What displays should I be looking at in the $1000 or under range?

Also, what are key dif between LCD and Plasma displays these days?

.. screen size? seating distance? 1080p or 720p? .. etc.?

better blacks, fluid motion, more like crt's of lore. :)

.. screen size? seating distance? 1080p or 720p? .. etc.?

better blacks, fluid motion, more like crt's of lore. :)


My bad:o Seating distance about 8 feet, want 1080p was hoping for about 42" set

Are you saying plasma has better blacks, more fluid motion compared to LCD?

Thanks

I saw a 46" 1080p Panasonic (TH-46PZ80U) for $999 on BB's website.
My in-laws have the 50" version and it's pretty nice.

.. Panasonic 46pz80u; 6ave, +72; free shipping.

Panasonic 42pz85u; B&H, 6ave, US Appliance, Newegg; free shipping. :)

yes, to question (+) better off-angle viewing.

Good deal guys thanks for the info.

One other question, what is the lamp or hour rating (not sure how plasma works) on these Panny sets?

Good deal guys thanks for the info.

One other question, what is the lamp or hour rating (not sure how plasma works) on these Panny sets?

.. same as LCD's; ~100k hrs till half-life. :)

.. same as LCD's; ~100k hrs till half-life. :)


:eek:

Guess you could say that is a bit better than the lamp in my RS1;) Wow, that is amazing to me.

At 8 feet you really don't need 1080p on a 42" TV. 720p will be fine.

Try the:

Samsung 42A550
Panasonic 42PZ80

These are very good displays.

Chris

you may be able to find the 50A450 under 1K too....

happy hunting :D

I would go for either the Samsung or Panny 50" 720p sets (A450 or PX80). The price per performance with those two can't be beat! I have the Samsung one, no regrets from me. I had $1200 saved for a TV. Now I have enough cash left over to pick up a PS3 after buying it.

Thanks for all the suggestions and we have not ruled out 720p, but we are leaning toward 1080p.

My only thought with 1080p is blu ray obviously is mostly native 1080p which we will be watching a lot of and I would think a native 1080p set would be better for this.

What about cable though. We will be getting Comcast. Are most stations 720p or 1080i?

I'm in the same boat. Have a 2 year old Sammy dlp and I'm thinking about just getting a new set instead of replacing the bulb when it goes here pretty soon (and just selling the set bulbless on craiglist). Reading with interestin!

I forget what stations broadcast in what format....but the Motorola DVR/HD box they (Comcast) give you sends either a 1080i or 720p HD signal to your set. You manually set the box to send your preferred signal. It does NOT send a 1080p signal....FYI.

I forget what stations broadcast in what format....but the Motorola DVR/HD box they (Comcast) give you sends either a 1080i or 720p HD signal to your set. You manually set the box to send your preferred signal. It does NOT send a 1080p signal....FYI.


Thanks for that info.

Do the Panny plasmas handle a 1080i signal good?

Thanks for that info.

Do the Panny plasmas handle a 1080i signal good?

yes, i have the 720p panny plasma and it handles 1080i and 1080p for that matter much better than 720p. now i just need to buy a 720p source for it

yes, i have the 720p panny plasma and it handles 1080i and 1080p for that matter much better than 720p. now i just need to buy a 720p source for it


Thanks. That is interesting.....I would think it would handle its native signal better than a 1080i or 1080p signal?

Thanks. That is interesting.....I would think it would handle its native signal better than a 1080i or 1080p signal?

its native, as for most flat panel '720p' displays, is actually 768p, so it's never actually receiving its native signal. That to me is an argument for a 1080p display singe at least sometimes you'll be able to feed it its native resolution. So some upscaling is required, probably why downscaling form 1080 looks better. Sometimes i wonder what DVD/720p looks like on a 1080 set since it has to interpolate that much more information to create the image.

I don't kick myself for not getting a pz80 instead though, because it looks good enough for me for my first HDTV.

The LG 42LG70 can be found for under $1000 and it's a very nice set, with 120Hz even.

its native, as for most flat panel '720p' displays, is actually 768p, so it's never actually receiving its native signal. That to me is an argument for a 1080p display singe at least sometimes you'll be able to feed it its native resolution. So some upscaling is required, probably why downscaling form 1080 looks better. Sometimes i wonder what DVD/720p looks like on a 1080 set since it has to interpolate that much more information to create the image.

I don't kick myself for not getting a pz80 instead though, because it looks good enough for me for my first HDTV.

Thanks for the information as I did not know that. I am sure it looks great. We looked at a few sets quickly tonight and could not see a dif between 1080p and 720 on the 42-50" sets at our view distance.

The LG 42LG70 can be found for under $1000 and it's a very nice set, with 120Hz even.

