TV Shopping Advice?

Question

Resolved Question

TV Shopping Advice?

by NessC10 Jul 17, 2014 12:36PM PDT

So I'm currently looking for a TV. I've shopped around stores, but many of the stores carry the same thing, or not what I'm looking for. I did come across a samsung 32" smart tv at costco that caught my eye, but I can't find any reviews on it (model # UN32H5201AF).

I'm looking for a 32", HDTV 1080P, Non-Smart or Smart, and I would like 120hz, but in store, it seems they don't carry many 120hz 32" TVs, they all seem to be 60hz.

I am on a tight buget, but at the same time, I want to make a good investment with a quality TV. The only downside to shopping online for a TV, is I can't see the TV in person to test it out. Any recommendations are welcomed, as are tips what to look for, and what to watch out for.

Discussion is locked

NessC10 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

8 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

Best Answer

- Collapse -

Forgot the price, sorry.

by NessC10 Jul 18, 2014 3:36PM PDT

Sorry I forgot to mention the budget price, I would like to stay close to $300, but may be flexible towards $400. While it would be nice having a smart TV, it's something I can live without. I'm just looking for a TV that's going to last, not give me issues, gives me great picture and sound, and be able to hook up my wii & blu-ray player to (can't stream netflix, which is about the only reason I would consider a Smart TV). I may at some point hook up cable in here (comcast), but that may be some time away.

I have been shopping around on amazon, but unfortunately their reviews are a mess (listing multiple different sizes in the reviews).

- Collapse -

At that price point...

by Pepe7 Jul 19, 2014 4:43AM PDT

...unfortunately, your choices are quite limited, other than some (arguably) somewhat less than desirable HDTVs with poor PQ. You would be hitting the 5-600 price point for better LED performance IME and O. I would settle for 'adequate/decent' picture quality, and grab the Sammy from Costco before they run out. It has a strong feature set for the $ at least.

I am slightly confused about your statement that you 'can't stream netflix'. No high speed internet at home yet, or simply no wireless router, etc.(?)

- Collapse -

Good Price, but sluggish

by NessC10 Jul 19, 2014 8:03AM PDT

I was thinking of grabbing the one at Costco, as it does have a lot of features, great picture and sound. After reading some reviews, it does seem to be sluggish with the apps.

As for my netflix statement, I can't stream netflix on my blu-ray player. I can on my wii, but it isn't very good quality, which is why I was considering a Smart TV. I also noticed this is a wifi only tv, and doesn't have an ethernet port, which makes it less desirable, as wifi isn't good in my room. I know there are a few models that do have that (unless I'm mistaken).

I did come across another model Samsung UN32EH5000. It's basically a standard LED TV, picture and sound were good when I checked it out in store, but the smart TV was slightly better with sound.

I'm still considering the Smart TV over the non-smart at the moment. I just want to be sure I can hook up my wii (I use the component cables).

- Collapse -

Again, price point issue

by Pepe7 Jul 21, 2014 2:05AM PDT

You really need to be in the 15000-2000 range before you get really responsive apps via the HDTV. IME though, these value driven warehouse store version of modestly priced HDTVs are perfectly suitable for most folks.

Keep in mind that any 'in store' evaluation with a particular HDTV is rarely adequate. You need to test it out in our particular viewing/listening space to get a much better sense of what you are dealing with. The good thing is, returns are easy @ costco (& Amazon too). Take one home, set it up and test the heck out of it with your cable/satellite/etc. content for a couple days before keeping it.

Triple check the Sammy again. I see three sites (including Samsung) that indicate it does have ethernet in back. http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN32H5201AFXZA-specs

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">http://www.costco.com/Samsung-32%22-Class-1080p-Smart-LED-HDTV-UN32H5201AF.product.100121993.html

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">http://www.manualowl.com/m/Samsung/UN32H5201AF/Manual/420822
p.2 of the manual mentions it too-
<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">

- Collapse -

Thank you!

by NessC10 Jul 21, 2014 3:24AM PDT

Thank you for your help and information! I probably over looked the ethernet port when doing the compare on samsung's site. I'll have to give it a try, I believe they have a 90 day return policy (much better than sears 30 days).

- Collapse -

Great

by Pepe7 Jul 21, 2014 6:08AM PDT

Enjoy your new HDTV Come back here if you have any issues. Hopefully we can assist.

- Collapse -

Answer

Model numbers change monthly.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 17, 2014 3:02PM PDT

And some are just variations on the same model. For example Walmart, BestBuy want an exclusive so a headphone jack is removed and viola, a new model number which you will never find a review on. The UN32H510AF (just one number/letter change) would get you the same details but there are some that never clue in on this.

Where would I get a 32 inch model? Amazon.
Bob

Back to TVs & Home Theaters forum

Pepe7 · Accepted Answer · Jul 18, 2014 12:02PM PDT

- Collapse -

Why not also say what the budget actually is?

by Pepe7 Jul 18, 2014 12:02PM PDT

If you want help, I suggest you also give an approximate budget. There are way too many HDTVs out there now to choose from. Since you also want 120Hz (& I also presume, 1080p since this matters more than 120Hz), it will narrow it quite nicely. I'm not certain you will find a better priced and full featured 32" with those features anywhere else besides a warehouse type store.

Bob's advice to also consider Amazon is a good one, even though you may pay more than a big box store depending on the model. Their return policy is usually always quite liberal. Costco can be good too (see their warranties), but they obviously don't carry many models/brands.

Tips regarding the Sammy you are looking at: Don't buy it for the following features- full web browser (stinks), Connectshare (doesn't work well), Screen mirroring (flaky real world performance), SmartHub (streamer boxes work much better). That said, if the picture quality is good enough for your needs, along with having wifi built in & ample HDMI ports, I might be tempted to go for it at Costco's list price.

TV Shopping Advice?

Best Answer

CNET Forums

Other Forums

Forum Info