Hello - I'm looking for a new tv for my mom. LCD or plasma - no real preference. Size should be 46"-50" preferred - maybe a 42". Prefer 1080p. Don't need too many bells and whistles - won't be much plugged into it. Won't have surround sound plugged into it. Mostly used for general tv watching and some sports. Would like to spend 800-1000 bucks. Would prefer to buy local but don't have to. Suggestions?
To enter a coupon code in your post please enter the following info:
Coupon Code:
Coupon Offer:
Merchant:
Expires (optional):
Restrictions (optional):
saving...
Quick Summary is created and edited by users like you... Add FAQ's, Links and other Relevant Information by clicking the edit button in the lower right hand corner of this message.
A plasma weighs a lot more, so if you get one purchase the installation service with it, you don't want to try to mount it yourself.
For $1000, plasma will get you a bigger screen. I do suggest you get 1080p though, I really notice the difference between my 720 and 1080p sets (although I am at close distance to them).
Panasonic and Samsung make great plasma tvs, and although they are stopping selling them, Vizio ones are OK. If you want LCD, Samsung is good there too, Hitachi is fine and Vizio is surprisingly not bad if you aren't too picky.
At a close difference (less than 10 feet), there is plenty of data that shows it is NOT possible to distinguish between 720p and 1080p.
In addition to the weight, plasmas also consume MUCH more power. The whole subject of power consumption of displays is becoming a bigger issue, expected to result in a new generation of "green" models over the next few years.
At your budget, it should be possible to find a decent Samsung or Sharp LCD - where I would spend my money.
If it were me, I would set aside a couple of hundred for a decent soundbar and subwoofer, as the basic display speakers just don't cut it - particularly for sports.
thanks for the replies guys! I didn't realize about the weight difference and the power consumption different of plasma vs. lcd. I'm thinking lcd now! We will be sitting the tv on a low stand so should be no mounting problems. We have a 32in. sharp in our bedroom - got it at Costco - and for what little we use it - it works great! She has a little Sony 5.1 system but it's not even hooked up right now and she doesn't really want to bother with having to turn more stuff on. She's 75 and just needs a basic/simple setup - I may even look at 720p since she probably couldn't tell the difference.
I bought a 42" Philips LCD TV from wally world last year for $850.(now it's $700) It has done great for me. Good picture and pretty decent sound too. Linkster
bordjon said:thanks for the replies guys! I didn't realize about the weight difference and the power consumption different of plasma vs. lcd. I'm thinking lcd now! We will be sitting the tv on a low stand so should be no mounting problems. We have a 32in. sharp in our bedroom - got it at Costco - and for what little we use it - it works great! She has a little Sony 5.1 system but it's not even hooked up right now and she doesn't really want to bother with having to turn more stuff on. She's 75 and just needs a basic/simple setup - I may even look at 720p since she probably couldn't tell the difference.
For a 75 year old, in a relatively small room, 42" should be more than enough. Will allow you to get a better quality model.
At 75 years old, most people don't have the clarity of vision to see the subtle differences between TVs or the resolution of 1080P.
In your case I would definitely get an LCD, plasmas do use more electricity (which matters if the TV is used a lot), but also they make more heat which is bad if you use air conditioning. An LCD will be lighter and easy for you to set up on a short stand.
If the room isn't too big, a 42" is fine. But, if it is a big room and the seating is far from the TV, I would go bigger.
I wouldn't get an expensive brand - they have better picture quality in some conditions, but they aren't any more reliable. For a 75 year old who doesn't want to use extra speakers, I think my number one criteria (after choosing LCD) would actually be the sound quality. A lot of reviews won't even mention the sound because they assume you will use speakers, but read the reviews that do.
On the other hand, lots of people have strong prejudices about brands. If your mom really loves a certain brand, go ahead and get that one, that may make her happier than any difference in the actual product would make.
Disclaimer: By providing links to other sites, FatWallet.com does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to FatWallet.com.
