Suggest new TV within 50-55k [Pune]

[RVK2488]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on the forum. I have been a non-registered troll for quite sometime so I am aware of the excellent support and suggestions provided by members here.

So here is my story so far...
I bought LG 32LE5500 few months ago for ~39k. I was happy with it's PQ, SQ and codec support. But from last month or so, I started facing an issue with the panel. Randomly (not consistently) a dotted vertical line from about 1 inch on left side of screen started appearing. It was as if alternate pixels on that vertical line were dead. But as I said, it was a random event and sometimes the display looked fine and sometimes I could see the line for hours or days.
I contacted LG CC on phone and at first they were not so helpful. But after couple of emails to higher officials, they acknowledged the issue and offered me 2 options - 1) Replacement as 32LV2310 (LE5500 is last year model and is nor available anymore) or 2) Full refund.

32LV2130 is HD Ready model and also lacks some other features. So I have opted for refund and again started searching for TVs :lol:

My viewing distance ranges from 4-5 feet to 8-10 feet. But most of the time it will be 8-10 feet. This is due to the sitting arrangement which is kind of U shaped and room is not regular rectangle (includes dining room as extension to living room). So viewing angle is very important.

During day, the natural light is very good and the main window is opposite to the TV so reflections is a main issue. But since the reflections are so strong, that I have to cover it with curtains anyways. So, if window is covered, the room is dim lit

I have Tata Sky HD but normally SD channels (sas-bahu dramas) will be watched for ~60-70% of time. I will buy a HD media player which will be used to watch 720p / 1080p mkvs, maybe I will buy Bluray player or PS3 in future.

I don't have home theater so for time being, I am dependent on TV's sound output Although I am not expecting mind-blowing sound quality but it should not be below average.

My budget is at the most 55k. I am looking at size of 40-42" (preferably 1080p) and don't mind Plasma / LCD / LED - PQ is of prime importance.

I was going through recent threads in this section and am impressed by the reviews of Panasonic GT20. Now I don't know if it's available in Pune in the same range as Bangalore (50-55k). If anyone knows about this, please let me know.

Also interested in 42U30D if GT20 is not available or not within my range - need expert views on that.

Other than that, I was quite happy with LE5500 so also looking at LG 42LV3500 as an option.

Sorry for such a long post but I hope my detailed requirements will help you in providing exact suggestions. Thanks in advance

 

[aakashr]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on the forum. I have been a non-registered troll for quite sometime so I am aware of the excellent support and suggestions provided by members here.

So here is my story so far...
I bought LG 32LE5500 few months ago for ~39k. I was happy with it's PQ, SQ and codec support. But from last month or so, I started facing an issue with the panel. Randomly (not consistently) a dotted vertical line from about 1 inch on left side of screen started appearing. It was as if alternate pixels on that vertical line were dead. But as I said, it was a random event and sometimes the display looked fine and sometimes I could see the line for hours or days.
I contacted LG CC on phone and at first they were not so helpful. But after couple of emails to higher officials, they acknowledged the issue and offered me 2 options - 1) Replacement as 32LV2310 (LE5500 is last year model and is nor available anymore) or 2) Full refund.

32LV2130 is HD Ready model and also lacks some other features. So I have opted for refund and again started searching for TVs :lol:

My viewing distance ranges from 4-5 feet to 8-10 feet. But most of the time it will be 8-10 feet. This is due to the sitting arrangement which is kind of U shaped and room is not regular rectangle (includes dining room as extension to living room). So viewing angle is very important.

During day, the natural light is very good and the main window is opposite to the TV so reflections is a main issue. But since the reflections are so strong, that I have to cover it with curtains anyways. So, if window is covered, the room is dim lit

I have Tata Sky HD but normally SD channels (sas-bahu dramas) will be watched for ~60-70% of time. I will buy a HD media player which will be used to watch 720p / 1080p mkvs, maybe I will buy Bluray player or PS3 in future.

