TV Advice

I like Vizio. Good picture. I have 2. One is 7 years old. The other is 3 years old. No issues with either one.

I fixed my own tv previously. You can get a kit online and it takes about an hour to fix the the power. Soldering is required, but an easy 15-20 fix.

If not your thing to fix stuff, then I would recommend getting a cheapo brand with higher contrast and MHz speed. The cheapo brands at 40" are just as good and built stronger.

Do not repair the TV, because it will be susceptible to further issues down the road. Take it to a local TV shop and sell it as parts.

In college, I worked part time at the Athens (Bogart) Best Buy, so I have a little knowledge with TV’s. Granted it was 5-6 years ago, the leading standards haven’t changed much.

I currently own a 55” Panasonic (LED 3D), 46” Sony (LCD), 55” Samsung (LED). All 3 are great TV’s, but when it comes to picture quality and features, Panasonic kicks their arse. The physical Samsung TV looks great, but the picture has a weird tint. It is A LOT brighter, but the black levels suck arse. So when’s it a dark scene in a movie, you can’t see shite. Same thing with my Sony, but I give it a pass since it’s 5 years old. Technology is so volatile, so if a salesman tells you product “A” will last longer than product “B”, they’re lying.

Stay away for 60 HZ TV’s, especially if you watch a lot of sports or movies. In the store they don’t look bad, but trust me you’ll be cussing at the TV when the Gurley hits the hole off-tackle at full speed and you can’t decipher whats going on.

Panasonic is hands down the best TV manufacturer. If you’re looking for quality and features, I’d recommend their brand over all. I’ve heard enough horror stories about Vizio, so I’m not a fan. But I’ve heard they’ve improved the last 5 years

Vizio E0i-B Series

I trust C-Net. Never let me down.

They give you msrp but you can shop and find it cheaper.

I've had an LG 50" LED for a little over a year now, and it's a great TV. You can find them reasonably priced too as opposed to Samsung. IMO, it's Samsung 1 and LG 2 in terms of quality. Definitely don't go below 120hz either, anything less is terrible for sports and blu-rays.

I think I've got the same make and model as you and I love it.

But for $300 to repair, you might as well get a new one at this point. You can get some decent ones for not much more than that.

I have a Vizio that I bought it 6 years ago and I have never had a problem with it. I don't know how much it has changed since then but they used to be the only company that offered dead pixel protection and transferable warranty. If I were going to buy a new TV I would buy another Vizio because they offer the best price/quality combination while also offering the best warranty package.

Fwiw my parents have had two different Samsung's and have never had a problem with either one. The oldest one is DLP that they have had since 07 in their basement.

Yeah, my Samsung 46" has lasted me 6 years and counting with several moves and lightening strikes that have roasted the satellite receivers added in, but the TV is still kicking. I would agree that the dark scenes do tend to be pretty dark. Hell, the dog chewed the remote to bits, but that still works as well.

I had a Toshiba I got fixed a few times trashed it and bought a Vizio from Walmart of all places and I have no complaints.

Also don't judge picture quality by what you see at Best Buy. I know a kid who worked there and he says they adjust the picture quality down on the cheap ones so you'll buy the high dollar TV thinking its a much better picture

Many thanks again for the input.

The Sharp is 8,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio, Quattron/Aquos picture (which is unbelievable), 240Hz refresh rate, 3D and a smart TV with built in WiFi, 4 HDMI/2 USB inputs.

I have done a fair amount of research, and I don't know if you can buy a 40" with these specs. I think the decrease in price on the 40s has lead to the "major brands" cutting specs to compete with the low end and that is understandable.

Now there are some good looking 40s out there for sure. But to just approximate this TV will be a fair bit of cash. So, I think I am going to ride the Sharp pony, cough up the $260 repair cost ($300 less applied $40 cost of diagnosis).

Hell, you can't beat the picture, nothing I looked at came close and that was true when I bought it as well. If it tanks after a year, a mistake, 2 is maybe a wash, 3 and I will be happy.

Thanks for the input.