Any recommendations for an HDTV?

[Mikado]

I'm getting a new HDTV for Christmas. I'm still not sure whether I want a plasma or an LCD. It must be 1080P, 46" or more, have 3 HDMI. I will be using it for everyday tv watching(sd programming right now), movie watching and occasional video game playing. I'm looking for something around the $1,500 range. But really the lower the better as my wife has $1,000 it in her head for whatever reason. I like the Samsung sets. In my price range I saw these two that I liked offhand: The Samsung LN46A550 (LCD) and the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U (plasma). Anyone know anything about those two or have a better recommendation?

I know it's a little early for Christmas shopping but I'm getting a jump on it. I want to have it all thought and planned out. It will be bought on or around Black Friday.

So any thoughts on those two models, what you think I should get or lcd vs plasma would be greatly appreciated.

[Pirate]

For $1k, I'd look at Vizio. They seem to be the preferred budget HDTV in that range. And I've heard good things about them on AVS.

Vizio Inc.- Home

Their 47" models range from $1700 to $1400.

[Mikado]

She's not getting her way on this one. I'll be spending more than $1,000. Thanks for the tip, i've heard good things about Vizio from friends as well. That Samsung LN46A550 on Amazon with no tax and free shipping is looking pretty good to me.

[plissken99]

Having worked around TVs in BB for months on end, the Samsungs always impressed me the most. Sonys are nice, but they just don't have as lush an image as the Sammys usually sport.

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by plissken99

Having worked around TVs in BB for months on end, the Samsungs always impressed me the most. Sonys are nice, but they just don't have as lush an image as the Sammys usually sport.

You're reinforcing what I've been thinking. I like the look of them too. Nice, clean look, no frills. Any thoughts on lcd vs plasma? Or any models you were especially impressed with?

[Pirate]

From what I understand (never owned a plasma), plasmas are more prone to burn-in than LCD. Although the technology may have progressed where this is no longer an issue, I still hear people talk about it.

If you play a lot of games or watch news/sports shows with tickers, keep that in mind.

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by Pirate

From what I understand (never owned a plasma), plasmas are more prone to burn-in than LCD. Although the technology may have progressed where this is no longer an issue, I still hear people talk about it.

If you play a lot of games or watch news/sports shows with tickers, keep that in mind.

Yeah, that concerns me a little. And I know there's a whole breaking them in cycle. And worrying about not watching 4:3 that much in the first 100 hours or so. It just almost makes me want to go with lcd and not worry about it.

[videoworx]

I highly recommend a Panasonic 85/800 series TV. I now have two of them, and they are easily the best TVs I've ever owned (every review I've read seems to concur). FYI, my currently oldest plasma TV (a Samsung from January 2005) is used 6-8 hours a day, and has yet to exhibit any burn-in.

The only disadvantage I've had with plasma is a higher electricity bill. I'll take that over poor contrast ratio, horrible refresh, and backlight issues (ie LCD).

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by videoworx

I highly recommend a Panasonic 85/800 series TV. I now have two of them, and they are easily the best TVs I've ever owned (every review I've read seems to concur). FYI, my currently oldest plasma TV (a Samsung from January 2005) is used 6-8 hours a day, and has yet to exhibit any burn-in.

The only disadvantage I've had with plasma is a higher electricity bill. I'll take that over poor contrast ratio, horrible refresh, and backlight issues (ie LCD).

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of stuff I need to hear.

[plissken99]

Originally Posted by Mikado

You're reinforcing what I've been thinking. I like the look of them too. Nice, clean look, no frills. Any thoughts on lcd vs plasma? Or any models you were especially impressed with?

I find LCDs are generally sharper, though the Samsung plasmas were the sharpest ones. I forget model numbers, but the ones with 120hz are pretty sweet. There are those with 120hz and a glossy screen, and those with regular matte screens, whichever you prefer, but I like the non glossy personally.

[umainebearman]

LCDs have a faster refresh rate don't they? As far as burn in I think thats a thing of the past. Most if not all plasmas have a wipe(?) feature thats sort of a windshield wiper that clears the screen of any leftover image.

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by videoworx

I highly recommend a Panasonic 85/800 series TV. I now have two of them, and they are easily the best TVs I've ever owned (every review I've read seems to concur).

what price range are these in? Is the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U that I mentioned in the 85 series? Is that what that means?

[videoworx]

Originally Posted by Mikado

what price range are these in? Is the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U that I mentioned in the 85 series? Is that what that means?

