I have been looking for a long time now for my first hdtv, and I simply can not wait anymore. So it's between an LCD or a plasma for me now. Initially I only looked at buying a plasma tv, but I'm reading impressive things about the new LED tvs from samsung..
I'll be mainly gaming on this set, I've heard the Samsungs have been notorious for input lag problems (is this the case on their new led tvs as well), but the TV looked quite good design-wise and quality-wise to my untrained eye... can the more knowledgable people help me decide, my knowledge of tvs stem from the 90s...

You "have" to buy something Right Now?

I would stifle your Instant Gratification glands a little bit and nurture your Anticipation and Understanding hormones.

You'll feel better in the morning. Possibly save some money and return/exchange hassles too.

You "have" to buy something Right Now?

I would stifle your Instant Gratification glands a little bit and nurture your Anticipation and Understanding hormones.

You'll feel better in the morning. Possibly save some money and return/exchange hassles too.


I totally agree! It is very unwise to make hasty decisions here. Take your time and do your homework. That means do the research: read relevant forum posts, and especially important is that you read reviews by knowledgeable sources in magazines (Home Theater, Sound & Vision, PC Magazine, AVguide etc.) Many of these rewiews are also available online at their websites as well. If you act hasitly, you will probably regret it later; you will find that you could have gotten something much better and paid less for it!

I have been looking for a long time now for my first hdtv, and I simply can not wait anymore. So it's between an LCD or a plasma for me now. Initially I only looked at buying a plasma tv, but I'm reading impressive things about the new LED tvs from samsung..
I'll be mainly gaming on this set, I've heard the Samsungs have been notorious for input lag problems (is this the case on their new led tvs as well), but the TV looked quite good design-wise and quality-wise to my untrained eye... can the more knowledgable people help me decide, my knowledge of tvs stem from the 90s...

Keep in mind you'll be paying a premium for a new model that may or may not be much of an improvement as opposed to a baragin on a closeout model. Unless you have to have the newest tech available I would wait awhile until prices come down or jump on some of the bargains on last years models that are available.

What kind of budget did you have in mind?

I can pay up to 2500, but I can't buy a larger screen than 46 inches for various reasons. Don't misunderstand though, I've done plenty of research (came close to buying a pz85->then actually bought a pz800 only to cancel the order at the last moment->then was sure on a pioneer 5090->then some sony lcds-> now still contemplating new models from panasonic and samsung, etc etc all because of reading this forum and other sites)... I have had moments on which I've been sure which TV was going to be it, only for me to read just another batch of problems that completely shoots down my enthusiasm again...

Like many people who come on here to do 'research', sites like these with many various opinions totally being the opposite of eachother and with no idea whether all that's being said is actually true or only a forumista overreacting... well, let's just say I will forever continue doing research and not actually ever buying a tv....

That's what I meant by 'needing' to buy, I have to actually buy at some point in time. And I guess I've still not bought and continued doing 'research' :rolleyes:

I can pay up to 2500, but I can't buy a larger screen than 46 inches for various reasons. Don't misunderstand though, I've done plenty of research (came close to buying a pz85->then actually bought a pz800 only to cancel the order at the last moment->now still contemplating new models, etc etc all because of reading this forum and other sites)... but like many people who come on here to do 'research', sites like these with many various opinions totally being the opposite of eachother and with no idea whether all that's being said is actually true or only a forumista overreacting... well, let's just say I will forever continue doing research and not actually ever buying a tv....

That's what I meant by 'needing' to buy, I have to actually buy at some point in time. And I guess I've still not bought and continued doing 'research' :rolleyes:

lol, this site can be great and it can be the worse place to come get advice when looking at a new TV. Sounds like you've taken the time to do your homework but the best advice I can give you is narrow your search down to a few sets and get the controller in hand and play with the controls to get the best picture you can get. I would encourage doing this in a few different visits and then trust your eyes and once you commit don't look back. One other thing, try and avoid BB or stores like that for critical viewing and try and find a high end AV store that usually sets up their TV's in a more home like atmosphere to make your final judgement.