I don't have home theater so for time being, I am dependent on TV's sound output Although I am not expecting mind-blowing sound quality but it should not be below average.

My budget is at the most 55k. I am looking at size of 40-42" (preferably 1080p) and don't mind Plasma / LCD / LED - PQ is of prime importance.

I was going through recent threads in this section and am impressed by the reviews of Panasonic GT20. Now I don't know if it's available in Pune in the same range as Bangalore (50-55k). If anyone knows about this, please let me know.

Also interested in 42U30D if GT20 is not available or not within my range - need expert views on that.

Other than that, I was quite happy with LE5500 so also looking at LG 42LV3500 as an option.

Sorry for such a long post but I hope my detailed requirements will help you in providing exact suggestions. Thanks in advance

Hi, I dont want to get very technical and bore you with lot of tech stuff, but if you want me to explain in details i can. From what I have read, you should go for Panasonic V, S, G series and not U, X series. 42 or 50 is your choice depending on budget but I would go with 50, always go with the largest size you can afford.
If you still feel you dont want to spend so much, then you can go with Samsung, they have some good entry level plasmas.

Best 2D : Panasonic v20
Best 3D : VT30, VT20, GT30, ST30

dont worry about viewing distance............HD lets you sit closer while SD would need more distance. I watch HD at a distance of 8ft on my 50V20 plasma. dont spend on a bluray since you are gettin a media player which is a good idea.

would be a good idea to use curtains for the windows to cut down the light. Plasma is better suited for low light viewing where you will truly witness the magic that plasma offers.

 

[BLASTO]

I would recommend some LCD/LED for your room condition if the GT20 is not available.

 

[amol12]

I have seen 42gt20 on display in Panasonic brand shop : daruwala pool.
Talk to them I think they will agree for similar offers. But be sure they have stocks. Although the owner (Mr Rajesh Parmar) is nice person I was not getting a clear picture on whether I will get a 50vt20 from him and also the offer. So I had to go with croma offer. He also will have stocks of 50vt20 tomorrow if you are interested.

 

[BLASTO]

Guys.. Give him a break. His budget is 55k and viewing distance is less..

 

[Raghav]

I feel you should stick with 40-42" and Full HD (this will matter when you sit close) for your TV keeping viewing distance in mind. I would not recommend LG again to you after your experience.

Samsung has good TVs in LCD/LED, but no FullHD Plasma. I am using UA40D5000 LED which is working well and looks extremely good. However, you can save money by taking equivalent LCD. PQ should be similar but styling would be inferior.

Panasonic are well known for plasmas and you can go for 40U30 in your budget. Samsung has a 3D plasma 43D490 which is for 40k but it is only HD ready. Good if you want some 3D for fun sake. Currently you also get glasses free with the TV.

 

[RVK2488]

First of all thanks for such quick responses!

@aakashr

I agree regarding not to go with U, X series. But I don't think any of the model besides GT20 comes in my budget - please correct me if I am wrong.
Also, in 3D you mentioned GT30 - is that launched in India?

@BLASTO

Yes, even I am thinking the same. Please let me know which LCD/LED you think is the best in my budget (as alternative to GT20)
Also, should I leave out 42U30D completely? or keep it as an option?

@amol12

Thanks, I will check the Panasonic brand shop. Do you think (if they have stock) I can get similar deal like people in Bangalore are getting? GT20 in 50-55k? with Wireless KB and 3D glasses etc?
Also what were you saying about Croma offer? Is it possible that GT20 is available in Croma?

