... both are almost the same price

Why not buy LCD TV as the last component of the HT system? More options and cheaper TV will be available then.

Have your friend look at my "Home Threater" article (in my sig). One can build a HT system part by part. I managed without a large screen TV for over 5 years.

Shadow, for 32" (or even 42") You probably cannot distinguish
between 720p or 1080p. so if the price difference is significant
you can go with 720p.
Also the size you want to get depends on the viewing distance
in the room. How big is the room?

-F

Originally Posted by farce

Shadow, for 32" (or even 42") You probably cannot distinguish
between 720p or 1080p. so if the price difference is significant
you can go with 720p.
Also the size you want to get depends on the viewing distance
in the room. How big is the room?

-F

On the 42", the difference will be quite apparent, if the source is 1080p.

And as far as the viewing distance is concerned, the correct distance is 2 times the height of the frame. So for 42", it is 1.5 m. Note that with an LCD TV, you can be much closer to the TV. And if the source is True HD, you can sit just 1 meter away from a 42" and feel no strain at all.

Originally Posted by Admin

I am not too good at this but just like to add that you might wanna check out some of the new LED lit LCD tvs which give a better picture quality and sharper images and the black shows more black on them dont know how to put this...

There are a couple of them available in the price range you indicated in 32 inch size with full HD.

Sorry to add more ifs and buts to your already difficult task

Oh ! i did not know ledlcd tvs were available at this price range .... will chek it out

Originally Posted by farce

Shadow, for 32" (or even 42") You probably cannot distinguish
between 720p or 1080p. so if the price difference is significant
you can go with 720p.
Also the size you want to get depends on the viewing distance
in the room. How big is the room?

-F

Room Dimension.PNG
Room Plan : Top view of the Empty room

My friend and I decided that this was the best room for setting up a HT ..... it was one of his bedrooms .....

its a 15*16 feet room

the positions highlighted in red may be the places we may set up the HT system (taking into account the sun lighting)

so there will be a max space of 12 feet between the system and the couch

NOTE : its a rough diagram and was not drawn to dimensions

Originally Posted by just4kix

Why not buy LCD TV as the last component of the HT system? More options and cheaper TV will be available then.

Have your friend look at my "Home Threater" article (in my sig). One can build a HT system part by part. I managed without a large screen TV for over 5 years.

That may be a good idea , as he insists on building it from scratch

Mailed him the article ....... waiting for his feedback

The most confusing part is when to buy each component ........

I have a question

With respect to Picture Quality which is superior
LCD/Plasma TV or a Projector ??

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

That may be a good idea , as he insists on building it from scratch

Mailed him the article ....... waiting for his feedback

The most confusing part is when to buy each component ........

I have a question

With respect to Picture Quality which is superior
LCD/Plasma TV or a Projector ??

Assuming that one is pressed for budget, wants to have the best, the order of purchase in my opinion should be:

1. An upscaling DVD player or better still (if one can afford it a BD-player or PS3)
2. A good amp/receiver complete with 5.1 or (better option) 7.1 speaker system. Once can consider a packaged system that is available from Sony, Samsung, LG, etc.
3. A large screen TV.

For Cinema, the best viewing options are:

1. Plasma
2. LCD
3. Projector

Make no mistake about it. I love my own projector and I have never ever regretted the decision to invest in it. But a projector is not everybody's cup of tea:

• A projector requires a flat wall painted with super white non-glossy white paint or a pull-down screen
• A projector muct be installed properly on the opposite wall, preferable from the ceiling
• Need to run long wires and if you wish to hide the messy looking wires, they need to be concealed properly.
• A home projector is expensive. And a home projector is different from the business or boardroom projector.
• The bulb life is 3000 hrs. or so after which you need to replace it. Bulbs are expensive (about $700 equivalent).
• If there are frequent power outages in your area, then you must connect the projector to an UPS.
• And finally ... the room must be completely dark to enjoy the cinema. Itsmemad has seen my home theater setup. You can ask him.

But I enjoy my movies (and IPL) on 8' x 4.5' screen (110" diagonal). If everything is matched, the projector experience is just awesome.

Is there any point in connecting TATA sky to a LCD/Plasma ?? ...... is their content 16:9 ????

PS : i owe u 2 reps now

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

Is there any point in connecting TATA sky to a LCD/Plasma ?? ...... is their content 16:9 ????

PS : i owe u 2 reps now

This is a difficult yet interesting question.

LCD/Plasma will give you definitely a good picture with TataSky. Their content is *NOT* 16:9. But then no DTH/Cable provider is feeding 16:9 content - so that should not be a criteria at all.

TataSky will give good quality on CRT TV as well. It will look even better on LCD. But if that (DTH) is all one is going to watch, then there is no pressing need for an LCD.

Note that DishTV also yields very nice picture on LCD - my neighbour has DishTV on LCD.

And I saw BigTV on LCD in a hotel restaurant and the quality was awesome. Have not seen Airtel in action, although LD Magazine claims it to be the best (see here: Best DTH as per 'Living Digital' Magazine).