Good luck.

lol, this site can be great and it can be the worse place to come get advice when looking at a new TV. Sounds like you've taken the time to do your homework but the best advice I can give you is narrow your search down to a few sets and get the controller in hand and play with the controls to get the best picture you can get. I would encourage doing this in a few different visits and then trust your eyes and once you commit don't look back. One other thing, try and avoid BB or stores like that for critical viewing and try and find a high end AV store that usually sets up their TV's in a more home like atmosphere to make your final judgement.

Good luck.

Thanks, I guess that's what I'll have to do.

Samsung 46B6000/7000 or Panasonic 42G10?



What a nice problem to have... both are very good sets. Don't thing you'll be crying either way. :D
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I have been looking for a long time now for my first hdtv, and I simply can not wait anymore. So it's between an LCD or a plasma for me now. Initially I only looked at buying a plasma tv, but I'm reading impressive things about the new LED tvs from samsung..
I'll be mainly gaming on this set, I've heard the Samsungs have been notorious for input lag problems (is this the case on their new led tvs as well), but the TV looked quite good design-wise and quality-wise to my untrained eye... can the more knowledgable people help me decide, my knowledge of tvs stem from the 90s...

I would recommend one of the new Neo-pdp plasmas, or treat yourself to a Kuro for reference quality.
If you must settle for an LCD, I would say try to get a sony and try to stay away from the samsungs. While the samsungs have a good "PQ for the price" (which is why they sell so well), The sonys always seem to outpeform them. My experience with Samsungs has not been very good. The sony XBR8 would be my choice for an LCD.
But if you have to settle for a samsung, its not too bad. They are still much better than a vizio or westinghouse.

I would recommend one of the new Neo-pdp plasmas, or treat yourself to a Kuro for reference quality.
If you must settle for an LCD, I would say try to get a sony and try to stay away from the samsungs. While the samsungs have a good "PQ for the price" (which is why they sell so well), The sonys always seem to outpeform them. My experience with Samsungs has not been very good. The sony XBR8 would be my choice for an LCD.
But if you have to settle for a samsung, its not too bad. They are still much better than a vizio or westinghouse.

Really? I'm not an lcd fan, but from what experience I've had with them, adjusting picture and comparing, I favor the Samsungs over the Sony sets most times. The XBR8 is the exception, but for it's ridiculous price it's not worth it over other technologies imo. I really think the Samsung 650/750/850 outperform their Sony competitors.

Anyway, back to the topic on hand. I'd compare them both in store, but as said they are both good sets. The only thing I noticed on all the Luxia samsungs is all 4 corners of the screen have dark spots when a bright image is on the screen. It's really annoying. I've seen this on the 46 and 55 inch sets in two best buy stores. I even played with the settings and adjusted the backlight and it was still an issue. Something to check out, b/c I was really annoyed buy it.

I am now upping my budget and switching my attention to the xbr8... what problems does this sucker have then that would kill my enthusiasm :rolleyes:

I am now upping my budget and switching my attention to the xbr8... what problems does this sucker have then that would kill my enthusiasm :rolleyes:

Well in that case compare it to the Pioneer Elite. Best Buy/Magnolia has the 50 inch elites for a great price. Easily less than the xbr8.

wait, you are trying to decide between a $1200 plasma and a $2500 LCD?

Any reason why you aren;t comparing sets in the same price range?E

the XBR8 is an excellent choice but its still bested by the Pioneer Plasma

If you have to have a 46" get a Panasonic S1 or G10. Don't bother with the Samsung lcd for double the price. It's not any better and in a lot of instances worse than the Panasonic. It's certainly not worth the price they are charging.

well it seems budget isnt much of your issue, between 46" and 50" is that much of an issue? the pioneer elite pro-111 are one of the best choice to get. i would measure the pro-111 with and without the speakers and see if it fits you.