Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Great but simple HDTV

Oct 7, 2013 11:34AM PDT

We are "boring" people who like to watch PBS and nightly news from over the air antenna and some DVDs. That said, we are looking to replace our ancient CRT with latest LCD or plasma unit. Problem is, that these new sets all claim great pictures but have all the unneeded bells and whistles (voice recognition, swipe remotes, wifi, ethernet etc) for us. Any recommendation for a great picture TV, but simple to operate without cracking the user manual everytime (price does not matter)?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Just don't buy a "smart" TV or a 3D model
Oct 7, 2013 11:52AM PDT

I have 5 HDTVs (all are different brands), none of which are so-called "smart" or 3D, and we didn't find them any more difficult to use than the old CRT ones. I see more complaints about the "smart" ones which IMHO are a very dumb idea to begin with. Any they cost considerably more than the plain vanilla ones too. They all get so much better pictures than the old CRTs, you're going to be happy with anything that pleases your eyes in the stores.
`
Good luck.

- Collapse -
Answer
I get some heat on this.
Oct 7, 2013 9:26PM PDT

The compromises made in the smart TVs such web browser inadequacies and no statement about what data they are collecting make me write that I won't pay a dime for their current offering. I will buy for a great PQ (picture quality) but the makers have been too silent about what information they collect.

And voice recognition? Hit and miss.

As to use, these seem no harder to use to me.
Bob