I'm looking to buy a 46-52" display to replace an old 36" CRT. This will be my primary TV for watching primarily sports and movies. I plan to upgrade to Blue-Ray and also will add HD service from my satellite provider. Viewing distance is about 10-12'. Glare may be an issue for me as one entire wall perpendicular to the TV is full of picture windows nearly ceiling to floor.

I've been doing quite a bit of research and price tracking the last couple of months, and have narrowed it down a bit. I've read this forum, CNET, and consumer reports, taking them all with a grain of salt. I was initially thinking LCD due to their lighter weight and lower power consumption. However, the weight thing is not a deal breaker as I don't intend to constantly move it around.

Here is what I'm looking at:

Samsung PN50A550
Samsung LN46A550
Samsung LN46A650 and A630
Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
Sharp LC-52D64U

So, I have a mix of Plasma and LCD on my final list. Questions:

1) I've read the A650 is subject to glare, but the 630 has a matte finish. As mentioned above, I think glare may be an issue for me. Does anyone think the 630 will ever drop in price to be closer to the 650? Is it worth the extra cost?

2) Do both of the A550's (plasma and LCD) have the same glossy finish/glare issues as the A650? The LCD looked pretty shiny to me in the showroom, so I assume yes. Didn't see the plasma A550.

3) You probably get the idea of the price range from the list above. Are there any models that I really should reconsider for my list?

4) Any other comments/caveats for the models on the list?

5) Based on past years experience, when do people expect the best deals? I can wait a couple of months to purchase - would it be worth waiting until November or December?

I noticed Samsung just started a new rebate program through the end of September, which is why so many of theirs made the cut.

Thanks for all of the advice!

OK, I answered one of my own questions. I re-read the CNET reviews of the A550 line, and it appears they do have the glossy finish - more reflective than the A650's.

Good ?s.
I went thru all of those and decided on the samsung ln46a650 ($1666).I processed it down to a sony and samsung. The $400 price difference, picture quality , color dept and design did it. Stay away from the a5 series (only the 540 has a gloss screen the 530 and 550 have matt)) . Plasma was removed early-they are on the way out.
Let me assure you the screen reflection is not a issue. I have 2 sets of 9 ft french doors, six windows and 6 overhead lights in the tv area. Just got hd hooked up and the pic is jawdropping.
The touch of red is not noticable but nice. My wife is even happy with it-can be a had thing to do:)
Anyway good luck and don't carry the tech stuff to far, use your common sense.

plasma are better PQ and are the closes thing to CRT TUBE right now, if you can stand the glare/reflection off your crt tube then you can enjoy plasma.

if you are going to do alot of movies/gaming tv then you would want plasma as its alot faster in response then lcd is.

lcd has way to many flaws to even be consider as a tv display rather its more approiate for text/graphics and pc.

if fact maybe not even for pc gaming as again needs fast response... ~ might explain the reason why i have yet to replace my PC's crt with a lcd....

get a plasma

Yeah, I would recommend (if you like the look of AMP on the Samsung LCDs) to go with the 630, but, like chestateeridge said, the 650's glossy screen isn't really a problem.

Good luck!!!!:D

If you consider a plasma - Pioneers top of the line is the only way to go(3k+ not me) but the plasma negs are to many. Remember plasmas are being dropped by the top manufacturers and all indicators and reviews are clear that they are on the way out. Very few will recomend a plasma usless there stuck with one.
Good luck

"Remember plasmas are being dropped by the top manufacturers and all indicators and reviews are clear that they are on the way out. Very few will recomend a plasma usless there stuck with one."

Do you have any facts to back this up sir? Niether one of these techs are going away any time soon!

Depends on what looks good to you. In the end "you" are the only one you need to please.

pleas STFU really chestateeridge a new user and no facts to back it up?

tell me actually what are the neg of plasma? consider to lcd? Lcd has alot

lcd has

motion blurr motion resolution clouds uneven uniformly banding viewing angles issues in accurate color / lack of true blacks mura effects and the list goes on

plasma (variable by brand IF even that)

temporarly IR (which is NOT viewable during tv watching.)

So before you come here as a based on your judgment of "plasma being drop" please get the facts not bs.

and yes pioneer is the best PQ of all flat panel but its truely not a wate of money to get lower brand tiers like panasonic samsung or others for those who want a casual tv.

please if i sound too rude im sorry but dont give misleading information and dont make your self look bad as coming from a new user you need alot to learn.

If you consider a plasma - Pioneers top of the line is the only way to go(3k+ not me) but the plasma negs are to many. Remember plasmas are being dropped by the top manufacturers and all indicators and reviews are clear that they are on the way out. Very few will recomend a plasma usless there stuck with one.
Good luck

I have the exact same question, mostly the same models, but looking at 42"-47" on a ~$1200 budget but would love to go as low as possible.

