Making the jump to plasma - help me

[modman]

Hey --

I have been using a Toshiba 42-inch HDTV rear projector for 5 years -- very good picture and no problems. However, I want to move to a wall-mount HDTV plasma, 42 inches or so. My budget is $2000-3000. The info out there is overwhelming.

The reviews on the very minimalist Panasonic TH-42PHD7UY are uniformly good, and I like the fact it does not have a lot of fancy extras that I don't need. I can order it for about $2500. However, I cannot demo it anywhere in my town (Raleigh, NC), and I have always been the type of guy that needs to see it before I buy it. I seem to be cursed when it comes to getting ripped off by mail order outfits.

The Dell W4200 gets some good reviews, and some mediocre ones. The price is good ($2300).

I can get, locally, a Toshiba 42-HP84 -- and it looks good. Price is $3000.

Samsung has a new HPR4272 that is more expensive ($3500) but it has a stated contrast ratio of 10,000:1 (yes, that's right) and some other goodies.

What's a guy to do?

Any comments? Experiences?

Thanks!

[Aliixer]

Don't buy the Dell unless you get a good deal and would rather have the plasma technology opposed to a good set. The Dell is a very entry level plasma tv and has a serious buzzing problem.

Save the money and buy a panasonic plasma, you will not regret this decision.

[Snap]

Panny is the best bang for the buck. Great picture and a nice price.

[Duffinator]

From what I've seen Panasonic is making some very nice Plasmas and they have been gaining market share. I don't think you can go wrong with that set. Another option is the Pioneer at Costco. Costco has a great return policy and the picture on this set is very nice.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rPath=79*3314*

[BMXTRIX]

If I were to buy a plasma between $2K-$3K right now, I would get the new 5th generation Samsung:

http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/..._Sku_Y_HPR4252

I would likely get the ED mode for several hundred less since I would be viewing from 15 feet normally, but the numbers are great and Samsung plasmas have easily looked as good as the Pannys to me.

Throw in the CableCard slot so you don't have to rent an external HD box (unless you do DVR stuff) and the built in speakers so you aren't forced to always use your surround setup and it makes it a phenomenal deal.

I like the Panny 7UY, but the specs on the new Samsung just seem to blow it away and the Samsung is a brand new design.

Meh - always a personal choice, I think they both would be excellent. No speakers, tuner, or much else on the Panny. Full setup on the Samsung.

10,000:1 contrast ratio? Wish I could see one locally.