Updated OP to Include List - Black Friday HDTV's Are Any of Them Good?

[foltzie]

Asking the CAGers if any of the Black Friday HDTV's sets are good enough to warrant picking up.

I dont have any sort of Hi-Def programming setup yet so this purchase would be primarily used with my game systems until I upgrade my DVR and channel selection.

I'm fine with 720p if one of those sets is a decent deal since I'm not likely to be trying a 1080i/p signal anytime soon. I would also like a set that natively Pillar boxes a standard def signal.

Any suggestions?

Update: Look at the list yourselves.

http://bfads.net/search.php?what=HDTV&store=all&cat=all

I'll update the OP with details for specific units as I find them or they are posted.

[rodeojones903]

The Panny plasma at Wal-Mart is awesome.

[mik]

I really like my Westinghouse 32". And $479 on BF makes it relatively "low risk."

[foltzie]

I really like my Westinghouse 32". And $479 on BF makes it relatively "low risk."

Is that the Best Buy model?

[Lieutenant Dan]

I really like my Westinghouse 32". And $479 on BF makes it relatively "low risk."

Have you compared pictures with other LCDs? If so, how does it compare? I'm asking because I was interested in the Westinghouse brand LCDs until I saw some set up at BB, they looked pretty bad compared to the others they had set up. They could have just been configured poorly though.

[Dezuria]

The Panny plasma at Wal-Mart is awesome.

Do plasma sets still have problems with burn-in? If they do, they wouldn't be very good with gaming.

[Vinny]

I'm looking for a nice TV too but they're still fairly out of my range. The 20"-23" category is fairly well priced but I want something bigger as I already have a 21" LCD. I was hoping for a 37" for $400 but that's just wishful thinking. Maybe next year.

[specialk]

I checked out the Westinghouse tonight at BB. It was beside another LCD and I commented on how much sharper it looked and the guy said "oh wait" and he switched something on the other TV that made it look the same. So maybe the Westinghouse wasn't on properly?

I have relavitely little knowledge of HDTVs so excuse my poor termonolgy.

Any body else with input?

[gofishn]

I've noticed Best Buy never has the Westinghouse TV's set up correctly. I was checking out the 42" 1080p one a few weeks ago and naturally they had it playing a regular DVD while the other TV's were all on some HD loop. I think it was primarily because the HD feed they use seems to come through a coaxial cable and since that model Westinghouse doesn't have a tuner, it has no coaxial input.

[A7las]

I personally love my Westinghouse 42" 1080p set, but the Westinghouse televisions in the BF ad are different, so I can't really comment on the quality of those.

[foltzie]

I've noticed Best Buy never has the Westinghouse TV's set up correctly. I was checking out the 42" 1080p one a few weeks ago and naturally they had it playing a regular DVD while the other TV's were all on some HD loop. I think it was primarily because the HD feed they use seems to come through a coaxial cable and since that model Westinghouse doesn't have a tuner, it has no coaxial input.

No tuner is a pain... but honestly... only a minor one because most people using HD now already have an external tuner from their cable company or satelite company.

[Duo_Maxwell]

The Panny plasmas are about the only real proven ones I've seen in the ads. The kicker with the Westinghouse tvs was always that they are 1080p at a good price, but the ones on Bf aren't 1080p. If you want the 32", 720p style though, go with the Olevia 32" at CC over the Westinghouse. It has pretty much all the same features as thw WH, but with some added as well (like a tuner, better contrast, etc.) for only $20 more.

[voormis]

I was pretty sure the 32" westinghouse came with a tuner?

[Duo_Maxwell]

I was pretty sure the 32" westinghouse came with a tuner?

You're right, at a 2nd glance it does come with one. To be honest though I still think the Olevia at CC is better.

[alongx]

The Panisonic at Wal-mart is the best value for the money really. They're well proven, and that particular line of plasmas has been in CNET's top 3 rated HDTVs for the last few years. Had I the room (and excess cash), I'd be all over that.

[ajh2298]

The Panisonic at Wal-mart is the best value for the money really. They're well proven, and that particular line of plasmas has been in CNET's top 3 rated HDTVs for the last few years. Had I the room (and excess cash), I'd be all over that.


