Hey all,

I have given up hope that the ex is going to give me my old tv back so I am in the market for something new...not borrowed, but maybe to watch blu? hahhaha

So here is the deal, for now the tv will be used in my bedroom for games and movies as we have a projector in the den....but when I move in the next few months, it will be my main tv unless I decide on something bigger....

I'd love something 50 or bigger and under $1800....LCD or Plasma doesnt matter much, you tell me whats better....720 or 1080, same thing....

So where do I go? Which tv will fit my needs and budget? I will have Directv play games and blu-ray at about equal ratio....

Not a brand whore when it comes to tv's....you guys name it and I will buy it...hahahha

I appreciate it...

Recently I was wondering the same thing and here's what I've fount out so far. I do not have an HDTV yet. This is just from what I have read here and elsewhere.

Plasmas are better at motion and flickering issues and blacks. They are better in darker rooms, LCD's are generally considered "better" if the room is bright. Gaming I don't know since that's not a concern of mine.

If you consider the Pioneer 5020FD/6020FD plasmas, you don't need to look any further because it's usually rated the top #1 HDTV made. 2nd only to the 111FD/115FD which is their Elite series which cost A LOT more, but even the non-Elite is far out of your price range. (~$2300-2500 & up for the 5020FD and worth it from everything I've heard).

Panasonic plasmas the (THX calibrated ones) would be your second choice (again, according to reports and reviews). Much cheaper, good colors, some claim better than the Pioneer, but colors not as accurate as the Pioneer. They also don't have PiP. The Pioneers have many nice PiP features.

In LCD's the Sony XBR8 series is great (expensive), it uses LED backlighting where their newer line does not, at least not as of this part of the year. It may be toss-up between those and the Samsung 750/850/950 series; most reports put the Samsungs ahead of the Sonys, but these reports I saw did not test the XBR8 series (they usually tested the "W" and "Z" series). The Samsung series prior to 750 (450/550/630/650 et al, even in plasma) only has analog PiP support. Also, there is no S-video nor composite PiP inputs on the Samsungs.

Almost forgot: Get 1080 (1920x1080) because of the greater resolution. If the TV is like 40" or less, from what I have been told it doesn't make any difference and 720 is ok. But I would always get a 1080 because you don't know what the FCC, ATSC, cable companies, etc., are going to be offering in the upcoming months and years and you want to be prepared for more 1080 content.

Resolution is difficult to call because it depends on screen size vs distance, and you don't know where you're going to be in a few months. I suppose 1080p would future proof you in that regard, but you could also be spending hundreds more, which could turn out to be of little to no benefit later.

LCD vs PDP is an ad nauseum debate around here that you don't want to start all over again. There's a thread in the stickys devoted to that topic with at least a bazillion posts, you can learn a lot just by lurking there. I prefer (and own) plasma, but there are some sweet LCDs available within your budget.

Your budget affords you a LOT of choices. IMO, the most important advice I can offer is to let your own eyes and instincts be your primary judge. Suggestions are great, but please do NOT let anyone decide for you, especially a stranger from a forum. Your tastes and preferences are unique. Make a list and audition interesting suggestions, side by side if possible. Don't rely on store settings or torch mode. Try to view them in other then overblown fluorescent store lighting ala Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, etc. Ask for a remote and tweak them to your liking. I learned far more about displays by viewing them in homes whenever possible, and I encourage you to do the same.

In the end, you'll be happier having made your own decision based on what you've learned, and more importantly, what you've observed. Good luck friend, you're in for a ride.

Sammy A650 is a great tv. The 52 inch is right around your price on the big river right now.

thanks guys...

I guess my hopes for this post was to get a few tv's listed and then be the final judge...

Who has the best prices? Online or instore?

I found this tv online Samsung LN52A860 any thoughts

thanks guys...

I guess my hopes for this post was to get a few tv's listed and then be the final judge...

Who has the best prices? Online or instore?

I found this tv online Samsung LN52A860 any thoughts

have you decided on this set?

Who has the best prices? Online or instore?

Online usually, but not always. Be careful though... if you go with the absolute rock-bottom online price, you may be dealing with a fly-by-night operation who'll cause you no end of grief.

Best to vet/check out online stores at resellerratings.com beforehand. Or just go with someone reputable, like Amazon or NewEgg. Their prices are good, and they shouldn't screw you over.

Just remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it often is.


I found this tv online Samsung LN52A860 any thoughts

Very good TV, but I don't think it's going to meet your budget of $1800, at least not in that size.

The Samsung LN52A650 is about the same picture quality as the A860, and ordered online, comes in pretty close to your budget. Main diff is, that TV isn't as thin as the A860.

hahhaha I just searched the a650 and clicked on the A850 at the site, they said red wasnt available, but blue was....

I had a school girl moment as blue is my favorite color...but not a sticking point with my tv, as I will have plenty of Blu-rays! hahahah

Online usually, but not always. Be careful though... if you go with the absolute rock-bottom online price, you may be dealing with a fly-by-night operation who'll cause you no end of grief.

Best to vet/check out online stores at resellerratings.com beforehand. Or just go with someone reputable, like Amazon or NewEgg. Their prices are good, and they shouldn't screw you over.

Just remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it often is.




Very good TV, but I don't think it's going to meet your budget of $1800, at least not in that size.

The Samsung LN52A650 is about the same picture quality as the A860, and ordered online, comes in pretty close to your budget. Main diff is, that TV isn't as thin as the A860.

I think the blacks are deeper on the A860.

The A860 is very slightly better in PQ overall, but its hard to tell the diff. IMO, anyway.

Any other tvs I should take a look at?