!!Product Recommendation!!

[Ruckus]

If I were buying a new HDTV (I've had my 44 inch for 5 years and still loving it), I'd go with 120Hz and 1080p. 60Hz is being phased out.

I agree, but thats where my price range comes into play (and isnt really flexible because its going to be a gift for me). Sticking to those brands mentioned, a 40" LCD thats 1080p and 120Hz is abour $200 outside of my price range. I could get a 32" thats 1080p and 120Hz, but everything Ive read said the difference between 720p and 1080p in sets under 50" is neglible, plus Im kind of set on getting a TV in that 40-42" range. When I was at Best Buy the other day, I looked at a 42" Panasonic Plasma 720p 600Hz and Sony 1080p 60Hz side by side for about a half hour. When standing close, a couple feet away, the Sony's picture definitely looked more crisp and not pixelated, but when standing about 8 feet away - in the range of where TV's of this size should be viewed from, I couldnt really tell a difference. You think there is a noticeable difference in 42" as opposed to starting at 50" though?

I actually wasnt even considering Plasma at first, but I thought its color tones were visibly better when seeing the 2 side by side - and this was in the department store whereas Plasmas are supposed to be best in darker environments to truly see their better black level. Plasmas are also better for sports and movies, and thats at least 80% of what I'll be watching on the TV (plus the 600hz refresh rate compared to 120 or 60hz also helps here).

After talking to DirecTV last night and finding out itll cost over $200 just to get an HD Receiver and have it installed (PLUS a new 2 year agreement!!), Im leaning even more towards the 720p Plasma since who knows how long itll be til I get that rip off installed.

Im definitely going to check out Consumer Reports - Thanks Yac! - to see what they say and get some more information.

Couple of things.  First, I've never had a problem with Vizio and they are flat out cheaper.  Also, you can  get plasma for much cheaper nowadays than LCD.  If the TV is located in an area where there won't be much glare and you don't play too many video games, plasma is a fine option.  I have a Vizio LCD and  Sanyo plasma (both cheaper brands) and have had both for at least 2 years and haven't had a problem with either.  They are both 720p and look just fine.

[Hawkeye]

I've never read many (any) TV reviews, and am no expert, but I got a 42" LG at WalMart for $598.  That same TV, last I saw, is now $548.  LCD.  1080p.  I believe it was 60Hz though...I don't have a Blu-Ray player either so I'm sure I'm not getting everything out of it...but it looks fine to me.

I also got a 32" LG for my computer monitor.

[Taterbug]

I just upgraded my tv after 19 years of watching my 32" magnavox, it's to bad I won't get 19 years out of my next TV. Thank god I waited.  After I researched tv's I finally decided on the 55" LG led 1080p.  And a PS3 for the blue ray ( call of duty black ops fuckin rocks out ).  The TV was $ 1189.00 and the 3 year no interest financing made the decision a little easier, as long as I don't miss a payment ( 25% interest ) The picture clarity on the blue ray is AMAZING.  

And I don't use deodorant, my wife likes the wild musk in me, it makes her horny. She says I'm a cross between blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon and Pince Albert Pipe tabacco.

I just hit 1000 posts and it took me almost 5 years....yay me.

[ALady]

I dont know about anyone else, but Ive never been able to find an anti-perspirant/deodorant that actually seemed to help with the sweat. Ive dont really have BO unless I go a few days without a shower, but the anti-perspirant part has been failing me since I began using them. Until yesterday. I got some of that new Mitchum Smart Solid Clinical Performance and it is amazing. 2 days, and not just no moisture on the pits of my undershirts, but no moisture in the actual pit! I was even driving around for a couple hours today - windows down, no A/C - in over 90 degree weather, and my pits stayed as dry as Betty White's vag. This stuff is unbelievable, and unlike all the other brands "clinical performance" versions of AP/deodorant that cost $8 a stick, this stuff is less than $4 a stick. I think Im in love  :-*


So yeah, I figured Id give all you other people who have sweaty pits the heads up, and also feel free to use this thread to recommend other products, appliances, porn websites, electronics, clothing, whatever.

Secret Clinical is my new BFF

Pffffft....Trish doesn't sweat.  She glows!   ;) :)

[peafunk31]

I just upgraded my tv after 19 years of watching my 32" magnavox, it's to bad I won't get 19 years out of my next TV. Thank god I waited.  After I researched tv's I finally decided on the 55" LG led 1080p.  [highlight]And a PS3 for the blue ray[/highlight] ( call of duty black ops fuckin rocks out ).  The TV was $ 1189.00 and the 3 year no interest financing made the decision a little easier, as long as I don't miss a payment ( 25% interest ) The picture clarity on the blue ray is AMAZING.  

