Get a Flat-Screen TV for Less
Manufacturers are offering deals on flat-screen televisions.
June 25, 2009 — -- When making a big-ticket TV purchase, the anxiety centers on what to buy, where to buy and when to buy it. Here's the latest advice on these issues.
New Technology
We are seeing the first serious wave of ultra-thin LCDs hitting the market. Manufacturers like Samsung, LG and Sony are touting LED-backlit LCDs that measure about an inch thick; decidedly thinner than previous LCDs.
These new monitors create a streamlined silhouette when hung on a wall, they weigh less than previous LCDs, they consume less power, and the images are bright and vivid. As the latest and greatest sets on the market, they cost considerably more than traditional LCDs. One downside: To preserve the thin form factor in many sets, the on-board speakers have to be angled down. Instead of projecting sound straight out, the downward angle creates some sound muffling. This isn't a big deal if you plan to use a surround sound set-up.
Models Featured on Today's Show
Samsung 32-inch LED backlit LCD, Model: UN32B6000V, $1,599.98 and the Samsung 55-inch LED backlit LCD, Model: UN55B7100, $3,699.99, on sale for $3,099.99
When to Buy
According to displaysearch.com, a consulting firm for TV manufacturers, despite the recession, demand for LCDs is expected to rise 21 percent this year. That unusual rise in demand will affect normal pricing cycles, and expect TV prices to go up as we head into the fall.
Normally, TV prices go down during the fall and winter as retailers stock up in anticipation of holiday sales. But this year, two factors are at play: tight-fisted consumers have already forced retailers to lower prices to the bare minimum; there is little room for retailers to lower prices further.
The second factor: Global sales of LCDs are up and slated to go way up because of China's stimulus plan. The Chinese government is offering consumers a rebate on LCDs. LCD supply is being diverted away from the United States and toward China to meet the anticipated demand. Less supply here means higher prices in the near future.
Bottom line, many analysts say now is the time to buy a new LCD TV.
Where to Buy
We found a bunch of great deals. These are not the newest and most technologically advanced, but they are very good deals if you want a flat screen and you're on a budget.
32-inch LCD
Costco: 32-inch LCD Vizio, $429
If you're not a Costco member, Amazon has a similar deal.
46-inch brand name LCD BH Photo: Sony 46-inch LCD, $1,195, free shipping
50-inch Plasma dealBestBuy 50-inch Samsung plasma, $899
What to Buy
I get a lot of questions about the new technology being marketed in HDTVs. Here's a primer and my opinion:
Frame rate/120 Hz or 240 Hz
Frame rate refers to how frequently the image is redrawn on the screen. In early LCD TVs, sports fans noticed motion blur as a result of slower frame rates. The image being drawn on the screen didn't keep up with the motion of the game, so action looked blurry or blocky.
Most new sets are 60 Hz or better. Higher-end sets are marketed as having 120 Hz or 240 Hz. To the naked eye, it's difficult to see that a 240 Hz TV is any better than a 120 Hz TV. I have a 60 Hz LCD, I watch a lot of sports and don't notice any motion blur issues. Don't let the marketing sway your decision: Look for yourself. This is an aspect of the process that is subjective -- trust your eye.
Resolution 1080i or 1080p
1080i/720p is the resolution for middle-of-the-road or low-end sets. Higher-end TVs will be 1080p. Buying a 1080p TV may be a way to future-proof your purchase, and the picture may be slightly crisper. But many reviewers, myself included, have noted that, to the naked eye, it's hard to see the difference.
Internet Enabled
Many sets have Ethernet ports to create a direct Internet connection through your home network. This is nice, but I wouldn't pay extra for it. Most of us already have cable and satellite boxes, Tivos or Roku boxes connected to our sets; many of these already have a form of Internet connectivity. Plus our laptops can hook into ports on the TV if you buy a $10 cable. It seems like overkill to make this a big issue for your TV purchase.
Plasma vs. LCD
Plasma is still recognized as having the richest colors and the deepest blacks. But LCDs are brighter and have less glare.
This is a simple issue to resolve: If you have a lot of windows in the room where you'll watch TV, get an LCD. If you are putting the TV in a dark room, get a plasma.