anybody wanna show off their "smart" TV?

Gary Majchrzak

Gary Majchrzak

Team RC
I still haven't pulled the trigger on a new TV. With the superbowl approaching it's gonna happen soon. I've had real good luck with Sony TV's and the Stereo Shop in Rochester... although this time around I'm leaning towards a 6000 series Samsung LED or a Panasonic plasma. I'm debating whether or not a "smart" TV is a god choice for me and I'd love to see one in action. Anybody wanna show off their television and what it's capable of doing? :strange:
 
Smart TVs are pretty nice. A few useful apps if you're in to that sort of thing. Netflix, Hulu etc are all a great addition as well as weather updates on power up. Being a new technology, I wouldn't be set on getting one only on the basis of it being a smarTV. The technology has a TON of potential and, while it's a pretty nice feature on a screen right now, speed and options are still lacking on most models I have tried. I have a smart LG in my bedroom that is very nice, although if I didn't get a smokin deal on it.... It would still be at the store.

My thoughts on LED screens...

The choice is LCD vs LED. LED of course! it's thin because the diodes emit their own light! right? Not so much. There is one difference between an old style LCD and a new thin LED. The LCD is back-lit by using a cold cathode. The LED tv's is an LCD that is back-lit using LEDs. This lets the tv be thinner and lighter, but it's still the same LCD panel making your picture. The difference is only in how it's backlit. LED tvs also tend to be brighter in the store. This is true, but only because of the natural frequencies that LED's emit at, your eyes are more attuned. However, this is only important in a store where your eyes are naturally drawn to the brightest picture and you think "hmm that's the best one!" In your house, you lose this false comparison where warmer/more natural colors actually end up looking better.

If a 3" thick TV vs a 1" thick TV isn't a huge consideration.. I'd personally stick with an LCD TV especially when trying to be price conscious.
 
Research last years models and try and find the least glitchy one priced to move. I don't have a smart tv I just plug in my mac via an hdmi, or use the old wii for netflix.

My tv experience: I'm still watching on my Samsung HLS-5679 purchased in Jan2008. The power supply issue that developed in this model TV was well documented before the tv was a year old. Samsung to this day would deny any knowledge of the glitch caused by undersized capacitors. A guy I found on a forum rebuilt my power supply and it's still kicking.

My electronics advice: If an item I buy dies prematurely (<1yr) I don't purchase another item from them....when I run out of companies I"ll reset my list. Samsung (tv), toshiba (computer), and hp (computer) are gone already.
 
The backlighting of a standard LCD screen is always on (when the TV is on). The cold cathode can be compared to a fluorescent bulb. On most moderately sized TV's there are only two of these to light the entire screen. Larger TV's may have 3 or 4. This tends to result in areas of the screen where the picture is brighter than others. The intensity of the light stays the same the entire time the TV is on.These sets tend to have a difficult time displaying black and other very dark colors.

LED backlit lcd's use an array of LEDs (hundreds or even thousands of them depending on the size of the set) as the backlight. The light is spread much more evenly across the entire screen. They do tend to be brighter than standard lcd. The really nice thing about LED backlit displays is that the LEDs can be dynamically dimmed, or even shutoff to improve the sets ability to display blacks. Generally this is done by dimming or turning off some of the LEDs in the same area of the screen as the black. As the technology matures, and maybe already in some high end sets, much smaller sections or even individual LEDs will be adjusted resulting in an even better picture. I've even heard that colored LEDs will be used.

I'd go with an LED backlit LCD for my main TV. Standard LCD for the kids rooms etc.
 
I have a samsung 55" 8000 series. It is awesome! Stop by and check it out. I am actually going to sell it soon to upgrade to the 60".
 
Brian's TV is probably one of the nicest pictures I've ever seen.

Gary- just jump in and buy one, you really can't go wrong with either of the brands listed.
 
I have a 55 inch led sony and I am happy with it. I run a mac mini server that connects to the tv via hdmi and all devices are connected via plex software. I tried to make it pretty idiot proof. Just pickup the apple remote and hit menu and plex starts.
 
I have a 55" Sony LED 3D TV HX Series. It's a higher series of SONY and it's absolutely awesome. But if you want an even better TV LG is giving Samsung a run for their money. My dad just bought a LG 55" 3D NanoLED 480 mhz It's the top of the line TV right now. Not cheap tho
http://www.lg.com/us/tv-audio-video/televisions/LG-led-tv-INFINIA-55LX9500.jsp


I spent hours looking with my dad at LED's at Brandsmart every make and every model. LG's picture and 3D blew every other LED away...even my Sony. Sharp Aquos came in a close second..

