Getting the right LCD for the right size room?

[plauZ]

Thanks for all the info so far. We have gone from DEFINATELY getting a 32" , to DEFINATELY getting a 37" and now...we are dead set on a 40"

We are probably gonna go for the Samsung LE40A656A, it's a 100Hz, full HD 1080P, 50000:1 dynamic contrast. 40" is really our limit in both ??? and size, alot of places are doing it in a package with a Samsung BD-P1500 blu ray player, black stand and a couple of blu ray films.

Is this a good TV, I realise it's an older model compared to the new series of Samsungs that are out there but we just want a family TV plus good gaming.

Thanks.

I'd look into the 7 series if your budget allows it (eg LE40A786). These have LED backlights instead of the normal CCFL which allows pure black and a greater contrast ratio and very vivid colors. Gonna get me one of those I think

[gIzzE]

I just bought the B650 40", which is the replacement for the 656, had the 756 before.

It is a really nice screen, much, much better handling of SD, much better black levels and overall a worthwhile upgrade.
Paid £790 from John Lewis pricematching Richer Sounds.

I also have a Pioneer 500M plasma as the main screen and a Panasonic PX80 42" in the bedroom, I will tell you now that the LCD is not as good as the plasmas, getting a lot better but not there yet.

Viewing angle on the Samsungs, and most LCDs, is really poor too, as soon as you are not directly in front of it it starts to look a little washed out and the colours go funny, too blue when to the right and too yellow when to the left.

Unless you want to use it with a PC I would go plasma. I got this as it is for a conservatory and during the day I need the backlight on MAX to see it.
It is the best LCD I have seen, but still not as good as the Panasonic plasma which you can get for under £600.

[Lyris]

I reviewed the B650 (in its guise as the B651, but basically the same) a few weeks ago: http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Sams...TV-Review.html

I liked it, especially the edge-adaptive scaling (giving SD more of a natural, HD look than standard scaling). Anyone with one, be warned though, the TV has crazy input lag which makes games really annoying unless you turn on the Game mode to lessen it.

Oh, and another vote to say "go as big as you can". They psychologically shrink very quickly once the honeymoon period is over (oo err, etc). My home theatre/projector setup doesn't even escape that sad reality.

[the klaxon]

Well no-one can say that I'm rushing my decision! Been about 2 weeks since I first started this thread and still nooooooo tele!!!

Ahhh, don't get me thinking about Plasmas now I'm hours away from a purchase. I read up about the lag on the B650, kinda of put me off to be honest and the 656 seemed like it handles next gen gaming better the it's successor.

I see a lovely plasma in Comets, was really surprised how well it looked with a film playing, I dunno what I was expecting but it looks alot better than the ageing plasma down at my local boozer...years of football being shown on it has left unmistakable ghosting from the clock and score bar.

Think I'm go the way of the 656, I know it's older than the others but the price will reflect this and suit my pocket better and keep the girlfriend from having kittens.

Thanks guys.