Samsung Flat Screens

[Dunit35]

What do you think of them?

I'm getting quite a bit back for taxes with my mother claiming me. Depending on what I get back on my own taxes I might purchase a tv tomorrow. There is a Samsung 32'' lcd hdtv (720p) at our local wal mart on sale for $498. It had 8000:1 ratio or something.

I'd really like to go bigger with a 37-40 inch but it'd be smarter to use a portion of my money on some medical bills obviously and I'd like to get surround sound, hdmi cable for my xbox instead of paying for more TV.

I have a friend who works there that will buy a different TV with her discount if I want her to.

What say you?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

#1) You can get an HDMI cable for 5 bucks on monoprice.
#2) How much are you budgeting total for all these electronics expenditures? You'd probably be better off with a solid 2 channel system than cutting corners to get an entire surround sound system.
#3) The Samsung A450 is a good TV. What were some of the other considerations?

[Dunit35]

#1) You can get an HDMI cable for 5 bucks on monoprice.
#2) How much are you budgeting total for all these electronics expenditures? You'd probably be better off with a solid 2 channel system than cutting corners to get an entire surround sound system.
#3) The Samsung A450 is a good TV. What were some of the other considerations?

I just want a decent suround sound. It doesn't need to be the best, just decent price and good sound. The brand doesn't matter. I have no idea what surround sound prices are these days.

I'd consider any tv within my range...500 sounded like a good price for that samsung. They had some vizios and RCA's around the same price +/-100 bucks.

I know Wal-Mart sucks at electronics but it's cheaper and not bad products.

Shoot some TV's at me if you want in that range.

[KcMizzou]

I've got a 42" Samsung plasma, and couldn't be happier with it.

[Dunit35]

I've got a 42" Samsung plasma, and couldn't be happier with it.

Yeah, I saw that style/size on Samsungs website for $900. I could go that route but then I'd be pissed at myself four months from now when I'm broke.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I just want a decent suround sound. It doesn't need to be the best, just decent price and good sound. The brand doesn't matter. I have no idea what surround sound prices are these days.

I'd consider any tv within my range...500 sounded like a good price for that samsung. They had some vizios and RCA's around the same price +/-100 bucks.

I know Wal-Mart sucks at electronics but it's cheaper and not bad products.

Shoot some TV's at me if you want in that range.

500 for the TV...how much for your sound?

[Dunit35]

500 for the TV...how much for your sound?

I don't really know on sound. I have no clue on prices or what's good.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I don't really know on sound. I have no clue on prices or what's good.

Just give me a budget.

[Dunit35]

Just give me a budget.

Nothing more then 150 or so. Is that not going to high enough?

[aturnis]

I'd go as big as you can. You won't regret it. I was looking at 46" as my top end, now I'm VERY happy I went "52.

Samsung IS the way to go. Also, if you can get 1080p, it does make a world of difference. My neighbor who likes to show off his toys he buys as soon as they come out stopped in the other day and couldn't believe how good my t.v. looked compared to all of his. He has at least 3 or 4 new t.v.s, a few 1080, one 720 all of various types. Now he's see's why I researched for a year before buying.

Also, buying online can get you A LOT more bang for your buck. Mine was a 52" Samsung 1080p, w/ premium sound for about $1200. It's a factory refurb, but you'd never know, and no problems to date.

[TEX]

I've got a 42" Samsung plasma, and couldn't be happier with it.


Me too. Feel the same way. AWESOME picture with no problems! Just love it.

[Dunit35]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9124792

Here's the TV

I noticed a vizio for the same price that was 1080p

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10778775

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Nothing more then 150 or so. Is that not going to high enough?

At that point, you're really just wasting your money with any surround sound system that you buy.

[KcMizzou]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9124792

Here's the TV

I noticed a vizio for the same price that was 1080p

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10778775From what I understand, at 32"... you're not going to notice much (if any) difference.

As a happy Samsung customer, that's the way I'd go... but that's just me. I don't have any experience with Vizio.

[Dunit35]

I'll be damn. The Samsung was sold out today as was my next choice, the Vizio 32''.

I bought the Sanyo 32'' ($447) and the RCA Surround Sound ($158). I'm happy with it being my first home theater system. I'll get a better one when I graduate college and such.

"Hamas" I need to buy an HDMI cable for my xbox off monoprice.com. What's the one I want to buy?

And also, How do I hook up my 360 to the TV? My 360 has the cable that has 6 plug in things with the HD/TV switch on it.

I almost bought the 37" Vizio for $650 but decided to get the cheaper, smaller Sanyo so I could buy surround sound and a vacuum.

[Buck]

I'll be damn. The Samsung was sold out today as was my next choice, the Vizio 32''.

