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I need a new TV


I currently have a Vidikron VL – 52 LCD monitor. It has been great for the last four years but the panel is failing now. So, time for a new TV. I went to Magnolia and looked at all their TVs. Sure, 4k is better, but the entry is $5,000 and the TV they had had three ugly speakers on each side. Also, I’ve gone this route on my last set and don’t want to take the plunge again on such an expensive purchase that could very well fail just after the warranty. Anyway, I looked at both LCD and Plasma. I preferred the LCD. I do have a room with much ambient light that I cannot tame in the daytime. But really, I just preferred the LCD, which appear to be better at detail as opposed to the plasmas that appeared smoothed and kinda bland. I liked the Sony KDL55W900A the best and the Samsung UN55F8000 was fairly close (and the styling is better than the Sony). The Sony seemed more precise and crisp and has nice pop as well. Small images and text were also rendered better. CNET rates these two LCDs nearly as good as the current Panasonic Plasmas. Anyway, I may also consider the Panasonic TCP55ST60 (plasma) because I’ve read that it is very close to the two higher-end models and is only $1,349 (haven’t seen it in person yet). I have also had an offer from my dealer on a Panasonic TH-65VX300. It is a business class monitor (no TV tuner or speakers) but was stated to be the new reference, comparable to the Kuro by one reviewer on AVforums. Only problem is I will not be able to check it out before it is delivered. –OK, kinda long ramble but I’m done setting this one up now.

So, do any of you have any advice on the TVs I mentioned above or any that I should consider? I’d rather spend in the low $2Ks for a TV and not spend $4-5 grand again. I have read the “New tv” thread, but it is more general. Anyway, what advice would you share with me?
pokey77

Showing 3 responses by pokey77

pokey77 OP
1,260 posts
 

I appreciate the comments. They have made some good points and given me a few ideas.

I went to a dealer today after work that I had not been to in five years and after listening to my needs, the sales person recommended the Sony KDL55W900A, same as Magnolia did. So it seems that this may be the one. I haven't really seen anything else that I liked better. Did see a number of plasma's but I was not convinced they were better. So, now I just have to decide who I'd rather go with. The local dealer or my local Magnolia. The local dealer is actually cheaper and will install the screen, do an initial calibration, take away the old panel ($5), and come back in a month and do a full ISF calibration. I need to see if Magnolia will do all of this for the same price. They are $200+ higher and if they charge to install and won't do an initial calibration, they may be much more expensive.

That's my update. All new comments will be appreciated.
pokey77 OP
1,260 posts
 
To clear up my previous post. The dealer is providing a no-cost initial setup and calibration with a DVD. Then a month later they will do an ISF calibration: cost is $300.

So, I called Magnolia and asked if they would meet the dealers deal: Sony $2,100 (vs. Magnolia price of $2,299), $300 ISF calibration, $5 disposal fee, and the initial setup and calibration with a DVD also at no charge. Magnolia salesperson is checking with his manager now.

The reason to check with Magnolia for me is because they are a large national company vs. the dealer, who runs a one store operation (27 years in business). Magnolia may be easier to deal with if I have a problem with the TV than the dealer might be; that is what I'm thinking. But what is cool about the dealer is they have a lot of cool hi-end audio/video merch. So that could lead to a possible long-term relationship. Anyway, just waiting on a response. Then I can make a decision.

Am I missing anything here?
pokey77 OP
1,260 posts
 
So, I went by and made a deal with my local dealer. Magnolia never got back to me. Unfortunately the dealer had to order it and it won't be here until next Tues/Wed. And probably next Thursday since Wednesday is the 4th. But now its just the wait. Thanks for the help all.
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