Ask Engadget HD: Is this the best time to buy a new HDTV?
By Richard Lawler 
posted February 3rd 2010 3:30PM
posted February 3rd 2010 3:30PM
"With the Super Bowl coming up, it got me thinking - what's the best time to buy an HDTV with regards to price? I'm assuming right before the new ones come out, but when exactly is that? Or is that not even the right time?"
There it is, simple and plain. Is this the time to buy, do you wait a few months for 2009's HDTVs to thin out and the new 2010 models to hit, or are you bargain hunting on Black Friday? Of course, if anyone has spotted a particularly sweet deal, feel free to let us all know where in the comments.
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Current models: The day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
Outgoing models: Any time after that model's replacement has started to appear for sale.
You should only consider three options...
1. Plasma - Panasonic or Samsung
2. LCD - Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG
3. RPTV - Mitsubishi
Do NOT consider any bargin-bin options. (such as Vizio) Spend your money wisely on a quality product.
@Robert Mechum
You clearly do not know what your talking about.
@Mitchell
The brands I mentioned routinely outperform Vizios in every test thrown at them. You can spend your money on the best product within your budget or you can buy any of the bargain-bin displays. (Vizio, Insignia, Dynex, etc.)
Panasonic TC-P50G10: $1,399
Panasonic TC-P58S1: $1,747
Samsung PN50B860: $1,577
Samsung PN58B560: $1,687
@Robert Mechum
Well for the price Vizio's IMHO are top notch. I have used mine for 3 years and never an issue. Also all my buddies dont have a problem. are they the BEST display? No, but for the price they cant be beat.
Its clear what the market wants and that's why Vizio is the #1 TV seller in the states.
Mitchell
@Mitchell
Oh I see. They are the best because you haven't had an issue with yours. Build quality and picture quality...not so important to you. Never mind the fact that the Vizio's are only slightly cheaper. That gap has narrowed almost to the point of not existing by the way.
So, for just about the same amount of money you can choose from displays that were in the running for display of the year from multiple sources or you can choose from displays (Vizio) which weren't even good enough to be considered.
Seems like a very easy choice.
@Mitchell
By the way...being #1 doesn't mean you are the best. It just means you were more effective at marketing your product to the lowest common denominator...the uninformed shopper.
@Robert Mechum robert, I know what you are trying to convey to mitchell and others. however, you are kind of doing it in a douchebaggery way, and make yourself sound slightly too snobbish. if somebody is enjoying their TVs, whatever that brand might be, just let them enjoy it. you can have an opinion of what is the best, or recommended out there, but others can have an opinion of what they consider as value/performance leader.
and vice versa to you as well mitchell. :)
@Robert Mechum
I was an early adopter and bought a budget-brand HDTV for $2K over a premium-brand HDTV for $4K. BOTH are painfully obsolete now, and whatever visual difference between them is minor compared to the improvement a couple of years make. With the money I saved, I can buy a new Visio that is SUPERIOR to the old Sony television.
- It turns out the premium-brand HDTV was WORST quality. Users complained about "cloudy" uneven backlight. My "POS" television has performed solidly.
@Robert Mechum
I think your knowledge of tv is in stone age. Vizio has greatly improve their TV lately, their new LED TV is very affortable 52" for $1500 in Costco which gonna cost you $15000 more buying similar specs in Samsung or Sony Brand.
@techlord
You're completely ignoring picture quality. Vizio still lags behind. Put that $1,500 towards a top notch Panasonic plasma...a much wiser investment.
Let's not forget that an LED LCD is still an LCD. The highest end LED LCD's can compete with everyday Samsung and Panasonic plasmas. Vizio's don't even register when comparing against either. You can spend your $1,500 wisely and get the best bang for your buck...or you can spend it on a Vizio, Dynex, Insignia, etc. Your choice.
@Robert Mechum You simply are not going to get a better value TV time after time if you go with some other company.
Frankly I find it funny that when you get retorted in general you jump right on Vizio. It's even more funny that everyone else jumps in to defend the brand which IMO suggests that it is exactly what you say it isn't - A quality TV.
I know a bunch of people with Vizio's and not one of them has a complaint about them. Most in fact wouldn't consider buying the more expensive brands and would/do put their full support behind buying a Vizio.
Frankly if you don't have much money, want to take your first steps into HD, and don't have any major experience with HDTVs you would be silly to buy most other brands. The simple fact (seems) to be that you can't get a higher quality to budget ratio.
@Robert Mechum
First of all - Vizio beeing number #1 will NOT make ME buy the TV. Toyota sells more cars than everyone else but I won't buy one cause I like my Mercedes. That's my preference.