I bought the Sanyo 32'' ($447) and the RCA Surround Sound ($158). I'm happy with it being my first home theater system. I'll get a better one when I graduate college and such.

"Hamas" I need to buy an HDMI cable for my xbox off monoprice.com. What's the one I want to buy?

And also, How do I hook up my 360 to the TV? My 360 has the cable that has 6 plug in things with the HD/TV switch on it.

I almost bought the 37" Vizio for $650 but decided to get the cheaper, smaller Sanyo so I could buy surround sound and a vacuum.

3 Foot = $3.90
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024007&p_id=5214&seq=1&format=2

6 foot = $4.74
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=3992&seq=1&format=2

Minimal shipping costs.

I would recommend buying 2 or 3. You never know when you'll need an extra HDMI cable.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I'll be damn. The Samsung was sold out today as was my next choice, the Vizio 32''.

I bought the Sanyo 32'' ($447) and the RCA Surround Sound ($158). I'm happy with it being my first home theater system. I'll get a better one when I graduate college and such.

"Hamas" I need to buy an HDMI cable for my xbox off monoprice.com. What's the one I want to buy?

And also, How do I hook up my 360 to the TV? My 360 has the cable that has 6 plug in things with the HD/TV switch on it.

I almost bought the 37" Vizio for $650 but decided to get the cheaper, smaller Sanyo so I could buy surround sound and a vacuum.

Well, if your 360 is older, it may not have a native HDMI port in it. Which sucks for you, because if you want the HDMI out of the 360, you'll have to buy this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16874104035&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Xbox+360+-+Accessories-_-MADCATZ-_-74104035

Then, if you want true DD sound out of your box, you'll have to buy another adapter.

My advice, if you don't have a 360 with native HDMI, just use the component input and run an optical cable from the adapter to your HT receiver for your surround sound.

If you are just looking for regular HDMI cables for high def sources (Blu Ray, HDTV, etc.), then this is what you'd need.

HDMI Cables:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=5136&seq=1&format=2

Optical Cables

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2764&seq=1&format=2

[Dunit35]

Well, if your 360 is older, it may not have a native HDMI port in it. Which sucks for you, because if you want the HDMI out of the 360, you'll have to buy this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16874104035&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Xbox+360+-+Accessories-_-MADCATZ-_-74104035

Then, if you want true DD sound out of your box, you'll have to buy another adapter.

My advice, if you don't have a 360 with native HDMI, just use the component input and run an optical cable from the adapter to your HT receiver for your surround sound.

If you are just looking for regular HDMI cables for high def sources (Blu Ray, HDTV, etc.), then this is what you'd need.

HDMI Cables:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024008&p_id=5136&seq=1&format=2

Optical Cables

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2764&seq=1&format=2


I bought my 360 in September 2007. But got a refurb one two months ago because of the RROD. How do I know if it's the right one?

It's only got three plug in things in the back of the xbox. The power cord, the cable cords and phone jack. The cable that is in there now has the HDTV or TV switch on it.

EDIT: I'm gonna probably buy the HD DVR from Directv. What cord do I need for that? I don't see a blue ray in my future until the price drops.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I bought my 360 in September 2007. But got a refurb one two months ago because of the RROD. How do I know if it's the right one?

It's only got three plug in things in the back of the xbox. The power cord, the cable cords and phone jack. The cable that is in there now has the HDTV or TV switch on it.

The port on the bottom.

http://simple-pc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/128348-1-1.jpg

['Hamas' Jenkins]

EDIT: I'm gonna probably buy the HD DVR from Directv. What cord do I need for that? I don't see a blue ray in my future until the price drops.

HDMI.

[Dunit35]

The port on the bottom.

http://simple-pc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/128348-1-1.jpg

I was just getting ready to say that theres a port beneath the big port that isn't being used. I think thats it.

[Dunit35]

I'll buy a couple HDMI cables tomorrow after I activate my new debit card.

Damn, debit card company got hacked into along with my debit card.

[Dunit35]

If I wanted to game right now what plug in needs to go where to get the best picture?

I'll set it up HD after I get those cables.

[Buck]

If I wanted to game right now what plug in needs to go where to get the best picture?

I'll set it up HD after I get those cables.

If you have component cables (the blue, green, and red ones) then use those. If you dont, then you cant game in HD yet.

[Dunit35]

If you have component cables (the blue, green, and red ones) then use those. If you dont, then you cant game in HD yet.

Got em. What do they go in to on the TV?

I am lost on the xbox hook up. I got the surround sound and DVD hooked up to each other and the TV no problem. I got about 50 cords behind my E. Center now.

[Dunit35]

Hamas, do I really need to buy an HDMI cable for the xbox if the components work or will there be a damn good difference in picture if I buy it?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Got em. What do they go in to on the TV?

