Buying new TV. Which brand?, Samsung or Sony? Options

[bushi]

I'm thinking that the majority of people prefer Samsung screens to Sony.

I'm not sure which of these two to go for:

Samsung

or

Sony



Both very similar, but Samsung has a PVR. Sony comes with 2 pairs of 3D glasses and the Samsung, just one. That's cool though, I can get another pair for $100 or whatever.

I'll need to go back into Videopro and compare them both properly. Was in there the other day but only just to look around.

Cheers.

[stadl]

I don't have any hands on experience with either model, but being around the same RRP, and those two brands and the current generation, they are probably the same panel (Sony and Samsung had a joint venture for LCD panels up until December last year when Sony sold up their share to Samsung).

Of course the casing, PSU, set of inputs and smart TV functions will all be different - with no impact on picture quality.
The different video processing will be a difference as you how it handles motion and up scales content- On specs, the Samsung appears better, but in reality look at the picture and see what you prefer for the content you have.

3rd option - probably cheaper and better picture quality (unless you have a brightly lit room): Panasonic 55GT30 Plasma

[bowiee]

Neither, Instead how about a Kogan I still have my 32" and 42" going strong after five years. My son loves his new 47" 3d as well, but it seems you are after 55". By the way Kogan use Samsung panels as well.

55" Full HD 3D LED* TV with PVR - 3D Series $1,106.00

Extra glasses,

3D Active Shutter Glasses for your Kogan 3D TV $49.00

This post has been edited by bowiee: Jan 11 2012, 10:16 PM

[timf25]

Ive always found panasonic to be the most reliable and best

[bushi]

Thanks, looks like it's just down to what I think looks better in action.

I was really just asking which brand people thought was better for TVs out of those two.


I was checking out the Kogans and was pretty close to finalizing my decision, but then I saw these in person. Was interested in the next model down Sony, but then my missus said she really like the the one I linked above which has the anti glare Gorilla glass.

That's why I'd rather be able to see it in person to see if I like it or not, so Kogan may be out of the race at this stage.


And yes I'm a fan of Panasonic but haven't really seen any around. Might have a look.

Cheers. Keep the opinions coming please.

[bowiee]

Your choice of course, but to part with almost an extra 1k without serious consideration is a bad idea IMHO. They give you a 7 day (from delivery day) money back guarantee if you are not happy with it, and all you would be out is delivery, but you wont send it back. There are a few other Atomicans here with a Kogan and they are also happy.

Example: OBA aliali the_13th

This post has been edited by bowiee: Jan 12 2012, 10:26 AM

[bushi]

Don't worry, I have been giving it serious consideration.

I'm really tempted for that price of course. Be good if they had them selling at stores.

Will have to do more googling me thinks.

[bowiee]

Don't worry, I have been giving it serious consideration.

I'm really tempted for that price of course. Be good if they had them selling at stores.

Will have to do more googling me thinks.

Yea no bricks and mortar stores, keeps the overheads down and of course that keeps prices down.

[aliali]

Your choice of course, but to part with almost an extra 1k without serious consideration is a bad idea IMHO. They give you a 7 day (from delivery day) money back guarantee if you are not happy with it, and all you would be out is delivery, but you wont send it back. There are a few other Atomicans here with a Kogan and they are also happy.

Example: OBA aliali the_13th

I also see they are flogging Galaxy Tabs now too.
http://www.kogan.com.au/shop/category/android-tablets/
:P
Although note
This Product is a brand new international model imported directly from internationally based distributors. This Product may differ in some respects from other similar products available from local retailers in various countries around the World (including Australia).

This Product is offered and supplied by Kogan HK Limited pursuant to the Terms and Conditions

[bushi]

The Kogan panels seem to be CMO now. Can't find any Samsung panels there now.

I remember seeing that they were Samsung a little while ago too.

[bowiee]

The Kogan panels seem to be CMO now. Can't find any Samsung panels there now.

I remember seeing that they were Samsung a little while ago too.

If you google CMO you will find Samsung have been using CMO in some tv's since 2009. CMO are also manufactures of A+/A/A- panels, so really its no big deal.

[nesquick]

no way I'd ever buy a samsung again after the one I bought for my mum died after only 2 and a bit years, cost almost $3000 to so I was expecting that kind of investment to last a good 7-10years (turned out samsung used cheap non solid caps and the whole PSU was basically fucked and it was cheaper to just buy a new tv)

I have had a panasonic plasma for about 3 years now (I know its not in your list) and IMO has much better picture quality than any LCD I have seen, im probably kinda bias because of this though.