Prior to starting research I only was looking at LCDs, but reviews and personnel recs of the Panasonic plasmas have been putting them into consideration for me.

If you consider a plasma - Pioneers top of the line is the only way to go(3k+ not me) but the plasma negs are to many. Remember plasmas are being dropped by the top manufacturers and all indicators and reviews are clear that they are on the way out. Very few will recomend a plasma usless there stuck with one.
Good luck

What top manufacturers are dropping plasma? and I would expect you could link us to a story regarding this from something reputable.
Even if it were true that plasmas are no longer produced starting today, the tv won't stop showing a picture and you'll still get an excellent picture depending on what set you have. :rolleyes:

What top manufacturers are dropping plasma? and I would expect you could link us to a story regarding this from something reputable.
Even if it were true that plasmas are no longer produced starting today, the tv won't stop showing a picture and you'll still get an excellent picture depending on what set you have. :rolleyes:
A little protective and defensive I see. Sony stopped sometime ago and I can't recall the others. Cnet is one place that clearly documents the facts. So do your own research if its that important to you. Its only a cosideration that is to be taken seriously if you are trying to decide based on facts. If you have a plasma-enjoy. I'm glad you can predict that any tv want stop playing at any point-get real.

A little protective and defensive I see. Sony stopped sometime ago and I can't recall the others. Cnet is one place that clearly documents the facts. So do your own research if its that important to you. Its only a cosideration that is to be taken seriously if you are trying to decide based on facts. If you have a plasma-enjoy. I'm glad you can predict that any tv want stop playing at any point-get real.

This post doesn't make any sense. What does Cnet document the facts on exactly? Why would it matter if plasmas were being phased out if they deliver an excellent picture today?

The best plasmas still produce top tier picture quality, and until that changes, they will remain in the market.

pleas STFU really chestateeridge a new user and no facts to back it up?

tell me actually what are the neg of plasma? consider to lcd? Lcd has alot

lcd has

motion blurr motion resolution clouds uneven uniformly banding viewing angles issues in accurate color / lack of true blacks mura effects and the list goes on

plasma (variable by brand IF even that)

temporarly IR (which is NOT viewable during tv watching.)

So before you come here as a based on your judgment of "plasma being drop" please get the facts not bs.

and yes pioneer is the best PQ of all flat panel but its truely not a wate of money to get lower brand tiers like panasonic samsung or others for those who want a casual tv.

please if i sound too rude im sorry but dont give misleading information and dont make your self look bad as coming from a new user you need alot to learn.
First, my post was to share a perspective based on the data I collected over some period of time. I shared it with the original post to give him my thoughts, so he can take what he wants and carry that to the next level of processing data(if he wants to). When someone is trying to make a decision its important for me to share my experience based on the data i've have collected. My conclusion has not changed even afer doing a followup interpretation. So your personal attacks mean nothing to me except to validate my position.
Second, You don't seem to understand freedom do you. I will post what, what and where I want to-whether you agree or not! I don't have to post the data I've collected to please your uninformed bias-its your responsibility to check it out objectively. Yes lcd has some issues with what you listed, but it seems you forgot to mention are the lists of plasma negs. If you want to make a valid argument, then an intellectual person lists both sides. Are you so unaware that sony stopped sometime ago. Do your own research.
I did not make my post to debate the pros or cons, but to share my perspective based on the facts of my perspective. 3k is a waste for most people that use common sense whether you have the money are not. Because the technology is always on the way out and the price are going down.
If my thoughts bother you so then carry your control issues to your shrink.
Peace and your the fool here-dummy

This post doesn't make any sense. What does Cnet document the facts on exactly? Why would it matter if plasmas were being phased out if they deliver an excellent picture today?

The best plasmas still produce top tier picture quality, and until that changes, they will remain in the market.
It makes perfect sense-your lack of interpretation is what doesn't make any sense. So that the insults are out of the way from each of us, help the gentleman make a decision.

chestateeridge, if you would actually bother to read CNET and other review sources, you would find many plasmas get very good ratings and reviews.

In all of your research, did you happen to see the next gen Panasonic plasmas? They will not be phased out anytime soon. Not that it matters, what matters is the advantages and disadvantages of products available for purchase today. Of which pages and pages have already been written.

Getting back to the actual products being asked about, I would lean towards the Samsung plasma 550 or LCD 650. This year's pz80/85s have a red push that seems to be unfixable. But if you are looking in the a650 price range you may want to check out the Panasonic pz800.

Between the plasma or LCD, it really depends on your priorities. I like plasma because I prefer top picture quality in a darker movie-type environment, although mine is actually better in bright light than any CRT I've owned. Viewing angle was important, as well as sports watching. Although to be honest even with plasma your motion is only as good as your source. I still have significant macroblocking with Dish and OTA channels. No worse than my CRT though.

