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Thread: Top Rated TVs of 2014

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    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    Top Rated TVs of 2014

    Television.reviewed.com compiled a list of best TVs that they evaluated in 2014. As no surprise, LG OLED model 55EA9800 ($9,999) was named the top dog for 2014.

    Here is the list:

    Best TV of the year:
    LG OLED model 55EA9800 ($9,999)
    Runner up: LG 55EC9300 OLED ($4000)

    Best UHD TV of the year:
    Sony XBR-65X950B 4K LED ($8000)
    Runner up: Vizio P652ui-B2 (P Series) 4K LED ($2000)


    Best TV under $1500:
    Sony KDL-55W800B LED ($1500)
    Runner up: Samsung UN40HU6950 4K LED ($1200)

    Best TV under $1000:
    Vizio E480i-B2 LED ($550)
    Runner up: Sony KDL-40W600B LED ($500)

    Best Tv under $500:
    Sharp LC-32LE551U LED TV ($300)
    Runner up: Samsung UN32H5203 LED TV ($320)h

    HDTV Television Reviews, Buying Guides and ratings - Reviewed.com Televisions
    Last edited by Smokey; 11-20-2014 at 08:21 PM.

  2. #2
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    What about Consumer Reports? Visio only had a few TV's that finished anywhere in their ratings. Seems like they have an ongoing problem with motion blur and sound quality. I'd take a look at the Samsung 55" UHD TV that is showing up in the black Friday ads. Reviews are so biased, so you really need to check them out in person.
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    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Yeah, I think I'd pass on Vizio.

    I'm half hoping my old Samsung 27" CRT in our small room dies so I can go for a 40 or 42" 1080p LED -- a Samsung, LG, or Panasonic.

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    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    What about Consumer Reports? Visio only had a few TV's that finished anywhere in their ratings. Seems like they have an ongoing problem with motion blur and sound quality.
    Vizio new M and P series seem to be getting mix reviews. Some site praise the new series (that have local dimming), while others like PCmag gave Vizio bad review and only gave it one star. I think the problem is that Vizio using IPS panels (lousy Blacks) interchangeably with VA panels (ecellent Blacks) in their new series. That is why so many discrepancy in their TV reviews.

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    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Smokey View Post
    Vizio new M and P series seem to be getting mix reviews. Some site praise the new series (that have local dimming), while others like PCmag gave Vizio bad review and only gave it one star. I think the problem is that Vizio using IPS panels (lousy Blacks) interchangeably with VA panels (ecellent Blacks) in their new series. That is why so many discrepancy in their TV reviews.
    Based on limited information, my surmise is that Vizio essential policy is to offer low-price products. This is unlike the strategies of various formerly new entrants into the home electronics business, especially Korean entrants such as Samsung and LG. In contrast to Vizio their strategy was to quickly turn to producing high-performing and reliable products that could stand up to anything from established marques such as Sony and Panasonic.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Feanor View Post
    Based on limited information, my surmise is that Vizio essential policy is to offer low-price products. This is unlike the strategies of various formerly new entrants into the home electronics business, especially Korean entrants such as Samsung and LG.
    That is very much true. Also as contrast to the big boys, strategies of Vizio has been to reduced their over head to minimum. Which include no spare parts, inventory and distrubition centers. So if your Tv goes out during warranty, they send you a new TV instead of repair

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    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    I just bought this 40" Samsung TV for my daughter for the holidays-

    SS UN40H5203. It's a basic Smart TV with a good picture. Got it on sale for $329. The non smart version is $299.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
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    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    I just bought this 40" Samsung TV for my daughter for the holidays-

    SS UN40H5203. It's a basic Smart TV with a good picture. Got it on sale for $329. The non smart version is $299.
    Can you disclose where you bought it?
    2 Channel System
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    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  9. #9
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    Can you disclose where you bought it?

    I bought it at Best Buy but Walmart has it for the same price and for additional $28 you can get a 3 yr warranty that covers some accidents.

    The 5203 is the smart version and the 5003 is the more basic. The smart function on the TV is a little slow but the apps are free and all she want's is net flix.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
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    Luxman DA-06 DAC
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    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
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  10. #10
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    The model up from the UN40H5203 went on sale, so I cancelled the order and upgraded to the UN40H6203 which has a native refresh rate of 120Hz. I paid $379.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  11. #11
    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    I saw Samsung 40 inch on sale for $300 as I am in market for 40 inch TV. I would have gotten it too if TV had PC (VGA) input. But no lunch.

    Sony, LG, Panasonic and Vizio also don't have VGA input. So I am stuck with only low end TV choices such as Insignia, Sceptre, Element and Westinghouse. Not too many exciting options

  12. #12
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Smokey View Post
    I saw Samsung 40 inch on sale for $300 as I am in market for 40 inch TV. I would have gotten it too if TV had PC (VGA) input. But no lunch.

    Sony, LG, Panasonic and Vizio also don't have VGA input. So I am stuck with only low end TV choices such as Insignia, Sceptre, Element and Westinghouse. Not too many exciting options
    Smoke, I use the HDMI connection from my laptop to my TV or the USB connection. Are there advantages to using the VGA?
    2 Channel System
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    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
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    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
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  13. #13
    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    Smoke, I use the HDMI connection from my laptop to my TV or the USB connection. Are there advantages to using the VGA?
    Not really since VGA is analog vs HDMI which is digital. Although my PC is win 7, it only have VGA video monitor output. But video quality on TV is excellent nevertheless

  14. #14
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Smokey View Post
    Not really since VGA is analog vs HDMI which is digital. Although my PC is win 7, it only have VGA video monitor output. But video quality on TV is excellent nevertheless
    I'm only running Windows 7 myself, but I was happy to see the HDMI connection on my laptop. We use it mainly for streaming my nephews volleyball games. We can get the home games from Loyola but I'm not sure about the away games.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  15. #15
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Smokey, you can get a VGA to HDMI converter-

    Amazon.com: vga to hdmi tv
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  16. #16
    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Smokey, you can get a VGA to HDMI converter-Amazon.com: vga to hdmi tv
    Thanks raven. Amazon said that PC video card must support digital signal output through VGA port function for the converter to work. I looked at my video card settings, and don't see that option. My PC is low end Compaq

  17. #17
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Smokey, there are analog VGA to HDMI converters. I think that VGA is analog and not digital. I am not sure what Amazon was talking about.

    VGA connector - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




    VGA to HDMI Review 2014 | Best VGA to HDMI Converters | VGA to TV Converters - TopTenREVIEWS





    Atlona AT-HDVieW-b VGA to HDMI Scaler/Converter (USB Powered)
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  18. #18
    Suspended Smokey's Avatar
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    Thanks blackraven for the link. But don't think I will be going the convertor route. It cost about $100 and I am not sure how it will perform. But it is an option to consider if nothing else is available

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