Hi All,
I'm looking to pick up a LCD TV (and hopefully take advantage of some post-Superbowl clearance sales/pricing). I'm a pretty big computer geek working in corporate IT with 2 years put into a big box electronics store during college, so I know a decent amount about TVs, but I'd like some opinions from the experts here (Also if anyone has any PC problems or needs advice, I'll gladly return the favor, just PM me).
I've decided a 37" is about the perfect size for my needs at this point...I'd use it in my living room with the intention of moving it into my bedroom in a year or so after I upgrade to a larger set when they are cheaper. I'm willing to look at other sizes if you think they're a good buy, though.
I am going to be running all connections through a HTPC with 5.1 speakers (except when I inevitably move it out of my living room). So that means:
1) 1080p is highly preferred
2) Speakers are not going to be used on the TV, so sound quality doesn't matter. If they're removable all the better.
3) Upscaling capability is not a big deal, as the HTPC will be outputting at 1920x1080 at all times and handle any upscaling itself (although I don't want total garbage as it will be independent eventually.)
4) DVI connection is preferred, but not essential.
Room layout is kind of narrow and long, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all combined...about 20' wide and probably 40'-45' long. The couch is about 10-12' from the TV. The TV has the only window in the room directly above and behind it, and it is covered by regular blinds and a roll up set of wood blinds, so it never gets very bright, and glare isn't an issue. I've already got the speakers set up so I'm not worried about acoustics.
And as far as what I usually watch...very 'regular' type shows about half the time, and being a geek, quite a bit of Anime too. I'm a big fan of Lord of the Rings and watch it frequently, and most other movies I watch have a lot of action. I'll do a decent amount of web browsing and some gaming with the PC. I also see a Wii in my future eventually...will probably run that through the PC too.
So given all that, I'm looking at any recommendations you might have...I'd like to keep it under a grand (the lower then better), and I don't really have any brand preference as long as it'd decent quality...respectable value brands like Olevia, Westinghouse, etc don't bother me.
Thanks in advance for any replies, and let me know if you need any more info.
I'm looking to pick up a LCD TV (and hopefully take advantage of some post-Superbowl clearance sales/pricing). I'm a pretty big computer geek working in corporate IT with 2 years put into a big box electronics store during college, so I know a decent amount about TVs, but I'd like some opinions from the experts here (Also if anyone has any PC problems or needs advice, I'll gladly return the favor, just PM me).
I've decided a 37" is about the perfect size for my needs at this point...I'd use it in my living room with the intention of moving it into my bedroom in a year or so after I upgrade to a larger set when they are cheaper. I'm willing to look at other sizes if you think they're a good buy, though.
I am going to be running all connections through a HTPC with 5.1 speakers (except when I inevitably move it out of my living room). So that means:
1) 1080p is highly preferred
2) Speakers are not going to be used on the TV, so sound quality doesn't matter. If they're removable all the better.
3) Upscaling capability is not a big deal, as the HTPC will be outputting at 1920x1080 at all times and handle any upscaling itself (although I don't want total garbage as it will be independent eventually.)
4) DVI connection is preferred, but not essential.
Room layout is kind of narrow and long, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all combined...about 20' wide and probably 40'-45' long. The couch is about 10-12' from the TV. The TV has the only window in the room directly above and behind it, and it is covered by regular blinds and a roll up set of wood blinds, so it never gets very bright, and glare isn't an issue. I've already got the speakers set up so I'm not worried about acoustics.
And as far as what I usually watch...very 'regular' type shows about half the time, and being a geek, quite a bit of Anime too. I'm a big fan of Lord of the Rings and watch it frequently, and most other movies I watch have a lot of action. I'll do a decent amount of web browsing and some gaming with the PC. I also see a Wii in my future eventually...will probably run that through the PC too.
So given all that, I'm looking at any recommendations you might have...I'd like to keep it under a grand (the lower then better), and I don't really have any brand preference as long as it'd decent quality...respectable value brands like Olevia, Westinghouse, etc don't bother me.
Thanks in advance for any replies, and let me know if you need any more info.
