Sponsored by Best Buy
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific (2 p.m. Eastern), we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for upcoming events!
Thanks for the Q's, sorry I couldn't get to them all, but there's a lineup of HDTVs waiting in the AV lab, and nobody ELSE is gonna review 'em. Again, thanks a million for all the great questions!
Katz
Hi Dave, just got a PS3 for the blue ray and took it home to set up and realized my Sony rear proj lcd HDtv only has DVI input....yikes, time for an upgrade. I love the set but it's obviously outdated.
I've got $2000, what do you recommend for the price range?
for $2K
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50a550/4505-6482_7-32887581.html?tag=txt
50" 5080, 52XBR4 or 6 series sammy, which would you take?
can all of those sets do 1080p via component (xbox 360)?
thanks
...all the way. No secret which HDTV I still like best.
Not sure about the 1080p via component actually, but I know all take it via HDMI.
David,
Do you recommend any picture settings for watching HD Channels such as sports on the Samsung LN46A650.
thanks again,
Victor
...because ambient light is very, very variable and usually modes like Standard look OK in beight rooms to begin with. But definitely choose the Warm2 color temp mode.
I sit about 14-18 feet away from where my TV will be. I am deciding between the Samsung PN58A550 plasma 58" and the LN52A650 LCD 52". What is the better choice for picture quality and viewing distance??
Thanks
Seriously, that's a long ways away for a 52. Go even bigger if you can afford it.
Hi David:
I moved into a house with an existing screen from the ceiling and am itching to buy a front projector for it.
I think it's about 90" diagonal in 16:9 shape and the couch will be about 10' from the screen. What's a recommendation? The Sony VPL-VW 100, 50 and 60 all seem to be well-reviewed options at good prices. Is any of them a clear winner or is another brand in the same price range a current winner?
...I'd take a VPL-VW60 or Mitsubishi HC6000 in the ~$5K range.
Say you didn't have a budget and you wanted to buy a tv for gaming and outstanding picture and where BD makes a huge difference, what would you get?
...since $ is no object, might as well make it a 60-inch elite.
Hey David,
As far as the better overall tv, do you feel the upcoming xbr8 will surpass the 6 series sammy?
The strange blooming effect was the bane of the 81F series Samsungs, so if Sony can get it right, it may well surpass the 6 series.
Like many I have been keeping an eye on the new Panny 800U but have been somewhat dismayed at reports of it handling 24p input at a slow 48Mhz.
My only HD content sources so far are OTA and DISH. Still just a SD DVD player....
Nevertheless, I keep finding myself leaning toward the Pios - the 5010 in particular - given their good 24p handling.
Am I getting too hung up on 24p processing?
Thanks!
24p sources on Pioneer plasmas that I've seen have less-smooth motion despite the 72Hz claims. There are plenty of other reasons to get a Pio, but IMO 24p at 72Hz shouldn't be one of them. For that matter I'm also skeptiucal of the Pannys, but we'll see.
Which offers the best picture quality in hd and standard def. Cable vs Satellite vs. Fios. I am trying to get the most out of my hdtv. I have comcast, directv, dish network, and Fios in my area. Thanks.
I live in NYC so I don't have Fios available, but from what I understand from knowledgeable friends, the HD and SD picture quality of Fios will be better than the others. Between cable vs. satellite, it depends on your local cable service, but from my side-y-side comparos here, both DirecTV and Dish (which are basically tied for PQ from what I've seen) are better than cable PQ.
Hi David
Aside from the obvious difference of 1080i VS 1080p, what differences would you notice from the two? For example, You mentioned that colour is a bit inaccurate of 5080, is it more accurtate on 5010FD? The blacks levels, comparable or one better than the other?
Min
You can't adjust color any more with the 5010 than you can with the 5080 (you need to go Elite to do that) and I'm pretty sure the 5010 has the same reddish color temperature and inaccurate green phosphors. Black levels are identical, again from what I've heard.
I recently read a blog review online of a tv, in which they listed the "correct" picture settings for a particular model of tv (Kuro), in order to save the potential buyer the fee of a professional calibration.
Is it really possible to just dial in numbers to get a good calibration, or is each television different?
Do you still recommend bringing in a pro over any other method of calibration (DVD's, et al)
...are not universal, which is the main argument for bringing in a pro. That said, if you don't want to spend the money the next-best thing is to get a calibration DVD or Blu-ray like Digital Video Essentials and do it yourself. That way your settings will jive with the actual equipment you have in your home.
I publish picture settings in all of my TV reviews that can provide a good baseline, and are often good enough for most people. If you want the picture to be perfect, however, a good calibrator with the right equipment is still your best bet.
