buying an LCD TV

Hi Group,

I have just moved in to HK and would appreciate any advice on buying an LCD TV. can someone recommend a good shop, a good brand and good size? I have read LCD TVs beyond 37" aren't so good. Anyway I am not planning to go beyond 37 and hence will be choosing between 32 or, 37.


Would appreciate a value for money model. Also is it advisable to buy one with digital tuner built-in? Someone told me HK is yet to see HD broadcast.


Thanks everyone.


Cheers

Fortress and Broadway are both good chains that sell A/V stuff. I would go to a Fortress or Broadway and look at the "name brands" like LG, Sony, Pioneer. There always seems to be a promotion going on some models. Typically this will be a manufacturer offering a rebate to Fortress for the sale, and you can thus save thousands of dollars.


The sales staff tends to be pretty knowledgeable. Another suggestion is to buy a surround system at the same time. Much better sound than TV speakers. You can get a decent system for 1500-3000, which isn't very much relative to the TV.



"I have read LCD TVs beyond 37" aren't so good."


This was true like 2 years ago. Today it is not. 42" is a pretty good price point today. Above that you get a steep price increase relative to size increase. 52" models are starting to come down too but are still 2-2½ times more than 42".



"Also is it advisable to buy one with digital tuner built-in? Someone told me HK is yet to see HD broadcast."


Not true. HD is being rolled out in many places. You do get a box though so I don't think you need a tuner built in.

Thanks axptguy38, That is quite useful. Your tips on HD tuner is very useful as the ones with builtin are almost 2.5-3K costlier than those not built in. If you add another 1.5grand for the tuner you still are better off by a thousand or so.

I do know Fortress and Broadway offer lot of discount, unfortunately communication most of the times has been an issue for me. When I spoke to a friend of mine, he said Fortress offers an additional discount of 10% on friday purchases which the sales guy never told me.

I am just afraid I might rue the fact that I missed on some saving opportunity.


Also one more concern is considering the size of HK homes, would 42" not be too big for the viewing distance you would get at most homes?


Cheers

"I do know Fortress and Broadway offer lot of discount, unfortunately communication most of the times has been an issue for me."


You mean English? Try the one on Des Voeux Road Central. Most of the staff there have quite good English. I have also noticed that they like throwing extra things after you more than give discounts in HK. For example with the surround sound system I got free speaker stands.


There's also the fact that if you are taking a model that is already on offer, an extra discount is not really in the cards.


As for the 10% on Friday purchases, I had no idea.


"Also one more concern is considering the size of HK homes, would 42" not be too big for the viewing distance you would get at most homes?"


Not at all. In fact the recommended viewing distance for a 42" is only around 2½-3 meters. Well within even a pretty small living room. Our 42" is about 3½ meters from the screen to the viewer's head and while that's fine I would not want it further away.


IIRC, the recommended distances are displayed at Fortress. We have a 42" at about 3.5 meters and it would work closer than that no problem. As a reality check you can bring a tape measure to the store.


Here's a little calculator that allows you to enter screen size or viewing distance to get the other: http://www.dtvcity.com/lcdtv/lcdscreensize.html.




I also wanted to add that Plasmas, which many discount as dead, are pretty nice nowadays. The particular model is more important than the technology.

I personally like AV Life better for buying TVs, as that is all they sell. I think you will also get a better price as well, and will get things like wall mount thrown in. There is one in Times Sq, Ocean Terminal and IFC.


If you want to save money, there are many expats here selling their used sets. I saw a Samsung 40" new in box for $5000 in the classified ads, which is a very good deal.

What is the difference between plasma and LCD exactly when it comes to viewing? I understand that LCD is effectively the same as a monitor screen. But not sure what the actual differences are between the two.


Ans is one any cheaper/lighter than the other?

LCD and Plasma are based on different technologies to create the picture. A few years ago, LCD couldn't be made as large as plasma. Also plasma had a limited life. Nowadays the differences to the consumer are pretty small. Plasma still has a limited life but we're talking decades with "normal" viewing. Prices vary and there is no clear "cheaper" technology.


When it comes to viewing, an expert can probably tell the difference. I cannot. As I see it, it is down to individual preference. Look at the picture you like and the price you find on particular models.

PCCW's 46" Sony is at a very good price at the moment..$12,880 if you're signing onto internet service w/ them anyways.