HDTV

[MarkCO]

I tagged on to a thread in General, but this looks likes a better fit.

I am looking for a 50-55" HDTV. I bought a Sony KDF-E50A10, 50" HD LCD TV like 10 years ago. It is not bad, and it has been durable, but it has cut out twice in the last year. I vacuumed it out, re-set it and it is still working, but I am thinking of upgrading and moving it into the basement for the kids Xbox.

I had zero'd in the LG LEDs and had kind of discounted the Plasma. My opening size is 53w x 42t so a 60" is out. I want to stay under $800 (about half of what I paid for the Sony0. I am looking at ChromeCast as opposed to a SmartTV. The LG brand is kind of where I ended up, a 55" LED or a 50" Plasma. I hear the Panasonic Plasma is the best, but is it really...still?

My ultimate goal is to discontinue Satellite and watch HD over the air and on-line. Any and all advice appreciated as you guys seem to be a lot more direct than the crappy on-line reviews. TIA.

[hurley842002]

Tagged for info as well. We just gave up Direct because they couldn't get a signal at our new place. We are planning on going strictly HD over the air. Hopefully we can get enough best buy gift cards for Christmas to help out with a large portion of a television purchase.

Planning on picking up the Chromecast dongle this weekend.

[MarkCO]

Well, lets hope we get some good advice.

[kwando]

tech bargins and slick deal is your best friend! find a good deal on smart TV and you can get off air locals in HD.

Since i am in the industry, i get all my TV for free... but its amazing how much paid TV is monthly.

I just picked up a 1080p 120hz 39" TV for the guest bedroom for $228. Hoping to get rid of all the CRT TVs this year and go all flat screens.

[djbar2]

Micro Center in the DTC is a good source for deals as well

[MarkCO]

Given a model number, I can find a good deal. I am really looking at WHAT is the best bang for the buck, or at least 800 of them or so. What technology is the best value long term?

[blacklabel]

I've had a Samsung 50" Plasma 720p for 7 years now with absolutely no problems. Our next TV will be a 60-65" Samsung plasma as well. I haven't looked at models as I'm not in the market but you can't go wrong with a Samsung plasma in my book.

[hurley842002]

Given a model number, I can find a good deal. I am really looking at WHAT is the best bang for the buck, or at least 800 of them or so. What technology is the best value long term?

I can at least give you an opinion on the last flat screen I had, tho I can't compare it to much.

It was a 50" Panasonic viero. I'm not sure if it was considered a "smart" TV, but it had Pandora, Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and a few other programs pre installed.

It was only a 720p plasma, but it had amazing picture. I may go back to a viero but in 1080.

[MarkCO]

Guess I will go with a 51" Samsung Plasma.

[hurley842002]

Here in a few minutes I'm going to run to best buy and see if they have the Chromecast dongle in stock, if so I'll give my first impressions on that.