The ln46a650 is very well regarded and is an excellent all-around TV. Hard to go wrong there if you don't mind the higher cost (when I was looking anyway) and smaller size.

Either way, provided you don't spend too much time here reading about the problems you are supposed to be seeing, I don't think you would be unsatisfied with either.

chestateeridge, if you would actually bother to read CNET and other review sources, you would find many plasmas get very good ratings and reviews.

In all of your research, did you happen to see the next gen Panasonic plasmas? They will not be phased out anytime soon. Not that it matters, what matters is the advantages and disadvantages of products available for purchase today. Of which pages and pages have already been written.

Getting back to the actual products being asked about, I would lean towards the Samsung plasma 550 or LCD 650. This year's pz80/85s have a red push that seems to be unfixable. But if you are looking in the a650 price range you may want to check out the Panasonic pz800.

Between the plasma or LCD, it really depends on your priorities. I like plasma because I prefer top picture quality in a darker movie-type environment, although mine is actually better in bright light than any CRT I've owned. Viewing angle was important, as well as sports watching. Although to be honest even with plasma your motion is only as good as your source. I still have significant macroblocking with Dish and OTA channels. No worse than my CRT though.

The ln46a650 is very well regarded and is an excellent all-around TV. Hard to go wrong there if you don't mind the higher cost (when I was looking anyway) and smaller size.

Either way, provided you don't spend too much time here reading about the problems you are supposed to be seeing, I don't think you would be unsatisfied with either.

I did actually bother to read-S.A
Plasmas slip is already in motion, with production and now with pioneer stopping the production of there own screens.(cnet)Never said it would be sooner or later-and yes it does matter for many people
Thanks

I did actually bother to read-S.A
Plasmas slip is already in motion, with production and now with pioneer stopping the production of there own screens.(cnet)Never said it would be sooner or later-and yes it does matter for many people
Thanks

Well, "sooner or later" both LCD and plasma HDTVs will probably be phased out as both have issues that will probably never be fully overcome. That doesn't affect what constitutes a good purchase today. It's not like you can upgrade your TV. What you buy today is what you will have until it dies.

By the way, not all LCD brands manufacture their own panels either. In fact, only a few do.

I've probably ceased to be helpful to the OP here so I'll leave it at that.

A little protective and defensive I see. Sony stopped sometime ago and I can't recall the others. Cnet is one place that clearly documents the facts. So do your own research if its that important to you. Its only a cosideration that is to be taken seriously if you are trying to decide based on facts. If you have a plasma-enjoy. I'm glad you can predict that any tv want stop playing at any point-get real.

Defensive? I simply asked a question. You bringing Sony into it shows me how far behind the times you are. Pioneer, Panasonic and Samsung all still manufacturer plasmas and have been bigger than Sony in the plasma market. Now quit with the childish rants and spreading bad information.:cool:

Remember plasmas are being dropped by the top manufacturers and all indicators and reviews are clear that they are on the way out.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1059153

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1065039

sorry for waking up this slight old thread...

chestateeridge please dont post OLD information, keep up to date:D

sony left the plasma game A LONG LONG time ago:eek:

and i attack your misleading information

i also never said you could never post anywhere its just shut up in the matter of misleading information.

plasma dont seem to have real issues compared to lcd, sure all tv have issues regardless of technology but its only an issue if you can see it, and on plasma you can only see Temporarly IR on BLANK input which is why its not a real issue, on lcd all those issues i mentioned are always noticeable/visable.

also again back to sony, just because sony left doesn't mean other companys left please read on it.

i leave you to this

3k is alot yes but even if plasma was to leave the market (IS NOT!)

what does this matter if you/ me /op can get a great picture even if a tv doesnt exist?

we have CRT and they are the best they are discontinue. is it a violation to see an old technology if the picture is alot better ?:D

please read up and sorry but you dont seem that knowledable.




First, my post was to share a perspective based on the data I collected over some period of time. I shared it with the original post to give him my thoughts, so he can take what he wants and carry that to the next level of processing data(if he wants to). When someone is trying to make a decision its important for me to share my experience based on the data i've have collected. My conclusion has not changed even afer doing a followup interpretation. So your personal attacks mean nothing to me except to validate my position.
Second, You don't seem to understand freedom do you. I will post what, what and where I want to-whether you agree or not! I don't have to post the data I've collected to please your uninformed bias-its your responsibility to check it out objectively. Yes lcd has some issues with what you listed, but it seems you forgot to mention are the lists of plasma negs. If you want to make a valid argument, then an intellectual person lists both sides. Are you so unaware that sony stopped sometime ago. Do your own research.
I did not make my post to debate the pros or cons, but to share my perspective based on the facts of my perspective. 3k is a waste for most people that use common sense whether you have the money are not. Because the technology is always on the way out and the price are going down.
If my thoughts bother you so then carry your control issues to your shrink.
Peace and your the fool here-dummy