Sceptre X508BV-FHD

Let me preface this by saying the only HDTV's I've ever owned are Sceptres. So I can't compare it to the name brand HD sets as to picture quality. But I have been completely satisfied with all the Sceptres I've owned.

I bought this 50" set because of the reasonable price and 2 main features--namely that it offers RCA stereo audio outputs and 3 HDMI ports.

It amazes me that most brands don't realize that many customers still use analog audio theater systems and have no desire to purchase a digital converter box. RCA audio outs is a simple feature to add to a TV but in my experience only Sceptre and the Vizio "a-I" series offer it. (I'm sure there are others--I just didn't see them) So this set saved me $25 right off the bat (no need for digital converter and cord).

I currently only use 2 of the 3 HD ports but it's nice to have the 3rd if I need it--many sets cost hundreds more and have only 2 ports. It also has both component and composite inputs for 2 more devices. C'mon now, how many sets offer all these inputs and outputs?

I will echo what one reviewer said about the threading of the screws--my base is being held by 4 of the 5 because one screw was impossible to turn. And it took muscle to thread 3 of the other 4. Sceptre, you can do better than this.

Also, while the glossy black bevel is quite beautiful, be aware that it will reflect light like glass. It can be a distraction.

I believe most picture settings on TV's are on "power saving" out of the box--all you have to do is switch to "user" and you can configure it the way you want. There are also several preset picture modes that are all better than power saving. I use "power saving" for sports talk or politics to be "green" and save a little money, and "user" for games and movies and sci-fi docs.

That's about it. I haven't had an ounce of trouble (aside from screw mis-threading) with any of the Sceptres I've owned. And just to fill you in (since this website doesn't), the dynamic contrast on this set is 50,000. Got it from the user manual. It can't touch LG, Samsung or Vizio, but look at it this way, I saw a 2007 article talking about the norm for native contrast (800:1) and dynamic (10,000:1). So this model Sceptre blows away the picture quality of many TV's of just 6 yrs ago.

Bottom line--you won't find a TV with all these features for the price, and for low price guarantee of this TV check at: lcdhdtvbestdeals.blogspot.com/p/sceptre-x508bv-fhd.html

I've only had this one 3 days but I couldn't be happier.