Do you still need to worry about "burn in" with the Plasmas?

[orochi]

Of the HDTVs for gaming, it goes Tube, DLP+LCD (tied), Plasma. Plasma is the worst due to higher burn in risk. The other downside of plasma is that you'll need to stretch all your 4:3 stuff to widescreen. The reason is because if you don't, those black bars won't get used as much as the rest and over time, you'll be able to see the difference in color contrast as the more used parts of the screen start to dim.

[voormis]

I saw the Westinghouse at Best Buy and it had an amazing picture..I will be picking that up because BB is more accessable to me that CC.

Also, does anyone know if over the air HDTV broadcasts look a lot better than on an SDTV?

I am just curious if it will be worth the purchase of an HDTV antennae because I don't have cable.

[orochi]

I saw the Westinghouse at Best Buy and it had an amazing picture..I will be picking that up because BB is more accessable to me that CC.

If you're talking about the 32", I highly recommended it. On HD forums, a lot of the reviews put it at a bargain even at the $900. At 480, it's a steal. IMHO.

Also, does anyone know if over the air HDTV broadcasts look a lot better than on an SDTV?

I am just curious if it will be worth the purchase of an HDTV antennae because I don't have cable.

It's still HD content no matter how you get it. Just that with an antenna, it'll be free. http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx This site lists all the channels available in your area and the direction to point to get said signals clearly. With a good set up, you'll get a bunch of channels that are clear and won't drop out without paying the cable/sat company a dime.

[voormis]

It's still HD content no matter how you get it. Just that with an antenna, it'll be free. http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx This site lists all the channels available in your area and the direction to point to get said signals clearly. With a good set up, you'll get a bunch of channels that are clear and won't drop out without paying the cable/sat company a dime.

Thank you very much!

[swetooth9]

interesting...i would get the 42" westinghouse for a grand if it was the 1080p one :( guess it's not

now to decide b/t the 32" westinghouse and the 32" Olevia...

[I-Eat-Crayons]

what about the panasonic 42" plasma hd television circuity city is sporting for 1.3K? is that one good?

[banpeikun]

interesting...i would get the 42" westinghouse for a grand if it was the 1080p one :( guess it's not

now to decide b/t the 32" westinghouse and the 32" Olevia...i'm in the same boat. are you doing some ratings research?

[swetooth9]

i'm in the same boat. are you doing some ratings research?

havent done much yet...let me know if you determine a clear-cut winner b/t the two ;)

[Lieutenant Dan]

havent done much yet...let me know if you determine a clear-cut winner b/t the two ;)

I'd like to know too :)

[friedram]

I'm sure all of them would be high quality. In fact, I would bet that the cheaper something is the better quality it is to......

[mj1108]

I'm in the market for one as well and have had the same question regarding the BF HDTV's. I guess I'll hold off a little longer......I've always heard that the Westinghouse models were junk, but that's all heresay maybe...unless they've actually gotten better?

[dreamvsps2]

I'm also getting the 32". Saw it today at BB and I fell love with a strip... I mean the TV.

Anyknow how if we have to " camp out" for it? I never shop on Black Fridays.

[mik]

Spend some time on the avsforums and you'll find plenty of folks who love both those sets.

You're not likely to see either of them display well in a Best Buy, but I have no complaints with the Westy so far.

[Trakan]

What's the chance of the 22" Westy being available online for that price?

[kev]

I have the 27 in Olevia and I'm very happy with it. I did get a black line burned in from the black bars on 4 x 3 content. However, I've managed to "unburn" it by playing lots and lots of widescreen Xbox.

I have a feeling you'll have to line up very, very early for these 32s. Personally, I'm looking at the 37 at Office Max for $700. Not quite the deal but 37 would look oh so good in my room and would work as a main TV when I finally get my own house. Also, Office Max is usually empty on BF.

On a related note, why don't houses have BF sales? That would help me out a lot.

[djago]

I hear alot about the 32" westinghouse but I still don't know all the specs on it.
mainly how many inputs? since these seem to be the best deals on hdtvs ive ever seen I guess its time to upgrade. btw while ive camped out for thing before (my 360) is camping out the thing to do for bf?
usually I just turn on the news and watch people trample each other for cheap digital cameras. what should I expect?