DK,
What are your thoughts on 10 bit panels...worth the extra dough? Or is it just more marketing hype?
Thanks.
...especially in terms of reducing false contouring (solarization). As with most HDTV discussions, however, source is everything, and FC is mostly in the source, and many sources don't have 10-bit color depth. You also have to be caseful about the claim, some manufs talk about 10-bit processing when their panels are only 8-bit.
Will there be 1080p hdtv broadcasts any time soon? I reason I ask is all the plasmas seem to be going to 1080p. I love the pioneer 5080 but should I be worried about it being 720p?
...you shouldn't worry about the lack of 1080p broadcasts (10 years? never?) or the lack of 1080p resolution on that Pioneer, as my review said. Plasmas and everything else are going 1080p because manufs have to stay compeditive in the eyes of comparison shoppers, 1080p is getting less-expensive to manufacture, and the profit margins are better.
Hey David
I'm getting married in 44 days so I am on serious budget! However, we would like a buy HD flat panel TV I found a few on tigerdirect.com
Would you suggest these? or others? for a couple on a budget.
Price: $1,199.99
Olevia 747i LCD HDTV - 47" 1920x1080, 1080p Native, 1,600:1 Contrast Ratio, 8ms, HDMI, ATSC Tuner
or
Price: $999.99
Vizio GV47LF 47" LCD HDTV Television - 1920 x 1080, 1080p Native, 8ms, 1600:1 Contrast Ratio, HDMI, ATSC Tuner, Refurbished
thanks alot,
JB
...especially on an off-brand like Vizio. If your budget is around $999 I'd recommend a 42-inch Panasonic plasma (TH-42PX80U/75U/77U) over a 47-inch off-brand LCD any time. You can always scoot that couch a bit closer.
I recently purchased a 40a550 what are your thoughts on this tv and when will it get reviewed? I'm thinking of trading it in for the sony Z series when it comes out but that gap in the bezel is unsettling.
thanks
Haven't seen the 550s in person, but I assume it'll be a bit under the 650 in terms of perf, although I prefer the standard glossy black to touch of color. Couldn't comment on the Sonys yet, but they do have that matte screen in their favor.
Hi David,
What is the difference between contrast ratio and dynamic contrast ratio? Some HDTVs boast an extremely high dynamic contrast ratio (for e.g. the Samsung 81F series has a dynamic contrast ratio of 500000:1. How much does this affect picture quality?
...but dynamic is even more bunk. It depends on how the CR is measured; non-dynamic, or "true" contrast ratio is ideally measured with a checkerboard pattern...simply measure the white squares and the black squares and divide one into the other. Unfortunately, all manufs try to hit a number with their CR specs, and it's all inapplicable in the real world because, for example, you can often sacrifice shadow detail (crush blaqcks) to get a darker black for the checkerboard.
Yo David,
Thanks for your answer on the 120Hz & Videogames question!
So, what's your opinion on the new series'(V, W, & Z) of BRAVIAs Sony's released/releasing this month? How do you like the overall design and how do they compare to the past XBRs? Your thoughts please. Thanks!
...still waiting for Sony to deign to ship us one. I think they'll probably compare favorably with the 2007 XBRs, and I don't personally like the XBR styling (too big of a cabinet) compared to the newer models. The Samsung LN650 series sets a high standard, though, which is why the LN52A650 got the Editors; Choice
I need to buy the latest and greatest cables for hook up. Plan on a PS3...for blu tooth, have Time Warner and on my way to Circuit City.
I am a widow needing direction...ha Thanks
It's so good I recommended it twice. Avoid brick-and-mortar for cables unless you like the feeling of being gouged.
I don't know if this counts as an "HDTV" question, but I'll ask anyway: are there any plans to release full-screen blu-ray movies? The wide-screen format seems to take away a lot of the pop that blu-ray should have over DVD, and zooming in doesn't seem to help much in getting the most out of my HDTV. I know that some blu-rays are shot in 16:9 (specifically Planet Earth), and they look significantly better than a blu-ray movie. I was hoping they would start releasing blu-rays in both a wide-screen and full-screen format (similar to what they did with DVD's and the 4:3 format). Any insight? Thanks!!
...if by full you mean true 16:9 (1.78:1) as opposed to 2.35:1 ultra-widescreen ("cinemascope") than I really doubt it. It's up to the director, and most big-budget directors prefer to go cinemascope as opposed to 16:9 for that ultra-wide look. Horizontal letterbox bars will be with us for a long time on BD. BTW: you're right, don't zoom those titles since it really softens the picture...you may as well be watching DVD.