And I don't use deodorant, my wife likes the wild musk in me, it makes her horny. She says I'm a cross between blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon and Pince Albert Pipe tabacco.

I just hit 1000 posts and it took me almost 5 years....yay me.

PS3 is seriously one of the greatest entertainment systems ever. Even if you are not a gaming fan, you have a blu ray player, you can stream a ton of netflix movies & even watch Jacket T5 youtube vids on your flatscreen. I make sure to hug my PS3 on a nightly basis :P

[Jaimoe]

If I were buying a new HDTV (I've had my 44 inch for 5 years and still loving it), I'd go with 120Hz and 1080p. 60Hz is being phased out.

I agree, but thats where my price range comes into play (and isnt really flexible because its going to be a gift for me). Sticking to those brands mentioned, a 40" LCD thats 1080p and 120Hz is abour $200 outside of my price range. I could get a 32" thats 1080p and 120Hz, but everything Ive read said the difference between 720p and 1080p in sets under 50" is neglible, plus Im kind of set on getting a TV in that 40-42" range. When I was at Best Buy the other day, I looked at a 42" Panasonic Plasma 720p 600Hz and Sony 1080p 60Hz side by side for about a half hour. When standing close, a couple feet away, the Sony's picture definitely looked more crisp and not pixelated, but when standing about 8 feet away - in the range of where TV's of this size should be viewed from, I couldnt really tell a difference. You think there is a noticeable difference in 42" as opposed to starting at 50" though?

I actually wasnt even considering Plasma at first, but I thought its color tones were visibly better when seeing the 2 side by side - and this was in the department store whereas Plasmas are supposed to be best in darker environments to truly see their better black level. Plasmas are also better for sports and movies, and thats at least 80% of what I'll be watching on the TV (plus the 600hz refresh rate compared to 120 or 60hz also helps here).

After talking to DirecTV last night and finding out itll cost over $200 just to get an HD Receiver and have it installed (PLUS a new 2 year agreement!!), Im leaning even more towards the 720p Plasma since who knows how long itll be til I get that rip off installed.

Im definitely going to check out Consumer Reports - Thanks Yac! - to see what they say and get some more information.

You can't rely on or trust side-by-side comparisons at shitty box-stores such as Best Buy, unless you are testing TVs with Blu-ray (with a direct connection). If you are comparing network HD-TV signals, the cable inputs have been split multiple times to feed all the TV sets, so degradation comes into play. Also, the kids that work at these places don't know shit. Also, Best Buy more than likely has an agenda about what TVs they want to sell, so they'll often look the best or have the most eye-pleasing presentation.

As for LCD vs plasma, I'd go plasma in a heartbeat. They have better blacks and colour vibrancy.

[Taterbug]

I just upgraded my tv after 19 years of watching my 32" magnavox, it's to bad I won't get 19 years out of my next TV. Thank god I waited.  After I researched tv's I finally decided on the 55" LG led 1080p.  [highlight]And a PS3 for the blue ray[/highlight] ( call of duty black ops fuckin rocks out ).  The TV was $ 1189.00 and the 3 year no interest financing made the decision a little easier, as long as I don't miss a payment ( 25% interest ) The picture clarity on the blue ray is AMAZING.  

And I don't use deodorant, my wife likes the wild musk in me, it makes her horny. She says I'm a cross between blue cheese, applewood smoked bacon and Pince Albert Pipe tabacco.

I just hit 1000 posts and it took me almost 5 years....yay me.

PS3 is seriously one of the greatest entertainment systems ever. Even if you are not a gaming fan, you have a blu ray player, you can stream a ton of netflix movies & even watch Jacket T5 youtube vids on your flatscreen. I make sure to hug my PS3 on a nightly basis :P

You know it, I just set up netflix and set up my playstation store account so I can download or rent HD movies, I noticed the movie selection on netflix is kinda limited. I figured with Blockbuster video on it's deathbed I needed a new medium to access movies so I will give it a try.  My only complaint so far is dropping $ 59.99 for new release video games.   I still feel like I have yet to scratch the surface on what this thing to do.

[capt. scotty]

Couple of things.  First, I've never had a problem with Vizio and they are flat out cheaper.  Also, you can  get plasma for much cheaper nowadays than LCD.  If the TV is located in an area where there won't be much glare and you don't play too many video games, plasma is a fine option.  I have a Vizio LCD and  Sanyo plasma (both cheaper brands) and have had both for at least 2 years and haven't had a problem with either.  They are both 720p and look just fine.

Do you have a preference between the 2?? Is one better for sports??