@Raghav

Do you think PQ of LED and equivalent LCD will be similar? Like UA40D5000 and LA40D550 or in LG's case 42LV3500 and 42LK450 will give me similar PQ?
If that's the case, I don't mind if I have to compromise a bit on styling. But the thing is, I went to a nearby small showroom and they had LG's LEDs and Samsung/LG/Sony LCDs on display (32/40/42"). Now I know they are not calibrated and the signal of single DTH connection was shared by many displays so I cannot judge the quality based on what I saw, but the LEDs looked a bit better with better contrast and overall pleasing color tones. But I am no expert on this so maybe I am wrong.
And I want to keep HD Ready TVs as last option. 1080p will be preferred

And also a general query, I have read that Samsung has panel lottery and I am supposed to look for SQ or SS type to get SPVA panel. I don't know the difference between SPVA & IPS. But from what LG advertises, their LCD series also has IPS panel. So does that mean in case of LG LCDs I am guaranteed an IPS display but in Samsung LCDs, SPVA depends on lottery? In that case does it makes sense to go for LG's LCD considering it's also cheaper?

 

[BLASTO]

Also, should I leave out 42U30D completely? or keep it as an option?

For your room with opposing windows, you should keep away from the U30.

Do you think PQ of LED and equivalent LCD will be similar?

Till last year yes. This year, LEDs have seen good leap in contrast levels. It is not a technology restriction though. I think companies are focussing more on LEDs only nowadays. In short, there is no difference between LCD of this and yester years. But there is quite a difference when it comes to yester year and this year LEDs.

In that case does it makes sense to go for LG's LCD considering it's also cheaper?

Keep away from LG.

 

[RVK2488]

Thanks BLASTO.

So I think in Plasmas, I will keep Panasonic GT20 and Samsung 43D490 in my list.
And in LCD, Samsung LA40D550 and in LED, Samsung UA40D5000 (if it comes in my budget)

43D490 does not have 1080p resolution. Now, I have not seen this TV in person so cannot comment on actual picture quality but logically, at 43" size, less number of pixels would affect PQ is what I think. How big issue is it according to you? Will it affect 1080p mkvs and other HD content quality? I mean would I miss not having Full HD screen? This is the only thing keeping me away from this model.

 

[BLASTO]

Thanks BLASTO.

So I think in Plasmas, I will keep Panasonic GT20 and Samsung 43D490 in my list.
And in LCD, Samsung LA40D550 and in LED, Samsung UA40D5000 (if it comes in my budget)

43D490 does not have 1080p resolution. Now, I have not seen this TV in person so cannot comment on actual picture quality but logically, at 43" size, less number of pixels would affect PQ is what I think. How big issue is it according to you? Will it affect 1080p mkvs and other HD content quality? I mean would I miss not having Full HD screen? This is the only thing keeping me away from this model.

You won't miss anything at 42" size for 1080p content.
Infact the SD will be much better compared to 1080p sets.
But D490 has only slightly better filters than the U30. For both of these you will need darker drapes for your windows.

Checkout the black level comparison pics @
http://www.hifivision.com/television/21167-panasonic-vt20-owners-thread-4.html#post293962.

Checkout my drapes @
http://www.hifivision.com/television/21167-panasonic-vt20-owners-thread-5.html#post294183

Go through the thread especially my comments. You will get other good info as well.

The D490 will have better SD PQ than any panasonics.

 

[BLASTO]

Adding to the above, the GT20 will be closer to the VT20 in glare reduction than the B450. That is why I have been asking you to get it in place of D490. If you did not have the windows in the first place or manage to close it, D490 anyday.

 

[RVK2488]

@BLASTO

Ya, I will first try for GT20. IF it's not available here or the price quoted is above my budget, then I will go for D490.

And btw, I don't care about 3D that much but which of these two has better 3D performance? and which one has cheaper glasses? Asking this just so that in case family members like 3D gimmicks and if I need to buy additional glasses in future, I should know the prices

 

[BLASTO]

Buy Samsung 5 Series 40'' LED TV UA40D5500 at Best Price in India - Also find Specifications, Photos, Features & Reviews

40D5500 with free Bluray player for 58k. Iam sure it is available for less in stores.

