Electronics

[conlt]

@Laura14 If you belong to Costco or know someone that does, there is a 43" Samsung 4K LED LCD smart TV wiht a motion rate of 120 that I was going to buy for my sitting room until I saw the 50" for $50 more. It goes on sale on November 16th for $279.99 including delivery. I researched this TV and it s a good one. Also look at best buy, they have some good prices, Walmart (although the models they have are often older), Sams club and Target are another good place to go. I would do my research and wait until next week. Find out what you want then get it on Black Friday. 

[Laura14]

Thanks @kivah and @conlt. 

I actually found one at Sam's Club that was a 4K 50" LG on sale for $379.  I was all set to get that one today since my mom is a member but really rethought it since I saw Walmart has a budget Vizio43"  for $198 early Black Friday sale.  I really didn't think an extra $200 was worth it for something I can already do myself for the most part and 50" is a bit of an overkill for my space but doable. 

I also just checked and the 43" is a 1080 with only 60 motion rate which I didn't realize could cause me issues with playback.  I am going to start over and relook at everything now that you guys have educated me more. 

I really appreciate the help.        

[conlt]

Yes, the 720 P and 60 motion rates are the lower end TV's but also the least expensive. When LED TV's came out they were all 720 P 60 motion rate. 1 of my new TV's is 32 inches with a 60 motion rate. I could not find a tv that small with a 120 motion rate. I think it will be ok because I mostly watch it at night before sleeping. I flip through channels in bed then fall asleep. 

[mimomof4]

If you are looking for a TV Black Friday is the best day of the year to purchase one. 

I wouldn't invest in 4K.  Something new will come out next year.  Invest in a good brand in a size which fits your room and your budget. You are already using Chromecast so why change.  An LED TV will work great and there are many Smart TVs at a great price point.  

[Laura14]

@mimomof4  That was kind of where my head is at.  I am just trying not to lose an expensive tv in a year or two because I didn't spend some extra money now.  

[SilleeMee]

I would just buy an inexpensive 4K. Although many programs are not sent in 4K format, the picture quality you see with a 4K screen is much better than regular HD...by a long shot.

[Laura14]

Well my mom had the best idea which is why she is a mom. 

I told her about all of your great advice and she said, "Buy the budget one.  It will get here before Black Friday.  If it doesn't work right or you want to step up even bigger after you see it, you still haven't missed the big sales on the higher end ones."

So I am going to try that.  The budget one is Walmart which has a good return policy.  This is one of their early Black Friday specials which I am finding impossible to beat anywhere and it has Chromecast built in so I'll be familar with the platform already.   

I also checked the little tv I've had forever and that is a 60mhz rate and I've not had any real issues with it streaming or with the satellite tv that were anything major.  Although it worries me a bit that I am spending a couple hundred bucks and not stepping up after all this time on that feature.        

So we'll see.  Thank you all for your advice.  You made me feel a lot more confident as a buyer today.  

[software]

A TV is only as good as the signal it receives.

In other words, garbage in garbage out.

I have a very plain Sony smart TV, nothing fancy, about 7 years old.

My cable TV provider broadcasts in 4K but I don't need a 4K to see it in 4K quality

I don't know the science behind it but I had DirecTV and the picture was HD but compared to the 4K signal I get now I might as well have been watching in B&W

So whatever you decide, don't buy more than  you need just because you think it's better.

Consider what you will be watching.  

[Kachina624]

@Laura14.  I'd like for you to share with us the name of the business where you can get 43" TV for $200.  I bought a 43" Vizio at Walmart last Black Friday on sale with an extra $30. discount and it came to about $350.  FYI, you should buy a larger flat screen TV than you think you'll need.

What bells and whistles you go for depends on what you like to watch.  If you enjoy movies, documentries, series, home shows etc., you should consider a TV with which you can access Netflix or Amazon Video.  You can subscribe to Netflix for $7.95/mo, and have endless hours of constantly changing entertainment 24/7.  Best bargain available today.

[glb613]

When first released, Smart TVs were very expensive.  It's not the case anymore and most TVs have the ability to stream programs.  Many have Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and many other channels included in the price of the TV.  You may not need to buy a separate streaming device to watch the channels you want.  You will need to subscribe to a service to use it whether you buy a separate streaming device or use your Smart TV's streaming.  I have an Apple TV because I want to stream Britbox and Acorn TV which aren't included.   

I can understand not wanting to pay extra for "all the bells and whistles" if you don't think you'll use them.  But, most TVs have them because it's what people want.  Just because your TV can do something doesn't mean it's mandatory to use it.  The same is true with every device.  Good luck shopping.