If you can wait it out do so. LG just unveiled the OLED TV at CES and is is going to launch OLED TV this summer and it's loaded with apps, 3D recognition of movement..
 
I love my new 55 inch panasonic plasma....it is my second one and they make a great product. They upgraded so much including the exterior design
 
I think the thoroughness that leads to your reefing success may lead to a never-ending search for the perfect tv
 
today's "perfect" tv

today's "perfect" tv

is obsolete tomorrow. All the TV's I've purchased to this point have been Sony. They've been good to me. It certainly plays into my decision making.
 
Sony is on my personal blacklist

Sony is on my personal blacklist

I don't buy Sony products that use proprietary technologies. I'm not suggesting that their products are bad but I prefer to buy equipment that uses industry standard accessories. One example, when I was looking for a digital camera all of their products used an inferior proprietary memory stick instead of the industry accepted standard SD card. It seems to me that every time there is a new technology, Sony is there offering a proprietary alternate. Sometimes this pays off like the 3.5" floppy disc, but often it doesn't. When they collaborate with others instead of pushing their proprietary technologies consumers get industry standards like CD, DVD, & Blu-Ray.

With the track record they have, I'm not willing to spend my money on a technology that will likely go unsupported by the industry.
 
Samsung 8000 series

Samsung 8000 series

I have a 55' 8000 series Samsung. Its my second Samsung TV and its picture is absolutely amazing. I have it pared with a 7.1 Klipsch surround sound system and I won't go to the movies any more. I can by the Btu-Ray and watch a better picture in the privacy of my own home. Not to mention not having to spend a mint on damn popcorn and soda.LOL Two of my friends have purchased the same TV after watching mine.
 
I'm on antoher forum that has a member that sells super high end AV equipment.

There were a couple comments about sony and their recent problems with their tv's. I personally love my sony DLP projector. He addresses it briefly.

Here's what he had to say. Hope it helps... (if not, just proceed to the next post :) )

There are a lot of good flat panels displays available. I am glad to give my opinion, but, please take it for what it is....an opinion.

First, in the question of plasma vs. LCD, it depends on your desires, your room and your intended use.

Plasma Displays:

If your goal is the absolute best picture, plasma is still king as it still has better black levels and detail than any LCD, however, the newer LED LCDs are gaining ground. Plasma displays also offer a little better off axis viewing. These differences are obvious to the connoisseur or someone in the industry. For casual viewing and the masses, there isn't a lot of difference between the readily available plasma displays and the high-end LED LCD displays.

The Runco Vistage (plasma) is the best pictue I have seen on a flat panel and in a class by itself, but, you pay ($10K for the 63") for the right to own the best. The Pioneer Elite Kuro series were considered by most the best picture quality available on a more mass marketed scale. The Panasonic Viera is the same technology of the now defunct Kuro line (long story). Both the Panasonic and Samsung plasmas are very nice at 1/3rd the price of the Runco for those that are more value oriented.

Plasma displays typically have smoother and deeper 3D. This doesn't matter much to me as I think 3D on a small screen is more of gimmick and not something I would purchase a flat panel for. To truly enjoy 3D, a quality video projector and screen is the only way to go.

Plasmas can still suffer from burn-in, but, it isn't nearly as bad or permanent as with earlier models. So, many feel plasmas shouldn't be used for heavy video gaming, and, I agree.

Plasma is a dying technology and the competition is less and less each month.

So, the bottom line is that I recommend plasma displays for those that value video quality over everything else, don't play video games much or at all and will properly care for their display by turning it off when not in use and not leaving it paused on a DVR or computer screen.

If plasma is for you - Runco, Panasonic & Samsung....in that order.

LCD Displays:

I wouldn't consider any LCD that was not an LED version. There are two types of LED LCDs - back lit and edge lit. BOTH are better than CCFL based LCDs for home use.

Back lighting is theoretically superior as the LED array is behind the LCDs shining directly through them for a more consistent experience across the entire display. Placing the LED array behind requires a thicker TV. If it is going in a cabinet, then, who cares.