[capt. scotty]

You know it, I just set up netflix and set up my playstation store account so I can download or rent HD movies, I noticed the movie selection on netflix is kinda limited. I figured with Blockbuster video on it's deathbed I needed a new medium to access movies so I will give it a try.

While the "watch instantly" movies on Netflix is pretty limited, there was always a few good movies in there that Id never seen. And of course, their selection of DVDs by mail is unrivaled. I really need to join back up as Redbox isnt cutting it anymore.

The nice thing about Blockbuster now is they get all movies as soon as the hit on DVD, whereas Netflix and Redbox you have to wait an extra month

[capt. scotty]

You can't rely on or trust side-by-side comparisons at shitty box-stores such as Best Buy, unless you are testing TVs with Blu-ray (with a direct connection). If you are comparing network HD-TV signals, the cable inputs have been split multiple times to feed all the TV sets, so degradation comes into play. Also, the kids that work at these places don't know shit. Also, Best Buy more than likely has an agenda about what TVs they want to sell, so they'll often look the best or have the most eye-pleasing presentation.

As for LCD vs plasma, I'd go plasma in a heartbeat. They have better blacks and colour vibrancy.

I figured they did something like the bolded because none of the TVs resolutions really amazed me.

Id guess they probably have an agenda too, but I didnt even talk to anyone there. Did my research first, then went in to just take a look and see what my eyes think. Had I not read up, I probably never wouldve considered Plasma because the LCDs look much better in the store since they jack the brightness all the way up so they really pop out to you.

[Jaimoe]

You can't rely on or trust side-by-side comparisons at shitty box-stores such as Best Buy, unless you are testing TVs with Blu-ray (with a direct connection). If you are comparing network HD-TV signals, the cable inputs have been split multiple times to feed all the TV sets, so degradation comes into play. Also, the kids that work at these places don't know shit. Also, Best Buy more than likely has an agenda about what TVs they want to sell, so they'll often look the best or have the most eye-pleasing presentation.

As for LCD vs plasma, I'd go plasma in a heartbeat. They have better blacks and colour vibrancy.

I figured they did something like the bolded because none of the TVs resolutions really amazed me.

Id guess they probably have an agenda too, but I didnt even talk to anyone there. Did my research first, then went in to just take a look and see what my eyes think. Had I not read up, I probably never wouldve considered Plasma because the LCDs look much better in the store since they jack the brightness all the way up so they really pop out to you.

Keep in mind house lighting in stores such as Best Buy are set relatively bright, which is not the ideal way to compare HD-TVs.

If you have a good indie high-end stereo/home-theatre store near you, then go there and either buy or pick the salesman's brain. I bought most of my home theatre at a great indie store (Toshiba HD-TV, and 4 of my 5 PSB speakers).

[Ruckus]

Couple of things.  First, I've never had a problem with Vizio and they are flat out cheaper.  Also, you can  get plasma for much cheaper nowadays than LCD.  If the TV is located in an area where there won't be much glare and you don't play too many video games, plasma is a fine option.  I have a Vizio LCD and  Sanyo plasma (both cheaper brands) and have had both for at least 2 years and haven't had a problem with either.  They are both 720p and look just fine.

Do you have a preference between the 2?? Is one better for sports??

Nope.  If you ask me, the difference is negligible between most tvs and more reflects quibbling over minor matters amongst techies or just dudes who wanna show off their tv. ::)  As long as you don't read consistently bad reviews, I say go for it.  I mean, you can get a damn fine tv in your price range around 47" if you weren't limited to major brands.  Just sayin'  if ur not blurayin, I wouldn't sweat the 720

[capt. scotty]

Couple of things.  First, I've never had a problem with Vizio and they are flat out cheaper.  Also, you can  get plasma for much cheaper nowadays than LCD.  If the TV is located in an area where there won't be much glare and you don't play too many video games, plasma is a fine option.  I have a Vizio LCD and  Sanyo plasma (both cheaper brands) and have had both for at least 2 years and haven't had a problem with either.  They are both 720p and look just fine.

Do you have a preference between the 2?? Is one better for sports??

Nope.  If you ask me, the difference is negligible between most tvs and more reflects quibbling over minor matters amongst techies or just dudes who wanna show off their tv. ::)  As long as you don't read consistently bad reviews, I say go for it.  I mean, you can get a damn fine tv in your price range around 47" if you weren't limited to major brands.  Just sayin'  if ur not blurayin, I wouldn't sweat the 720

Yeah. I dont have a PS3 yet, but I certainly plan on getting one eventually. That'll probably be my next big electronics addition actually. Hows does the bluray look on your 720?? Im assuming you watch bluray on there since you got a PS3.

