What TV to get????

[Stereoguy]

Is plasma still the best tv? My viewing habits are alot of sports(Hockey,Football),movies,news programs. My room is fairly bright but with my current CRT(Panasonic which I will be getting rid of) I have no/little problem with reflection. Budget for TV is about $1,000-$1,400(CDN) after discount. I'll be sitting about 8-9 ft away from the tv. Thanks for the help!

 

[Adam]

My advice would be to go out to the stores and look at them. I say this because I've read all the talk about plasmas and LCDs - most of which would say that plasmas have a better picture. When I went to look at them at Best Buy, the LCDs looked better to me (I'll go look some more before I buy). Sure, stores can have the settings wrong and have bad video feeds, so seeing them in the store is just one more input into your decision. However, I do think that seeing something in person is a good thing to do if you can. You might decide that you just don't like the looks of the TV (frame, reflection off the panel, and so on).

In terms of reflection, just be sure to consider the size and shape of your new TV. For example, if your CRT is rounded like mine and you'll be getting a larger and flatter screen, the reflections will be different.

 

[gus6464]

My advice would be to go out to the stores and look at them. I say this because I've read all the talk about plasmas and LCDs - most of which would say that plasmas have a better picture. When I went to look at them at Best Buy, the LCDs looked better to me (I'll go look some more before I buy). Sure, stores can have the settings wrong and have bad video feeds, so seeing them in the store is just one more input into your decision. However, I do think that seeing something in person is a good thing to do if you can. You might decide that you just don't like the looks of the TV (frame, reflection off the panel, and so on).

In terms of reflection, just be sure to consider the size and shape of your new TV. For example, if your CRT is rounded like mine and you'll be getting a larger and flatter screen, the reflections will be different.

I just got done unpacking and setting up a Samsung LN46A650 for my in-laws and I am amazed at the PQ of this set. I used some settings at AVS from a Korean reviewer that actually calibrated the TV and the picture is outstanding. The best part about it was we went to Best Buy wanting to buy an A630 and they price matched Amazon but after paying for it they couldn't find it in the warehouse so the manager ended up giving us the A650 for the price of the A630 Amazon price match at $1549.

 

[mikeboy]

Plasma vs. LCD

This is what I found amazing. That plasma always had the better rep, but now I've read LCDs are the ones to choose.

It's quite confusing.

 

[Gatsby191]

Since your looking for opinions on this thread, heres mine: Sports(lots of action)--PLASMA. Movies(vivid colors, detail,best blacks, and action again)--PLASMA.
Everyday viewing in rooms that get a good amount of sunlight-LCD


I think Plasma is best overall myself. Again, this is my opinion, although I did come to my decision on the better type of set(Plasma or LCD)by auditioning many different sets at many different stores. I believe you should do the same.
Good Luck! Joe B.

 

[bandphan]

This is what I found amazing. That plasma always had the better rep, but now I've read LCDs are the ones to choose.

It's quite confusing.

Im not sure were you have been reading. Other than 2 lcds in the over 42" imo plasma still has it.

 

[Stereoguy]

What TV to get

Thanks for the advice so far, it is down to 2 Brands and 3 size(This bleeping hobby is making me crazy) The brands are Samsung or Panasonic, 42",46"(Panasonic),or 50". I'm leaning heavily towards the Panasonic's(Based on PQ,reliability) wondering at these screen sizes is 1080p that beneficial(say for at least 5+years) or to be on safe side just go with 1080p.(If that is even possible in Electronics these days) sitting 9 ft away from TV. Again thanks now going to back to my padded room!LOL

 

[Nemo128]

Im not sure were you have been reading. Other than 2 lcds in the over 42" imo plasma still has it.

Well said!

 

[Stereoguy]

What TV to get?

Hi: made my decision I'm going with the Panasonic TH-50PX80 with the Panasonic bd55 blu-ray player(I have to wait until the 19th to get it, @#@#). Thanks for the help.

 

[gus6464]

Hi: made my decision I'm going with the Panasonic TH-50PX80 with the Panasonic bd55 blu-ray player(I have to wait until the 19th to get it, @#@#). Thanks for the help.

Is that the 768p version?

 

[Substance-P]

Hi: made my decision I'm going with the Panasonic TH-50PX80 with the Panasonic bd55 blu-ray player(I have to wait until the 19th to get it, @#@#). Thanks for the help.

I think you are going to like it. I just bought the smaller version th42px80 and set it up yesterday...I love it (and I haven't calibrated it yet). I replaced a LG30 with it, so I had the chance to compare the picture of the two TVs in the same place. The LCD impressed me more in the stores where there are a lot of light sources and the LCD screens get to show off their main advantage over the plasmas (PQ in room with a lot of light)...also I think the LCDs look good on animated sources (I watched part of a simpsons episode on my LG during the three days I had it).

However, once I got the panasonic plasma home and set it up in my bedroom, where it is in a cupboard and there is not nearly as many other light sources like there are at BB or CC, I was truly blown away. For my setup, the plasma was a much more pleasing picture to my eye and for the shows I usually watch in that room (football, movies, shows like the mentalist or CSI).

 

[Stereoguy]

What TV to get?

Hi gus6464 it is basically like your Panasonic TH-50PX75U just a newer model. Wish it was the 19th already!!!! first movie on blu-ray will be "The Dark Knight" .Again thanks for the help

 

[gus6464]

Hi gus6464 it is basically like your Panasonic TH-50PX75U just a newer model. Wish it was the 19th already!!!! first movie on blu-ray will be "The Dark Knight" .Again thanks for the help

Ahh good TV. I paid $1499 for mine last year during Christmas sales as well. We sit close to 10ft away so we couldn't tell the difference between 1080 and 720 plus the 1080 version was over $500 more at the time. Although her parents just got a new Samsung 46" A650 LCD and now she wants one of those. We are moving next year so we will most likely end up putting our current plasma in the bedroom and go with whatever the new equivalent to the 58" A650 is. Up to this point Plasma was clearly superior to LCD but with the new models that are out the line is quickly becoming more and more blurred.

 

[Stereoguy]

What TV to get?

Hi Everyone: I'm getting all my new toys Panasonic Plasma 50px80 TV,Panasonic Blu-Ray player(55,Tech-Craft Stand Saturday afternoon(Instead of the 19th!!!!Will post pic here when possible(I do not have a digital camera). Will be watching(After I buy them,Iron Man,The Dark Knight!!!!!YES!!!!) Oh by the way I'm not excited....nah not me!!!!

 

[tattoo_Dan]

doesn't a plasma have a shiny screen surface and a lcd have a more dull finish ?

that would help the buying decision in regards to how much light or how dark the room is that one will be putting the tv in?
the reflection factor ?

windows behind the tv or behind the seating area?

just my .02

 

[EJ1]

doesn't a plasma have a shiny screen surface and a lcd have a more dull finish ?

that would help the buying decision in regards to how much light or how dark the room is that one will be putting the tv in?
the reflection factor ?

windows behind the tv or behind the seating area?

just my .02

LCD's can have either glossy or matte. Example...

Samsung LN52A550 - matte
Samsung LN52A650 - glossy

 

[bandphan]

doesn't a plasma have a shiny screen surface and a lcd have a more dull finish ?

that would help the buying decision in regards to how much light or how dark the room is that one will be putting the tv in?
the reflection factor ?

windows behind the tv or behind the seating area?

just my .02

couple of things that needs to be considered:
When do I view most of my TV? Day or night?
Can I control the amount of light comming in?
Does the light shine directly on to the display?

It seems that concerns pop up about plasma displays that are addressable and sometimes meaningless. IMO there are not to many situations a plasma cant work.