[banpeikun]

i'd camp out at 10pm or midnight for the hdtv, but you never really know. someone mentioned earlier the westinghouse had one set of each inputs (i think it was composite and component maybe?)

[Ikohn4ever]

16:9 widescreen aspect ratio delivers a cinema-style viewing experience
Xilleon video processing delivers crisp images
3:2 inverse pulldown for accurate reproduction of film-based sources
Digital SERA de-interlacing and video processing corrects vibration, stair-stepping, cutoff and other standard video-processing artifacts
Ultrafast 6.5 ms response time
High brightness (400 cd/m²) and incredible contrast (1200:1) for an arresting viewing experience
178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles make every seat the best in the house
3D adaptive comb filter delivers state-of-the-art detail and color enhancement
2 built-in 10W stereo speakers
Ultraslim (4-1/2" deep), lightweight design is ideal for wall mounting (with optional mounting kit, not included)
Progressive scanning maximizes the picture quality of progressive-scan DVD players, set-top boxes and digital video recorders
Inputs: 1 HDMI, 1 D-sub (VGA), 1 S-video, 1 component, 4 audio, 1 PC audio, 1 RF
Outputs: 1 audio, 1 optical SPDIF audio
V-Chip parental controls keep children from being exposed to undesirable material
Other convenient features include an on-screen display and spine-design cable management for simple wall mounting

Product Details

Warranty Terms - Parts 1 year limited

Warranty Terms - Labor 1 year limited

Product Height 24-1/2" with stand (22-1/2" without)

Product Width 31-1/2"

Product Weight 35.2 lbs. with stand (34 lbs. without)

Product Depth 8-3/4" with stand (4-1/2" without)

TV Type LCD Flat Panel


Screen Size 32"


Aspect Ratio 16:9

Display Type Flat-panel LCD


Built-In_DVR No


Digital Cable Ready No


Digital Capabilities HD built-in


Maximum Resolution 1366 x 768


Vertical Scanning Lines (Native Mode) 768

Contrast Ratio 1200:1

Brightness 400 cd/m²


Comb Filter 3D
Media Card Slot No

USB Slot No

Digital Convergence Yes


HDMI Inputs 1

DVI Inputs No


S-Video Inputs 1

Component Video Inputs 2

Composite Inputs No

RGB Inputs 1


RF Antenna Input 1


Watts/Channel 10

Speakers 2

V-Chip Yes

[djago]

wow thats crazy. are you sure that is the one they are selling on bf? that sounds too good to be true. but wait.....................no composite WTF!! I still have a ps2, and I might be geting a wii.damn it. let me guess, ima have to pony up for a component switch box and a set of component cables for both..sigh.:drool:

[Ikohn4ever]

wow thats crazy. are you sure that is the one they are selling on bf? that sounds too good to be true. but wait.....................no composite WTF!! I still have a ps2, and I might be geting a wii.damn it. let me guess, ima have to pony up for a component switch box and a set of component cables for both..sigh.:drool:



i dunno if this is 100% true, but I believe you can use composite in component.

[mik]

If it's the 32w6, it has composite. That's how my PS2 is connected. If it's the 32w3, not sure.

[Trakan]

If it's the 32w6, it has composite. That's how my PS2 is connected. If it's the 32w3, not sure.

The 32w3 (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2007718,00.asp) has composite input.

[djago]

ok so I did some digging and here is what I found.

im not sure if this reflects the stores but the item number in the bestbuy ad id non existent. here are the westinghouse tv they have on their site:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?navLevel=5&type=category&navHistory=cat00000%2Bcat03000%2Bcat03001%2Bpcmcat 95100050019&id=pcmcat95100050044


and here is a chart(from westing house that has the tvs and features;
http://www.westinghousedigital.com/product_comparison.html

so as you can see if its the w6 no composite and their are some other thing missing. but if its the w3 composite plus other stuff. though the w6 might have better quality.peace.

