Gauravdp
Member
Guys this is my first post in HiFiVision.
I am really confused about a LED TV that I plan to buy this week. The size is (given my room size, viewing distance would be from 7-10 feet) is 40" and the budget is 50-60K.
A disclaimer right at the start: I've been using a SOny TV for the past 14 years, and am completely satisfied by the service it's given me .. the picture is crystal clear and bright and sharp even after so many years, as good as new CRTs if not better. So I guess this makes me a Sony fan (hopefully not a fanboy) but even then, given Sony's current condition and the fact that it doesn't make its own panels and instead gets them made in China, I don't expect the same quality level as the TV I've been using so far. So while there is a distinct preference for SONY, it's not binding.
The aim is to get the best picture quality bang for my middle-class buck.
I aim to restrict my search among these brands -- Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Philips and Sharp. But I'm undecided with a myriad factors adding to my predicament.
Sony -- Very good picture quality, but TOO EXPENSIVE. Not sure whether the picture quality justifies the premium, a 10% improvement in picture quality does not justify 30% additional cost. There are 3 sets close to my price range, and I have a slight inclination for the monolithic design ... but it costs 67000 at present, exorbitant. There is a 32" HX series set at 52000 odd with 5* rating frm What Hifi (Local dimming), but the mind recoils at having to pay 40" prices for a 32" TV. Also not sure about servicing etc.
Samsung -- Picture quality run of the mill at my price range (higher ranges have excellent quality, but out of budget), lots of features,( not sure if I'll need or like them), show room salesmen claim excellent servicing (as per them, Samsung TVs have "Triple protection", from humidity etc, but would like to know the actual user experience. Does lower price come with a lower quality level ?
Panasonic -- Not much knowledge about this one, except that they use IPS panels that are supposed to be the best in business. Are the panels still "Made in Japan" as they used to be advertised earlier? Servicing is reportedly a major issue, and my Panasonic microwave broke twice within two years of purchase, and still lying broken. Otherwise, I have a slight weakness for Japanese brands.
LG-- IPS panels again. No idea about actual picture quality and servicing, price in the Samsung range.
Philips -- Anybody have any idea about this brand? Has anyone actually been using a Philips set?
Sharp -- Any ideas about this ? What about the Quattro panels? The positive thing about this brand is that I've been told they manufacture their own panels in Japan. However, as of now this company is a sinking ship like many other Japanese electronics manufacturers, and would have service and support issues if it goes under.
All in all, I'm in a quandry and have turned to you knowledgeable folks for practical advice. Please suggest.
I am really confused about a LED TV that I plan to buy this week. The size is (given my room size, viewing distance would be from 7-10 feet) is 40" and the budget is 50-60K.
A disclaimer right at the start: I've been using a SOny TV for the past 14 years, and am completely satisfied by the service it's given me .. the picture is crystal clear and bright and sharp even after so many years, as good as new CRTs if not better. So I guess this makes me a Sony fan (hopefully not a fanboy) but even then, given Sony's current condition and the fact that it doesn't make its own panels and instead gets them made in China, I don't expect the same quality level as the TV I've been using so far. So while there is a distinct preference for SONY, it's not binding.
The aim is to get the best picture quality bang for my middle-class buck.
I aim to restrict my search among these brands -- Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Philips and Sharp. But I'm undecided with a myriad factors adding to my predicament.
Sony -- Very good picture quality, but TOO EXPENSIVE. Not sure whether the picture quality justifies the premium, a 10% improvement in picture quality does not justify 30% additional cost. There are 3 sets close to my price range, and I have a slight inclination for the monolithic design ... but it costs 67000 at present, exorbitant. There is a 32" HX series set at 52000 odd with 5* rating frm What Hifi (Local dimming), but the mind recoils at having to pay 40" prices for a 32" TV. Also not sure about servicing etc.
Samsung -- Picture quality run of the mill at my price range (higher ranges have excellent quality, but out of budget), lots of features,( not sure if I'll need or like them), show room salesmen claim excellent servicing (as per them, Samsung TVs have "Triple protection", from humidity etc, but would like to know the actual user experience. Does lower price come with a lower quality level ?
Panasonic -- Not much knowledge about this one, except that they use IPS panels that are supposed to be the best in business. Are the panels still "Made in Japan" as they used to be advertised earlier? Servicing is reportedly a major issue, and my Panasonic microwave broke twice within two years of purchase, and still lying broken. Otherwise, I have a slight weakness for Japanese brands.
LG-- IPS panels again. No idea about actual picture quality and servicing, price in the Samsung range.
Philips -- Anybody have any idea about this brand? Has anyone actually been using a Philips set?
Sharp -- Any ideas about this ? What about the Quattro panels? The positive thing about this brand is that I've been told they manufacture their own panels in Japan. However, as of now this company is a sinking ship like many other Japanese electronics manufacturers, and would have service and support issues if it goes under.
All in all, I'm in a quandry and have turned to you knowledgeable folks for practical advice. Please suggest.