Quote:
Originally Posted by snappahead
Yeah, it's the XBR4 that I'm looking at. It's definitely pricey (like all Sony tvs), but based on my research, it's performance is second to none. My second choice is a nice 46" Samsung LCD that's a lot cheaper, but I still haven't decided yet. This Samsung series has received great reviews, but it's not the best hehe.
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I know a bit about LCDs
And IMO if you can get the Sammy 71 series for 300$ or cheaper than the xbr4 you should. The xbr4 is a bit better but there is hardly a difference except glossy screen on the 71 (which some prefer and some don’t) and off angle viewing isn’t as good on the 71.
The XBR4 is definitely a great set however it isn’t the best atm, the Samsung 81series is arguably the best set even better than the top of the line plasma, which is a first in LCD history.
Read the review
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...tag=prod.txt.1
Only negative I’m hearing on the 81series is again the off angle viewing isn’t as good. In its early stages there were some bugs this is pretty new technology but the TVs have been upgraded since and I’ve seen no further complaints on AVSforums last I checked.
I had a 65series got it discounted and then upgraded to 71series for free with my warrantee. I can vouch for it, the off angle viewing isn’t good that’s for sure but otherwise side by side comparison, the xbr4 was a bit better but in my situation it would have cost me 900$ more plus a warrantee (at discounted prices) so it wasn’t worth it.
In terms of the defects all LCDs have their downside: the XBR4 have minor clouding issues vs the 81series poor side angle viewing.
With these high in quality sets I think they are all up there but from what I’m hearing the 81series is a bit ahead of most sets but IMO the price you pay for it is what’s important.
Judging by the prices at bestbuy.com
I don’t think they have the best prices you might want to look around but the xbr4 is 100bucks more than the 71series so I say go xbr4 all the way.
However the 81series is 500 more than the xbr4 whether it’s worth it or not to you, you have to decide. I haven’t seen an 81 yet, my advice is to compare it with the same source beside a xbr4 if you don’t notice a huge difference I doubt its worth you’re 500 bucks to a videophile it might be , but to most it isn’t. The only problem with that is sometimes BB has crappy sources displayed on their sets.
If you have the loot and want the absolute best set get the 81series for sure, this way you’re TV will be ahead of most sets in quality over the next year or so.
