Pick My LCD For Me!!! (€2400-2800)

Mark_T_147

Hi all...

I'm getting an LCD in the next week or two and don't have a clue what to get... Generally speaking though, I think I'm looking to get a Bravia, maybe X or W series. I know the X's are pricey, and there's one for €4.5k odd which I think I've ruled out...

So my question is:

WHAT TV DO YOU THINK I SHOULD GET, AND WHERE???

I would appreciate anyone's tech-knowledgable advice here.

EDIT: Given my sick puppy nature, I could end up spending more than that, n I might consider the new KDL46x3500 due out end of month if it's worth it?

Laphroaig52

With that budget you should be able to get a 40X3500 easily if you shop around.

They seem to be in short supply at the moment however. A handful of owners have posted their first impressions on the forum at: http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602863

Most seem to be very impressed and several have posted settings that they were happy with. There seems to be quite a bit of tweaking required especially if you are using an SD signal.

Regards

Flyer28

Mark_T_147

Thanks Flyer...

I'm thinkin I might be bold and go for the 46x3500.. I'm hearing this is gonna be €4500 odd everywhere tho and is only available from next weekish. I've had a look online, and as per on komplett in my other thread and technikdirect.de it seems to be far cheaper (3300/3006)... Could this be true???

Cheers for ur help, and anyone else who can contribute...

Soarer

Not really contributing I'm afraid, but kinda in the same situation!

Looking for a 46" LCD, and have it narrowed down to the Samsung LE46F86 and the Sony KDL46X3500.
Money isn't going to be the most crucial factor, they're not too dissimilar in price online, but picture quality definitely is.

So does anyone know which one is the best?

I watch a lot of sports, and play xbox 360. I'll be upgrading to SkyHD in the near future, and going HDDVD/Bluray, so a lot of my viewing will be HD, but HID watches a lot of soaps in SD, so I don't want her picture to be crap...she'll only give out to me!!:o

Have considered the Pioneer PDP-428(0)XD plasma, as from general opinion the new Kuro range has the best picture quality going at the minute. But what's turning me off is.....
1) 42" Pioneer for the same price as the 46" Samsung
2) 720p Pioneer vs 1080p Samsung/Sony.
Thought about the 50" 1080p version of the Kuro too, but I really don't feel like paying the guts of €5000 on a telly. I could get two of the F86 Samsungs for that money!!

So I have weighed most things up, but I'm still not sure.
If there really is a marked improvement in picture quality between the Pioneer and the Samsung/Sony, I guess I'll bite the bullet, lose the 4 inches, and go for the Pio.
But if there isn't, I'll stick to the LCD.
And between the two of them, it's picture quality again.

So all help greatfully appreciated, and sorry for my ramblings!

P.S. Mark_T_147. Maybe we'll get a discount if we buy two of whatever?;)

Mark_T_147

Well that's that.

I'm buyin the Sony KDL-46X3500 tomorrow. I suppose: When in doubt, splash out!

Mad thing is; I've never even seen the thing in person! I could reel the specs off and give u any kind of picture settings or source-related performance feedback though. I could also recall for you the 500 positive versus about 5 negative comments I've read online about it. Apparently it's not spectacular with SD Digital, but I'll be gettin Sky HD in couple of months anyway n playin a fair bit of pro evo on the 360 HDMI in the meantime.

All said I reckon it'll cost me €4300 with a free 40GB PS3 (which I intend to sell on for €380), and a Vogel bracket worth €250ish (I think). So that means, considerin I was intendin to buy the bracket seperately before, that it will work out at €3670 for the TV it's self.

Can't fuppin wait

spanner_head

Mark_T_147 wrote: »

Well that's that.

I'm buyin the Sony KDL-46X3500 tomorrow. I suppose: When in doubt, splash out!

Good choice....I'll be going for the 40 incher.

Where abouts are you sourcing this TV from?

I usually call sony centers around dublin and no one can tell me an Irish release date or definate price.

Please post up your thoughts when you get the TV.

Mark_T_147

Well I got it yesterday evening... Its arriving before lunch tomorrow apparently! Cant fuppin wait...

All in I got it for €4425 with delivery, with "free" 40 GB PS3 and Vogel bracket worth €400. At that kind of money some might say Im a suckuh but tbh it's about as good a deal as I couldve gotten from UK suppliers online: The route I was gonna go before deciding to buy it physically in Dublin. At least this way I have a bit more piece of mind.