I used to think that Vizio is crap but recently I've noticing that the amount of technology they put into the TV is crazy. They have everything and more for lower price tag. I just ordered 60NX800 from Sony and to be honest I am having second thoughts. I feel like in 2 years my TV will be beyond obsolete and I spend over 3k on it. I cannot comment on Vizio quality but I can on Sony - they have been great with me.
Also I don't really understand why you comparing Plasmas and LCDs. They are two different technologies for two different purposes. Plasma will be terrible where there is a lot of light and LCD has it's shortcomings too.
I also having second thoughts about this whole 3D thing. I just don't see it - YO BOYS PUT YOUR 3D GLASSES - GAME IS STARTING - sounds a little off to me. Also if it will catch on - Sony won't be the leader for sure because of their prices. I will not spend $100 on each pair of glasses - that's just ridiculous. I just won't do it - 20 guests = 20 glasses = $2,000 - yea ok. Plus I can't even tell BYO3DG because every company does their own thing when it comes to 3D standard - until there is a solid coalition I will not invest money into this.
I have a 120HZ 42" Vizio and it is absolutely 100% amazing don't listen Mechum, you will not be disappointed. (and you will save a fortune)
Amazing customer sevices as well.
also, If you believe all that is said on this site then people looking for new HDTV's should (MUST)all invest in a 3D TV.
@iPaul When have you ever come across that as a definitive answer?!
Vizio is the devil! Dont listen to iPaul. If you have a service issue, there is no in home service, you have to ship the TV back to the manufacturer, IN THE ORIGINAL BOX! If you discarded the box, you have to buy the box from Vizio (usually $300). You are also responsible for shipping costs (both ways!). Also, Vizio does not have discreet IR codes, so good luck controlling it with a universal remote. Stay away...far, far away.
@jnemesh I have a Vizio as a bedroom TV and my both my DirecTV remote and my Harmony remote don't have any problems with it.
@keith524 no problems with my remote either. In fact my cable remote works 100% with my TV.
If you want a display made with second-hand and unwanted parts....then by all means buy a Vizio.
If you want the best bang for your buck and a quality display...purchase a Samsung, Sony, or Panasonic primarily. They always outperform the bargain-bin Vizios.
@Robert Mechum You talk rubbish. I have in home warranty and have had a great experience.
I am a Vizio owner and would recommend you saving your money over expensive Samsung and Sony or Panasonic .
@Robert Mechum okay that's just flat out mis information. Vizio doesn't use second hand parts. Granted they are not going to be the best quality but they are good quality and cheap prices. Honestly if you are looking at an LCD and the minor differences in image quality between Vizio and Sony (on similarly priced models) is a concern you should get a plasma not an LCD.
As for reliability Consumer reports shows them at 3% have problems. That's equal to Samsung, higher than Sony's 2% but less than LG's 4%.
@iPaul Just how more do think those other displays cost? You get a sizable increase in performance. You're not exactly the best person to be giving advice. You just claimed that you are using your DirecTV remote to control your TV. This tells me that you don't have a true universal remote. Also, you probably don't have a BD player, an A/V receiver, or respectable speakers.
Basically....this isn't your best gig and you lack experience with basic HT equipment. Vizios fail to perform when speaking of black levels, color accuracy, picture quality, and video processing. Buying a Vizio is similar to buying knock-off designer clothing.
@keith524
Oh really? Do a little research and come back here. Tell us where they get their parts.
Depends on what you want - if you want 3D then stand pat until the new 3D TVs come out later this year. If you don't care than buy that 82" Mitsubishi today! I love my 73"
The existing Mitsubishi DLP TVs already support 3D (as well as certain Samsung DLPs). Check the specs of the specific model. Mits has already announced that they will have an upgrade box that will enable their DLPs to use the standardized 3D Blu-Ray and cable/directv feeds that are forthcoming.
@jnemesh Yuppers - My model does have 3D support (with the added device needed that was announced at CES) however as I understand it my Mitzy model will not do dual 1080p to each eye.
First you need to narrow it down to which TV technology you desire and what your screen size is. If you are going for less than 65" then you should get a plasma. There are no compelling arguments for choosing LCD over plasma. Then you will realize that Panasonic has a vast range of options on HDTVs from different price points. You will then notice that 50" is the sweet spot for price and size. So you will not wait, but you will be wise a purchase a Panasonic 50" G10
A note about vizio. Any TV that produces a 1080p picture made in the last few years will impress and satisfy your average joe. If you're on engadgethd, I'm assuming black level, color accuracy, picture adjustments, and 24p playback are important to you.
@blackacex22 my black levels,colors are amazing, better than most $3000++ HDTV's and I have no problems here.
