Technical Idjit needs advice

11 years ago

Kay:

You don't need a smart tv, but you have to compare the cost of an additional device to the TV price (with and without "smart" features).

I'm assuming you don't have an Xbox or a PS3.

Here's two links for you.

Google Chromecast Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

streamer - CNET

You're probably going to want a blu-ray player with that new TV. Most blu-ray players these days have smart features as well. I saw one on woot.com for $40 that included smart features. If this is the case, the links above are irrelevant. Just buy a blu-ray.

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Kay King 11 years ago

Thank you! That's exactly the info I needed. Seemed like every time I tried to find the facts I ended up on super-techie sites with my eyes glazing over. Kept thinking surely it didn't have to be so complicated.

Now I can narrow down and make a list of what I need/want and watch for the sales next month.
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Dan Riffle

11 years ago

Cool, glad to help. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm a bit of an A/V geek.

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KimW

11 years ago

You might want to look into Roku too. great device, I saw the newest versiona t costco for $79 . Can't beat it.

http://www.roku.com/

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Dan Riffle 11 years ago

Originally Posted by KimW

You might want to look into Roku too. great device, I saw the newest versiona t costco for $79 . Can't beat it.

Roku Streaming Player

Kim, my second link takes Kay to a listing of reviews of most of the Roku products.
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- KimW 11 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Dan Riffle
  
  Kim, my second link takes Kay to a listing of reviews of most of the Roku products.
  
  Sorry dan, I admit I didn't click them. I just went by the impressin I got by the title.
  
  I am very happy with my Roku, I have a 2. I was thinking of getting a 3 because you can plug headphones into the remote.
  
  I also know one warrior that talked about having his own Roku channel. I meant to get with him about how that is working and possibly doing it myself.
  
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  Kay King 11 years ago
  
  All the stuff I've looked up - and didn't know about Roku until I was given the link above.
  
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Dennis Gaskill

11 years ago

I'd like to help you Kay, but I'm learning from this thread myself.

That last big screen I bought was a horrible choice. It was a 52" Zenith (manufactured by LG) and the color gun crapped out in a month. Got it fixed, and it lasted just long enough for the warranty to expire before crapping out again.

I've got a bright green spot about the size of basketball in the middle of the screen. Same place both times. I refuse to fix it again as I consider it throwing good money after bad. Since I only watch a few football games and baseball games, the green spot is usually on grass or green artificial turf, so it's tolerable for now. Good thing my wife has her own TV or I'd have to replace it.

So while I can't help you pick out a good one, it may be of some use to know one to stay away from.

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Joe Mobley 11 years ago

Kay,

Let us know what you decide and how it turns out... If you don't mind.

Joe Mobley
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seasoned

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

I'd like to help you Kay, but I'm learning from this thread myself.

That last big screen I bought was a horrible choice. It was a 52" Zenith (manufactured by LG) and the color gun crapped out in a month. Got it fixed, and it lasted just long enough for the warranty to expire before crapping out again.

I've got a bright green spot about the size of basketball in the middle of the screen. Same place both times. I refuse to fix it again as I consider it throwing good money after bad. Since I only watch a few football games and baseball games, the green spot is usually on grass or green artificial turf, so it's tolerable for now. Good thing my wife has her own TV or I'd have to replace it.

So while I can't help you pick out a good one, it may be of some use to know one to stay away from.

Old CRTs worked with three guns aimed by yolks, and COULD give the type of problem you mention. ALAS, most ones today have millions of cells, and problems tend to be smaller, like a few pixels, or affect the whole picture. Sorry to hear about your problem. I bought a CRT monitor a few months before the LCDs became SO cheap! I bought memory out of a need after the japanese scam, and before the prices dropped a LOT!

Steve

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Dennis Gaskill

11 years ago

Originally Posted by seasoned

Old CRTs worked with three guns aimed by yolks, and COULD give the type of problem you mention. ALAS, most ones today have millions of cells, and problems tend to be smaller, like a few pixels, or affect the whole picture. Sorry to hear about your problem. I bought a CRT monitor a few months before the LCDs became SO cheap! I bought memory out of a need after the japanese scam, and before the prices dropped a LOT!

Steve

The TV is an LCD model. As time revealed, they had all sorts of trouble with this model. I think they quit making it the year after I bought it.