Yes, just look for the 2 digits at the end of the model #. That particular model is around $1500 online, but significantly more at a place like Best Buy. If you have a Boscov's near you, try there - they practically give them away (the entry level 42" 80U Panasonic was $899 last week).

[elfman]

I'm happy as a clam with my new Samsung 67" LED DLP HL67A750. FANTASTIC image, and no bulbs or color wheel... powered by big phat LEDs, and very bright. And you can get it for under $2000 street price, delivered. 120MHZ and 3 HDMI inputs, and it's 3D ready (future PC and movie LCD shutter glasses system).

Great bang for the buck.

[EM3]

Originally Posted by elfman

I'm happy as a clam with my new Samsung 67" LED DLP HL67A750. FANTASTIC image, and no bulbs or color wheel... powered by big phat LEDs, and very bright. And you can get it for under $2000 street price, delivered. 120MHZ and 3 HDMI inputs, and it's 3D ready (future PC and movie LCD shutter glasses system).

Great bang for the buck.

Got a link to that set. I'd like to read about it at home. I'm at work and they are watching.

[elfman]

Originally Posted by EM3

Got a link to that set. I'd like to read about it at home. I'm at work and they are watching.

Sure, here ya go:

Samsung HL67A750 Projection TV - In Stock at OneCall.com

and

2008 Samsung DLP's Discussion (HLxxA650/A750) - AVS Forum

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by videoworx

I highly recommend a Panasonic 85/800 series TV. I now have two of them, and they are easily the best TVs I've ever owned (every review I've read seems to concur). FYI, my currently oldest plasma TV (a Samsung from January 2005) is used 6-8 hours a day, and has yet to exhibit any burn-in.

The only disadvantage I've had with plasma is a higher electricity bill. I'll take that over poor contrast ratio, horrible refresh, and backlight issues (ie LCD).

I'm really leaning towards one of these after comparing them to a lcd side by side. In one store it looked great in another it looked duller and than lcd's. I think it had more to do with the way they were set up. Do you have any links to any reviews or anything comparing the Panasonic's to other models? thanks.

[Ruined]

I recently attended a Plasma/LCD shootout. The new line of Pioneer plasmas beat everything else out, including the latest Panasonic Plasma (which came in 3rd after both the Pioneer Elite 111 and its non-Elite counterpart). The black level of the latest Pioneers was measured at 0.002 (I got to do it myself, too!) compared to last year's Pioneers at 0.006 and the latest Panasonics at 0.012. Zero is true black, and it appears Pioneer is almost there

If you want I have all the technical ISF measurements from the event (Kevin Miller ISF'd all 6 displays then did technical measurements to prove which was best scientifically in various categories)

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by Ruined

I recently attended a Plasma/LCD shootout. The new line of Pioneer plasmas beat everything else out, including the latest Panasonic Plasma (which came in 3rd after both the Pioneer Elite 111 and its non-Elite counterpart). The black level of the latest Pioneers was measured at 0.002 (I got to do it myself, too!) compared to last year's Pioneers at 0.006 and the latest Panasonics at 0.12. Zero is true black, and it appears Pioneer is almost there

If you want I have all the technical ISF measurements from the event (Kevin Miller ISF'd all 6 displays then did technical measurements to prove which was best scientifically in various categories)

I love those Pioneer's but they're out of my price range. What model is that Panasonic you're talking about?

[videoworx]

I assume the tests involved the Panasonic 850U series, which have more calibration controls (and a THX mode).

Since the black level difference between the Pioneer and Panasonic is so small (compared to LCD), the price difference isn't worth it. In a normal home theatre environment, you would have a very hard time distinguishing the two brands.

I'd love to see the results of the best LCD display.

[Ruined]

Originally Posted by videoworx

I'd love to see the results of the best LCD display.

I believe that was the top of the line Toshiba Regza which got 5th place overall when considering all categories measured, though it did lose to all the plasmas tested in terms of black level.

[Mikado]

My wife now wants to spend $1,300(coincidentally the amount of my vacation buy back and my Christmas bonus). So I'm thinking of coming up with a little bit to go with it and getting a 52" Samsung LCD off Amazon. The Samsung LN52A550 is what I'm considering. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[chlngr1970]

The Samsung TVs look great to me. I've installed a few over the past few months. I haven't been disapointed in anything I have seen. They are good bang or the buck as well. I don't believe you will be disapointed with that set.

j

[Mikado]

cool, thanks!