This is most likely the one question we get asked every single day. The answer is usually pretty simple; it’s the one that best fits your budget. Of course, we always recommend a reputable brand, Panasonic, Samsung, LG and Sharp all offer good options. Now, if money were no object what would we choose? That’s where the question gets complicated. Let’s start with technology. It is pretty much universally accepted that plasma was the best flat panel technology, however with Panasonic leaving the plasma market in 2013 and Samsung leaving the plasma market in 2014 we are left in a world filled with LED televisions. What’s the difference between LCD and LED you ask? LCD is a liquid crystal display with fluorescent backlighting. LED is a liquid crystal display with light emitting diode or LED backlighting. LED is now the prominent flat panel technology. There are a couple of other technologies trying to brake into the market (OLED) but for now their value is not apparent. So we are looking at LED televisions as our primary option. Sounds Good believes that Panasonic and Samsung offer the best options in both 1080p and UHD (ultra high definition) models.
So if money were not an object we would choose top of the line UHD models from either Panasonic or Samsung. Now if we are taking about best value we would recommend choosing 1 model down from the top of the line from both Panasonic and Samsung. The top of the line usually has some additional costly features like cameras and certifications that may not be worth the extra expense to you. If you are looking for a big screen experience than Sharp and Samsung will be your best choice. Sharp makes models in 60”, 70”, 80” and 90” diagonal and Samsung has a 75” model. If you are looking into these models make sure you look at the top line models as the entry level models are made more for bars and restaurants where viewing will be from quite a distance away.
NO! Smart TV refers only to the television capability of providing streaming services. The problem is that the processing is slow, the interface is confusing and getting the sound to a home theatre receiver is difficult and expensive. Sounds Good believes you could have a much “Smarter” experience with an Apple TV or Roku box.
For the most part 3D comes as a free feature on most new televisions. There are 2 formats for 3D offered, active and passive. Active glasses typically cost around $100 per pair and passive could cost as low as $10 per pair. In Sounds Good’s experience we have not enjoyed 3D in any format and have very few clients who uses 3D with any regularity. If you are buying a new television do not anticipate 3D being a feature that you will love.
All of the brands sold by Sounds Good typically feature a 1-year warranty. We choose to work with reputable brands because their service and support is second to none. Panasonic and Samsung will actually send technicians to your home to fix any models over 50 inches so you do not have to worry about transporting such a large tv to a repair centre.
The best advice Sounds Good can offer you is for to consider your television as nothing more than a monitor. Forget about smart features, 3D, and the speakers in the television. You are purchasing a monitor that is going to do nothing more than turn on and off and give you the best picture you can imagine. Then let the professionals at Sounds Good design a system that includes quality Speakers, and sources like Blu-Ray, Apple TV and your HD Cable box so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your entertainment!
