The has come to replace the old TV.... my PS3 has shown me how crappy my current TV is. I've found the selection to be daunting. CNET hasn't been too helpful on this one

Here are the basic criteria.
Don't really want to spend over $600
Want to have at least 3 HDMI inputs and a USB port
I have a Bose surround sound system installed in the house, so don't really care about TV sound.
I'll probably use the PS3 as my internet connection, so I don't think I need a "smart" TV
Right now thinking about a 40" screen.

Any recommendations?

In general I would prefer to buy from Fry's or another bay area based company.

 

42 inch LED LG - best TV i've found for the money. I have now purchased 2 of these over the past six months, best TV money I've spent in ages.

Good Luck.

 

goto costco. buy visio within price range and size range.

/end search

 

check out frys and costco websites on monday they are both going to have cyber monday sales on tvs i like the samsung but the vizios give u the most for your $$'s

 

vizio 240hz ftw

 

I have a vizio.. it was acting weird. It seems to have fixed itself. "But Papa, what do you mean?" Let me tell you.

Sometimes when I play a game, the sound just turns off.. Yeah I understand you say you have surround sound so sound isn't an issue, but I almost never have my surround on.. especially when I'm playing with my mic on.

The other problem I had was that sometimes when I was watching cable TV, the screen would freeze every now and then.

Both problems were solved by turning the tv off then back on again.. Also, the TV hasn't been acting up like that...

Overall I do like my Vizio.. although I bought it in 2006 for 1200 Now they are dirt cheap. I'd probably do a Vizio again. And if you do get it from costco, return it if it gives you any problems.

 

I haven't seen the greatest reviews on Vizio... I dunno maybe I'm just not used to the brand name but I'm leery

Been considering this Samsung
Samsung LN40D550 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

 

I would def go with the Samsung over the Vizio. 60Hz is fine if you're just watching movies. If you do a lot of gaming, you might want to go with a higher refresh rate. But overall, I think Samsung makes some of the best LCD/LED TV's.

 

Gaming and watching sports are light TVs, fast. Not all that great during the darks, or movies. Darks are better for movies, but obviously not the best for gaming.

 

check out the 50" plasmas, if you're buying brand new, best tv for the $$ imo.

 

The samsung 51" plasma is a good buy for the price. We have a 50 in our living room and its awesome esp for gaming no slow refreshrates like the lcds tend to have at that price. If you buy vizio from bestbuy just grab the geek squad protection plan, you're covered forever.

 

http://www.amazon.com/LG-42LK520-42-.../dp/B004OOS35C

my recommendation would be the LG 42LK520. It is a 42" 1080p 120hz lcd tv, which should be right within your price range and has 3 hdmi inputs and 1 usb. I honestly think it is great bang for your buck. IMO, I would not go below 120hz refresh rate. You can most definitely tell the difference between 120 and 60 just by watching regular television programs in HD...

oh and btw, i thought fry's was based in texas...

EDIT: If you are considering that Samsung, I would definitely go to best buy or any electronics store and check out their HDTVs and view one that has 60hz and one that has 120hz and decide if you prefer the greater refresh rate. If you don't mind having 60hz, I would suggest going with the Samsung. they are very solid in terms of build and picture quality. if you do decide that you like the 120hz, i would strongly suggest you consider the LG...

 

My friend who still works at Bestbuy and used to work in the Magnolia department for a few years and sold TVs said he saw Samsung come back more often then not with little things that need fixings. I guess if that doesn't count as part of your solid build quality I'd go with that. But he does say there are things that go out all the time with them. The quality isn't great.

 

Nope Corporate HQ is on Brokaw in San Jose right next to 101

 

that's weird... we have 2 samsungs at my house, my ex roommate had a samsung, and a couple of my friends have samsungs too and have never had problems with ours. we must be lucky i guess.