[Diiz]

I, too, need to decide between the Westinghouse and Olevia... The Circuit City near me is in what I feel a "safer" location, the BB is in kind of a ghetto area where I'm not sure I'd wanna camp overnight. I am planning on driving past CC at about 11PM and if there is noone there I will just camp. If the line is long already, Ill drive to the BB real quick and scope it out.

[mik]

I have the 32w6 and it has composite--I'm telling you. I'll take a photo tomorrow if you need proof.

[alongx]

Do you still need to worry about "burn in" with the Plasmas?

Not anymore. That was like a 1st-2nd gen problem, and they're in the 7th or 8th gen of plasma panels now. There's a slight risk in the first 100 hours, but most TVs have menu settings that will display images to erase any burned in images. Either way, unless you are playing double digit gaming sessions, the odds are that you'll never see any type of burn in.

[Thomas96]

Bestbuy has their Insignia 27" HDTV normally 399.99, for 269.99 on black friday.

[Frank784]

I have the 32w6 and it has composite--I'm telling you. I'll take a photo tomorrow if you need proof.

I have the 32w6 as well and it does have one set of composite/svideo on the right panel.

[nyprimus4]

I'm going to call my Best buy and get as much information as possible on when they will give out tickets for the 32" Westy. I might start camping at like 9 PM the night before if they give out the tickets at like 1-2 AM for the really good electronic deals. VGA for my computer RGB for 360 Ant. in for Tv/cable What kind of stretch pay does Bestbuy do on TV's? and can you stretch pay a BF deal?

[Yoohoo1231]

Hmm... Would BestBuy layaway (do they even have layaway?) the 32" Westinghouse? The PS3 and Wii launches being so close together is going to drain my funds for immediately after launch, but this looks like a deal too good to pass up.

[nyprimus4]

delete

[Koggit]

I find it strange that everyone thinks all they have to do is -decide- they want one of the black friday sets. The hard part is fighting for the priviledge to buy one - if you beat out the other campers, you will then be allowed to give Best Buy your money.

I already have a 56" HDTV in my living room and a 32" HDTV in my bedroom, and I'd buy both Westinghouses in a heartbeat given the chance. I even considered camping for it. Not needing it, I still considered camping for it. People will go to insane measures, and quanities will be limited. Hell, in a bad neighborhood it'd be a health risk.

[drsuper23]

Both sets are very close in my opinion. I'm leaning towards the Olevia though and hope that I can get that one. I don't like how round the Westy looks.

[nyprimus4]

I'm now leaving towards the Olevia to and with those CC coupons someone posted you can get 10% off any TV $100 or up and it says this includes sales items. So it comes out to $450, even cheaper then the Westinghouse.

[nyprimus4]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/genericContent.do?oid=117632 Can someone explain the financing? It says TV's that start at $499, which is the price of the Olevia 32", only pay $13 a month.

[Diiz]

I'm now leaving towards the Olevia to and with those CC coupons someone posted you can get 10% off any TV $100 or up and it says this includes sales items. So it comes out to $450, even cheaper then the Westinghouse.



Yeah, I need to find a high quality printer to print those coupons out on haha.

[swetooth9]

Yeah, I need to find a high quality printer to print those coupons out on haha.

which?

[nyprimus4]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?Image=24%2D234%2D001%2D01%2Ejpg%2C24 %2D234%2D001%2D02%2Ejpg%2C24%2D234%2D001%2D03%2Ejp g%2C24%2D234%2D001%2D04%2Ejpg%2C24%2D234%2D001%2D0 5%2Ejpg%2C24%2D234%2D001%2D06%2Ejpg%2C24%2D234%2D0 01%2D07%2Ejpg%2C24%2D234%2D001%2D08%2Ejpg%2C24%2D2 34%2D001%2D09%2Ejpg&CurImage=24%2D234%2D001%2D09%2Ejpg&Description=Westinghouse+Black+32%22+16%3A9+8ms+LC D+HDTV+Integrated+HDTV%2FNTSC+Tuner+Model+LTV%2D32 W3+%2D+Retail Now I'm back on the Westy, ehh, this will never stop. Those are some good pics of the connectors.

I love the HDMI also, when I'm ready I can do 720p/1080i with the PS3 over HDMI.

