Outlaws (inlaws) would like a new TV

[crashkelly]

Hey all,

Well basically the title says it all, the inlaws would like to get a new TV.

They don't really care if it is a DLP, LCD, or Plasma, but want it at about 42" and must serve well with reasonably high ambient light.

The approximate viewing distance is 12 to 15 feet

I have not been given a budget but they are looking from middle to high end.

They are not HD as of yet, but I know they will be shortly after getting the TV. They are huge hockey fans and I know I can sell them on TSN-HD or CBC-HD just by the much higher quality picture they will have when enjoying the game.

You may have got from the CBC-HD that we are in Canada, although I am in Alberta and they are in Ontario, ahhhh the perfect distance away

I know next to nothing about TVs , well okay, I know a bit but it has been 2 years or so since I looked into TVs, so any input and suggestions are greatly appreciated

Thanks
Michael

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hey all,

Well basically the title says it all, the inlaws would like to get a new TV.

They don't really care if it is a DLP, LCD, or Plasma, but want it at about 42" and must serve well with reasonably high ambient light.

The approximate viewing distance is 12 to 15 feet

I have not been given a budget but they are looking from middle to high end.

They are not HD as of yet, but I know they will be shortly after getting the TV. They are huge hockey fans and I know I can sell them on TSN-HD or CBC-HD just by the much higher quality picture they will have when enjoying the game.
You may have got from the CBC-HD that we are in Canada, although I am in Alberta and they are in Ontario, ahhhh the perfect distance away
I know next to nothing about TVs , well okay, I know a bit but it has been 2 years or so since I looked into TVs, so any input and suggestions are greatly appreciated
Thanks
Michael

The Nov and Dec Consumer Reports have reviews for you
At their viewing distance and 42", a 720 would be sufficient for max resolution.

 

[crashkelly]

The Nov and Dec Consumer Reports have reviews for you
At their viewing distance and 42", a 720 would be sufficient for max resolution.

Thanks mtrycrafts.

I guess what I am looking for is what are the brands/models to look for in each category, although now I think I am going to stick on the side of LCD and plasma as the DLP's have a larger footprint and make placement more of a challenge (not much of one but wall mounting is definately out)

Reviews are a great place to start, but I am hoping to get some real person impressions of TVs in both categories.

Thanks
again
Michael

 

[AVRat]

@ 42" you're pretty much looking at LCDs. Sharp, Mitsubishi, JVC, and Sonys are the ones I'd be considering in that order.

 

[funked up]

A panasonic TH42PX75U seems like it would fit the bill pretty good. Its a plasma(i tend to prefer over lcd) 720p which should be fine if you sitting 12-15 ft away. There are allot of good deals for this tv as it is an older model. Buydig.com has it for $1040(free shipping). You'd pay allot more for a 42" LCD tv with the same PQ as this TV. I don't own this TV yet but plan too in the near future.

 

[crashkelly]

Thanks for all the replies,

I am thinking about suggesting this TV for them Panasonic TH-42PZ77U

I know that 1080P is not becessary at that size, 42", and the viewing distance of 12 to 15ft, but for $1899 CDN I think it is reasonable. (I have not looked anywhere else for a price as I am in Calgary and they are in Ontario have have a lot more buying options)

They watch a lot of spots so I am fearful of the artefacting on LCDs. I know it has improved a lot, but they are die hard hockey fans and would string me up if they saw it during the game.

Any thoughts on the TV

Thanks
Michael

 

[Mort Corey]

At their viewing distance a 1080p display isn't worthwhile.....have them get the Panny 720p display and spend the rest on an HD DVD (or Blu Ray) player and still have enough left over for popcorn.

Mort

 

[crashkelly]

Thanks for the suggestion Mort.

I am looking at the Panasonic TH42PX75 as well for $1399. I am assuming it is similar to the TH42PX75U mentioned by funked up.

Does this model have an anti-glare coating on the screen as well? I cannot find anything on the Panasonic website saying if it does or doesn't.
(Edit: Obviously it would not say that it doesn't have the coating )

Thanks
Michael

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks for all the replies,

I am thinking about suggesting this TV for them Panasonic TH-42PZ77U

Thanks
Michael

You are in luck.
CR rated the Panasonic TH-42px77u as top 42"

 

[crashkelly]

You are in luck.
CR rated the Panasonic TH-42px77u as top 42"

Thanks mtrycrafts.

The research I did one this model does rate it very high and it definately has all the features I think they are looking for. Although I am still looking at the 720p model mentioned by funked up as well since as Mort Corey said, the price difference could get them a high-def player and some popcorn

I think I will just give them both model numbers and have them go look around in Ontario for the best deal and so they can see the actual PQ for themselves.

Thanks again all
Cheers
Michael

 

[race4aliving]

Two of my TV's are Panasonic and I'm really happy with them.
You've come to the right place to do your research , most of these folks [myself excluded ]know their stuff but I'm sure you've noticed that.

 

[gus6464]

You can most likely get the 42PX75U for around $1000 and use the other $1000 you were planning to spend on a BD/HD DVD player or even a nice simple 5.1 system.

 

[crashkelly]

Two of my TV's are Panasonic and I'm really happy with them.
You've come to the right place to do your research , most of these folks [myself excluded ]know their stuff but I'm sure you've noticed that.

This is absolutely the right place to do my research. This site helped me choose my new 7.1 surround sound system and HD-DVD player. Unfortunately I found it after I had already bought a receiver . Oh well, live and learn and buy the wife some flowers and chocolate so I can get a new AVR sooner rather than later

You can most likely get the 42PX75U for around $1000 and use the other $1000 you were planning to spend on a BD/HD DVD player or even a nice simple 5.1 system.

Thanks gus6464. I know that my inlaws can get better prices than the ones I have posted. The FutureShop prices posted were just for comparison as I am in Alberta and they are in Ontario. I am pretty sure the 720p Panasonic will suit them very well, I just have not found yet if they can get a model with the anti-glare screen like the 1080p model from Panasonic. They do have ambient light and I am concerned they would place the TV straight across from their sliding glass door (counter to my advice) and suffer from reflection issues.


Just had my first multi-quote.......... I feel so ....... satisfied

Cheers all
Michael

Edit: After a bit more research in the last 5 minutes I have found that it is the 77 models that have the anti-glare. The 75 models do not.