Finally was able to rep Just4kicks once

Originally Posted by ShAdOwCoN

Finally was able to rep Just4kicks once

:lol:

Thanks, ShAdOwCoN.

BTW, Have you and your friend zero'ed in on the exact model?

yeah .... i will post more details+questions ..... i am a little busy right now , so dont have time to do so

Any further updates?

sorry for not posting .... i got a little busy

Yeah another friend guided him and ended up buying the LG 42" PQ60r (not sure about the model) plasma

I dont really know about this TV

Sir,
I got an opportunity of reading your answers on questions related to Best LCD TV. But not satisfied as technically I am not sound. In easy words, I want to know which is the best and economical HDTV/HD ready TV available in the Indian market.

I have explored the markets of Delhi and am feeling more confused after that. Either dealers are making us fool or they themselves are fool (they are providing half-baked information). Every body is serving their product with so many features, which God knows, are there or not, even we are not well aware of them. There are so many brands like; SONY BRAVIA; LG,SAMSUNG, PANASONIC, PHILIPS, VIDEOCON, SANSUI (AVAILABLE @19900 IN BIG BAZAAR) HITACHI ETC. ETC.

Secondly, I want to know about LCD (Liquid based) and Plasma (Gas based) TV what is the main difference, should we buy Plasma or LCD is the best?

My budget is between 25-30000/-. I want to purchase a HD ready or Full HD TV in this range. Please guide me which is the best TV available in the market at a reasonable price and with latest features

Thanks and regards,

(Guruvansh Singh)
Delhi, 9650662925

Originally Posted by vanshraja

Sir,
I got an opportunity of reading your answers on questions related to Best LCD TV. But not satisfied as technically I am not sound. In easy words, I want to know which is the best and economical HDTV/HD ready TV available in the Indian market.

I have explored the markets of Delhi and am feeling more confused after that. Either dealers are making us fool or they themselves are fool (they are providing half-baked information). Every body is serving their product with so many features, which God knows, are there or not, even we are not well aware of them. There are so many brands like; SONY BRAVIA; LG,SAMSUNG, PANASONIC, PHILIPS, VIDEOCON, SANSUI (AVAILABLE @19900 IN BIG BAZAAR) HITACHI ETC. ETC.

Secondly, I want to know about LCD (Liquid based) and Plasma (Gas based) TV what is the main difference, should we buy Plasma or LCD is the best?

My budget is between 25-30000/-. I want to purchase a HD ready or Full HD TV in this range. Please guide me which is the best TV available in the market at a reasonable price and with latest features

Thanks and regards,

(Guruvansh Singh)
Delhi, 9650662925

You have raised some really valid points. Even a techie like me gets confused on what is the best choice. I will try to provide some helpful suggestions - at least I hope that they will be.

You have said that your budget is 25~30K. In this budget you will obviously not get a 40"+ LCD TV - at least none of the reputed brands that I know are supporting this price for large size TVs.

I would like you to stick to known brands such as Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Philips and LG. Stay away from lesser known brands such as VU (marketed by Croma), Sansui, etc.

Obviously, the best thing to do is get the maximum size TV that your money can offer.

Sony LCD TVs are the best but also the costliest. Also, they do not have good offers such as exchange offer or discounts, etc. But you will not go wrong with a Sony. If Sony is not fitting in the budget, you could think of Samsung or others.

Plasma or LCD: You will probably not get a plasma for the above budget. But Plasma is better suited for home cinema - I think your should stick to LCD. Now LED lit LCDs are available but these are very costly at the moment.

Things to check:

Native contrast ratio: People advertise dynamic constrast ratio. This is a useless and obscene figure like 1,00,000:1. The reality is that the native contrast ration in the same case could be 3000:1. So insist on knowing native contrast ratio and then compare. Go for the model which has the best native contrast ratio.

Response time: Unlike normal (CRT) TV, LCDs suffer from a time lag between picture frames display. So in very fast moving action scenes, one may notice a ghost like image. Because CRT and Plasma TV work on light, there is no lag. Check for response time. The lesser the better.

Check TV with TV broadcast: In most shops, they show TV with a feed from a HI-Definition source such as a Blu-Ray player. This 1080p picture looks brilliant on the TV. When you take the TV home and see the normal TV on the same model, the picture is not as brilliant and you feel disappointed. Ask the salesman to show him normal cable or DTH picture. Check the same feed on different models.

Check in the same shop: It will be better to go to a shop that sells multiple brands. If you go to a Sony showroom or LG showroom, you will see their brands only - hence it will be difficult to compare.

Hunt for schemes: During festival seasons such as Diwali, there will be good offers. So you will be able to get a good deal.

Look at many places: Obvious.

Never fear to walk out: The salesman may have spent 1 hour with you. You may feel obliged to buy and the salesman will try to install the guilt feeling in you further. Don't fall into the trap. Walk out if you don't like it - afterall it is your money.

Finally, check the following threads also:

http://www.indiabroadband.net/home-a...ional-crt.html (The TV debate - LCD vs Plasma vs Traditional CRT)
http://www.indiabroadband.net/home-a...de-lcd-tv.html (Buying guide to LCD TV)
http://www.indiabroadband.net/home-a...e-further.html