That's probably the reason Westinghouse is at the bottom of Consumer Reports list. They aren't perfect, but that magazine is a great guide for most people.
Vizio HDTV
- Thread starter Bobber
- Start date
That's probably the reason Westinghouse is at the bottom of Consumer Reports list. They aren't perfect, but that magazine is a great guide for most people.
I never suggested in any of my posts to pay more than $50.00 to anybody.... If you read my earlier post I also suggested to pick a free HDMI cord from mediacom if money was a problem..
I'm mainly suggesting that the HDMI cord is not the only thing you need to get the full HD affect. A five plug RCA connection should also supplement the HDMI cord in place of coax.
Total HD quality seems to be the main complaint for new HDTV owners, because they think the HDMI cord is the only thing they need to get full HD quality. I was mainly offering suggestions to the person who originally created this post, as he seemed to be a new HDTV buyer..
No arguement or disrespect, just personal experience and an attempt on enlightenment...:smile:
Stores are notorious for displaying their LCDs on super bright settings which attracts customers like bugs at night but it doesn't represent a picture you'd watch every day. Beware of buying based on their display's picture unless you ask to tweak it yourself. They can make a cheap TV look better than a good one. Or some kid may have messed with the settings and a TV you should be buying may look like crap.
I overheard a salesman in the CR Best Buy feeding a guy a bunch of bull. Research, research, research.
You know on the whole HMDI thing, I just plug in my coax cable into the back of my T.V. and have a great HD experience from my cable provider.
I don't watch that many DVD's and my DVD player is old, so have not bothered with the special cable yet.
When Blue Ray players get cheap, that's when I'll try them.
I don't watch that many DVD's and my DVD player is old, so have not bothered with the special cable yet.
When Blue Ray players get cheap, that's when I'll try them.
You said
"Make sure you get a good quality HDMI cord and gold tipped RCA jacks!! "
"I'd love to know where you can find an HDMI cord for under ten dollars, that doesn't look like something you'd find in a cracker jack box."
I guess I have a few questions since it sounds like you know a lot about A/V gear.
Why do you think gold-tipped RCA jacks are better?
Are you using those gold RCA jacks to send your audio or video and why?
Did you try out a bunch of different HDMI cords to determine which ones are better?
I
So I'm looking at these 3 scenarios, thoughts as to anyone who has or might have researched these?
1) Sony KDL-52V4100 with Sony Blu-Ray Player $1561
2) Samsung LN46A650 $1449
3) Sharp LC46D85U with Sharp Blu-Ray Player $1399
1) Sony KDL-52V4100 with Sony Blu-Ray Player $1561
2) Samsung LN46A650 $1449
3) Sharp LC46D85U with Sharp Blu-Ray Player $1399
It's hard to go wrong with a Sony or Samsung. Sharp would be more questionable. Prices don't look too bad.
I used coax for the first time also. But, the five plug RCA cords made a complete difference. Honestly, there is no comparison between the two
My 42 inch LCD is a Toshiba that was a recommended buy by Consumer Reports. Yes I've been very happy with it.:yes:
RCA cables do make a bit of a difference, but almost everything I've heard, including speaking to technicians at both ABT and friends who have been in the business. Buy the Cheapest HDMI cable you can find. No need to spend big money on them.
To be honest, I've tried out just about every combination possible, using very expensive cables and cheap, cheap cables. I have yet to prove to myself that the money companies like Monster charge for cable is even close to being worth it. I suppose, if you are going to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a TV, what's a couple of hundred dollars more on cables, right? Well, I can tell the difference between 720 and 1080p, I can't tell the difference between Monster cable and your every day run of the mill brand.
Wow, had I'd known I was going to face a firing squad on suggesting good HD connections to a Vizio buyer, I would've brought along a full page report on my findings, to include a slideshow.
Instead dear sir, I will try to answer your questions sufficiently to meet your established requirements, so I can finally step out of this assault.
Answers:
1. Gold tipped RCA plugs have been proven to provide better HD quailty in communications and video, further clarification see www.fcc.gov
2. Yes, I'm using those RCA cables in my HDTV and the picture quality is superior. Why? See answer #1
3. Rather than purchasing several HDMI cords and testing them out on my own, I chose a new way of researching, it's called the internet. In my research I found a HDMI cord that would best fit my needs.
My overall experience:
HDMI cord: $12.99
Gold tipped RCA cables: $29.98
Picture quality: Priceless
May I assist you further???:dull:
I'm getting the Sammy once I move. I've researched for months. I wouldn't get the Sharp (banding issues if I remember correctly)and the Sony V series is a notch below the Samsung. A Sony W or Z series would be more comparable but they are overpriced. I just notcied that the Sony was 52". I'd have to reassess then. The Samsung is a better TV but the size difference may be the kicker. Look at this site and review the owner threads for each model. Keep in mind that these guys are picky as hell and may see problems when the mere mortal would not.
LCD Flat Panel Displays - AVS Forum
Considering you didn't spend $50 at Best Buy for a Monster Cable I would say you did pretty good. :smile:
In the order I would buy:
Sony
Samsung
Sharp
Sony and Samsung are VERY close in quality.
Be careful on the Sharp models however. They have some "off shoots" where they were initially marketed in Canada. Those particular models are horrific, and have somehow made their way to the States..
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Best Buy IS a complete rip-off. Save your money and buy the same connections at Wal-Mart...:yes:
I guess I just don't understand why you would use both HDMI and component wires? Maybe you have multiple sources that you're feeding to your TV and one of those sources doesn't use HDMI? Not trying to be a jerk, just asking question.
Also, I did a search under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Home Page and could find anything about gold-tip plugs but maybe I'm just missing that page.
Also, I did a search under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Home Page and could find anything about gold-tip plugs but maybe I'm just missing that page.
CyTom, how bright is the room going to be? I know the Samsung has a glossier screen than most. It's claimed to provide deeper blacks but reflections can be an issue. Depending who you ask.