This post has been edited by nesquick: Jan 12 2012, 06:37 PM

[timf25]

no way I'd ever buy a samsung again after the one I bought for my mum died after only 2 and a bit years, cost almost $3000 to so I was expecting that kind of investment to last a good 7-10years (turned out samsung used cheap non solid caps and the whole PSU was basically fucked and it was cheaper to just buy a new tv)

I have had a panasonic plasma for about 3 years now (I know its not in your list) and IMO has much better picture quality than any LCD I have seen, im probably kinda bias because of this though.

i agree with this 100% i have had my 40 inch panasonic plasma for 4 years now never any problems. im also going to buy eventualy a 50 or 60 inch for the living room and move the old panasonic to the games room.

[bowiee]

no way I'd ever buy a samsung again after the one I bought for my mum died after only 2 and a bit years, cost almost $3000 to so I was expecting that kind of investment to last a good 7-10years (turned out samsung used cheap non solid caps and the whole PSU was basically fucked and it was cheaper to just buy a new tv)

I have had a panasonic plasma for about 3 years now (I know its not in your list) and IMO has much better picture quality than any LCD I have seen, im probably kinda bias because of this though.

i agree with this 100% i have had my 40 inch panasonic plasma for 4 years now never any problems. im also going to buy eventualy a 50 or 60 inch for the living room and move the old panasonic to the games room.

Trouble is the plasmas chew so much power, and with the price of power these days you need to consider that. These days LCD/LED is the way to go IMHO.

[bushi]

Yeah power consumption is the main thing I like about LEDs.

And yes I've just found a thread on Whirlpool before - 100 pages long about Samsung's TVs dying just out of warranty and claiming not to know about this problem which is worldwide.

So I have safely ruled them out.


Hmmm.....

[nesquick]

Panasonic have a range of LCD's that use IPS panels (same panel tech as the high end dell and mac screens), might be worth a look, I think they are about $1100 for the size you want.

the worst thing is a tv can be completely different when you get it home out of the shop, the bright lighting conditions and terrible tv reception all make comparing models extremely difficult not to mention what looks good to you may look terrible to me ect.

[stadl]

Trouble is the plasmas chew so much power, and with the price of power these days you need to consider that. These days LCD/LED is the way to go IMHO.

Not that much more, and the cost saving when buying the TV probably covers that.

Samsung UA55D6600 - $1999 - 410kWh/year - $123 running costs
Sony KDL55NX720 - $2089 - 497 kWh/year - $149 running costs
Panasonic 55ST30A - $1388 - 602 kWh/year - $183 running costs
Panasonic 55GT30A - $1777 - 603 kWh/year - $183 running costs

I'd estimate the ST30 & GT30 series screens would be similar image quality to Samsung Series 6 & 7 (I chose VT30 over the D8000) - but the plasma/LEDLCD choice is personal, and up to your viewing preferences

I have used $0.30/kWh which is approx the default tariff in SA - you'll pay more for 'green' power, and it may vary higher or lower between states.

Those are the running costs per year if you use the TV for 10 hours/day every day of the year - so decide if the running costs apply to you.
The costs are also based on each manufacturer's choice of what level to run the display - you will notice the stated peak power consumption is greater than the value used for running 3650 hours/year, Plasmas are typically driven harder if used in a bright room - there's more power savings to be had in a dark room.

One aspect I would seriously recommend. Take a chance to use the remote and the change channels, navigate the EPG etc - Of late I have stayed in several apartments with Samsung LCDs (admittedly lower end models) , and the controls have been abysmal - sluggish remote response, shitty guide system and changing channels took 4-5 seconds. I've seen better performance from $50 cheapo set top boxes.

[bushi]

Panasonic have a range of LCD's that use IPS panels (same panel tech as the high end dell and mac screens), might be worth a look, I think they are about $1100 for the size you want.

the worst thing is a tv can be completely different when you get it home out of the shop, the bright lighting conditions and terrible tv reception all make comparing models extremely difficult not to mention what looks good to you may look terrible to me ect.

Mmmm can't find any Panasonic LCDs above 42" looking on their website.

[plebsmacker]

Don't but a shitty Kogan TV, buy Samsung.

[Periander]

+1 Samsung in general, (can't comment on that model). Have quite a few TVs/monitors for a number of years now; no problems.

This post has been edited by Periander: Jan 14 2012, 07:53 AM