TV

[Uwe]

I'm trying to decide between two Sony 46" HDTV sets, namely the Sony 46" BRAVIA LCD 1080p 120Hz (KDL46EX500 for $799.99) and the Sony 46" BRAVIA LED 1080p 120Hz (KDL46EX713 for $1,199.99).  I'm aware of the spec differences, i.e. BE-3 Engine vs BE-2 Engine, LED LCD, WiFi, etc.

It's for use in our Master BR, we are about 12' away from the set while in bed and I occassionally watch DVDs on my Sony Blu-Ray player from a bench at the foot of the bed about 6' away.  I appreciate picture quality my wife less so.  Would the LED set (i.e. the KDL46EX713 for $1,199.99) be worth the extra $400, is it value for money, for the difference in technology and picture quality?

Also, for the LED HDTV is the Extended Warranty advisable, value for money?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Cheers.

[Juice0904 · Accepted solution]

To be perfectly honest, I would likely go with the cheaper TV. I have the 40 inch version of the 120Hz LCD display, and I am quite impressed sitting about 7' away.  I enjoy superior picture quality myself, but I went for this set because I knew it would more than meet my needs.  I have been more than impressed with that TV, despite it being a mid-range LCD.   

Do you need the Wi-Fi?  Will you ever make use out of it?  How much will you be using this TV?  Will this be a primary set for you, or a secondary one?  Occasional viewing? Will you be playing games on it?  Blu-rays or simply DVDs?  The answers here should help you determine whether you should spend the extra money.

For picture quality, the LED set will have a superior picture, hands down, but in my opinion, with the Boxing week price for the 46EX500, I would definitely jump on that were I in your shoes.

As for the PSP, I'd recommend it.  I purchased it simply for the in-home service.  If something happens to it, techs will come to your home and diagnose the TV and determine where to go from there, as opposed to you having to haul it somewhere.  That alone, to me, is worth the extra cost.  Not to mention how much servicing something like this generally costs anyway.  That, and I'm all about peace of mind. 

Hope that helps you out

JB

[Tristan_Helms]

I agree with Juice, go with the cheaper unit.  Its not your main room, its likely for occasional use and you're not going to be showing it off to your friends as much.

I have a 42" Bravia in my main room and a Dynex 32" in my bedroom, I just simply don't care about the crisp picture quality in the bedroom as much as I do on my main set in the living room.  Its used for occasionally watching sports, movies, or news when I get up or just before I go to bed.

[Uwe]

Thanks,

That helps a great deal and is good advice.  I was leaning in that direction, but the "techno-phile" in me was twitchy for the LED set.  I'll conserve my dough for when I upgrade my main, Family Room HDTV set. 

Much appreciated.

[dobyblue]

Future Shop had the LG 50" 250PK for $699 which handily outperforms both those Sony sets in all key areas of picture quality, for what it's worth if money : performance is of more importance than brand name.

If the techno-phile in you has any say, that's the way to go.