I am lost on the xbox hook up. I got the surround sound and DVD hooked up to each other and the TV no problem. I got about 50 cords behind my E. Center now.

Your XBox has five cords on the A/V plug. They are in two rows. Take the cables in the top row that are red, green, and blue, and hold on to them. Pull back, or tape back the two red and white cables if you feel like it.

Hook the aforementioned RGB cables into the back of your TV in the input that either says "Component" or "YPrBr".

[Buck]

Got em. What do they go in to on the TV?

I am lost on the xbox hook up. I got the surround sound and DVD hooked up to each other and the TV no problem. I got about 50 cords behind my E. Center now.

You should have something that looks similar to this.

http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2008/305/x305LN40650-b.jpeg&usg=AFQjCNGJB3hHM0ti9TWGhiCzNEz8bBeSzQ

On this sample it says AV In 1, and there is a Blue, Green, and Red set as well as another Red and White set. You want to plug those blue green and red cords into there, and if you have the red and white set plug them into there. That will be your noise, unless you have an optical cable.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Hamas, do I really need to buy an HDMI cable for the xbox if the components work or will there be a damn good difference in picture if I buy it?

The Xbox can function as an upconverting DVD player with the HDMI cable, and you don't have to go through a digital to analog transmission when you drop down to component, so for five bucks, yes, it's hellaworth it.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Oh and Buck, if your TV looks like the one above, you need a 1/8" mini to Toslink adapter for the input, and a regular Optical for the output.

[Buck]

Oh and Buck, if your TV looks like the one above, you need a 1/8" mini to Toslink adapter.

Nope.

Im pretty sure this is my TV

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-42PFL5603D-27-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B00140P90G

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Nope.

Im pretty sure this is my TV

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-42PFL5603D-27-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B00140P90G

Yup. Any shielded RCA cable will work for that SPDIF output to your HTIB.

[Dunit35]

You should have something that looks similar to this.

http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2008/305/x305LN40650-b.jpeg&usg=AFQjCNGJB3hHM0ti9TWGhiCzNEz8bBeSzQ

On this sample it says AV In 1, and there is a Blue, Green, and Red set as well as another Red and White set. You want to plug those blue green and red cords into there, and if you have the red and white set plug them into there. That will be your noise, unless you have an optical cable.

I have the yellow plug left and I don't have any video or audio..scratch that.

It looks amazing. I have wood right now.

[Dunit35]

I must be retarded though. I've got sound through the TV but no sound from the surround.

[Buck]

You will need to do this if you want sound out of the Surround

Xbox --> Component Cables (Xbox 360 ones) --> Reciever

At least I think the Xbox 360 uses proprietary Component cables anyways.

Edit: I HAVE RETARD

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I must be retarded though. I've got sound through the TV but no sound from the surround.

You most likely plugged in the RCA audio (red and white, second row) into the back of the TV. If you don't have any RCA cables (or other audio cables) hooked into the surround system, you can't get any sound out of it, and those cables aren't going to reach from the TV to your surround system.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

For sound, you must have audio cables hooked from from the XBox into the surround sound system.

For video, you must have video cables (Component, in your case) hooked from the XBox to the television.

[Dunit35]

Got ya.

Anything I can do or buy to make it happen?

I've only got two sets of audio/video spots on my Surround Sound and one has my DTV and the other has my DVD player.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Got ya.

Anything I can do or buy to make it happen?

I've only got two sets of audio/video spots on my Surround Sound and one has my DTV and the other has my DVD player.

You can buy an A/V switch and just flip a switch whenever you want to watch or the other. (Get one that supports digital inputs).

You only need stereo for your TV. Sound quality out of TV, even in HD, is lacking. I'd save the digital inputs for the 360 and DVD player.

[Dunit35]

Did I read directv website correctly?

It says I need a landline plugged into the reciever to get the HD reciever...is that correct?

EDIT: Nevermind, thats to be able to see who's calling you on the TV.

[kpic]

Did I read directv website correctly?

It says I need a landline plugged into the reciever to get the HD reciever...is that correct?

EDIT: Nevermind, thats to be able to see who's calling you on the TV.

And for PPVs, and to get any updates to your receiver software. Other than that you do not need a line hooked up to it.

[Dunit35]

Hamas, I got the hdmi cable from monoprice today. I hooked it up to the xbox and HDMI slot on my tv and it works. I don't really notice much of a difference from the component set up I had before. I don't have the tv/hdtv box plug in plugged into the xbox anymore...is that right?

Is it done right?

If it is right, can I plug in the audio cables from my xbox into the back of my surround sound reciever and get surround on it?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Hamas, I got the hdmi cable from monoprice today. I hooked it up to the xbox and HDMI slot on my tv and it works. I don't really notice much of a difference from the component set up I had before. I don't have the tv/hdtv box plug in plugged into the xbox anymore...is that right?

