I purchased a Sony KD-34XBR960 about 4 years ago that I still use and enjoy thoroughly, but will be moving soon and am looking to move to a flat-panel television, both for a larger screen and a set that is easier to move from place to place.

I am narrowing my search to 42" LCDs and plasmas, and was wondering what the best replacement for the Sony would be. Here's what I think about my current set:

LIKE
- color depth
- sharp picture
- no ghosting on fast action
- picture that rivals what I've seen on (probably poorly calibrated) LCDs and plasmas

HATE
- weight
- "small" screen size

WANT
- 1080p input and 1080p display
- easily movable
- as close to a CRT picture as I can get with LCD or plasma technology
- excellent picture for mostly night-time viewing


The Panasonic line of plasmas (TH-42PZ80U/85U/800U) have caught my attention, but was wondering which, if any, would be a good replacement or if an LCD would be better.

I appreciate your feedback on this.

if you want close or better to crt PQ then the pioneer kuro 2007 model to now would be the only choice, 1080p would be the last factor you would consider when getting a tv regardless of whatever because 1080p is very limited to this date, blu ray is the only thing that is native 1080p.

gaming is upscaled OTA HD is 1080i VOD and such are 1080p with a lower bit rate. satelite is 720p/1080i

and you have to get reasonable size and within certain distance.

and plasma would be the only closes thing in technology wise in a flat panel design, both plasma and lcd have enough problems as it is but lcd is worse in this area.

A flat panel LCD that matches the PQ of the Sony XBR960 hasn't been invented yet :)

In all seriousness, those Panasonics you mentioned have great PQ and the bigger screen while not as perfect as the XBR, is worth the upgrade. Do yourself a favor and get one of those over the overpriced KURO and with the money you save, you can buy a PS3, a nice surround system, or a new car :)

google have you ever seen one in auction? properly adjusted and right home envioerment?

street price is more flexable then msrp...

its not ideal to buy a random tv have buyers remourse if any buy a somewhat decent blu ray player or audio etc etc

only to later down the road somewhat regreat....

everything should be researched see if its worth the extra for kuro or not to him.

he did say he wants crt tube PQ and kuro is the only one to currently deliver.

then he/she can focus on other areas to get a proper treatment.:D