Well, it's finally time for a new tv since my old crt has finally died. However, I'm just overwhelmed by all of the various options. I've done a lot of reading in the forums and various reviews, but I'm just not sure what would be the best set for me. I'm mainly focused on quality. However, I can't go larger than 42" due to space constraints. Plus, I don't really want to get past the $1500 mark.

I've been looking at the Panasonic TH-42PX80U, TH-42PZ80U, TH-42PZ85U, and the Samsung PN42A450. Can anyone give me some suggestions based on quality?

I'll be doing a lot of gaming which will be around 5'-6' feet away from the tv. I'll also be watching a lot of SD tv and regular dvds from a distance of around 11'-12' feet. Eventually, I'll be getting a PS3 for blu-ray viewing and gaming purposes.

The price on the Samsung is tempting, but I've heard that it has much more IR issues than the Panasonics. Sometimes I'll play games for a few hours at a time so that will be a problem. However, I've also heard that some people have had some odd glitches with the Panasonics. So I just don't know.

Which do you think is best out of the above sets (and why), or is there another 42" set that I've overlooked that is better than all of the above?

Both the Sammy PN42A450 and Panny 42PX80U are nice sets and both can be found for under $1000. There's also LG's 42PG20 in that range. I really like the look of the LG, but wasn't sure about reliability. You can't really go wrong with any of those and definitely don't need 1080P unless you are sitting closer when watching movies or TV, or are closer than your suggested target distance when gaming. I'm not an expert on flat panels, but I have done a significant amount of research on the $1000-$1600 range sets (if money wasn't a factor then i'd know more about the high-end).

IR can be a factor if you don't use common sense. There's a whole boatload of posts about IR and Burn-in on the forum. Do a quick search and on both sets here and you'll find loads of info.

As for glitches on Panny's, i haven't really heard much about any specific issues. I have heard that Samsung can be hit or miss sometimes on quality, and from my research the Panny's appear to be more reliable (which is why i chose one). The 2008 models all seem to have improved over last years models in terms of IR, glare, connections, etc. Some SD signals appear better on some sets than others and some HD signals appear clearer/brighter. That mostly has to do with the signal, TV settings and type of connections. Don't let the store view confuse you. The store sets settings are totally jacked (torch mode) to make the sets pop out at you. When you get one home and put the settings in properly (sensibly) it won't look exactly the same anyways, but will still be great.

In the end tho, it's really a matter of personal taste. You really need to see them in real world settings to make a decision on the images, colors, motion for your uses. And of course there's always the asthetics of the set itself.

best-o-luck

Well, it's finally time for a new tv since my old crt has finally died. However, I'm just overwhelmed by all of the various options. I've done a lot of reading in the forums and various reviews, but I'm just not sure what would be the best set for me. I'm mainly focused on quality. However, I can't go larger than 42" due to space constraints. Plus, I don't really want to get past the $1500 mark.

I've been looking at the Panasonic TH-42PX80U, TH-42PZ80U, TH-42PZ85U, and the Samsung PN42A450. Can anyone give me some suggestions based on quality?

I'll be doing a lot of gaming which will be around 5'-6' feet away from the tv. I'll also be watching a lot of SD tv and regular dvds from a distance of around 11'-12' feet. Eventually, I'll be getting a PS3 for blu-ray viewing and gaming purposes.

The price on the Samsung is tempting, but I've heard that it has much more IR issues than the Panasonics. Sometimes I'll play games for a few hours at a time so that will be a problem. However, I've also heard that some people have had some odd glitches with the Panasonics. So I just don't know.

Which do you think is best out of the above sets (and why), or is there another 42" set that I've overlooked that is better than all of the above?I would just get the TH-42PZ85U and not look back. Panasonics are more resistant to IR than any other brand and are regarded as being the most reliable flat panels made. The 42PZ85U has better blacks, more shades of gradation, better colors, better processing, and of course higher resolution than the 42PX80U for those up close sessions.

I agree with Randy - especially for gaming go with the PZ85u.

You should also consider the 42PZ800U. Both the Picture and Sound are better than the 85U. AND some of the forum sponser can get you very close to the $1,500 (within $150?). Also, there may? be some price adjustments in about 10 days? in your favor!

My second choice would be the 85U...............both are excellent sets!

About a month ago I purchsed one of each:TH-42PX80U, TH-42PZ80U. One for the bedroom and one for my garage.
They both look very good and have operated with no problems during that time. There is a diffrence in PQ. Obviously the PZ80 is better but not much. Might be more noticible on larger screen sizes.
The only reason for not getting two of the PX80's was the PZ80 was bundled with a Wii. I knew I was going to buy the Wii pretty soon I just went with it and glad I did!

Either one will offer a pretty good value.

Some more reasons why you might want to go with the 42" PZ800. Top notch Sound Quality if your not going to be using the TV with a Surround Sound Receiver, "THX" Picture Mode & the 42" size PZ800 is being discontinued & if Panny is discontinuing the TV this early in the model year there maybe no 42 Inch PZ900 next year so this might just be the "Last Year" to buy a Top-Of-The-Line 42 inch model now that Pioneer's 42 inch models are long gone.