Thanks for answering my first question! Will you will be reviewing the Samsung PN50A650?
...lots of Samsungs already reviewed, and next I'll be doing the 750 and one of their DLPs. Maybe in June, if demand is there.
Hi David,
I know you have written a bit on this in the past but is your current recommendation that 1080P is still not worth the cash? 2 salespeople this week told me it will be 10yrs before cable companies will be able to support 1080P. So they recommend to save my cash and go 1080i.
Secondly, I am looking at the Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U. Would you recommend this tv or another in this price range ?
Rob
...it's still nearly impossible, in side-by-side comparisons, to appreciate the extra resolution on the vast majority of sources from normal seating distances. So yeah, I think the 1366x768 sets like the TH-50PX80U are a great deal, while they last. It would be my top recc in that price range.
I have narrowed my purchase down to these two sets. You rated both of these an 8.0. Last years model is obviously cheaper. Is there any reason to spend a little bit more, and get this years model? Which set would you recommend over the other?
...because I believe the company has improved black levels just a bit and the remote is better. But if it's more than a $300 difference...go with the FP-T5084.
Hi David,
Which HDMI cable do you recommend for the LN46A650? Thank You
I always recommend monoprice:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11276_7-6845988-3.html
Which do you prefer?
I am looking at an 85U Panny or an LNT Samsung.
overall, but of course that all depends on the individual models. I love plasma's black levels, especially from off-angle, as well as its screen uniformity.
...aside from an OK 32-inch 32CV510U I'm reviewing now. Hopefully I'll get a bigger one in this month. Hopefully they've fixed the green tinge I complained about last year, but somehow I doubt it.
Okay, one more question, please.
Lately, prices on the Kuro Elite 720p online have been down around the same as the 5080HD from my local brick and mortar store (Best Buy).
Do you think there is an advantage to the Elite line?
Do you think there is a disadvantage to buying from a (CNET rated) online venue, rather than out of a local store? Obviously, I'll have to pay for professional calibration, but the Geek Squad will come out for a mere $150 even for a tv I buy elsewhere.
Thanks very much!
50 vs. 42 is no contest; get a 50 if you have the room. Elite has more picture settings, and that's about it. They make it easier for qualified calibrators (from what I've heard, most geek squad calibrations are not performed by qualified people) to tweak the picture. As an alternative to the squad, you might want to try an organization like the ISF.
As I mentioned below, if you're buying online just make sure they have a good (at least 15 day) return policy for TVs.
Hi David,
I currently have a PS3 hooked up to a Sony KDS50A200 LCOS rear-projection tv. I am not seeing the realistic/3-D like movie quality that I see in the retail store displays. The sales people tell me that the reason I don't see that on my tv is because it doesn't have the 120hz refresh rate. Can you tell me if that could be the cause? Also, what specifications should I look for in my next tv purchase that would allow me to see the realistic/3-D like movie quality that I am missing now?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
...that's the cause, that's for sure. I'd suspect those TVs in the store have brighter picture settings. Especially on RPTVs, which can be dimmer than flat-panels, you want to have enough light output, especially if youre not watching in a darkened room. I'd start with the Sony's standard setting/Warm color temp for rooms with more ambient light.
There aren't any relevant specs I can point to, although a high real-world contrast ratio is an OK indication. The problem is that CR specs are always quite exaggerated,so the best indicator is (plug) reviews.
Hi David,
While I know that a Plasma or CRT would be best for gaming, are there any specific models (<40") that are best for HD gaming? It seems some TVs that list good response times are still prone to smear and lag.
Thanks.
...response times are irrelevant; they're high enough to be a non0factor in gaming. In general I would recommend plasma if you're sensitive to blurring, and a 50-inch model (like the PDP-5080HD or the LN50A650 among ones I've reviewed) since IMO they're better bang/buck than 42 generally. Lag time between controller and screen, if youre sensitive enough to notice it, can be reduced if you avoid video processing modes, such as 120Hz de-judder.
I use it for gaming, I have 360 elite and ps3. I thought i would be blown away on how good blue ray would like. I notice little things but kinda disapointed. is it because of my tv or the size? or maybe working with the settings.
A bad TV with good picture settings looks better than a great TV in Vivid mode every time. Start with Movie default on that set. Screen size is also a big factor--the smaller the screen, the less difference you'll notice between BD and DVD. But seriously, in my experience on any 40-inch set BD is definitely better.
When do you expect to review the th-50pz800u? Do you expect it to outperform the Kuro?
...at least, that's when Panasonic says theyll send me one. I don't think it will outperform the current Kuro PDP-5080HD, although obviously I can't say for sure until I've compared them.
