Podcast #398: HDTV Buying Guide 2009

It's time for our annual HDTV buying guide. Just like last year, we're listing them by size instead of technology. Prices have dropped quite a bit in just 12 months, and there are some really exciting deals available right now. This year the prices for tier one manufacturers are even more affordable. Without further ado, here is the list for 2009.

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Today's Show:

News:

• Nintendo Wii to Add Netflix Streaming
• OLED Prices to be Lower than LCD in 2016
• HDTV Viewers Up HD Programs, Notice Ads
• Best Buy, Sonic Solutions Team On CinemaNow Offering

Other:

• Stephen's Family (Home Theater) Room
• Scott's Home Cinema
• Wireless Mail Alert System
• Netflix: PS3 Disc Must Remain in System Until 2010 Update
• HDNet Test Pattern Schedule
• 5 home theater technologies coming faster than you think

HDTV Buying Guide 2009

It's time for our annual HDTV buying guide. Just like last year, we're listing them by size instead of technology. Prices have dropped quite a bit in just 12 months, and there are some really exciting deals available right now. This year the prices for tier one manufacturers are even more affordable. Without further ado, here is the list for 2009:

Less than 32"

In this size category we mostly are looking for value. At 20 inches you really can't see the benefits of 1080p so all of our selections are 720p. Last year we featured a 19 inch Samsung TV for $317. This year the most expensive TV in the category is about $100 less. 

Samsung LN19B360 19-Inch 720p LCD HDTV - This is your basic 19" LCD TV. Great for an office or bedroom. Don't expect a home theater experience with this one. But at $220 you can't go wrong!

ViewSonic N1630w 16-Inch 720p LCD HDTV - Another basic model. This one is only 16 inches so it will fit in tighter spots in the kitchen. This one is goes for $185.

VIZIO 19" Class LCD HD 720P HDTV - We couldn't have a budget TV selection without a model from Vizio ($190). 

32" to 40"

In this size category we stayed with value. We figured for most people this size category is either a second TV for a bedroom or perhaps a primary one for an apartment or condo. Here on the low end price did not go down but you can get more for the same amount. Last year we had a 40 inch model going for $915. This year we select two 37 inch models for about $600.

Panasonic Viera TC-37LZ800 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Crisp picture, good blacks, accurate colors. Great off angle viewing, the TV has IPS. Price $725.

LG 37LG50 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Good picture with deep blacks. Three HDMI inputs. Nice looking TV for $640.

 

Samsung LN32B530 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Great TV for the bedroom or den. Accurate color and sharp picture for $600.

42" to 50"

This year pricing was Similar to last year but you get a lot more. Last year we had a 42 inch Panasonic plasma that was priced at 1059. This year you get 46 inches for less money. 
Our 120 Hz model cost $400 more than this year. We did not recommend any 240Hz TVs this year. We feel the premium paid for the feature is not worth it at this time. 

Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color - Along with a fantastic picture you also get 120Hz, DLNA, and Infolink. Info link give you access to News, Weather, Sports, and Stocks right on your TV. Connection to the Internet is required. If you are a sports junkie or love watching movies this TV has something for you. Price about $1260.

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ80U 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV - If you are in the market for a mid-sized plasma this the one for you! Great picture at any angle, instant response for smooth sharp picture and three HDMI inputs. Makes a great main room TV and costs less than $1000. 

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-40W3000 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Support for deep color and 24 frames a second make this a movie buff's dream TV. Ideal for medium sized rooms and priced to go easy on your pocket book $999.99

 

Greater than 50"

This size category is for TVs that go in large rooms. Last year our largest model was a 65 inch DLP that sold for $1440. This year we are only recommending flat panel displays. We do list a 65 inch plasma that was last years ultimate Christmas present. At that time the TV cost more than twice what it goes for today and this year's model is better. We also include a value priced 55 inch LCD so you can save a little for new receiver or a Blu Ray player.

