If I had to choose between these two tv's, which one should I get??

[skanji]

Phillips 23" LCD - $999 - but on sale (I think) for $869 (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11032553&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=3316&hierPath=79*3316*)
http://www.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/847668L.jpg

LG 23" TV - $1299 (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10059259&catid=11293&test%5Fcookie=1)
http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/large/10059259.jpg

This is for a buddy of mine. Here is his situation:
-clean look for living room, no wires, etc...
-on top of fireplace
-he doesn't want a receiver, speakers, component connection to keep a clean look (he'll use the default speakers on the tv)
-straight expressvu connection without any other connections
-should he be concerned of the 4:3 vs 16:9?

Any other info that you guys could provide would be great!

[thelefteyeguy]

looks both the same...price comparison?

seems the phillips is 300$ cheaper...

but if price is no object go with the LG it has 500cd brightness and Contract Ratio of 500:1

[skanji]

looks both the same...price comparison?

seems the phillips is 300$ cheaper...

yep - the thing about this is, he doesn't want to add any other peipherals...keep it tidy...

there is a gut feeling i have to tell him to buy the cheapest thing he can find...but, remembering the dell deal a few months back where everyone got nailed on pixel problems, that may not be the best approach...

[thelefteyeguy]

updated the above post:

looks both the same...price comparison?

seems the phillips is 300$ cheaper...

but if price is no object go with the LG it has 500cd brightness and Contract Ratio of 500:1 and it has a 16ms response time vs

450cd, 350:1 contrast amd 25ms resp on the phillips

[sleepyguy]

I have the previous model of that Philips 23inch LCD. It's a decent display with little ghosting... black of course could be much improved. I don't like the new look of the philips, I much prefer my model. Was a no brainer for me regarding picking up the philips... paid $475 :) no I can't get anymore :)

[sleepyguy]

btw... why not try before you buy? buy both tvs and test them side by side at home? they are pretty light to carry back to the store.

[skanji]

I have the previous model of that Philips 23inch LCD. It's a decent display with little ghosting... black of course could be much improved. I don't like the new look of the philips, I much prefer my model. Was a no brainer for me regarding picking up the philips... paid $475 :) no I can't get anymore :)

$475? WOW! Mind telling me from where??

[sleepyguy]

GF used to work for philips and this was the last one in the warehouse... she was friends with the sales director so he let her have it. Pretty much a write off. I was actually eyeing a CRT HDTV but this was just too good to pass up :) Xbox games look super sweet btw :)

$475? WOW! Mind telling me from where??

[Brandon]

I saw the LG in person at FS and it has nice colour.