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Good TV?
- Thread starter mongerer
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Just ask a mod to move it to the right forum. 
I like plasmas... look much better to me than LCDs. Check 'em out in-store before buying. Things to consider are your environment: lots of light? low light? wall mount or tv-stand? distance from couch to tv? etc.
I like plasmas... look much better to me than LCDs. Check 'em out in-store before buying. Things to consider are your environment: lots of light? low light? wall mount or tv-stand? distance from couch to tv? etc.
I just realized i posted in the wrong forum
I'll go with either Plasma or LCD, needs to be 1080p, budget is around 1500.
I'm not sure what is available now, but I got my 42" 1080p Panny plasma for $1200 and that was six months ago. Surely you can get a nice 42 possibly 50" Kuro for $1500 now. If I had to get a new Plasma it would either be a Kuro or a Fujitsu if I could find one.
The Viera models are excellent deals right now. You should be able to get a 50" for that price, with contrast that blows away all but a handful of LCDs (the ones with local dimming LED backlights).
The 2009 models are just coming out, but they are priced at a premium. The 2008 models are therefore priced low. No particular reason to wait for the 2009s to drop in price, unless you have very specific needs.
If you are not into high contrast and would rather have the brightest displays available, be aware that LCDs are brighter while drawing less power. Even with 120hz though the motion resolution of LCDs is lower, but most users wouldn't notice this. If the downsides of Plasma are not a problem for you, the Vieras are excellent deals. As you go up the model lines 80U < 85U < 800U < 850U the ability to calibrate and features get better, although the underlying panels are the same.
The 2009 models are just coming out, but they are priced at a premium. The 2008 models are therefore priced low. No particular reason to wait for the 2009s to drop in price, unless you have very specific needs.
If you are not into high contrast and would rather have the brightest displays available, be aware that LCDs are brighter while drawing less power. Even with 120hz though the motion resolution of LCDs is lower, but most users wouldn't notice this. If the downsides of Plasma are not a problem for you, the Vieras are excellent deals. As you go up the model lines 80U < 85U < 800U < 850U the ability to calibrate and features get better, although the underlying panels are the same.
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For Plasma's, Panasonic and Pioneer are good. Panasonic actually makes the glass for Pioneer now. Pioneer Kuros will give you the best picture quality, but at a slight premium over a comparable panny. Plasma's are heavy and consume a LOT of power, but they look awesome. I think you can get a 50" Kuro from Costco for like $2000, with an extended 2yr warranty -- good deal, IMO.
For LCDs, I'd go with Sharp or Samsung. I think Pioneer is supposed to come out with an LCD soon, but not sure. LCDs look a lot better than they used to, but I watch a lot of sports, so I need good fast motion display. I have a Westy 37" for my monitor though, and it works great for random TV and other more computer related stuff.
For LCDs, I'd go with Sharp or Samsung. I think Pioneer is supposed to come out with an LCD soon, but not sure. LCDs look a lot better than they used to, but I watch a lot of sports, so I need good fast motion display. I have a Westy 37" for my monitor though, and it works great for random TV and other more computer related stuff.
Bottom line: If you like to watch TV/movies in a darkened room, get a plasma. The black level on the LCDs is blah. It gets even more blah if you move off center. Plasma has superior black and doesn't lose contrast off center.
I have a samsung LCD TV and will definitely go Plasma next time. I just wanted something cheap/light/low power for now (all my living room is on the same circuit - TV/computer/Home Theater ).
I have a samsung LCD TV and will definitely go Plasma next time. I just wanted something cheap/light/low power for now (all my living room is on the same circuit - TV/computer/Home Theater
).
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... I have a samsung LCD TV and will definitely go Plasma next time. I just wanted something cheap/light/low power for now (all my living room is on the same circuit - TV/computer/Home Theater
I think you're running out of time. Both Pioneer and Vizio have announced their abandonment of Plasmas already. I think that leaves Samsung and Panasonic now. Hopefully, Pioneer licenses the Kuro tech to Panny, since they do make their glass.
That just makes the market stronger for Panasonic. I don't think they are going anywhere anytime soon. Plus Panasonic is trying to drive down power usage...
I'll worry about time running out if Panasonic announces they are done with Plasma.