HDTVs - help? Here are some choices/specs. Do you know stuff?

[tzikeh]

I was at Target, and I saw five HDTVs on sale that all look pretty good, but I don't know enough about them to make a truly informed choice. I've looked around at epinions.com, and consumerreports.org, but I think the hive mind will know more than I do, because y'all are TV FANATICS for the most part, and will have experience with this stuff.

My cap is $600, unless there's a set that's SO FAR SUPERIOR that's not that much more money.

Also, if you know of an HDTV that is far superior, for a comparable price, do tell me!

Here are the models I looked at and liked. One piece of information I didn't find is whether or not these models have the desirable feature of a built-in USB port (and that the tv supports .divx, etc). I'm going to assume all have HDMI connections, and all will work with a Blu-Ray player.




VIZIO 37"
1080p; LCD
60Hz
$470
(model E370DVA)

***

VIZIO 42"
1080p; LCD
120Hz
$500
(model E421VA)

***

Philips 40"
1080p; LCD
60Hz
$500
(model 40PFL350FD/F7)

***

Samsung 40"
1080p; LCD
60Hz
$585
(model LN4OC530)

***

APEX 40"
1080p; LCD
120Hz
$530
(model LE40H88)



Any info at all is most welcome! Including if you know of a current sale, or coupon.

Comments

[bkwyrm.livejournal.com]

I know nothing of HDTVs.
But I do have a Costco membership, and Costco has them, I think. Usually for cheaper than you'd find at Target.

[semielliptical]

I got a similar Samsung 40" (LN40C550) at Christmas, it was on sale for $600 at the time. I'm happy with it, no problems so far. It has a USB port and I've successfully played a few .divx files.

[thisisbone.livejournal.com]

We have bought two 42" Panasonic plasma teeeveees at Costco in the past two years. Both were under $600; I think $529 or $549? I can look up the model number if you want, but I think it's the only 42" Panasonic they sell.

I was sold on plasma rather than LCD because of the ability to see it at a wider angle. It's also more "rich" in tone and less "whoa-that's-bright" than the LCDs we looked at. It seems to pixilate less as well.

We bought the first one in June 2009, then went back in June 2010 and bought another one for our downstairs because we'd been so pleased with our first one! Costco purchases come with free tech support, which is nice.

The only thing I don't know is about a USB connection, but I can check for you tomorrow! I know for a fact that they have HDMI holes and can accommodate Blu-ray.

[klia.livejournal.com]

FWIW, you're better off going with a 120Hz refresh rate, especially if you watch stuff/play games with a lot of motion or fast cutting/action, because you get a lot of artifacts and blur with 60Hz; the difference was super-obvious to me, and I found 60Hz so annoying so quickly, I know I'll have to buy a TV with at least 120Hz when the time comes.

[beebalm.livejournal.com]

We have a 42" Vizio (though only 720p, IIRC)and have been very happy with it so far (it's been 18 months). Doesn't have USB, but yes, has 2 HDMI ports and all the old ones, too. We got it at Costco for...in the $400 range? Wish I could say more, but it's in the kitchen and is not connected to DVD player or anything, though I do sometimes plug my cameras into it. Reliable, no complaints.

[greywingnut.livejournal.com]

I have two Samsung LCDs (a 37" and a 46") and have been extremely happy with them. The only thing that gives me pause is the refresh rate issue klia mentions. I don't notice the difference between my 60Hz 37" and my 120Hz 46" as much as I thought I would, but I do notice it.

FWIW, Consumer Reports rates the Samsung you're looking at as a Best Buy with a score of 71 (highest rated in that size range is a 73). They don't have ratings up for the others on your list.