Thanks. I will check it out:)

Panasonic 46PZ85U. Just under a grand at BB.....unless you want a larger display.

46pz80u.

Available for less than a grand, excellent contrast and black levels, 1080p, and Panasonic quality/reliability.

I have this display (Costco club-member version) and it ROCKS! My only complaint might be that I really think I could have squeezed a 50" into my apartment- although at a significant increase in cost if I stuck with the 1080p panels.

I was about to make my own thread, but since my price point is similar maybe I'll try here first.

I want to spend about $1k on a new 1080p set (though I'm flexible on price) mostly for PS3/Xbox360 gaming and the occasional bluray. Since I might move once or twice in the next couple of years, I want an LCD (for lighter weight, no plasmas) around 40-42" but I could go up to 46-47" if that provided better bang/buck.

I haven't done a ton of research, but I was starting to like the Samsung LN40A650, which seems to be within a couple hundred of my price point at BB/Amazon.

Can someone let me know if that set is a good idea, or suggest any alternatives? Since I'm a noob, it would also be great to understand what any pros/cons are.

Thanks for any help!

Replying to myself... can anyone compare the Samsung to the Sharp LC42D85U, or compare those two brands in general?

I was about to make my own thread, but since my price point is similar maybe I'll try here first.

I want to spend about $1k on a new 1080p set (though I'm flexible on price) mostly for PS3/Xbox360 gaming and the occasional bluray. Since I might move once or twice in the next couple of years, I want an LCD (for lighter weight, no plasmas) around 40-42" but I could go up to 46-47" if that provided better bang/buck.

I haven't done a ton of research, but I was starting to like the Samsung LN40A650, which seems to be within a couple hundred of my price point at BB/Amazon.

Can someone let me know if that set is a good idea, or suggest any alternatives? Since I'm a noob, it would also be great to understand what any pros/cons are.

Thanks for any help!

The exta 15-20 lbs for a comparable size plasma is too much to move? Seriously? If you want an lcd- hey more power to you- but come up with a better reason than that! :)

Also, if you're shopping on a budget, you're likely to find your dollar goes a bit further with plasma right now.

Personally I like my plasma MUCH better for gaming. So much so that after buying it I ended up playing thru a lot of my old 360 games again just to see what they looked like! And, btw, geometry wars on my panasonic is as close to a religious experience as I'll likely ever have! Lol! ;)

I bought a 50" plasma a few years ago (it's back home; I've switched coasts for grad school), and it was definitely not a 20lb difference. I can lift LCDs on my own, but my plasma was ~125lbs and awkward enough that it was impossible to move without help. I think it's the heatsink that makes plasmas so heavy.

But maybe my information is outdated? Can you name the best comparable plasmas (size/price/quality), so I can check out the weights?

I'd still like some advice on those particular LCDs.

I bought a 50" plasma a few years ago (it's back home; I've switched coasts for grad school), and it was definitely not a 20lb difference. I can lift LCDs on my own, but my plasma was ~125lbs and awkward enough that it was impossible to move without help. I think it's the heatsink that makes plasmas so heavy.

But maybe my information is outdated? Can you name the best comparable plasmas (size/price/quality), so I can check out the weights?

I'd still like some advice on those particular LCDs.

as per crutchfield's specs, and I'm trying to stay in or near the $1000 price cap:

Panny Plasmas
50" 720p 50PX80U - 82.7 lbs
50" 1080p 50PZ80U - 88.2 lbs
46" 1080p 46PZ80U - 81.6 lbs
42" 720p 42PX80U - 61.8 lbs
42" 1080p 42PZ80U - 70.6 lbs

LCDs
40" Sony KDL40S4100 - 50.1 lbs
42" Sharp AQUOS LC-42D43U - 67.2 lbs
46" Toshiba 46RV535U - 58.4 lbs
52" Samsung LN52A550 - 71.2

So it looks like a 10-20lb difference at those sizes, which isn't as bad as the unweildy sizes of the TVs to move. It sure beats the hell out of a 200lb 32" CRT though

I'm glad we're past the CRT age :) Thanks for putting up such a thorough comparison!

Comparing the 42" Panny plasma at 70.5lbs to the Samsung LCD I mentioned at 37.5 lbs is a big difference. Not only is that ~double the weight, but think about it for a laptop: I can lift 4lbs, but a 4lb laptop vs an 8lb laptop is a huge portability hit. I think the difference is even more exaggerated with the awkward form factor of a flat panel TV. The plasmas in that size are heavy enough to stop me from buying one (though I understand how great they can be in other respects). I don't want to turn this into a plasma vs. lcd thread, since I'm sure there are already plenty of those.