Now it's just looking forward to ****tin myself about hanging it over a mantle piece/chimney, and enjoying the magical mystery tour of tweaking the settings. Ive no clue as to the whole entertainment centre setup yet, i'll probably rush into it tho! :rolleyes:. At least with the bracket im gettin itll come out from the wall as I want so i can mess with the leads n get a neater setup. I'm selling the PS3 (If anyone wants to buy it for €360 minimum pm me) and grabbin a 360 wit pro evo next week!

I'll post up picture once I get it mounted. Does anyone have any numbers/names/advice on who to get it mounted by???

Soarer

To resurrect this thread....how's the tv going for you Mark?

Finally got the car sold, so I'm in a position to purchase (finally!:rolleyes:).
Still don't know what to buy though.
I'm kinda gone back to the idea of the LX508 from Pioneer as, even though it's that bit more expensive. But dimensions-wise, it's actually shorter and narrower than the 46x3500!:eek:
Witchcraft!;)

spanner_head

Any pics Mark? Hows the TV coming along?

gowens999

Hey, I was looking at the Sony 46X as well, but its a bit too expensive, the Samsung LE46F86 seems to be a more affordable option, and just as good. Any idea where the best place to purchase it would be. Has anyone had any experience with internet buying, specifically internet buying from the UK??

Zonda999

Is that sony X3500 range as good as its price?? It would want to be the best lcd available.Was in a sony centre last week,a 46X2000 i think they were showing off.The picture wasnt as great as it should be for a 3000E tv

Soarer

gowens999 wrote: »

Hey, I was looking at the Sony 46X as well, but its a bit too expensive, the Samsung LE46F86 seems to be a more affordable option, and just as good. Any idea where the best place to purchase it would be. Has anyone had any experience with internet buying, specifically internet buying from the UK??

According to AVForums, the F86 is hampered bybanding and scrolling line issues. Apparently, the equivalent models in the US and Oz had the same issues, but they've since been fixed with a firmware update. This update hasn't been released in Europe yet, but chances are it's only a matter of time. It'd be a great set if those issues were/are fixed.

Soarer

Zonda999 wrote: »

Is that sony X3500 range as good as its price?? It would want to be the best lcd available.Was in a sony centre last week,a 46X2000 i think they were showing off.The picture wasnt as great as it should be for a 3000E tv

I got the 40x3500, and tbh I'm disappointed with it. So much so that I'm returning it. Dunno if I'll try another one, or go for a different brand.
The problems people have had with the x3500 are:
Colour smearing
Fan noise
Clouding
Image shadowing
Colour fogging/"washout"

The image shadowing I mention is best decsirbed...
someone walks across the screen, and with every step he takes, his outline stays in his previous position for a split second. Very annoying!

My set suffers from smearing (SD and 360), washout (when viewing slightly offcentre), and shadowing (SD). The smearing and shadowing are worst when the set is turned on from cold. So much so that I turn on the tv and go do something else for a few minutes before I sit down to it!

Because of all the above, I'm returning it next week. For a flagship tv, it certainly doesn't deliver. I'd much rather spend less than half on a tv and be surprised at how good it's performance is, as opposed to spending top dollar on a set and be disappointed.

P.S. With Bluray/HDDVD, it's proper stunning.
P.P.S. I've uploaded a couple of clips to show the shadowing, and to show the smearing.
Both these clips were taken after the tv was running for over 3 hours, so it was sufficiently warmed up. Make of them what you will.

uncle_sam_ie

Soarer wrote: »

I got the 40x3500, and tbh I'm disappointed with it. So much so that I'm returning it. Dunno if I'll try another one, or go for a different brand.
The problems people have had with the x3500 are:
Colour smearing
Fan noise
Clouding
Image shadowing
Colour fogging/"washout"

The image shadowing I mention is best decsirbed...
someone walks across the screen, and with every step he takes, his outline stays in his previous position for a split second. Very annoying!

My set suffers from smearing (SD and 360), washout (when viewing slightly offcentre), and shadowing (SD). The smearing and shadowing are worst when the set is turned on from cold. So much so that I turn on the tv and go do something else for a few minutes before I sit down to it!

Because of all the above, I'm returning it next week. For a flagship tv, it certainly doesn't deliver. I'd much rather spend less than half on a tv and be surprised at how good it's performance is, as opposed to spending top dollar on a set and be disappointed.

P.S. With Bluray/HDDVD, it's proper stunning.
P.P.S. I've uploaded a couple of clips to show the shadowing, and to show the smearing.
Both these clips were taken after the tv was running for over 3 hours, so it was sufficiently warmed up. Make of them what you will.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Pioneer PDP428XD. I've got the PDP427 XD and loving it. I have yet to find a LCD that comes close to its picture quality.

