60-65" HDTV suggestions


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I need to replace my old (now barely functioning) Samsung rear projection TV.  I have bought a 65" LG LB6300 but I have had to return it and it's replacement since they both suffered from some pretty severe backlight issues (clouding, flashlighting, banding, etc.).  So now I figured I'd ask around a bit more (instead of just trusting Amazon reviews).  This is what I'm looking for:

 

* 60 or 65"

* Good backlight

* Good blacklevels

* 3 HDMI inputs

* Optical audio out passthrough so I can send audio coming in from the HDMI inputs out to my receiver (receiver doesn't support ARC and I'd rather not have to replace that too).  Oh and DTS on the optical out too (the LG didn't support DTS for some reason, really annoying).

 

I don't need:

* Smart TV (have Fire TV for all that stuff)

* 3D (sorry, just don't like it)

* Curve (this is such a gimmick)

* 4K (just no content yet)

 

I'm mainly focused on picture quality (I'm learning I'm a bit of a videophile).  I want really good blacklevels and contrast.  The backlight issues that the LG had are very distracting to me.  I'm willing to buy something that has something I don't need as long as it meets my other requirements.  Also, I wonder if a smaller unit (60" as opposed to 65") might be less susceptible to the issues I've seen so far?  Can anyone offer any suggestions for specific products?  Thanks in advance.

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I wouldn't be scratching off 4K, just because there isn't any content out there for it yet.. You can get porn in 4K, problem solved. ;) Depends if you really want the best bang for your buck.. I wouldn't rule out 3D either.. I never use it, but the 3D panels are better quality than non..Depends on what you are going for.. If you are a videophile, I'd assume you'd want the best picture you can get.. Also, content that is upscaled to 4K, looks pretty good as well.. 

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Asmodai, thanks for the suggestion.  I was just looking at that after making my post.  I think I need to go full-array backlight given how picky my eyes are.

 

fusi0n, you're right.  I don't want to dismiss those features outright, I just meant that they aren't as important to me as the other things.  The M602-i is a smart TV which I don't need but I certainly won't dismiss it because of that.  I would consider spending more for 4K if I knew the picture quality at 2K was better than the other 2K TVs (especially with regards to the backlight problems I've experienced).

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Have you ruled out plasma?  While it may be near impossible to find a Panasonic ZT 60 it might be worth at least looking into.  I have the previous VT series and its easily the best picture tv ive owned and ive gone through lcd, led, dlp rear projection, etc.. otherwise just goto the store and check out the displays and go with the best looking one that meets your needs.  Please post back with what you end up getting.. good luck!

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Asmodai, thanks for the suggestion.  I was just looking at that after making my post.  I think I need to go full-array backlight given how picky my eyes are.

If you want to go full-array then Vizio is almost the only game in town. Just about everyone else is Edge-Lit.

If you do want to go 4k I'd wait a little bit because Vizio is about to refresh their lines and bring 4k down to the M series.

http://hdguru.com/vizios-2015-4k-uhd-tv-prices-leaked-hd-guru-exclusive/

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Hmm that Samsung plasma definitely looks interesting.  I wish it had a 3rd HDMI input.  $700 is a great price for 60" TV.  Also pretty interesting about the new Vizios.  Looks like the 60" is available on Amazon for $1500.  Decisions decisions...

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I'm just taking some notes for my own decision making but feel free to comment:

 

1. Vizio M602i-b3 (60" full array 2K): $900-$1000

2. Vizio M60-c3 (60" full array 4K): $1500

3. Samsung PN60F5300 (60" plasma): $680 (at BestBuy, wow that's cheap; same unit is $1080 on Amazon!)

 

If that Samsung had another HDMI port I'd be all over it.  Maybe I just go with that for now until 4K TVs come down in price and upgrade again in a couple years?

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I'm just taking some notes for my own decision making but feel free to comment:

 

1. Vizio M602i-b3 (60" full array 2K): $900-$1000

2. Vizio M60-c3 (60" full array 4K): $1500

3. Samsung PN60F5300 (60" plasma): $680 (at BestBuy, wow that's cheap; same unit is $1080 on Amazon!)

 

If that Samsung had another HDMI port I'd be all over it.  Maybe I just go with that for now until 4K TVs come down in price and upgrade again in a couple years?

 

Just keep in mind that 1 and 3 are that cheap because they're going away.  When 2 launches it replaces 1 which is why 1 is on sale right now, they're getting rid of inventory to prep for 2's launch.  For 3 Samsung is exiting the Plasma market completely (they actually did already, Samsung Plasma panel production ended on Nov. 30th of last year, they're just selling off what they've already made now.)  That may or may not matter to you, all three are good TV's, just something to consider.

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I'm just taking some notes for my own decision making but feel free to comment:

 

1. Vizio M602i-b3 (60" full array 2K): $900-$1000

2. Vizio M60-c3 (60" full array 4K): $1500

3. Samsung PN60F5300 (60" plasma): $680 (at BestBuy, wow that's cheap; same unit is $1080 on Amazon!)

 

If that Samsung had another HDMI port I'd be all over it.  Maybe I just go with that for now until 4K TVs come down in price and upgrade again in a couple years?

 

 

Pff,   if you are fine with a plasma it is a no brainer.   i'd get the $680 one right now.

 

 

personally i have a light colored room with floor to ceiling windows and my samsung plasma annoys me (it is a top of the line 55" that is 4 years old, that i got on an awesome sale as well)

it is definately not bright enough for it. if it is sunny, i can barely see the screen - imposibble to watch if the movie has dark scenes.

also, if you connect PC to it, LCD is a must, as plasma looks pretty bad. 

 

if those are not issues for you, definetely get it, as the price is right.

 

 

i would love to have Vizio M60-c3, but if i was buying now, i get Vizio M602i-b3, as i would not want to play 50% extra just to have 4k...

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Pff,   if you are fine with a plasma it is a no brainer.   i'd get the $680 one right now.

 

 

personally i have a light colored room with floor to ceiling windows and my samsung plasma annoys me (it is a top of the line 55" that is 4 years old, that i got on an awesome sale as well)

it is definately not bright enough for it. if it is sunny, i can barely see the screen - imposibble to watch if the movie has dark scenes.

also, if you connect PC to it, LCD is a must, as plasma looks pretty bad. 

 

if those are not issues for you, definetely get it, as the price is right.

 

 

i would love to have Vizio M60-c3, but if i was buying now, i get Vizio M602i-b3, as i would not want to play 50% extra just to have 4k...

Def agree on the plasma and bright room.   if you have no control over the amount of light... skip plasma.  As for connecting a PC.. mine looks great.. I use HDMI output though so not sure if that makes a difference.  

 

Another option is you can pick up a cheap hdmi splitter to get additional ports until you eventually upgrade your receiver.

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Great feedback guys, thanks.

 

I do have a few windows in my living room that I like to open up during the day, especially watching football on Saturdays and Sundays.  But for watching movies I can usually get the room pretty dark.  That HDMI switch would probably make things easier as well.  Hmm...

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