Conditioned on the idea that I'm going for an LCD, do you guys have opinions on which would be the best purchase?

BTW, I think some of your LCD numbers are using the shipping weights, and the actual weights are a bit less. At least for the 42" Panny plasma weight (the only one I checked), that's the set weight (shipping weight is 85lbs). To be totally fair we should compare apples and apples.

Have you checked out Sears? They are running GREAT sales on the Panasonic Plasmas this week. Plus you get extra off if you use your Sears card, or if you buy home theater and/or blue ray. Wish I was ready to buy.....I must wait til we have cash in hand before bringing one home....

Good tip, you're right: they have great deals. But I'm really only interested in the LCDs...

I'm getting the impression I should post in the LCD forum :)

Well went looking last night and today a bit and me and the GF definately like the LCD's better, so the hunt is on for ~46" LCD 1080p. We also realized we are going to need to stretch our budget a bit, but that happens with these things. :)

VERY much like the Sammy A650 series and the 46" is priced not to far out of our range right now.

Wonder how much further prices will drop in the next 1-2 months?

I'm glad we're past the CRT age :) Thanks for putting up such a thorough comparison!

Comparing the 42" Panny plasma at 70.5lbs to the Samsung LCD I mentioned at 37.5 lbs is a big difference. Not only is that ~double the weight, but think about it for a laptop: I can lift 4lbs, but a 4lb laptop vs an 8lb laptop is a huge portability hit. I think the difference is even more exaggerated with the awkward form factor of a flat panel TV. The plasmas in that size are heavy enough to stop me from buying one (though I understand how great they can be in other respects). I don't want to turn this into a plasma vs. lcd thread, since I'm sure there are already plenty of those.

Conditioned on the idea that I'm going for an LCD, do you guys have opinions on which would be the best purchase?

Lol! :)

So- just to make sure I understand- you're carrying your tv around with you? Like a laptop?

Also, samsung sells a 42" lcd that only weighs 38lbs?

I'm not carrying it around regularly, but I said in my original post that I'd be moving it a few times.

The 40" LCD that I mentioned (not 42") weighs 37.5 according to Amazon.

Hi Toe and MIT Matt,
I see that you are looking to get a new LCD TV! Rather than answer your questions or provide any relevant comparisons, can I suggest that you buy a Panasonic Plasma TV?!

I love my Panny Viera TH-42PZ85U 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV for playing XBOX360 and PlayStation 3 games all of the time. I know they say it's only 42 inches, but the picture is so beautiful I swear that it's got to be at least 50 inches.

Have you checked out any of the fine retail establishments that employ me? Such as AMAZON.COM or BUY.COM? They have great deals, and if you want, you can sign up for a credit card at the same time?

I hope you love your new Panny as much as I love mine!
____________
"The quickest way to reassure yourself that you made the right home theater purchase is to convince other people to buy the same stuff"

Hi Toe and MIT Matt,
I see that you are looking to get a new LCD TV! Rather than answer your questions or provide any relevant comparisons, can I suggest that you buy a Panasonic Plasma TV?!

I love my Panny Viera TH-42PZ85U 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV for playing XBOX360 and PlayStation 3 games all of the time. I know they say it's only 42 inches, but the picture is so beautiful I swear that it's got to be at least 50 inches.

Have you checked out any of the fine retail establishments that employ me? Such as AMAZON.COM or BUY.COM? They have great deals, and if you want, you can sign up for a credit card at the same time?

I hope you love your new Panny as much as I love mine!
____________
"The quickest way to reassure yourself that you made the right home theater purchase is to convince other people to buy the same stuff"

Lol! Snarky... Or is it witty?

Wait nevermind, it's neither... Btw I like how heavy my plasma is- helps stabilize it during earth quakes. And since I work for panasonic (that's right- you caught me!) I get a great rate on all the plasma gas I need to fill up my display!! Oh well, guess I'll go back to trying to trick some more people into buying a plasma! :p
Gosh, I enjoy the feeling of reassurance it gives me! :) :) :)

Well went looking last night and today a bit and me and the GF definately like the LCD's better, so the hunt is on for ~46" LCD 1080p. We also realized we are going to need to stretch our budget a bit, but that happens with these things. :)

VERY much like the Sammy A650 series and the 46" is priced not to far out of our range right now.

Wonder how much further prices will drop in the next 1-2 months?

On a more constructive note- it's hard to say how far prices will drop or whether they'll drop at all. Best thing I've found is to buy from someplace with a good return policy- that way if the price drops you can corner them into a price match (no one likes taking things back).
If it were me, I wouldn't wait- in fact I didn't- prices aren't as good as before xmas but there are deals if you shop. And just think, if you wait 1-2 months for an extra 100-200 discount was it really worth it to suffer for that long without glorious HD? ;)

My uncle owns a 52a650, he likes it a lot.
My grandfather has a 46a550 (or 530 I forget which) that I've spent a lot of time with- samsung represents an excellent value right now with quality comparable to the pricier sony.