Soarer

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Pioneer PDP428XD. I've got the PDP427 XD and loving it. I have yet to find a LCD that comes close to its picture quality.

Was thinking about one of them, but there's something in me that's reluctant to buy a 720p set as opposed to a 1080p set, even though I've read and seen all the charts about 1080p not really being noticeable <50".
There's a place locally that's selling an ex-display 507xd from the princely sum of €1700. I'm struggling to find a reason why I don't get a refund for my Sony, buy the Pio, and pocket the €1500 difference?!?

Have you had any problems with your 7th gen Pio?

uncle_sam_ie

Soarer wrote: »

Have considered the Pioneer PDP-428(0)XD plasma, as from general opinion the new Kuro range has the best picture quality going at the minute. But what's turning me off is.....
1) 42" Pioneer for the same price as the 46" Samsung
2) 720p Pioneer vs 1080p Samsung/Sony.
Thought about the 50" 1080p version of the Kuro too, but I really don't feel like paying the guts of €5000 on a telly. I could get two of the F86 Samsungs for that money!!

I wouldn't get too cot-up in the 720 vs 1080p at around 40" to 50" the human eye won't notice the difference. It's when you get 60" and above that you'll see 1080p quality. At that size a projector is what you'd want.

uncle_sam_ie

Soarer wrote: »

Was thinking about one of them, but there's something in me that's reluctant to buy a 720p set as opposed to a 1080p set, even though I've read and seen all the charts about 1080p not really being noticeable <50".
There's a place locally that's selling an ex-display 507xd from the princely sum of €1700. I'm struggling to find a reason why I don't get a refund for my Sony, buy the Pio, and pocket the €1500 difference?!?

Have you had any problems with your 7th gen Pio?

I've no problems with my set. I also have SkyHD and that really looks stunning. The colors and blacks really pop. My only regret is not waiting for the Kuro.

Soarer

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

My only regret is not waiting for the Kuro.

You're not supposed to say that!!
You're supposed to say "Jees, that 507 is for nothing. It's definitely worth that kinda money, and if I was you I'd buy it!".;)

uncle_sam_ie

Soarer wrote: »

You're not supposed to say that!!
You're supposed to say "Jees, that 507 is for nothing. It's definitely worth that kinda money, and if I was you I'd buy it!".;)

Ya, that 507XD is a great deal. They were €5000 when I bought mine last June.

trabpc

Currys in liffey valley had a 507xd late in dec for €2000. I was very tempted.

Where in cork are they for €1700?

Id be tempted my self.

Id love a lx508 myself but it would kill me to know in 9 months time they will be half price!

Soarer

Curry's in Cork.
They only have one though, so don't go buying it from under my nose!

trabpc

Im In The Car As I Speak

trabpc

Soarer, for that kind of money nothing can beat that telly bar the new 508 which will cost you more than twice at €3900. check out review below

http://www.trustedreviews.com/tvs/review/2006/12/16/Pioneer-PDP-507XD-50in-Plasma-TV/p1

I was looking at one in currys in Liffey Valley on special in November for €2500 it was €2000 in DEC. I Went in on wed 2nd and last one was gone. but said some were in Navan was very tempted to cancel the Panny.

I ordered a 42py70 from my local TV store on the 20th DEC for €1750 but i have rang several time and still no responce.

I only bought on the basis of getting 5yr Warranty. So very tempted to cancel.

For €1700 no doubt about it ,I would have bought.

Even Alliance electrical had it priced in Dec for about €3500 if i am correct and one guy here bought his 6 months ago for 5 Grand.

big_moe

if you guys want the best, its Pioneer. no doubt about it.

the X series Sony is their flagship model... but its still an LCD and has all those problems listed by Soarer. the best LCD out there at the moment is the Panny TX-37LZD70, pity its only 37" though...

as for the best TV, its Plasma. And at 42" its the Pioneer PDP-428XD and at 50".... obviously the LX508D. Yes it is 5K, and yes.. in a few months it will be cheaper (dunno about half price though!) if you were to have that mentality "i'll wait 9 months to get it cheaper..." you'll never buy a TV.. cos you'll come in to get the LX508D and the LX509 (or whatever is next) will be nearly available.. and then the cycle starts all over again

adam

PS anybody who got a 507 in the last 2 months got a bargain. most places dropped the price RIDICULOUSLY low to make way for the 8th gens.

trabpc

I take you piont Moe but As i was Saying I have no intention of Waiting on prices for current Gen to Drop Id rather buy the last Gen at a much lower price today and as you say i think there is very little up to the €3000 mark to beat the 507.

What kind of prices would you pay for this 37LZD70?