Samsung UN55B7000 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV - Very thin (1.2 inch) TV. Nice vivid colors, support for YAHOO widgets. Alternative to plasma but at a much higher price. Buy this if you want a large format TV but do not want Plasma and you are willing to spend $300 more than our 65 inch Plasma recommendation. Price $2750

 

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P65S1 65-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV - Essentially we can say the same thing about this 65 inch as we did for the 46 inch plasma. Great picture at any angle, instant response for smooth sharp picture. Native Contrast Ratio of 40,000:1. It only weighs 90 lbs so finding a stand is not an issue. Price $2450

 

LG 55LH40 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV - Clear picture, four HDMI inputs, 24 fps support and support for ISFccc calibration. Priced at $1490

HT Guy's Ultimate Christmas Present:

This year's ultimate Christmas gift is not for everyone. Its a very large rear projection DLP. At 82 inches this TV can rival some projector setups in screen size without requiring any of the complicated installation of a projector. So if you have a large basement or bonus room this TV may be the ticket for large screen bliss. Of course we are talking about the Mitsubishi WD-82837 82-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV. This TV measures 22.7 x 73.2 x 48.5 inches and weighs in at 154 pounds. Still a fraction of the rear projection TVs of yesterday. The TV supports four HDMI connections, deep color, and is energy star compliant. At $4500 it only costs $500 more than Ara's first 50 inch DLP.

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Comments

[DanielD]

Hmm, I am yet to see a good quality picture on a DLP television... I understand the desire for “bigger than life” screen, but I am not willing to sacrifice sharpness, or uniform back light and get 80 inches DLP, which has the same resolution as 40 inches LCD... :)

[Eric]

For the bedroom just got a 40" Bravia V5100 for less than $800. The 720p 32" no name it replaced was $1400!

[Aaron Olson]

Lets keep the language clean Braden...kidding

I got a chuckle out of it.

Enjoy the show.

[Joe]

Why is the KDL-40W3000 listed in the 42"-50" catagory. Its a 40" TV. Any 50" TV's you'd recommend instead?

[Dave]

I am surprised to see the KDL-40W3000 on the list, as that's a 2007 model, if I remember correctly.

[HT Guys]

Joe, long nights working two jobs. That one slipped past me.

Dave, we picked some TVs that are good values during these tougher times. You are correct the TV was released in 2007.

Ara

[Salem]

can't listen to pandora in new zealand is anyone sure if there is a similar service available down here cheers

[Zakurie84]

The Samsung B530 series has been nothing but amazing for me, great pick and very affordable!

[Paul W]

Hi Selam.

Not that I know of. Closest is Live 365 http://www.live365.com/index.live. You can stream for free if you don't mind the ads..

[Reggie]

Braden , slip up was funny and added some extra humor to the product guide for 2009

[Charles]

The article on increase in HDTV viewers can be found in its original form on Knowledge Networks' own site.

Concerning their note "watches HD over SD -- overall 68%, males 58%, females 41%" -- they're from two different surveys. The overall figure came from a re-survey of people that responded in 2007. The split figures came from a new survey of fresh responders.

Why only 50-60 percent? Why would people choose standard def over high def? Easy answer: picture quality. If people are getting their HD over the air, there can still be a large number of video artifacts or dropouts hitting the signal. In these cases, switching back to standard def CAN get a more stable, watchable picture.

In my own case, I have HD over the air, and SD through the satellite. At least two of my network HD broadcasts drop frames regularly, so I must watch them on the SD signal or I lose dialog in my TV programs.
Visual quality is a good thing to have, but signal reliability will always trump it.

[Cathy]

I am needing to replace a Sony Wega 42" LCD Projection TV I purchased less than 5 years ago. After just 3 years blue dots started appearing on the screen that have turned into a giant blue blob. Sony was no help. I have heard good things about the Sony Bravia - but am very reluctant to buy another sony because of the high cost and short life of the one we purchased (and poor support). Can any one give me a lesson on LCD Projection TV's vs Plasma TV's. We are looking at a 50 - 52" model.

[Ben]

Ara/Braden... i'm surprised you didn't list a 50" TV. that's one of the most popular sizes.