Edge lighting has the LEDs running around the edge, allowing for more aesthetically appealing and thinner TV. Since the center of the image is the farthest from the LED light source it has less light available, thus, in theory, the edges can appear brighter than the center. The key word is "theory" as this phenomena has been reduced to an almost imperceptible level w/o using test instruments.

LED displays are generally lighter, more energy efficient and offer more integration features. They also are more durable from the standpoint of impact resistance and burn-in.

So, for general TV viewing, or, you turn the TV on when you get home and leave it on, or, if video games are a priority or, you are looking for a lighter, more energy efficient TV, then LED LCD displays should be your choice. They offer and excellent picture and have a variety of models/designs to choose from.

The Pioneer Elite brand for TVs has been recently resurrected as an LED LCD version using a Sharp panel. It is currently considered the best LED LCD available by most in the industry and I agree. It is only available in a 60" or 70" version and they have MSRPs of $6k and $8,500 and aren't often discounted. Are they worth the price difference over the Sharp displays they are based on or the high-end Sammy's? To the purist who can afford it, yes, to the masses, probably not.

For the masses or non-critical viewing, my "go to" LED LCD displays are from Samsung, Sharp and Sony XBR, in no particular order, but, I have sold more Sammy's than the others. Choose the one that has the right size and aesthetics for your budget.

HDMI CABLES:

There ARE huge differences in HDMI cables, especially as you go to longer lengths. HDMI cables not only vary in quality, but, even in the wiring. You will see different certifications / ratings / license designation. If you are into the latest, only purchase cables that meet the HDMI 1.4 or higher specifications. A DPL Lab Certification guarantees performance levels, but, there are quality cables that don't pay the testing fees. In fact, our best and most expensive cables are not certified. FYI, I have taken classes from the DPL Labs founder, Jeff, and he is the authority on HDMI and a wonderful teacher. He is not only a valuable resource, but has become a friend.

HDMI cables are like TV mounts, camera bags, batteries, etc....where the profit is as the actual flat panel display margins are small. I will be glad to take care of any member with some DPL Labs Certified cables. PM or email me for particulars.

Sony:

I would like to address the comment about Sony.....for years they OEM'ed their plasmas and, they had many issues....as did others. AFAIK, they OEM very little now. They also had some real issues with some of their rear projection sets with light engine failures causing green tint across the entire screen. They have stuck behind their product and taken unusual steps to take care of the clients. They have recently turned these issues around and should be considered when making your choice. They also are the leader in OLED TVs and have the best performing, reasonably priced 4K projector I have seen, but, those are other discussions. FYI, I haven't sold Sony, but will start offering them again this next year.


I took his advice a couple years ago and actually got a "high end" projector TV (not really high end). It is in a basement room, so controlling ambient light is no problem. The picture is AWESOME and that's projecting on a painted wall. I'm told that a dedicated screen makes a big difference. But for my untrained eyes, I haven't been happier with another purchase (fish or electronics) for years.

Here's a little info from him regarding projectors...

George,

I am a big fan of quality projectors as long as you have good light control in the room, especially if you are a movie fan. They can provide a much larger picture, just as good of resolution and cause less eye fatigue since you are looking at a reflected image and not directly at a light. They also are more like the theater and less like a TV or computer monitor.

I am spoiled with watching and demoing $60K + projectors shining on $25K + screens, so, I am not the most knowledgeable about the lower end products. I do know that I usually can't stand the picture quality on most projectors under $5K and many that are between $5K and 10K.

I am not an Epson dealer, however, the new Epson 6010 is getting pretty good reviews for a $3,500 MSRP projector. I have not personally seen it, but plan to soon. Epson is sold via distributors so I could purchase it if I want, so, if you give me a gentle reminder after the holidays, I will check and see how much they cost.

I have a great line on bargain screens that can save you some big $$. My "go to" screen company is Stewart, but, you pay for their name and performance and the margins are much smaller than the other brands.

PM or call me with your room details -

-Room Size, including ceiling height
-Viewing Distance
-Are there windows in the room? If so, where are they and, can you block all or most of the light.
-Where are your speakers and their size? If behind the screen, it will need to be perforated. If in front, we need to make sure that they don't interfere with the light path.

I also would want to know your viewing habits....movies, TV, video games, PC or a combo?

This info will help guide us to the proper equipment.

I ended up with a Pioneer PJ1 projector when they got out of the projector business and were liquidating their stock.
 
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