Whats it like on Standard Def Etc.?

And I Agree that Pioneer then Panasonic are the Best Plasma Wise anyway.

big_moe

the 37lzd70 is around 1549.

i have seen it with sky (non-hd) and it was quite impressive. all the usual stuff (motion.. black levels etc) looked very impressive

Keith C

I got the samsung 46M87, am very happy with the picture quality on SD, theirs no blurring or slearing & has no problem with fast moving pictures.
I said on other threads that new BOI ad with the dragon & knight is very crisp & clear. Have PS3 hooked up & dvds are amazing (esp Transformers).
I didnt know too much about tvs when I bought it, but from comparing to other models in shops, this stood out for me.
Im sure theres problems with it in reviews but I havent come across any & Id recomend it.

gowens999

Keith C wrote: »

I got the samsung 46M87, am very happy with the picture quality on SD, theirs no blurring or slearing & has no problem with fast moving pictures.
I said on other threads that new BOI ad with the dragon & knight is very crisp & clear. Have PS3 hooked up & dvds are amazing (esp Transformers).
I didnt know too much about tvs when I bought it, but from comparing to other models in shops, this stood out for me.
Im sure theres problems with it in reviews but I havent come across any & Id recomend it.

How much did you pay for it, and where did you get it.

I was looking at the newer version the 48F86. It seems to be around the €2,000-€2,200 mark from UK internet retailers inc delivery but I'm unsure about purchasing from them. Komplett.ie has it listed at €2,600, I don't understand why the extra €600euro! That could get me a PS3.

trabpc

The pioneer telly's Alliance Elec have currently have a 5yr Warranty when does this end?

Soarer

It's not just Alliance.
It's all Pioneer Retailers. It's a Pioneer promotion as far as I know, and it runs out at the end of January.:eek:

big_moe

end of feb

trabpc

anybody ever order from these?


http://www.expansys.ie/p.aspx?i=161148

Soarer

Have ordered from the before...fairly reliable.
Never ordered a tv from them before, so can't comment on that.

And, just in case you didn't know, that's not a full hd set. It's "only" hd ready.

trabpc

Thanks.

Full Hd, hd Ready id say even at 50" one could hardly tell the difference. especially on a pioneer plasma!

anthonyj

Any body have the 4280xd? Doing a bit of research for a buddy and basically told him its down to the Sony 40 (LCD) x series or the Pion 4280 xd.
Full 1080p vs better SD and black levels. Future proofing vs excellent contrast.
Any advice lads?

big_moe

pioneer. hands down.

very hard to notice difference between hd ready & full hd @ 40/42 inch

anthonyj

big_moe wrote: »

pioneer. hands down.

very hard to notice difference between hd ready & full hd @ 40/42 inch

Do you have one? They will be sitting about 7 to 9 feet away also so you would hardly notice the difference. What about screen burn?

big_moe

have the 507xd. i dont use that screen for gaming or anything so screen burn isnt an issue for me. but even the "black bars" on films dont burn in. scrren burn rarely happens these days now, what you get is image retention. that means that when watching something with static images for a while, the outline of the static image (very faint) stays on screen for a few mins, but then disappears. hardly noticeable.

anthonyj

Does it affect the viewing experience? They dont have a games console anyway. So I should tell him to get the Kuro so? If u had your time back would u buy the Pio again? Would love to tell him to wait until a 37inch OLED comes out but that could be 5 years and 5 grand! Cant wait for them though!

anthonyj

what about the Panasonic TH-42PX700?

anthonyj

just been informed 42 inch is too big for the room. 37-40 inch is now the spec. Rules out a lot of great Tv's unfortunately.

chalky024

Hi all. Does any know where the Samsung LE46F86 is available to view/purchase. I've tried most places in Cork but nobody seems to have it listed in their stock. Then contacted Dimpco (Distributors) to be told that Samsung were now doing their own distribution. Samsung however say Dimpco are still the distributors Never thought it would be this difficult to spend €2000+ Thanks

anthonyj

Try soundstore in Wilton (up past driving test centre and turn right). Its well signposted. They had the 40 inch so they should have 46inch.

chalky024

Thanks for that. Tried Soundstore in Blackpool to no avail but will give Wilton a call.

Soarer

If you can stretch to it, Argos have the Sony 46X3000 for €2611 delivered.

By all accounts, ie. both threads on AVForums, the F86 is riddled with faults, and the Sony seems to be an all round better unit.

That said, if you can't get the Sony, I'm sure the Sammy will be plenty good enough. Just make sure you read up on the problems though.

chalky024

OK Thanks. Will check that out.