On a more constructive note- it's hard to say how far prices will drop or whether they'll drop at all. Best thing I've found is to buy from someplace with a good return policy- that way if the price drops you can corner them into a price match (no one likes taking things back).
If it were me, I wouldn't wait- in fact I didn't- prices aren't as good as before xmas but there are deals if you shop. And just think, if you wait 1-2 months for an extra 100-200 discount was it really worth it to suffer for that long without glorious HD? ;)

My uncle owns a 52a650, he likes it a lot.
My grandfather has a 46a550 (or 530 I forget which) that I've spent a lot of time with- samsung represents an excellent value right now with quality comparable to the pricier sony.

I saw the 650 sammys today and man, what a picture! Trying to talk the GF into spending just a bit more (this is going to be her set) as I think it would be worth it from what I have seen. We will see....

40 inch samsung A650 is 1199.99 at Sears and Best Buy

My uncle owns a 52a650, he likes it a lot.
My grandfather has a 46a550 (or 530 I forget which) that I've spent a lot of time with- samsung represents an excellent value right now with quality comparable to the pricier sony.
My sister bought her father in law a 46A750, and he loves it. I was impressed; his settings had the blacks looking pretty nice and the colors looked terrific. I thought the screen was pretty glossy, but that wasn't an issue in his setting. There was some PQ loss when sitting off center, but he lives alone so that's not a problem for him either. Overall, very nice display.

Doesn't Samsung supply Sony glass?

My sister bought her father in law a 46A750, and he loves it. I was impressed; his settings had the blacks looking pretty nice and the colors looked terrific. I thought the screen was pretty glossy, but that wasn't an issue in his setting. There was some PQ loss when sitting off center, but he lives alone so that's not a problem for him either. Overall, very nice display.

Doesn't Samsung supply Sony glass?

Sony doesn't use glass as they don't currently sell plasma ;) but yes, sony/samsung have a joint venture for producing lcd panels. However, each has their own facilities- like the one sony just closed in north america.

In this indusrtry almost everyone out-sources. Don't quote me on this, but I believe the big 3 of lcd are sony/samsung, lg/phillips, and sharp (which will supply the new pioneer lcd panels and very soon sony too, I hear).
But just because they have the same spec for the panel doesn't mean the final product will be the same or even similar. Take for example my olevia 537 which uses a sony/samsung panel but received high marks for image processing thanks to it's mediatek internals...

The samsungs have a very nice picture with above average color and video processing. My only complaints about these models are typical to lcd as a whole- such as the limited viewing angles (which I swear are getting worse) and the poor black levels *when watching in a dark environment*; with the lights on the bleed thru on an lcd isn't as noticeable and can actually appear darker than a plasma due to reflection off the plasma's grey screen.
Personally I hate the frame interpolation (AMP) feature- but it can be turned off. I'm also not sensitive to the severe loss of motion resolution on most lcds- unless you're looking for it in some specific programming on a LARGE display it's hard to pick out. And as I said I own an lcd and love it.

40 inch samsung A650 is 1199.99 at Sears and Best Buy

Nice, but for $250 more, you might as well get 6 more inches (no jokes:p) and grab the 46" A650 from BB for $1450

Nice, but for $250 more, you might as well get 6 more inches (no jokes:p) and grab the 46" A650 from BB for $1450

Agreed. Get as large a display as you can fit in you room or budget.

I like the 46" size, it's a sweet spot in price and I haven't seen a stand yet that will accommodate a 40" that won't accommodate a 46"! :)

Truth be told, I've had my 46" for less than 3 months and my GF has already caught me spying 58 inchers at our local B&M! ;)

good advice. I was thinking of gettting the 40 inch, such a good price but the extra 6 inches would probably be worth it. i have a 2 year old Sony 32" lcd right now so either one would big a big jump for me

good advice. I was thinking of gettting the 40 inch, such a good price but the extra 6 inches would probably be worth it. i have a 2 year old Sony 32" lcd right now so either one would big a big jump for me

Eh- you'd be suprised. A 40" widescreen would be about the same size as your old 32" tube when displaying 4:3 content. The 40" is wider, but about the same height.

Get the 46", it'll seem big at first but they all seem to shrink after you've had them a while...

What displays should I be looking at in the $1000 or under range?

Also, what are key dif between LCD and Plasma displays these days?

I suggest you check out some toshiba lcds. They have many models in that price range.