[ST7677]

I disagree here. The biggest drawback with LCD was action. When you are watching a movie from 8 feet, you may not feel much, but with high speed gaming, it may give you a headache.
If you look at LCD monitor forums, you will find most people complaining of the "flicker effect" due to slow response times. Even LCDs with claimed 8ms may have a problem.

So before you invest 60K, play a game on the LCD, or watch a movie like Cars. The opening race scene will tell you a lot.

I agree, gaming has limitation on LCD, however motion jag is more apparent on higher sizes than on smaller size. Hence 37" seems like a decent compromise. As TSK said, do go out and check one yourself before the plunge.

Gaming demands stretching TV specs beyond normal viewing. As of today a Full HD plasma would be a better fit, but would be quiet pricey (Panasonic Vierra at about 1-1.1 lakh).

[appuchan]

Originally Posted by ST7677

Appuchan, have you compared Hitachi 37" (available at 75k) with Samsung 37" (available at 65k)?

As far as I am aware Hitachi does not have same standing in LCD segment as it has in Plasma. After Sales Service will also be better for Samsung, due to their presence...
.

Yes, I have been evaluating various models, including Samsung, Sony, Philips, LG and Panasonic for about 2-3 months. I was primarily looking for a 37" model since it fits better for my room aesthetics. I am going ahead on the base of picture quality and reliability. I have used many Hitachi products eariler and quite satisfied with them. I agree that Hitachi is more known for its plasma panels. LCD is comparatively new segment for them. But I am taking a risk here.

I was never impressed with the "coloured/artificial" pictures that appear on Samsung LCDs. Also I dont like that glossy (piano) finish. I liked Sony for its design and performance, but it was way too pricey for its worth. Festival offers for Sony looked funny with ads like "DVD free with LCD TV" when many othere are giving full HT systems free. The maximum discount offer in Sony showrooms was about 3% off MRP. That makes 40" V Series about 96k, way too expensive for me.

None of the other mfrs had a 37" set here. I found some Philips models have a better PQ than Samsung, however they were given very low preference by most multi-brand showrooms here. Instead they were trying to push Samsung models very hard.

[ST7677]

Sounds good.
Haven't got opportunity to see Hitachi and Sharp myself yet.
But yes I was not happy with Samsung's PQ either and Sony is over priced.

Can you tell me where Hitachi and Sharp are available in South Banaglore?

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

So before you invest 60K, play a game on the LCD, or watch a movie like Cars. The opening race scene will tell you a lot.

I just saw Cars (late, I know) on my Viera and I'm very impressed.

[razor4077]

Hmm... too bad we don't have Croma in Calcutta. Looks like a good deal on that Panasonic 32" + Yamaha HT (though they haven't mentioned the item details anywhere).
I guess there deals will keep coming throughout the year, especially during the latter stages of the year. Durga Puja (in Bengal), Dhanteras, Diwali, Christmas, New Yrs etc etc....
LCD prices have been going down rapidly over the last couple of years. A case in point is the Samsung Bordeaux that we paid close to 65k for a year back. The same TV costs 15k less now.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by razor4077

A case in point is the Samsung Bordeaux that we paid close to 65k for a year back. The same TV costs 15k less now.

Was it for a 32" or 37"? 37" is still 65K for Bordeaux Art

[razor4077]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Was it for a 32" or 37"? 37" is still 65K for Bordeaux Art

32"

---------20 chars---------

[ST7677]

A case in point is the Samsung Bordeaux that we paid close to 65k for a year back. The same TV costs 15k less now.

A small correction, that TV you bought last year would probably be available now for 40k (like a year old Panasonic 32" LE7 TV shown in the ad). The 50k one is the new generation model launched this year.

Typically the current year's TVs (exactly same TV model) would be available next year for 50-55% price (if available at all in stock).

However mfgs keep replacing models with newer technology, (same TV size but new model) and these would be available at 70% price next year.

Expect this price cut to continue next year also - till the price and the technology matures. And this is where LCD will kill plasma. As LCDs are pretty cheap to make.

Did you know Sony V series 40" LCD TV had MRP of about 1.5 lakhs last year pre-Dashera. And this year the new much more advanced Sony V Series 40" LCD TV with HDMI inputs would cost about 91k...!!!

[shuvc]

So what would should be an ok price for a 37"? I mean internationally how much does a standard 37" LCD normally cost?

[ST7677]

If you are referring to my post. Then prices of LCDs are falling internationally and this is not an India based phenomenon.

Frankly more than the price, I am more concerned about the decent picture quality out of these TVs. In my opinion considering that you will be paying so much and getting substandard PQ is not worth. It is better to wait at least till the Picture Quality is acceptable and available at an acceptable price point.
Otherwise the prices of electronics and obsolescence cannot be ever avoided.

[shuvc]

Right. The Q is. Currently do we get good PQ 37 LCDs for the equivalent of say 50K INR or less, abroad?

[razor4077]

Originally Posted by ST7677

A small correction, that TV you bought last year would probably be available now for 40k (like a year old Panasonic 32" LE7 TV shown in the ad). The 50k one is the new generation model launched this year.

Actually, the 32" Bordeaux (LA32R71B), which we bought last year is listed at 65k on Samsung's site, and is available at the stores for around 55k.

SAMSUNG's Digital World - LCD TV | LA32R71B

The new gen Bordeaux Art (LA32R81B) is listed at 57k on the site, and sells for around 49-50k.

SAMSUNG's Digital World - LCD TV | LA32R81B

Not really sure why this is the case, but that's something Samsung can explain!

I guess my previous statement should have read:
A case in point is the Samsung Bordeaux that we paid close to 65k for a year back. The same TV costs 10k less now, while the newer gen model (Bordeaux Art) is even cheaper at around 49k!

[ST7677]

That is because most of the times, listed price is not reduced for these models. It's just the obscene amounts of discounts given on these.

Also mostly old stock will be pushed as a packaged deal through economy mega stores and will not be available in general retail market.

[khanak]

^^ Id say a year from now you would be able to get a 40" Lcd for 40-50k.

Or is that a little too optimistic?

[ST7677]

Nah, I would say that you would get a full HD 40" set at 60k-70k