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seasoned

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

The TV is an LCD model. As time revealed, they had all sorts of trouble with this model. I think they quit making it the year after I bought it.

WOW, it must have been RIDICULOUSLY bad!

Steve

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Kay King

10 years ago

These prices look really good - what do you think of this one? (note: of course, i'm NOT affiliated with this site). Best prices I've seen for LG in the 50" range. Why do they have to make so many different models?

LG 50 Class LED HDTV - 1080p, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 120Hz, 4000000:1, 2x HDMI, Energy Star (Refurbished) (50LS4000) at TigerDirect.com

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Dan Riffle

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

These prices look really good - what do you think of this one? (note: of course, i'm NOT affiliated with this site). Best prices I've seen for LG in the 50" range. Why do they have to make so many different models?

LG 50 Class LED HDTV - 1080p, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 120Hz, 4000000:1, 2x HDMI, Energy Star (Refurbished) (50LS4000) at TigerDirect.com

Kay, that looks good from a quick review. I'm pressed for time at the moment, but I'll give it a good look later tonight.

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Dennis Gaskill

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

These prices look really good - what do you think of this one? (note: of course, i'm NOT affiliated with this site). Best prices I've seen for LG in the 50" range. Why do they have to make so many different models?

LG 50 Class LED HDTV - 1080p, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 120Hz, 4000000:1, 2x HDMI, Energy Star (Refurbished) (50LS4000) at TigerDirect.com

Kay, for what it's worth...

LG is who made the TV I've had so much trouble with. I'll never knowingly buy another one they make. In fact, we just bought a new microwave and it came down to two choices. When we found one was made by LG we bought the other.

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Joe Mobley 10 years ago

Kay,

I can not speak for the tv but I can highly recommend TigerDirect.com.

Best of luck,

Joe Mobley
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- seasoned 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Joe Mobley
  
  Kay,
  
  I can not speak for the tv but I can highly recommend TigerDirect.com.
  
  Best of luck,
  
  Joe Mobley
  
  BE CAREFUL with tigerdirect. A lot of stuff is NICE, but some is rare stuff that you may not even find THERE again, and some is refurbished, etc..... That said, I DID find some nice stuff there.
  
  Steve
  
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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

Kay, for what it's worth...

LG is who made the TV I've had so much trouble with. I'll never knowingly buy another one they make. In fact, we just bought a new microwave and it came down to two choices. When we found one was made by LG we bought the other.

LG would LIKE you to think it means "Life's good". What it REALLY means is "LUCKY GOLDSTAR"! The Futurist: From Lucky-Goldstar to LG, or… Brands That Change With The Times | TechCrunch Like so many others these days, they seem to have their good and bad.

Steve

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Dan Riffle

10 years ago

Kay, I took a look. The specs are average for a 50 inch LCD.

I have a combination of two factors that worry me a bit: very little information is available, including reviews; it's sold at WalMart. The two together aren't typically indicators of a quality product. Also, and you probably already know this, the unit is refurbished. I, personally, have no problem buying refurbished, but wanted to make sure you were aware.

I took a look around and may have found you a better option. Take a look at this review: Vizio E500i-A1 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review and take a look at this price: Amazon.com: Buying Choices: VIZIO E500i-A1 50-inch 1080P 120Hz LED Smart HDTV

Also listed on CNET's roundup of the best 50-51 inch TVs: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-50-51-inch-tvs/

The Vizio (also refurbished - trying to keep the price low) referenced above has a solid CNET review, a cheaper price, AND Smart features. You wouldn't need a Roku box.

Just my opinion. Good luck!

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Big Rob

10 years ago

Agree with Dans recommendation.

My Son is also an A/V Wizard, looked at that Vizio and sings its praises.

He said he would buy it as well.

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Kay King

10 years ago

Interesting - I didn't notice the "refurbished" as I usually stay away from that. I never trusted the "refurbished" items - no reason or experience. Some words give yo a mental image and to me that word meant "was broke...but".

Very interesting comments on Vizio. WalMart also sells that brand - in fact it's one of the most carried brands in the local WM store. I'd never heard of the brand and because I saw so many of them at WM I guess I discounted it as an off brand.

