Looking for big TV advice - NS4Sale

Arena Rodent · 10-19-2007, 03:44 AM

So i'm trying to decide what new TV to buy, i already got myself a nice HD-DVD player.

i've had a look at these following models, just wondering what you guys use or have used or any advice / recomendations.

Panasonic 42" plasma HDTV TH42PX75
LG 42" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV 42LB5D

and

Samsung 42" Widescreen Plasma HDTV HPT4264

Elisha · 10-19-2007, 10:04 AM

Panasonic makes the best Plasmas bar none.
but Plasma is gonna be out in the next couple of years or in limited production anyway just cause there's not much more improvement that can be done with it.
Sharp, Samsung and Sony on the other hand are ramping up their LCD productions in a big way. And Panasonic is trying to break in big time in the LCD market as well.
I have a Panasonic LCD tv and love it.

Best part is that LCDs are better in well lit rooms like the living room. Plasmas are only good in dimmer room or rooms that don't get much sunlight. the Plasma screen coating is glossy and it reflects light and the LCD ones are Matte and it doesn't reflect any light so it is viewable in any lighting condition without reflecting it back to you.

brand preference is yours however since the LG and Samsung are both pretty good. If you can't decide.....go with the ones with the most input and output ports.

Barney · 10-19-2007, 11:09 AM

consumers reports highest rated 40 - 42 inch lcd is samsung ln-t4053h
the lg 42lb5d was in 5th but the highest 42 " rating

Deke · 10-19-2007, 01:27 PM

Sony is over rated, you're paying for the name and their quality over the last five years has seriously declined.
Thee best makers of Plasma TV's out there is Pioneer by far, I suggest you look into them, but if your choice is between the three you list, go with the Panasonic.

kma · 10-19-2007, 06:25 PM

Samsung takes the cake when it come to LCD screens, they have the highest rated response times, highest rated Dynamic contrast and wicked color.

kma

sswilson · 10-19-2007, 07:27 PM

Yep, we're running a samsung 40" lcd and couldn't be happier.

I second the word of caution against getting a plasma screen unless you're absolutely sure it's only going to be used in a basement room which doesn't have an external light source.

Head out to your local big box electronics store and ask them if they've got a LCD and Plasma set up side-by-each to compare and you'll immediately see the difference in how much of the store lighting a plasma picks up (obviously not a comparison to do in one of those "dim light" tv viewing rooms).

When we were shopping, we found that plasma was either a little bit less expensive, or appeared to have slightly better contrast/picture under perfect conditions, but the effects of external light souces completely outweighed those benefits.

Elisha · 10-19-2007, 10:42 PM

i consistently hear Sharp makes the best LCDs and the Aquos line is wicked when compared side to side.
but again its like arguing who makes a better car.
so when in doubt....go for the one with most ports.

Arena Rodent · 10-20-2007, 03:54 AM

I ended up getting the 40" LCD Sony Bravia KDL - 40V3000

it looks great and matched with my HD-DVD its super clear

loving it and worth every penny

Barney · 10-20-2007, 12:10 PM

i was walking by the sony store the other day and they had a 1080 tv with a blu-ray movie on and it was an awesome picture. i still use a 36 " tube tv, may christmas upgrade. does anyone have any experience with the 1080 upconverting dvd players, what are they like??

Barney · 10-20-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arena Rodent

I ended up getting the 40" LCD Sony Bravia KDL - 40V3000

it looks great and matched with my HD-DVD its super clear

loving it and worth every penny

that model was #2 at consumer report in the 40-42 inch models.

Arena Rodent · 10-20-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barney

i was walking by the sony store the other day and they had a 1080 tv with a blu-ray movie on and it was an awesome picture. i still use a 36 " tube tv, may christmas upgrade. does anyone have any experience with the 1080 upconverting dvd players, what are they like??

my DVD player is upconverting and i used it on my old tube TV and it looked much better then my old regular one. i actually use the 1080I now and its just amazing, i plan to grab a PS3 soon since they are down to $550. so im much looking forward to trying out the blu-ray

Jordan · 10-20-2007, 06:02 PM

Looks like a nice TV man

.

We recently purchased a LG 50" Plasma and Panasonic 5.1 Home Theatre from Leon's, it was delivered on Wednesday...it's quite the awesome system. $1999 for the TV, $499 for the home theatre. Even SDTV looks pretty good, but HDTV is just awesome

.

Sabeen · 10-21-2007, 10:49 AM

Wal-mart. $1000 circle circle line square model 42" plasma.
full 1080i, hdmi input, 2 component input, coax and 2 composite.

Great bang for the buck, unless you need a sharp or panasonic name behind it for the extra $500-800

Elisha · 10-21-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabeen

Wal-mart. $1000 circle circle line square model 42" plasma.
full 1080i, hdmi input, 2 component input, coax and 2 composite.

Great bang for the buck, unless you need a sharp or panasonic name behind it for the extra $500-800

reason they are that cheap is because they use technology from previous generations up to 2-3 generations back.
not that there is anything wrong with that.
if i'm not mistaken plasma is at its 7th or 8th generation for TVs.
so if you want a great bang for you buck then get the cheapy no name ones. but if you want current technology then get a brand name.

Sabeen · 10-22-2007, 09:45 AM

Anyone buying any plasma's for over $1000 should ensure then they are getting the latest model then.. as I know quite a few people who picked up a sony or sharp plasma which has less features than mine has (no HDMI, no 720P support, fewer config modes, etc), but costed a LOT more.

Plasma's have an expected lifespan anyway, keep that in mind. They won't last like your GE floor models did.