Looking for help finding a TV

[Rowdy S13]

Ok a buddy of mine just bought his first house and is now ready to pick up a TV. He's looking to spend about $1500 (he dosent want to go over that, but Im working on him) and wants a 46" or so LCD. Hes perty stuck on LCD, but I dont think hes against Plasma. Definatly a panel display to be hung on a wall (has a PERFECT spot) Since I never really looked a LCD or Plasma, and I havent looked at any TV's since I bought mine a couple years ago I need some help. Thanks a ton guys, Im sure you can help point us in the right direction.

Sean

 

[allargon]

Plasma at $1500? Pioneer (720p) or Panasonic 42" (1080p)...problem solved

LCD at $1500? Sony Bravia XBR? err... how big did he want again? Samsung LCD's are well rated, too. At that price he could also look at Toshiba Regza's (probably one of the better deals as far as name brand non-Vizio/Olevia/Westinghouse/Sceptre/Emprex/etc., non-Philips displays), too.

Where do you live? Do you have a Fry's, Sam's Club, Costco, etc. near you?

 

[Rowdy S13]

We live near Chicago and I we have all of those places near by He wanted a 46, but I dont think he will get a good display at that price in that size. Im going to show him my dads 42" so he can see that its not THAT small

Sean

 

[ScottWChicago]

If you watch a lot of movies go with the 42 inch panasonic plasma 720p. I got the new model about a month ago and paid under 1K from circuit city. Now I should be able to upgrade some older audio equipment. My understanding is if under 50 inch, 720P is fine.

 

[Phil Taylor]

Here's a real nice Samsung if he can spend a few extra bucks for a better set --
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WV8EK0/

 

[gwilks98]

Samsungs for the price look fantastic, but beware the shiny glass on the front: it's glare city.

Keep in mind that plasmas will have a higher cost of ownership through almost double power consumption. They're power hogs, but I feel they do have the best sports picture.

 

[bandphan]

Samsungs for the price look fantastic, but beware the shiny glass on the front: it's glare city.

Keep in mind that plasmas will have a higher cost of ownership through almost double power consumption. They're power hogs, but I feel they do have the best sports picture.

power hogs? 2x consumption?
not really

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-3.html

 

[Phil Taylor]

The particular model I suggested has a matte finish screen.

 

[Rowdy S13]

I maybe should have mentioned that there is a lot of light in the room, with all the windows looking at where the TV is going. So glare a direct sunlight are both big issues. I guess one thing we should maybe nail down is LCD or Plasma. He did say he would perfer LCD, but which cost more up front (seems to be LCD) whats the advantages of one over the other ect? Im a DLP guy, I dont know nothin about all these fancy picture windows

Thanks,
Sean

 

[gwilks98]

power hogs? 2x consumption?
not really

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-3.html

Sorry, not quite there, but it can be close. It depends on the model:

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/samsung-ppm63h3q.html

630 watts compared to my 325. Screen size is a little bigger, but I remember seeing ~50inch plasmas with a rating over 600W in my search. I about pooped myself.

Note that there are some plasmas that do quite well with power.

The point is, if it matters to you, check it out before you buy. Some people are more sensitive than others.

Edit: I new I'd find the shocker:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-174-Flat-Panel-HDTVs/model.TH-50PZ80U_11002_7000000000000005702
50 inch, 690 watts!

 

[funked up]

50" Panasonic 720 plasma and some thick curtains for the windows.

 

[dmbphan041]

don't mean to hijack but I didnt want to make the exact same thread for my own needs. Anywho, I've got it down to 3 TV's and I'm wondering what people think.

Panasonic -TH-50PZ800U
Pioneer PDP-5010FD
The forthcoming Mitsubishi Laser TV

-Adam

 

[bandphan]

Sorry, not quite there, but it can be close. It depends on the model:

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/samsung-ppm63h3q.html

630 watts compared to my 325. Screen size is a little bigger, but I remember seeing ~50inch plasmas with a rating over 600W in my search. I about pooped myself.

Note that there are some plasmas that do quite well with power.

The point is, if it matters to you, check it out before you buy. Some people are more sensitive than others.

Edit: I new I'd find the shocker:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-174-Flat-Panel-HDTVs/model.TH-50PZ80U_11002_7000000000000005702
50 inch, 690 watts!

if your worried about the difference between $70 and $110 per year to operate a tv, maybe it not a wise purchase in the first place. There are lcds that consume more power than plasmas, the whole with power bills is a croock of........ That is one thing that shouldnt be a consideration when purchasing a display, wht over hyped

 

[bandphan]

don't mean to hijack but I didnt want to make the exact same thread for my own needs. Anywho, I've got it down to 3 TV's and I'm wondering what people think.

Panasonic -TH-50PZ800U
Pioneer PDP-5010FD
The forthcoming Mitsubishi Laser TV

-Adam

then dont

 

[gwilks98]

if your worried about the difference between $70 and $110 per year to operate a tv, maybe it not a wise purchase in the first place. There are lcds that consume more power than plasmas, the whole with power bills is a croock of........ That is one thing that shouldnt be a consideration when purchasing a display, wht over hyped

You say that because it doesn't matter to you, but it's nonetheless an unfair assumption to say that it shouldn't matter to anyone else. Some people like being greener, and some people fight to keep their variable costs down. Don't belittle that.

 

[bandphan]

You say that because it doesn't matter to you, but it's nonetheless an unfair assumption to say that it shouldn't matter to anyone else. Some people like being greener, and some people fight to keep their variable costs down. Don't belittle that.

im not just a sound statement, that the small difference in per annum operating cost is not a sound reason for purchasing or not a display, hence may comment that if that cost matters to someone that the descion to purchase a display in the first place should be questioned. My comments where there, as was the link, to show that the operational cost of owning a plasma, versus other displays is a hyped myth, dont take offence

prime example a Vizio L42 HDTV costs 63.45 per year versus Panasonic TH-42PX60U cost 76.56 per year, note that these are not current models.

 

[bandphan]

Also based on the room and light conditions you described herein, a plasma might not be the best choice. LCDs should be chosen carefuly as some have a wahed out whites and in a bright room this can be magnified. RPTVs lcd, dlp, lcos can also put into this class.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Ok, so I verified yesterday that the rooms has direct sunlight with lots of windows. So am I hearing that LCD is better in direct sunlight, than plasma?

Sean

 

[bandphan]

Ok, so I verified yesterday that the rooms has direct sunlight with lots of windows. So am I hearing that LCD is better in direct sunlight, than plasma?

Sean

more than likley. I guess one question is how much day veiewing is going on? Most tend not to watch tv in a very bright rom. Pannys and Pios have non reflective glass, but that might not be enough.

 

[Soundman]

if your worried about the difference between $70 and $110 per year to operate a tv, maybe it not a wise purchase in the first place. There are lcds that consume more power than plasmas, the whole with power bills is a croock of........ That is one thing that shouldnt be a consideration when purchasing a display, wht over hyped

THIS IS VERY TRUE. Plasmas do not consume near as much power as they used to. They also run much cooler as well. There are alot of myths out there about each type of display technology and most of it is exaggerated. The difference in power consumption is something like 2-3 dollars a month. Now seriously, is that really a deciding factor when seleting a TV. Of course not. There are much more important factors to consider.