Is Vizio associated with Sharp? Don't know why I had the thought unless I read it somewhere.

I'll do some more research over the weekend - lost this afternoon to the vet's office for a dog I'm baby sitting for a friend.

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Dan Riffle

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Interesting - I didn't notice the "refurbished" as I usually stay away from that. I never trusted the "refurbished" items - no reason or experience. Some words give yo a mental image and to me that word meant "was broke...but".

Very interesting comments on Vizio. WalMart also sells that brand - in fact it's one of the most carried brands in the local WM store. I'd never heard of the brand and because I saw so many of them at WM I guess I discounted it as an off brand.

Is Vizio associated with Sharp? Don't know why I had the thought unless I read it somewhere.

I'll do some more research over the weekend - lost this afternoon to the vet's office for a dog I'm baby sitting for a friend.

As far as refurbished goes, it's a personal choice. I, personally, have no qualms assuming the risk if I'm getting a great deal. YMMV.

I probably should have been more clear with the WalMart line. While you aren't going to find videophile-quality TVs at WalMart, simply being sold at WalMart wouldn't stop me from purchasing a TV - BUT the fact that it's sold at WalMart AND difficult to find any info on worries me. WalMart quite often purchases a name brand's lowest quality inventory. Couple that with a lack of reviews and I get all skeeved out.

Vizio was absolute trash when they first came out ten or fifteen years ago. All of sudden, they started putting out quality products at reasonable prices and have moved upstream since - to the point where the company was the #1 TV retailer in the US for two or three years (until last year). While the company doesn't make ultra-high end TVs, you'd most likely be happy unless you are very finicky about picture quality.

Vizio and Sharp are competitors. As far as I know, there's no relationship between the two.

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Kay King 10 years ago

I found a Vizio 47" smart tv for 499 on Amazon. The 50" goes at about $650 cheapest.

I'm think 47" might be big enough as the one I have now is 32".

My goal is to narrow it down to one or two "best" - and then watch the sales this month because I think November sales are going to be good this year.
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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Interesting - I didn't notice the "refurbished" as I usually stay away from that. I never trusted the "refurbished" items - no reason or experience. Some words give yo a mental image and to me that word meant "was broke...but".

Very interesting comments on Vizio. WalMart also sells that brand - in fact it's one of the most carried brands in the local WM store. I'd never heard of the brand and because I saw so many of them at WM I guess I discounted it as an off brand.

Is Vizio associated with Sharp? Don't know why I had the thought unless I read it somewhere.

I'll do some more research over the weekend - lost this afternoon to the vet's office for a dog I'm baby sitting for a friend.

Refurbished, from a REPUTABLE place, generally means they have been checked out, fixed if needed, and packed to be resold. The problem is that they may not be the latest version, may have wear and tear, and may have blemishes. Some parts also might not match. Like you though, I tend to stay away. ALSO, if you see two similar products and one has a far lower price, the refurbished sticker should weigh HEAVILY on how you consider the price difference.

Steve

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KimW

10 years ago

Costco also carries a lot of Vizios. And they usually have very good prices on them.

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Dennis Gaskill

10 years ago

Kay,

One thing to consider is that there is an optimum viewing distance. The larger the screen the farther away you need to be. When I bought the 52" I had it about 20 feet away, which seemed about right.

Since we sold that house, the mancave here is smaller, and I can only put the TV about 14 feet from the couch. It seems too close now. After a football game I walk about with blurry vision from being too close. The same kind of eyestrain I get when I'm on the computer too long.

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Kay King

10 years ago

Dennis -

Recommended distance for these tv's is much closer than you use.

Guess What? Many Of You Wasted Money on Your 1080p TV (But There's Hope)

I was one of those kids who liked to sit "down front" in the movie theatre...

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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Dennis -

Recommended distance for these tv's is much closer than you use.

Guess What? Many Of You Wasted Money on Your 1080p TV (But There's Hope)

I was one of those kids who liked to sit "down front" in the movie theatre...

WOW! Well, to me honest, TV sets USED to be very different. Of course, the theater isn't all that different from current day TVS(regarding potential problems).

Of course, MY vision was near perfect until I was in my 30s, and it's degradation doesn't match how I have used it, so I doubt it had ANYTHING to do with CRTs.

Steve

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