 

[amol12]

@amol12

Thanks, I will check the Panasonic brand shop. Do you think (if they have stock) I can get similar deal like people in Bangalore are getting? GT20 in 50-55k? with Wireless KB and 3D glasses etc?
Also what were you saying about Croma offer? Is it possible that GT20 is available in Croma?

For croma call their toll free number. They should be able to tell you availability/price and also if it can be delivered in Pune.
If stocks are available you can get a deal similar to one in Bangalore. May be couple of thousand more in brand shop due to octroi in Pune. In croma prices should be at par all over Maharashtra at least!

 

[RVK2488]

I just called Ramesh (Devi Int) and he is ready to ship the GT20 to Pune. He quoted 51k w/o any bargain and I hope I can reduce couple of G's more if I bargain. Should I go ahead and order it via him? I am just worried about possibilty of damage in transit Also is it possible that he will ship demo piece even after I specifically ask him for sealed piece?

Please suggest.

PS I will check in Pana shop @Daruwala pool today and quote Devi's price if have to...and if I don't get equivalent deal from there then only I am gonna order from Devi

 

[Kittu]

I just called Ramesh (Devi Int) and he is ready to ship the GT20 to Pune. He quoted 51k w/o any bargain and I hope I can reduce couple of G's more if I bargain. Should I go ahead and order it via him? I am just worried about possibilty of damage in transit Also is it possible that he will ship demo piece even after I specifically ask him for sealed piece?

Please suggest.

PS I will check in Pana shop @Daruwala pool today and quote Devi's price if have to...and if I don't get equivalent deal from there then only I am gonna order from Devi

Plasma shipping is always risky, unless the dealer agrees to cover the damage in case any. However I'd suggest you to try your local options even if you end up spending few more G's.

 

[aakashr]

Thanks BLASTO.

So I think in Plasmas, I will keep Panasonic GT20 and Samsung 43D490 in my list.
And in LCD, Samsung LA40D550 and in LED, Samsung UA40D5000 (if it comes in my budget)

43D490 does not have 1080p resolution. Now, I have not seen this TV in person so cannot comment on actual picture quality but logically, at 43" size, less number of pixels would affect PQ is what I think. How big issue is it according to you? Will it affect 1080p mkvs and other HD content quality? I mean would I miss not having Full HD screen? This is the only thing keeping me away from this model.

how much is the price diff between ST30 and GT20? also, if you have a budget and do not need 3D, then why not go for V20? with GT you are still paying more for 3D which is not that imp to you.

 

[aakashr]

I just called Ramesh (Devi Int) and he is ready to ship the GT20 to Pune. He quoted 51k w/o any bargain and I hope I can reduce couple of G's more if I bargain. Should I go ahead and order it via him? I am just worried about possibilty of damage in transit Also is it possible that he will ship demo piece even after I specifically ask him for sealed piece?

Please suggest.

PS I will check in Pana shop @Daruwala pool today and quote Devi's price if have to...and if I don't get equivalent deal from there then only I am gonna order from Devi

51k is an awesome price!!! but i don't recommend shipping, better to buy local.

 

[amol12]

I just called Ramesh (Devi Int) and he is ready to ship the GT20 to Pune. He quoted 51k w/o any bargain and I hope I can reduce couple of G's more if I bargain. Should I go ahead and order it via him? I am just worried about possibilty of damage in transit Also is it possible that he will ship demo piece even after I specifically ask him for sealed piece?

Please suggest.

PS I will check in Pana shop @Daruwala pool today and quote Devi's price if have to...and if I don't get equivalent deal from there then only I am gonna order from Devi

No stock of 42GT20 at Daruwala pool (hence kothrud/chinchwad) brand shop.

 

[RVK2488]

@aakashr

I don't know the price difference between ST30 and GT20. And I will check V20.

@amol12

So GT20 is not available in Pune? Any idea about V20?
Or how is 43D490 / 51D450?