Buying a LCD HDTV, Help Please!!!

[CarBastard]

Hi there GTP'ers,

I got some money left after buying my GT setup (and got some more after selling NFS: SHIfT) and I was thinking my 21" curved display fatty wouldn't do justice to GT5 amazing graphics. However, I'm not sure about this purchase so I have a couple of questions to ask, and would be much olbiged if someone answered 👍.

1. Does a HDTV really add to the driving experience?
2. What's better LCD or Plasma?
3. What's the chances one of this items comes damaged from factory? (I have no option to use warranty since I buy cheap in the U.S and then ship to Colombia, here this kind of stuff is much more expensive).
4. What's a good screensize?
5. Does it make any difference that they're called "Monitors"? Does that mean they're only for the PC?
6. Which is the best PS3-combatible HD cable? (I know SCEA makes one, but I've seen much cheaper alternatives and I'm not sure if they work well)
7. Any suggestion for a budget of US$240? (So far I got this ones in mind: Favourite so far, this one's cheaper but smaller and the biggest, but stresses my budget a tad.

Please help guys, I dont have any idea what to do . Thanks in advance.

 

[Jump_Ace]

Hey there I'll try and help you out some.

1. Does a HDTV really add to the driving experience?

- If you get an HDTV and toggle between SD and HD, that will more than answer that question

2. What's better LCD or Plasma?

- It's my preference to pick LCD over Plasma, especially in the case of Gran Turismo, with the always on HUD, it can create a burn in on Plasma TV's. To be honest, I haven't seen it happen in person but that is because I don't know anyone who has a Plasma; another possible reason there (but they are cheaper for that reason)

3. What's the chances one of this items comes damaged from factory? (I have no option to use warranty since I buy cheap in the U.S and then ship to Colombia, here this kind of stuff is much more expensive).

- I'm not sure of how things ship overseas, but wheather you buy in a store or online, it gets shipped either way, so I'd recommend picking up the shipping insurance if its an option.

4. What's a good screensize?

- Many people will tell you more is better, but I think it depends on your situation. If you have a large living room or don't want to sit too close to the TV anyway, then go big like 46 inches or even 55 inches. If you plan on sitting close, like 4 feet away or so, then a 42 inch would be just fine, imo. But you can always adjust the brightness and contrast to your liking so your eyes don't get bloodshot.

5. Does it make any difference that they're called "Monitors"? Does that mean they're only for the PC?

- Typically, this refers to smaller monitors, that have an HDMI, VGA and DVI inputs and are a bit larger than the common 20 inch monitors for computers. I have a Samsung 26 inch HDTV monitor and I could play GT on it, so as long as you see an HDMI port on it and its a size you like, go for it. But I find usually its cheaper to just go with a standard TV.

6. Which is the best PS3-combatible HD cable? (I know SCEA makes one, but I've seen much cheaper alternatives and I'm not sure if they work well)

- Basically, there is a big misunderstanding when it comes to HDMI cables. I have four cheap cables I got for about $8 each at Frys Electronics. They are just as bit as good as the "MONSTER CABLES" that are $80 on up. The specs may be SLIGHTLY better for the monster cables, however the human eye won't be able to tell any difference.

7. Any suggestion for a budget of US$240? (So far I got this ones in mind: Favourite so far, this one's cheaper but smaller and the biggest, but stresses my budget a tad.

- I would say, if you can wait a bit longer and save up some more and in the meantime use GT on your current TV that would be my opinion so you can get an ideal setup that you can enjoy for a long time.

Hope that helps!

Jerome

 

[CarBastard]

Hey there I'll try and help you out some.

1. Does a HDTV really add to the driving experience?

- If you get an HDTV and toggle between SD and HD, that will more than answer that question

2. What's better LCD or Plasma?

- It's my preference to pick LCD over Plasma, especially in the case of Gran Turismo, with the always on HUD, it can create a burn in on Plasma TV's. To be honest, I haven't seen it happen in person but that is because I don't know anyone who has a Plasma; another possible reason there (but they are cheaper for that reason)

3. What's the chances one of this items comes damaged from factory? (I have no option to use warranty since I buy cheap in the U.S and then ship to Colombia, here this kind of stuff is much more expensive).

- I'm not sure of how things ship overseas, but wheather you buy in a store or online, it gets shipped either way, so I'd recommend picking up the shipping insurance if its an option.

4. What's a good screensize?

- Many people will tell you more is better, but I think it depends on your situation. If you have a large living room or don't want to sit too close to the TV anyway, then go big like 46 inches or even 55 inches. If you plan on sitting close, like 4 feet away or so, then a 42 inch would be just fine, imo. But you can always adjust the brightness and contrast to your liking so your eyes don't get bloodshot.