What's with all the VIZIO bashing? You pay to much for your outdated 60Hz Plasma? Should have bought a 240hz Vizio for half the price..
@iPaul
...good job. You've just proven that you have no idea what 60Hz or 240Hz actually mean. Congratulations.
@iPaul
Well, I'm glad no one mentioned the awesome power of 600 Hz sub-field which is a load of crock.
The difference between LCD buyers and Plasma buyers is LCD buyers go to the store and buy their TVs based on how they look in the stores. Plasma buyers do a lot more research online because they know the quality of the screens are so much more different when you actually get it in your home under normal lighting conditions.
LCDs in stores look brighter and that's what appeals to the average person. The reason LCD needs 120Hz is because LCDs can't handle fast motion like Plasmas can at 60Hz so they had to speed it up. No TV needs 240 Hz or higher, well maybe 3D does, but I'm not sure on that.
I went with Plasma because I care more about the richness of the blacks than the eye-straining brightness of the whites for LCDs. Plasmas have richer colors too. LCDs are okay for monitors due to text and pictures, but for moving pictures ... plasmas are better.
If you want to save money on electricity, go with an LCD, but the difference in power consumption is really not that much anymore. LED TVs have even lower power consumption, but they are still LCD TVs in the long run and you are spending more money up front than you would at the electric company.
@Meekermoloko
What 120 and 240Hz technology in lcd's does is create a frame or frames where there are none so they smooth out lagging that appears on every other TV that doesn't have this technology. This doesn't concerning fast motion on the contrary I'm talking about slow moving images like you would see when the camera pans over a landscape, it doesn't matter if it is a plasma or an LCD. If you don't believe me, then just go to the nearest electronics store and ask a salesman to skip the movie until the credits-roll and you will see what i mean, i have yet to see a plasma that doesn't lag during credits or slow motion.
What the TV manufacturers are doing when the advertise 100, 200 and even 600Hz is using something that people recognize from the old tubes as a marketing strategy because its to much of a hassle to make older people understand the technology behind it. they just think.. "ahhh higher number means better"
and whats really annoying that the 600Hz technology has nothing to do with with what the 120 and 240 Hz technology does
It may well be that plasma suits your viewing needs better than LCD but not all of us have pitch-black TV-rooms... mine for example has windows on one side and the sun regularly shines through even though we have curtains. If i had a plasma it would be like staring at a mirror
@Svenni
I don't have a pitch black room, I have a window to the side that lets in a lot of light and my plasma works fine. I also have an LCD monitor and it actually reflects quite a bit more than my plasma screen. My old CRT TV reflected more too.
Plasma TVs have improved a lot since they began selling them. LCDs have improved as well ... but they haven't improved much with side viewing areas and I still think movement is better with the Panasonic plasma I have.
If you're happy with your LCD ... fine. I prefer plasma because I like to watch movies, sports and play videogames that contain a lot of action. This is all from same price/size comparison. I'm sure a top of the line LCD is better than a bottom priced cheapo plasma, but a $1000 plasma is better than a $1000 LCD in my opinion.
I am really disappointed with my 60hz tv, 120hz is just so much better. If you cant afford 120hz then wait for them to get cheaper. Most of the time 60hz is fine but there are still many instances where you cant read something or you hurt your eyes trying to track an object because the screen cant keep up with the motion.
Wow guys, great way to stay on topic with the Vizio thread. Can't wait for the "When is the best time to buy a vizio" post.
As to when to buy tech, there is never a good time. Just wait until you afford what you want and bite the bullet. Your tech is guaranteed to become obsolete, lower priced, and a new model is always right around the corner.
@ben55124
I agree, on all counts. People keep this up and the HD comments will get shut down like the rest of Engadget.
Back to topic, there's always going to be something better and/or cheaper down the road. Also, I've found that even if you want to wait on a piece of tech until it hits your target price, you might miss out, as things get often get discontinued and made unavailable.
i agree with Brendan H. I think the spirit of this thread was whats the best time of year to buy a tv but i do agree that if i was in the market for a tv now having seen avatar in 3d I would be waiting for 3d to come out. Regardless im not sure i agree that there is a best time of year to buy a tv. I think if you are aggressive in your shopping and price comparison between amazon best buy and other reputable sites a couple of weeks of patience should pay of. I like to pick a tv and follow it like a stock and try to get it when it dips below a price i find acceptable rather than forcing myself to buy any tv at the so called best time of year to get a tv.
i would like to replace some of my old tvs with lcd or plasma but have two cable boxes at 24 bucks a month waiting for cablecard tv slot (will probably die of old age first. ceton is coming with a quard tuner for pc with ONE cable card but dont know if it has some device to change channels at the tv locations or only from where the tuner is ? anyone have info on that ,
Now is the best time to buy for 2 main reasons: (from someone who has strong ties to a couple major TV retailers)
1) Some of the lowest prices of the model year on out-going models.
