My first HDTV, help decide please.

[Silenus]

So I got some money saved up for a tv upgrade, I have a CRT 32" Toshiba TV which I'm going to sell and buy my first HDTV.

Here are the 3 options that I have from my local store, I plan to buy it from them just need your opinions on which model to take.

All models are 40 inches.

First they have a Toshiba Rgza 40XV645U

http://www.pricescan.com/Item_Images/ImagesL/256327.jpg


Product Features

* 1080p Full HD CineSpeed™ Display with Built In ATSC/QAM Digital Tuner for Over-the-Air and Cable-in-the-Clear Digital Tuning
* ClearFrame™ 120Hz with 5:5 Pull-Down Option
* 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
* 3 HDMI™ Digital Inputs with REGZA-LINK®2
* PixelPure® 5G 14-Bit Internal Digital Video Processor

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Toshiba
* Model: 40XV645U
* Display Technology: LCD
* Display Size: 40 inches
* Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
* Speakers Included: 2 speakers, Amplifier
* Height: 24.5 inches
* Width: 38.4 inches
* Depth: 3.6 inches
* Weight: 38.6 pounds
* Refresh Rate: 120 Hz




Next we have a Sony Bravia KDL40EX400

http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/Products/300x300/101/10139/10139060.jpg


Product Features

* 40-inch LCD HDTV with full HD 1080p resolution lets you take full advantage of HD sources like a Blu-ray Disc Player or PlayStation3 gaming console
* Ambient Sensor and LightSensor technologies automatically adjust the color and backlight based on a room's lighting
* USB port for photos, music and video playback; Wi-Fi adapter ready; BRAVIA Sync controls compatible devices with one remote
* Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 PC, 1 USB, 1 optical digital audio output
* Includes removable stand; measures 39.13 x 25 x 9.875 inches with stand

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Sony
* Model: KDL-40EX400
* Display Technology: LCD
* Display Size: 40 inches
* Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
* Height: 25.0 inches
* Width: 39.1 inches
* Weight: 35.1 pounds
* Resolution: 1080p





At last we have a SAMSUNG LN40C530

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5176WbagScL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Product Features

* 10Wx2 audio output
* Wide Color Enhancer
* ConnectShare Movie
* 3 HDMI (ver 1.3), HDMI-CEC
* 2 Components & PC input

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Samsung
* Model: LN40C530
* Display Technology: LCD
* Display Size: 40 inches
* Height: 25.7 inches
* Width: 47.6 inches
* Depth: 9.4 inches
* Weight: 47.0 pounds
* Resolution: 1080p



The Toshiba is 120hz kinda like future proof, but not sure if it's worthy, and I think that's the cheapest of the 3 but not by much, I've always liked Samsung as I've seen my Boss tv and the picture is great.

Let me hear your opinions, I might get one of those three in a couple of weeks.

[runawayprisoner]

In my opinions, it depends on whether you are really anal about picture quality, or you are anal about motion quality. Well, pardon the use of the word.

If based on picture quality, I'd say... the Samsung one might have the highest contrast and color vibrance, as with many other Samsung TVs. The Sony one might have the most realistic color reproduction, but not necessarily more vibrant colors, again, well... based on what I've seen with many other Sony TVs. And the Toshiba would be in between them both.

Then when it comes to motion, the Toshiba would win hands down. What the 120Hz is, is actually telling you that the TV has an in-built motion compensating engine, so that it will try to fill in for the missing in-between frames, giving your video a more natural feel. But also based on my experience with some 120Hz and 240Hz TVs, not a lot of them can fairly compensate for motion that well, and you'd still see it "lag" at some point.

Personally, I'd choose the Samsung... but it's all up to you. :)

[makotech222]

personally i don't like the interpolation 120hz, it makes it feel kinda fake to me... but im using it on a $900 TV, i bet its better on the more expensive models.

[Silenus]

So you think the 120hz on the Toshiba is a gimmick and I wont notice much difference?

I'm leaning towards the Samsung too.

[Ahielia]

So you think the 120hz on the Toshiba is a gimmick and I wont notice much difference?

Indeed.

[makotech222]

no, you will notice a difference. But for me it seems to turn on and off all the time, like sometimes, it will be really smooth, then revert back to 60, then back to 120. Again, this might just be my cheap model.

[runawayprisoner]

It happens on my friend's 46" Samsung HDTV as well, and I'd think he paid a fortune for it. The engine seems to randomly kicks in at its convenience, right? I think it might be running all the time, but the interpolating or motion compensating algorithm is not in full-force, so some scenes just appear like they are not being interpolated/motion-compensated.

[makotech222]

yes indeed.

[Kazuya]

Maybe it's the setting. There are tvs with the option to turn the 120hz always on, always off and 2 or 3 settings in between that try to detect movement and apply it as they see fit. The better is trying it full force. I still don't like it.

I'd go with the Samsung in the first place (the high contrast is really good) and the Bravia second.

[makotech222]

Oh yeah i kinda remember that in my settings too Kazuya.... I remember it not doing very well at all and looking terrible... ill try it again later today to give my experience on it.

[Silenus]

Please do, as like I said I'm not sure if 120hz is worthy.

They are all priced in the same range, so I want the best features of the three.

[Yeloazndevil]

most 120hz HDTV have an option to disable (or go to a lower setting) smooth motion so if you play games or watch films just disable the smoothing. 60hz, 120hz, 240hz it doesn't really matter what you buy just be sure you can turn off the smoothing. Of course smoothing can be a good thing for anti-judder it'll make films smooth as hell with a bit of artifacts, I've noticed it close up but far away you can't see it.

I would say got to your local retail store and look at the HDTV's you're considering getting and see it in action for yourself.

[Spyhop]

While I'm normally a Samsung fan, my girlfriend just got the Toshiba 47" 120hz and I have to say that it is damn gorgeous. The video smoothing post-processing effect does look wrong, but you can turn it off in the options. I have my WDTV Live hooked up to her TV now. Extremely nice picture.

[Silenus]

Hey guys.

Just did it today, bought the Toshiba Rgza 40XV645U.

It looks great, I love it.

Only thing I miss is that the base is not swivel, picture is great plus I found some calibration settings for it.
My boss has a samsung series 3 and this looks better imo.