5. Does it make any difference that they're called "Monitors"? Does that mean they're only for the PC?

- Typically, this refers to smaller monitors, that have an HDMI, VGA and DVI inputs and are a bit larger than the common 20 inch monitors for computers. I have a Samsung 26 inch HDTV monitor and I could play GT on it, so as long as you see an HDMI port on it and its a size you like, go for it. But I find usually its cheaper to just go with a standard TV.

6. Which is the best PS3-combatible HD cable? (I know SCEA makes one, but I've seen much cheaper alternatives and I'm not sure if they work well)

- Basically, there is a big misunderstanding when it comes to HDMI cables. I have four cheap cables I got for about $8 each at Frys Electronics. They are just as bit as good as the "MONSTER CABLES" that are $80 on up. The specs may be SLIGHTLY better for the monster cables, however the human eye won't be able to tell any difference.

7. Any suggestion for a budget of US$240? (So far I got this ones in mind: Favourite so far, this one's cheaper but smaller and the biggest, but stresses my budget a tad.

- I would say, if you can wait a bit longer and save up some more and in the meantime use GT on your current TV that would be my opinion so you can get an ideal setup that you can enjoy for a long time.

Hope that helps!

Jerome

Very helpful Jerome, thanks 👍. My current set up is near to my ideal one (the one under the "G27" label in my signature) so I'd say one of those TV's are a good choice for the size (Maybe a mammoth 42" wont fit there) and though the idea of saving sounds quite reasonable...erm...all my savings are...let's say...depleted . It may sound weird but, yup, no more money for a couple of years more, so this lil budget I have cant grow too much. Thanks a lot again .

 

[Jump_Ace]

That looks like a cool setup, similar to what I had back in the day 👍 You could probably get away with a 32 inch TV, but as long as you enjoy it, thats all that matters.

Jerome

 

[TB]

Edit: I see Jerome has already answered your questions, but I'll throw my observations into the mix, too.

1. Does a HDTV really add to the driving experience?

When I bought my first HDTV, I put in a DVD (didn't have a PS3 to use a Blu-ray) and this is the difference between the 2.

2. What's better LCD or Plasma?

Burn-in is getting much better with plasma sets, but it's still a concern. For a TV that is going to be used mainly for games, I'd echo Jerome's suggestion of going with an LCD.

3. What's the chances one of this items comes damaged from factory? (I have no option to use warranty since I buy cheap in the U.S and then ship to Colombia, here this kind of stuff is much more expensive).

Damage is always a possibility when shipping something. Hopefully it doesn't happen, but it certainly could. My 50" plasma had a hole in the box the size of a grapefruit but thankfully there was no damage to the TV.

4. What's a good screensize?

Answer a question with a question - how close are you going to be sitting? Without knowing the answer, I'd likely go with a 32".

5. Does it make any difference that they're called "Monitors"? Does that mean they're only for the PC?

If I'm not mistaken,

6. Which is the best PS3-combatible HD cable? (I know SCEA makes one, but I've seen much cheaper alternatives and I'm not sure if they work well)

I have a couple of HDMI cables from monoprice that have worked great with no problems. There are plenty of lengths to choose from and they come in lovely colors, too! Looks like atypical 6' HDMI can be picked up for around $4 USD. (EDIT - in looking at your link to your "Favorit so far" TV, it looks like you can add an HDMI for less than monoprices price.

7. Any suggestion for a budget of US$240? (So far I got this ones in mind: Favourite so far, this one's cheaper but smaller and the biggest, but stresses my budget a tad.

From those 3 sets, I don't think you'll be disappointed in any of them.

Good luck with the hunting, CarBastard! 👍

 

[Horde_R35]

I recommend my TV: TV digital Full HD 1080p de 47" 47PFL8404H/12

LCDs are better for gaming and great for viewing movies, but not has good as a plasma, wich is better for movies but not so much for gaming! Plamas have 0 ms of response and my LCD (for example) have 0.2ms! Thats a resume whta the experts told me in several stores when i bought mine:tup:!

For cable i have http://www.audioquest.com/ a bit expensive but extremely good!

 

[TB]

I recommend my TV: TV digital Full HD 1080p de 47" 47PFL8404H/12

While I'm sure that is an outstanding set, it's just a smidge over his $240 budget.