2) Current stock on the soon-to-be discounted models is EXTREMELY low at all retailers. Manufacturers are discontinuing some models somewhat earlier than they have in past years. The prices will dip lower until the 2009 models are completely phased out but by that point, there won't be much, if anything, left to purchase.
id say try to find a good deal on a 09' set. there's really only a few id recommend hunting down: samsung lcd 650 series, samsung plasmas 6 or 8 series , panasonic g or v series, sony v or w series lcds. all very solid and very popular models though- good luck finding them this time of year. with the exception of the 2010 panasonic plasmas, i dont see any huge PQ leaps over last year.
If you can stomach the install, skip the LCD/Plasma/etc. and go straight to a projector. A 1080p projector can set you back as little as around $1000, and can comfortably produce a 120" picture. What size of LCD/Plasma can you get for that?
I will never go back. The size of the picture is really that important; the quality is definitely good enough.
@GrangerG
That is excellent advice but not for anyone who doesn't have light control in their viewing area. Most living room setups are not ideal for a front projector.
@GrangerG I agree... if you have your own place to call your "cave" and can control the lighting, it would be ideal... But most setups are in living rooms with windows... well, in my case, the windows would kill the wall with light...
plasmatvbuyingguide.com and lcdtvbuyingguide.com... they have awesome reviews and also break down how the technologies work if you need a little education...
I'm not convinced with all the 3DTV crap, so if youre going out, disregard any mention of 3DTV (unless thats what you want)
Top tiers are Samsung Panny and sony (poor pioneer :-( )
My Kuro passed away last week, so i ended up getting the 8 Series samsung PN58B860... its a plassy... mmmm 1.4 inch thickness
Also, when you hit the stores, make them change the channel on the TV.. its hard to look at one TV when the same damn show is playing on every TV...
I just picked up a Samsung 58" plasma (PN58B860) for $2000 shipped, no tax from Vanns.com. 1.2" thick and no bulb to die. I have a sony sxrd 55", but i'm not a fan of shelling out $160 every time the bulb decides to go. Twice in three years is a bit much for me.
@yaksplat how are you liking yours? I just got the same one... came off an Elite... im liking it so far..
These things have gotten somewhat commoditized. I think that it's been the right time to buy for years, if you don't have an HDTV, you should have gotten one a couple of years ago.
I think that Vizio is fairly good at displaying HD, but where the lower end sets really falter is with SD upscaling. This may not be an issue in a few months, however, as DirecTV is going to have 200 HD channels, which basically means everything is in HD.
That being said, a Samsung or Sony is going to give you a slightly better picture, but at a price.
Plasma is a dead technology, it doesn't have the same picture quality as LCD, it is a ridiculous power hog, and if the black levels are important to you, LED LCD is the best technology. Don't buy a plasma unless its under $10. It's not worth it.
@(Unverified)
"Plasma ... doesn't have the same picture quality as LCD, it is a ridiculous power hog, and if the black levels are important to you, LED LCD is the best technology."
Once again, some people don't know what they are talking about. The one obvious thing that a top pf the line plasma has over a top of the line LCD is better black levels.
@(Unverified)
You couldn't possibly be more wrong. Plasmas are consistently ranked higher regarding picture quality. The energy efficiency differences are negligible.
@(Unverified) ouch, wrong again... i remember the Pioneer Kuro 720P TV knocking out every single LCD in 1080P with 120hz... look up the kuro vs LCD challenge... the LEDs are verrrrry sexy, and the black levels are so much closer to the Kuro... Problem is, blurrrrrrrrrr... I enjoyed staring at the Samsung LED 8100 series, but the blurr is still noticable to me when you come to scenes that are fast-paced...
Now... LED kicks plasma's butt in depth perception... thats that "3D" kinda feel... In comparison, the LED slightly outperforms a plasma... still far from your "best technology" assumption...
Price-wise... You cant beat a plasma... its a tried and true technology and its so cheap to produce now... LED is still obxnoxious with its prices because its newer...
As for power-consumption?? pfft... backlit LEDs use a lot of juice my friend... Plasmas have made huuuuge improvements... thats not an issue... and both TVs have energy saver modes...
and finally... Burn-in... LCD tvs do burn in too... google the gay porn craigslist LCD... that'll prove it lol
do some more research... its cool to chime in, but you cant make crazy statements without having the juice to back it up... Its like saying Barry Bonds never did steroids lol