The do it all television
PS3-HDMI
360-Component
Computer-VGA
Television-TV in
Wii-S-video

[mik]

Both sets are very close in my opinion. I'm leaning towards the Olevia though and hope that I can get that one. I don't like how round the Westy looks.
The 32w6 is not round at all.

[cognitive77]

Anyone know the model number on the 42" at Wal-Mart?

[foltzie]

IF someone can list the model numbers for the known Black Friday TVs I'll summarize them into the OP.

Also if someone has a TV thats a better non-Black Friday deal. Feel free to list it.

[Maxspeed1997]

I'm now leaving towards the Olevia to and with those CC coupons someone posted you can get 10% off any TV $100 or up and it says this includes sales items. So it comes out to $450, even cheaper then the Westinghouse.
I missed that coupon. Could you post the link?

Thanks

[Michaellvortega]

I missed that coupon. Could you post the link?

Thanks

http://www.badongo.com/file/1668694

[Maxspeed1997]

http://www.badongo.com/file/1668694

Thank you! :applause:

[foltzie]

http://www.badongo.com/file/1668694

That references this thread (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114567)and this coupon (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cc40200zk2.jpg)

Looks like a risk.

[TrenoV]

I havent been involved in black friday camping before, but to get the 32 inch westinghouse how early would people recommend showing up to get one?

[Aooogah]

I'm loving the 27" Westinghouse I got at Best Buy. I had been saving up some rewards through Best Buy's rewards system and managed to get the price down to the Black Friday price. Let me tell you it is worth it!

[getmeoutofjoliet]

42" LCD HDTV Westinghouse $999.99

Everyone's talking bout the 32", but I want some info on this one,(Model Number, 720/1080, component/composite cables etc.) Is it worth it? How's it look? Mainly want it for gaming, dont have HD cable, would I need to buy a tuner and all that jazz?

[moojuice]

Uh, apparently Costco has a 50-inch plasma HDTV for only $300. That sounds waaayyyy too good. Yes, I know plasma isnt good for gaming, but still.

[foltzie]

Uh, apparently Costco has a 50-inch plasma HDTV for only $300. That sounds waaayyyy too good. Yes, I know plasma isnt good for gaming, but still.

The Costco items are coupons not the actual price.

[nyprimus4]

CompUsa has 23" and 26" Olevia's going for $300 and $420 and they get even cheaper if you purchase their Motorola Razr with plan. I'm eyeing that 23".

[phatbunbao]

I'm still debating between the 32"s. At this moment I'm leaning towards the Olevia because I'd have to drive an hour to Scranton for the Westinghouse. Does the Westing have a QAM tuner, I don't have a cable box in my room?

[Diiz]

Hmmm... wonder if that one at Staples is any good. I don't see the 32" Olevia on there tho...

[Pylis]

If I tried for the 32" Westinghouse, it'd be for my 360. The current HD-TV in my household has terrible latency on the system, making gaming on it pretty much impossible. How is the Westinghouse in terms of latency?

[moojuice]

The Costco items are coupons not the actual price.Ah, no wonder, thanks for clearing that up. If it was true, was just gonna go buy it, sell it, then use profits to buy a smaller t.v XD

[Vinny]

Anybody know if either Best Buy, Circuit City, or Staples have historically put up their TV deals online? It'd be nice to get it that way rather than wait outside a store for hours on end in the cold.

[toldawg128]

Olevia 332H - 32" HD-Ready LCD TV for $524.98 at Buy.com. One day only (11/16).

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202787993&adid=17654&dcaid=17654

[Diiz]

Olevia 332H - 32" HD-Ready LCD TV for $524.98 at Buy.com. One day only (11/16).

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202787993&adid=17654&dcaid=17654

Sold out!

[Diiz]

Sold out!


Back in stock! lol

[moojuice]

Fark, all the buy.com sale t.v's are sold out.

[Lizard Axe]

I got in on the buy.com 32" before it sold out. It's been processing since about 1 PM today. Don't know if I made it in time.

Edit. Made it in time. :J

[Diiz]

I woulda hopped on it if it had a built in tuner, but alas...