Which also makes me want to ask, why do you same Plasmas are a fine option if I dont play video games?? If the Plasma has a higher refresh rate, wouldnt that be better for games? Ive read the "plasma burn-in" thing is basically a myth, and if it wasnt when they first came out, it is now thanks to improvement in technology.

[Jaimoe]

Couple of things.  First, I've never had a problem with Vizio and they are flat out cheaper.  Also, you can  get plasma for much cheaper nowadays than LCD.  If the TV is located in an area where there won't be much glare and you don't play too many video games, plasma is a fine option.  I have a Vizio LCD and  Sanyo plasma (both cheaper brands) and have had both for at least 2 years and haven't had a problem with either.  They are both 720p and look just fine.

Do you have a preference between the 2?? Is one better for sports??

Nope.  If you ask me, the difference is negligible between most tvs and more reflects quibbling over minor matters amongst techies or just dudes who wanna show off their tv. ::)  As long as you don't read consistently bad reviews, I say go for it.  I mean, you can get a damn fine tv in your price range around 47" if you weren't limited to major brands.  Just sayin'  if ur not blurayin, I wouldn't sweat the 720

Yeah. I dont have a PS3 yet, but I certainly plan on getting one eventually. That'll probably be my next big electronics addition actually. Hows does the bluray look on your 720?? Im assuming you watch bluray on there since you got a PS3.

Which also makes me want to ask, why do you same Plasmas are a fine option if I dont play video games?? If the Plasma has a higher refresh rate, wouldnt that be better for games? Ive read the "plasma burn-in" thing is basically a myth, and if it wasnt when they first came out, it is now thanks to improvement in technology.

Burn-in isn't a myth with plasmas. But, only 24-7 gamers need to worry about burn-in. Mix-up viewing uses and you'll have nothing to worry about. All TV models are susceptible to burn-in; I work with all forms and all have burn-in issues since we leave them on all the time and often doing the same chores (and on the same channels).

[capt. scotty]

TV I decided on sold out from Costco and isnt listed on their site anymore. They had it cheaper than anywhere else Ive seen with a free 2 year warranty  >:(

[capt. scotty]

bump bc Clark needs new headphones and I probably need a recommendation on something I havent even realized yet.

[johnnYYac]

Okay, on Wednesday I can upgrade my Verizon LG enV®3 to my first smartphone. 

I'd like some advice, but here's what I've determined...

Don't need 4G in NH.  Won't get an iPhone.

Also want a decent camera and video capability.

I've narrowed it down to Motorola Droid 3 ($195) or Droid X2 ($100).  D3 has physical keyboard, 1080p video, better overall customer reviews; X2 has slightly bigger screen, 720p video, costs $95 less, better CNET review. 



Thoughts?  (leaning toward the Droid 3 Droid X2 Droid 3)   :-\

[iLikeBeer]

FWIW, I just recently upgraded and switched from a Blackberry I've had for the last several years to a Droid.

Because of my affinity towards the Blackberry, I opted for the Motorola Droid Pro:



It had all the features of the Droid X2 but it had the keyboard like my Blackberry which I like.  For me, the choice was between the Droid 3 and the Pro and I went with the Pro because it was about $100.00 cheaper.  Yes, the screen isn't as big, but it's still bigger than what I had with my Blackberry.

Looking at your 2 choices I'd go with the 3 because of the keyboard...

[Hawkeye]

I've only had one smartphone, my current iPhone 4.  Just curious as to why you're opposed to the iPhone?  I really like it.  Having 2 cameras on the phone (one facing each way) is pretty nice for picture taking, Skype, Facetime, etc.  It's the only Apple product I have.  The only gripe I have with it is the fact that I hate itunes.  It doesn't group my songs properly, doesn't let me put certain songs on it from my library (some sort of DRM problem).  Other than that, the phone is great.  Tougher than I expected too.  I spilled a can of 7-Up on it, dropped it a few times, the dog chewed on it for a minute...still works fine.

[johnnYYac]

Thanks for the input!

re: iPhone.  Price, iTunes, reception problems, price, iTunes... That said, maybe I'll give it a shot.  I hear its screen and camera are excellent.

I do like the physical keyboard on the Droid 3, but hear some complaints about the camera.  Honestly, I'd like a phone that works first and foremost as a phone, with a decent camera so I can leave the digital camera at home most times.  I want text and email capabilities that I currently have, and a decent web browser.  I won't use it for music much.  I keep going back and forth between these two.

EDIT: Okay, I'm now debating the Droid 3 ($200), Droid X2 ($100), and the iPhone 4S (16GB- $200)