 

[CarBastard]

Very helpful guys 👍👍 , thanks a lot . I've made my mind and I think I'll go for that "G27"Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD HDTV Widescreen LCD Monitor". All is left is arranging the shipment. Will that one work as a TV (coaxial input? I see it's called "monitor", so I'm not sure)? Will it allow me to play GT5 at the highest spec?

 

[Horde_R35]

While I'm sure that is an outstanding set, it's just a smidge over his $240 budget.

sily me! I didnt see the budget !

For my PC i have this one http://www.pclaunches.com/monitors/acer_g24_lcd_monitor_with_500001_contrast_ratio.php

 

[Turbo Lag]

"G27"Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD HDTV Widescreen LCD Monitor".

I've got the 'only monitor' version of that, and I can assure you the quality is pretty damn good. Enjoy it. 👍

 

[TB]

Will that one work as a TV

According to the specs, it does have an antenna coax, so you should be good to go.

 

[bevo]

I really don't know why everyone is saying that Plasmas are no good for gaming. I have a panasonic plasma an it has the best picture I have ever seen. I have played hours, and hours of games with health bars, and the such, and burn in really isn't a concern anymore, unless you pause the screen and leave it set for 12 hours. My sisters cousin even went to bed and left a game on all night. The next morning I thought for sure the TV was ruined, but there was not a hint of burn in.

With plasmas you don't have to worry about refresh rates, or motion blur at all. I also own 3 LCD's and they all pail in comparison to my plasma. One's refresh rate is so bad that you can't even play games on it, and it was a 400$ 26 inch screen that came with my camper. Everything lags to the point of making you sick.

The only way I would ever recommend an LCD or LED over a plasma is if it's going to be in a very brightly lit room. Everyone who has ever come over to try out my racing setup is amazed at how good the picture is on the TV. The TV I bought 2 years ago can be had for 800$ now, and to get an LCD that is even close to the picture would cost over 2000$, and still wouldn't look as good unless it was in a room with a bunch of light directed toward the screen.

But after saying all of this, it would be very hard to find a 32 inch plasma. Your only real choice in an LCD. If you look at phillips LCD's you can get a 32 inch for around 200$ if you look hard enough. I got mine for that at walmart. It doesn't have the best picture, but it's 1080p(which doesn't matter on a screen that small) and has no refresh rate problems for gaming. The only reason I can think of that companies are not make plasmas anymore are because the technology was almost perfected. There was no way to keep charging 2000$ for TV's that the technology was already almost perfected. LCD's now have 240hz and the such, while plasmas were already at 600hz to begin with.

I really can't think of one area that LCD's are better in, other then a non reflective screen.
Sorry for ranting here, but I didn't want someone to read this thread and discount Plasmas for gaming. I haven't seen a TV that is still being made that can compare to the panasonic plasmas. When you can buy a TV for 1500$-2500$ less, and it has a better picture, I really can't see how there is even an option to go with an LCD unless the room you are putting it in, is extremely brightly lit.

I'm done now.

 

[Horde_R35]

Or... you can wait a few months to get the 1st 3D TVs! But i think its always better the end of a technology than the begining of one! I wonder how much one will cost!

 

[Cocomoto]

So, i'm planning in finally buy a HDTV, but, i saw in somewhere that somethings must be checked;

Refresh rate, contrast(something like 1:20000, or so), response time to make sure that i won't lag while playing.

I live in a small city and buy a specific model that any of you would recomend could be hard to find, so i want explanations. Sorry for bother you all, but my cat peed at my pc and i'm using the PS3, and is hard to see most of sites in a SD TV really hurt my eyes.

PS: CarBasterd, where you buy in US ? 32" LCD TV's here cost something around 1,600~2,500 reais(700~1,200 dollars).
I'm planning in get a TV of 32~42" and i'm thinking to myself, if you can buy a TV with $240, i think i can get a good one with $1000 =]

But what i'm really afraid is the custons here in Brazil, they could charge the package in 60% of it's vaule or send it back to who send it.

 

[jedaye]

I would look into LED Tv's. The give a very bright & vivid picture a consume less power. But I don't live in the US so would know whether LED TV's are over your budget.

 

[CarBastard]

UPDATE:

Spent the money I had for this on a driving course & license, but an uncle appeared and very un-concealed told me to "Look around" for either the Playseat Evo or a HDTV. This extra budget might mean something like this... . Also I was wondering if this two speaker systems would work Option 1 Option 2 (In case of option 1, is there any way of those being integrated with this one?).

One question still appears though. My country is still doing the whole "we wan't to pretend we aren't stuck in the 3 world so let's get digital tv!" process, will this TV work fine with it or would it result useless in a couple of years? ? Thanks in advance fellows.