David,
Thanks for taking our questions. What's your opinion on Samsung's latest LCDs? I'm specifically looking at the LN40A530, but since its their lowest-end 1080P model I'm a bit worried about its performance/quality. Thanks.
-Ryan
...so I can't say for sure. If I had to guess, I'd say they're probably good enough, kind of the successor to last year's LN-T4665F.
Have you had a chance to review any of Toshibas higher end lcds?
Not yet. They're on my radar though.
(sorry to answer previous Q here, but it got cut off)...I saw banding in the 52-inch version LC52D64U, and I have no reason to think other models in the series are exempt. Smaller screen Sharps I've seen recently don't have the banding, and I haven't reviewed any newer ones, like the 94U series, so I can't comment on those.
With the new sharp 64u, I was wondering if you could tell me if they have the problem with banding. Also, if I do not notice any banding right now could it develop over time?
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/sharp-lc-52d64u/4505-6482_7-32572268.html
I saw banding in the 52-inch version LC52D64U, and I have no reason to think other models in the series are exempt. Smaller screen Sharps I've seen recently don't have the banding, and I haven't reviewed any newer ones, like the 94U series, so I can't comment on those.
I noticed the price ranges from just under 1600 dollars to 2999.00. I am wanting to buy for the lowest cost of course but I am alittle weary of why certain stores can have it so cheap. Do you know much about the online stores
...is the return policy. Personally, I would never buy from an online store that didn't offer a good return policy. Many cut-rate merchants, and even some big ones, don't let you return TVs under any circumstances. Definitely check it out before you click here to buy.
A couple questions:
I recently returned a Samsung 5271 because I wanted to get one of the new ones. What are the differences between the LNA650 and the LNA750 and which one would you recommend?
One other question, I am looking to get a blu-ray player as well. Should I get the PS3 or wait until some better players come out?
...aside from styling (touch of color is more-prominent in the 750 models) and the 750 has the ability to play back MPEG-4 AVC files from its USB drive. I think that might be it...in terms of PQ the two are basically the same as far as I know. I'll be reviewing a 46-inch 750 series later in May.
Better players than the PS3? Not for at least a year. Standalone BD players in the $400 range just can't compete in terms of load times, upgradeability or even (in some cases) picture quality.
Hi David,
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
I have a 2 part question.
First I am trying to decide if I should spend the extra money and get a really nice hdtv prices around $2500 to $3000 or if I am better getting a less expensive hdtv and wait for oled to come out. Please give me your thoughts.
Second,
The Phillips Eco tv is available at some stores now, are you going to review this tv since it won the CNET best in show award at CES. I am interested in this tv, or a Panasonic plasma. If i choose an inexpensive hdtv. Thanks.
...unless you're prepared to wait years before enjoying HDTV in your house. I'd definitely recommend getting a solid set now and not waiting the four or five years for OLED to reach compeditive prices/sizes.
I think the Panny plasma will outclass the picture quality of the ECO tv, but if power consumption is more-important, and you think the PQ of a typical 42-inch LCD is good enough, then get the Philips. It'll save at least $50 a year on your power bill.
Hi David,
I'm actually looking at the Samsung PN58A650. Do you think the optimal picture settings you came up with for the Samsung PN50A550 will work with the 58A650"?
Thanks,
Jeff
In general there is some crossover between picture settings at different screen sizes. The grayscale adjustments (white balance) should be close, as well as color. But often brightness/contrast/baklight are very different. I'd start with my settings and see how the picture looks. Going from a smaller set to a larger, usually you'll need to increase contrast/backligh a bit to get the same peak light output.
I know movies & TV/sports programs are affected by 120Hz LCD TVs, but what about videogames? Do 120Hz LCD TVs improve the graphics & framerate of videogames?
I've played a few games with the 120Hz anti-judder modes turned on and they don't look very different at all. Games are 60Hz naturally, and it's difficult for thr eye to distinguish between 120Hz and 60Hz. The only benefit might be slightly less blurring, but I'd wager even careful viewers don't notice much blurring on modern 60Hz lcds when gaming.
I'm looking for a new 50" Plasma. You've rated the Samsung PN50A550 very highly, and the new PN50A650 just came out with Ultra FilterBright. Any idea how the new Samsung will compare to the best Panasonics?
Scott,
I don't think there will be much diff between the 550 and 650 plasmas, so you can go by the comparison between the 550 review and the Panny PZ85U review. Panny wins at blacks, but Samsung has better color, pretty good blacks too, and more adjustments. I understand the PZ800U series has more picture adjustments, and I assume it'll do a little better than the 85U did.
Shop RadioShack for Great Gifts