Since all here seem to know a good deal about plasma and lcd technologies, I could use a little help deciding between 2 sets. BTW, Factor good luck with your final purchase and I think it was a good one, I just finished reading the thread and wow what a rollercoaster ride. What I thought was neat though, was the advice that was given throughout and how it influenced you into doing what I thought in the end was the best choice. Now for my choice it should be easier. I recently gave my daghter my 42inch Samsung 4264 and was looking for a replacement. I had my mind set on a Sony LCD 46 inch from Costco that was a re-badged 5100 series mainly because it had $200 off making it $799 and that it fit my budget. They were out of stock and the salesman recommended a LG 50ps30 that also fit the budget at $850. Took it home mounted it on the wall and loved it. Then on the last day of the sale I happened to be in the store and another salesman suggested that I get a raincheck for the sony and see what they do for me. Then 2 weeks later they called me to inform me that a Sony 46ex501 (the ex500 minus the grey panel at the bottom) was in and that I could have it for the $799.
Well being that I had originally set out to get an LCD I figured that I would give it a try. This means that I basically have 2 months to compare the 2. Costco has a generous return policy as well as a great warranty, the warranty on the LG would be 2 years plus you can get an extra year as an Amex purchase, while you get an extra year on the Sony totalling 4.
The TEST begins. First I placed the Sony on a table in front of the LG and and plugged them both into rabbit ears for an off air hd signal. Both sets did a good job, but I noticed that the Sony had better blacks and a more natural look in skin tones. Not a big deal probably can tweak the settings on the LG to match. Then I noticed that the LG looked more washed out than the Sony, which I could not believe. Then I figured I would switch positions of both TV's to see if it makes a difference. Put the sony up and it looks too small now and looks more washed out. Then I noticed that the settings went back to the original settings and I cannot get it back to where I like it. I have yet to put the LG back up, but I think that having the 2 next to each other helps in getting the settings correct. I like both. Both have their positives and negatives, but which do you think will be better in a bedroom mounted on the wall and 10-11 feet from the pillow. Light is not an issue.
