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The HT Guys
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast - Podcast #398: HDTV Buying Guide 2009
by The HT Guys on November 5, 2009 Category: General Interest

Today’s Show:

HDTV Buying Guide 2009

It’s time for our annual HDTV buying guide. Just like last year, we’re listing them by size instead of technology. Prices have dropped quite a bit in just 12 months, and there are some really exciting deals available right now. This year the prices for tier one manufacturers are even more affordable. Without further ado, here is the list for 2009:

Less than 32″

In this size category we mostly are looking for value. At 20 inches you really can’t see the benefits of 1080p so all of our selections are 720p. Last year we featured a 19 inch Samsung TV for $317. This year the most expensive TV in the category is about $100 less.
32″ to 40″
In this size category we stayed with value. We figured for most people this size category is either a second TV for a bedroom or perhaps a primary one for an apartment or condo. Here on the low end price did not go down but you can get more for the same amount. Last year we had a 40 inch model going for $915. This year we select two 37 inch models for about $600.
42″ to 50″
This year pricing was Similar to last year but you get a lot more. Last year we had a 42 inch Panasonic plasma that was priced at 1059. This year you get 46 inches for less money. Our 120 Hz model cost $400 more than this year. We did not recommend any 240Hz TVs this year. We feel the premium paid for the feature is not worth it at this time.
Greater than 50″
This size category is for TVs that go in large rooms. Last year our largest model was a 65 inch DLP that sold for $1440. This year we are only recommending flat panel displays. We do list a 65 inch plasma that was last years ultimate Christmas present. At that time the TV cost more than twice what it goes for today and this year’s model is better. We also include a value priced 55 inch LCD so you can save a little for new receiver or a Blu Ray player.
  • Samsung UN55B7000 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV – Very thin (1.2 inch) TV. Nice vivid colors, support for YAHOO widgets. Alternative to plasma but at a much higher price. Buy this if you want a large format TV but do not want Plasma and you are willing to spend $300 more than our 65 inch Plasma recommendation. Price $2750
  • Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P65S1 65-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV – Essentially we can say the same thing about this 65 inch as we did for the 46 inch plasma. Great picture at any angle, instant response for smooth sharp picture. Native Contrast Ratio of 40,000:1. It only weighs 90 lbs so finding a stand is not an issue. Price $2450
  • LG 55LH40 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV – Clear picture, four HDMI inputs, 24 fps support and support for ISFccc calibration. Priced at $1490
HT Guy’s Ultimate Christmas Present:
This year’s ultimate Christmas gift is not for everyone. Its a very large rear projection DLP. At 82 inches this TV can rival some projector setups in screen size without requiring any of the complicated installation of a projector. So if you have a large basement or bonus room this TV may be the ticket for large screen bliss. Of course we are talking about the Mitsubishi WD-82837 82-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV. This TV measures 22.7 x 73.2 x 48.5 inches and weighs in at 154 pounds. Still a fraction of the rear projection TVs of yesterday. The TV supports four HDMI connections, deep color, and is energy star compliant. At $4500 it only costs $500 more than Ara’s first 50 inch DLP.

Download Episode #398

Posted by The HT Guys, November 5, 2009 10:51 PM

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About The HT Guys

The HT Guys, Ara Derderian and Braden Russell, are Engineers who formerly worked for the Advanced Digital Systems Group (ADSG) of Sony Pictures Entertainment. ADSG was the R&D unit of the sound department producing products for movie theaters and movie studios.

Two of the products they worked on include the DCP-1000 and DADR-5000. The DCP is a digital cinema processor used in movie theaters around the world. The DADR-5000 is a disk-based audio dubber used on Hollywood sound stages.

ADSG was awarded a Technical Academy Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2000 for the development of the DADR-5000. Ara holds three patents for his development work in Digital Cinema and Digital Audio Recording.

Every week they put together a podcast about High Definition TV and Home Theater. Each episode brings news from the A/V world, helpful product reviews and insights and help in demystifying and simplifying HDTV and home theater.