During their peak the Bravia series were some of the best LCD panels you could buy. This was around the time the PS3 was launched. Of course, back then they were still being made by Sony. I believe the panels in Sony displays are actually Sharp these days.
Even those "prime Bravias" had issues. My dad has the 40" and the DTV tuner died. It would have cost more to get the one board replaced (since they don't do component level repairs) than just to replace the whole thing. Wasn't impressed.
I'm more of a plasma guy when it comes to my own home entertainment system and I'm currently running a Samsung 63". Couldn't be happier with it :)
The decision to go with the Samsung LED panels was made for 5 reasons:
1. Samsung is one of the few ODM's left so a Samsung panel is actually a Samsung panel.
2. Their electronics are top-notch. Sure you could get another "no name" that uses a Samsung panel, but it won't have Samsung electronics.
3. Heat is a major issue with video pins and LED's produce a lot less heat.
4. Reliability. Most of the larger stands I've been involved in at tech expos use Samsung and its very rare to hear of a problem.
5. Vivid colours even at extreme viewing angels.
Given the purpose of the panels, number 4 was the big one, but every factor played it's part.
We've been on a major shopping spree this week and everything we need is either here, or not far away. If you're curious to see how we do things you can follow our Development Diaries on our website:
http://infinityamusements.com/2013/09/09/welcome-to-the-development-diaries/Or if you don't have the patience to wait for us to update the site, we post "live updates" as we work to Instagram:
http://instagram.com/InfinityPinball
