18 replies to this topic

[dafrizz]

Howdy, another "which TV should I buy" thread.

The parameters:
55"
LED LCD (no plasma)
don't need/want 3D
don't care much about smarts etc., will only be "display" for media PC
don't care much about sound quality, all run through amp

The candidates so far:

Samsung UA55D6003 $1326 @bigbrownbox (what's the difference to the Samsung 55" UA55D6000SM?)
Sony KDL55EX500 $1213 @Good Guys
Sony KDL55EX720 $1697 @Good Guys
LG 55LW9500 $1749 @eljo

So far I'm leaning towards the Samsung, not even sure why.

Thoughts ?
Thanks.

[davep]

dafrizz, on Jan 2 2012, 08:48 AM, said:

Howdy, another "which TV should I buy" thread.

The parameters:
55"
LED LCD (no plasma)
don't need/want 3D
don't care much about smarts etc., will only be "display" for media PC
don't care much about sound quality, all run through amp

The candidates so far:

Samsung UA55D6003 $1326 @bigbrownbox (what's the difference to the Samsung 55" UA55D6000SM?)
Sony KDL55EX500 $1213 @Good Guys
Sony KDL55EX720 $1697 @Good Guys
LG 55LW9500 $1749 @eljo

So far I'm leaning towards the Samsung, not even sure why.

Thoughts ?
Thanks.

You are about $250 too high on the LG, JB have had it for a shade under $1500 for a little while now, there are a few members here that have picked one up, but the best thread to have a look at is over on AVS as the lv9500. US members have been able to enable 3D through the service menu, but there hasn't been success with the AU variation (yet). THX presets are also able to be turned on through the service menu. The biggest benefit of this unit is the local dimming backlit feature with a large number of blocks.

[dafrizz]

davep, on Jan 2 2012, 08:34 AM, said:

You are about $250 too high on the LG, JB have had it for a shade under $1500 for a little while now, there are a few members here that have picked one up, but the best thread to have a look at is over on AVS as the lv9500. US members have been able to enable 3D through the service menu, but there hasn't been success with the AU variation (yet). THX presets are also able to be turned on through the service menu. The biggest benefit of this unit is the local dimming backlit feature with a large number of blocks.

Thanks. Found it at JB for that price. Not sure if there's stock though.

Can you comment on it? Any good? How does it rate against my other choices? Any advice will be welcome.

Thanks

Edited by dafrizz, 02 January 2012 - 10:41 AM.

[davep]

I find it great, and although you're not interested in the Smart features, the Media server works very well (once Plex is installed on your PC) - its streams HD clips (at least the 720 ones i've tried) with the inbuilt wireless-n no problems.  Note that it does have a glossy screen, so if the area you have in mind will have significant reflections, consider a model with a matt-finish screen instead.

I am just using a few other forum members settings at the moment, but when I have time i'll give it a proper calibration with my colorimeter.

I cant rate it against the others, as I dont have any experience with them, my particular range of choices was limited aesthetically by the wife.  I was leaning towards a Samsung D7000 (I think), but the user reviews about the edge-lit LED clouding and uneven backlight put me off.  I doubt you could go too worng with a Sony.  

The standard 3 year warranty is a nice bonus too.

[dafrizz]

Thanks.

Looks like it's not available at JB anymore though. At least in SA  

[kulfi]

I have the LW9500 and it's great value for money. If JB don't have it and you are willing to look at other options, how about the LG LW5700 which is going for less than $1500 in HN ? Or the Sony EX720 which can be had for a similar price.

You can also look at the Sharp 60" which can be yours for around $1600 from JB after some haggling.

[dafrizz]

kulfi, on Jan 2 2012, 07:36 PM, said:

I have the LW9500 and it's great value for money. If JB don't have it and you are willing to look at other options, how about the LG LW5700 which is going for less than $1500 in HN ? Or the Sony EX720 which can be had for a similar price.

You can also look at the Sharp 60" which can be yours for around $1600 from JB after some haggling.

I liked the idea of the locally dimmed backlight on the 9500, which the 5700 doesn't have. Also doesn't have he 400Hz refresh rate.

If I can't get the 9500 for a decent price I think I might get the Sony 720.

[kulfi]

dafrizz, on Jan 2 2012, 08:46 PM, said:

Sony 720.

Ticketed at $1698 in HN but it has received a price drop so prices should be more competitive across stores.

[skuzy]

whats the benefit of the backlight feature?

[dafrizz]

skuzy, on Jan 3 2012, 11:51 AM, said:

whats the benefit of the backlight feature?

In theory it gives you a more evenly lit picture and better blacks.

Doesn't matter though since the LG seems to be sold out. Will most likely pick up the Sony 720 for $1500 this afternoon.

[Owen]

dafrizz, on Jan 3 2012, 02:16 PM, said:

In theory it gives you a more evenly lit picture and better blacks.

Back lighting helps screen uniformity compared to edge lighting but not blacks unless local dimming is also used.

[jsmith]

Owen, on 04 January 2012 - 06:18 AM, said:

In theory it gives you a more evenly lit picture and better blacks.


Back lighting helps screen uniformity compared to edge lighting but not blacks unless local dimming is also used.

The LG panel in question has local dimming...

JSmith

[Bosch]

My uncle has a 55-inch Samsung LEG LCD TV from last year.

The uneven edge lighting is very noticable, but he also has brightness and contrast up way too high, to the point where a black screen appears at least 20% grey. I've given him my sermon...it's his TV and personal preference.

LED might use less power, but apart from that, I don't get the appeal if it introduces problems.

[dafrizz]

Ended up getting the Sony 55EX720 as mentioned earlier for $1500 at Good Guys.

Pretty happy with it so far, still have to calibrate it though. Running with some settings I found on the internet at the moment.

[Owen]

jsmith, on 08 January 2012 - 07:25 PM, said:

The LG panel in question has local dimming...

JSmith

I am aware the LG uses local dimming, I wanted to point out that LED back lighting on its own does nothing for blacks as it seems plenty of people believe it does.

[GLO]

Hi guys,

Thought i'd add my Q's to this post since I think its the better option than creating another thread.

Im looking to replace an Samsung SP61L2H that sits in the family room but gets overlooked for the other TV being a Sony 60" Bravia SXRD R Series.

Anyways, i am looking for a 55-60" LCD that will resume daily duties in the family room, leaving my much loved Sony for better content viewing.

Given that the replacement will operate 8-12 hours a day, im looking for something that is going to last! and be energy efficient.

It will also serve as the TV for the kids gaming consoles and i have an ethernet cable to connect it to the Internet and to stream movies off the home server.

What are the recommendations for best bang for buck???

[kulfi]

GLO, on 26 February 2012 - 04:28 PM, said:

What are the recommendations for best bang for buck???

How many bucks are we talking about ?

[GLO]

kulfi, on 27 February 2012 - 07:50 PM, said:

How many bucks are we talking about ?

upto $1250

[kulfi]

Nothing much to speak of in that price bracket. It can buy a 59" entry-level Samsung plasma and by stretching it a bit, a 55" Sony EX720 LED-LCD.

If it's strictly below $1250, then the Sony 55" EX500 LCD (not LED edge-lit) for around $1000 from the likes of Costco.