Is it done right?

If it is right, can I plug in the audio cables from my xbox into the back of my surround sound reciever and get surround on it?

To part A) Yes, it is done right.

To part B) Yes, but I heard it's a tight fit.

or another option is if your TV has an optical digital out that you could use to input to your receiver. It basically parses the audio signal coming in and routes it back out. A bit of a cluster, but functional, nonetheless.

Or if you don't feel like it's enough of a difference, you can use the HDMI for your DTV and the component for your Xbox and the second HDMI for another component (Blu-Ray Player?).

[rad]

I'm looking into a new TV. May go with one of these. Opinions appreciated.

Free Shipping FTW!!!


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A650-46-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413D94/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-33


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN52A650-52-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413DF8/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-37

[Kraus]

I'm looking into a new TV. May go with one of these. Opinions appreciated.

Free Shipping FTW!!!


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A650-46-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413D94/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-33


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN52A650-52-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413DF8/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-37

I've been looking at that first one, I'd be interested to hear opinions on it too.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I'm looking into a new TV. May go with one of these. Opinions appreciated.

Free Shipping FTW!!!


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A650-46-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413D94/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-33


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN52A650-52-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413DF8/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233814648&sr=8-37

The 52A650 is a bad motherfucker, but you can get it from here for almost 300 dollars less, shipped.

http://www.fotospirit.com/showdetails.asp?prodid=LN52A650P3FXZA

[rad]

The 52A650 is a bad mother****er, but you can get it from here for almost 300 dollars less, shipped.

http://www.fotospirit.com/showdetails.asp?prodid=LN52A650P3FXZA

Not really.

1484 + 300 (shipping) = 1784 @ Fotospirit

1881 (free shipping) = 1881 @ Amazon

- 100 bucks

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Not really.

1484 + 300 (shipping) = 1784 @ Fotospirit

1881 (free shipping) = 1881 @ Amazon

- 100 bucks

Then google was lying.

[rad]

Not Samsung but anyone want to weigh in on this for me?

http://www.target.com/Philips-1080P-LCD-HDTV-47PFL3603D/dp/B0018MANWE/qid=1234020918/ref=br_1_1/178-0439910-0917056?ie=UTF8&node=10666911&frombrowse=1&rh=p_36%3A%241000-%241999&page=1

Also, has anyone seen any good deals at Circuit City yet? >10%?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Not Samsung but anyone want to weigh in on this for me?

http://www.target.com/Philips-1080P-LCD-HDTV-47PFL3603D/dp/B0018MANWE/qid=1234020918/ref=br_1_1/178-0439910-0917056?ie=UTF8&node=10666911&frombrowse=1&rh=p_36%3A%241000-%241999&page=1

Also, has anyone seen any good deals at Circuit City yet? >10%?

I'd spend the extra 100 bucks and get a Sharp.

And no to CC.

[rad]

I'd spend the extra 100 bucks and get a Sharp.

And no to CC.

I actually saw this TV (philips) last night at Target, and the picture was actually samsung/sony good. The only thing I'm apprehensive about is horror stories I've heard about philips customer service.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I actually saw this TV (philips) last night at Target, and the picture was actually samsung/sony good. The only thing I'm apprehensive about is horror stories I've heard about philips customer service.

If I were you, I'd take the brightness down to normal levels rather than torch mode. See how it looks.

Always test drive your TVs first, even if you don't buy them from a B&M.

[KCFalcon59]

Hamas,

What is your opinion on this set? I am also looking at the Samsung LN46A650.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/462528401/sharp-lc46d85u

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I like Sharp TVs. The one thing that does piss me off about them is that they just got busted big time (along with LG) for price fixing. That is enough to make me consider another brand of similar quality if prices are comparable.

[KCFalcon59]

I've got another month before I am ready to buy. Hopefully prices will drop a little more. I like the look of the Samsungs alot. Just wanting to get a good deal.

[BigMeatballDave]

I bought this friday. $1300. I can't stop smiling...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8802833&type=product&id=1206141605017

[ILChief]

I've got a Samsung 46" LCD. LOVE IT.

[rad]

I went ahead and got this:

http://www.target.com/Philips-42-1080p-LCD-42PFL3603D27/dp/B001E3XAI6/qid=1234185400/ref=br_1_8/178-0439910-0917056?ie=UTF8&node=14071091&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=14071091&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=2

Anything bigger than this would not have worked for me, I have a kinda small LR, I didn't want to overwhelm the room with a TV.

It's a nice picture for a decent price.......I got an extended warranty just in case, hopefully I won't have to use it.



edit: Amazon has it too for more money, and the reviews are better.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-42PFL3603D-27-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B0013JIXCE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1234187625&sr=1-8