I'm looking to purchase a 42" HDTV presently. Here are the models that I've narrowed my search down to right now:

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P42G10
Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-40Z4100/B (or KDL-40Z4100/S)

I have already read through the owners threads on both of these models, and I would appreciate any input from the community as I make my ultimate decision.

I am (very) open to suggestions of other models as well, but these two have stood out based on my current situation.

I have appreciated the helpfulness of the users of this site and learned a great deal from other threads, and I look forward to your replies.

Here are some specifics about my situation:

Room
The setup of the room will not allow for any set larger than 42 inches.
The TV will NOT be wall mounted.
The typical viewing distance will be 10 feet.
The max viewing distance could be up to 12-13 feet, the minimum would be about 5 feet.
The room has a lot of windows, but the current set has a matte screen and glare has not been a major issue so far
Use
This TV will be used for sports, TV, and movies
A lot of sports will be watched on the TV
A blu-ray player will be connected to the TV for movies (usually nighttime viewing)
This TV will NOT be used for video games
There are no plans to connect a HTPC to the TV
I currently subscribe to Time Warner Cable (Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD box), so in addition to HD programming, a fair amount of SD programming will be viewed as well. (I would love to hear how these tv's handle SD programming--or recommendations for similar models that do a good job with SD)

If there are any other details that would be helpful, let me know.

Otherwise, fire away with opinions on which model I should buy and why (or why I should consider an alternative model).

Thanks!

both sets are excellent but
I see you mention sports,a lot of sports........plasma is the way to go then
another way I see it is the Z4100 is already an 08 leftover model and the G10 is a brand spanking new offering for 09
I bought a W4100 and the motion blur during sports bothered me enough to return it for a Panny Z85U,I ordered a G10 earlier tonight

both sets are excellent but
I see you mention sports,a lot of sports........plasma is the way to go then
another way I see it is the Z4100 is already an 08 leftover model and the G10 is a brand spanking new offering for 09
I bought a W4100 and the motion blur during sports bothered me enough to return it for a Panny Z85U,I ordered a G10 earlier tonight

Excellent reply! This is just the kind of advice I'm looking for.

Motion blur in sports is what pushed me towards a plasma. My thinking with the Z4100 is that the Motion Flow/120hz feature would help the LCD in that regard. But reading your experience with the w4100--which also has Motion flow and is otherwise very similar to the z4100, makes me question my thinking.

As far as getting the 08's leftovers vs. a brand new 09 model... I'm all for having the latest and greatest, but one year from now both of these tv's will be considered "old" tech anyway, and I just want to be happy with the tv sitting in front of me. In the end, if the 08 Sony fits my situation better than an 09 anything, I'm happy to get the 08 Sony.

There's one vote for the Panasonic!

Also: I failed to mention in my initial post that I may or may not add a home theater system to this tv--that's still up in the air. So if anyone has any thoughts about the built-in speakers, please speak up. (Then again, if I don't like the sound on whichever tv I do end up with, I probably will just go ahead and add on an external system).

Thank you again for your input.

well why dont u go for the XBR7 or wait for the newer ones 40inch the image processing and backlight used in xbr7 are superior and produce more contrast and even better detail.
in most professionals european reviews out there they say it comes close to the kuro but still better then the G10.

well why dont u go for the XBR7 or wait for the newer ones

First off, thank you for your response.

I looked at the xbr7, but unfortunately, the non-removeable side speakers on the 40 inch model make the tv too large for this particular space.

According to the online specs the xbr7 measures 44.5 inches wide, which is wider than even some 46 screens.

I need to stay under 42 inches--which is just small enough to rule out every 46 inch screen I've seen and even small enough to knock some 40/42 inch models out of the running. (The price similarities between the 42 and 46 inch models just keep taunting me!)

As far as waiting for newer models to be released goes, I agree that better technology is coming out, but newer models are always being released. I'm in a position where I'm ready to purchase. I've done my research, and I haven't seen anything scheduled for release in the next little while to give me serious reason to put off the purchase for this particular space any longer.

the image processing and backlight used in xbr7 are superior and produce more contrast and even better detail.
in most professionals european reviews out there they say it comes close to the kuro but still better then the G10.

Although your comments addressed the xbr7, the 40 inch xbr6 has does not have the side-mounted speakers, which would allow it to fit within this particular space, so it could be an option. But, that being said, I'm not sure there's really too much reason for me to pick the xbr6 over the z-series.

Thank you again for your reply. This conversation really helps me sort through a lot of different factors.

I'm in the same situation. I've been lurking/researching/looking at these TV's for a long time now. I almost bought a 46Z4100, but I wanted to wait until the new models came out. The maximum width of my wife's (not mine!) entertainment center is 43-1/2", maybe 44", and she won't part with it. The new Samsung B650 & the Panasonic 46G10 are 1/2" to 1" too wide, so I'm forced to get a 40"-42". For a lousy 1/2"! The new Sony Z5100 is not released yet. When it is, I think it will fit, but it will be $$$.

I'm curious to see what you'll choose... I'll be following.

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As per HDTV Sony Bravia KDL40Z4100 (http://www.hometheaterstore.com/Sony_LCD_p/kdl40z4100b.htm)is ultimate slim LCD HDTVs, 10-bit processing and 10-bit displays, x.v.Color technology and Deep Color render an ample color range and downy color revolution. 120Hz and 24p True Cinema proffer you with the unsurpassed rendering of 24p film production.

I have been deciding between these two as well.

My KDL-40Z4100 arrives Monday.

My use is different. I will watch no sports and do not have cable. This is a Netflix setup. I will only be watching Blu-Ray and DVD movies and TV shows as well as streaming Netflix Instant Watch movies (I also bought a Samsung BD-P1600 player to replace my sloooooowwwww Sony BDP-S300).

The TV will be wall-hung and will be viewed from 8'-10' away. It will be framed by two large sunny windows -- contemplating blackout shades. But I work during the day, so we'll see.

I'm replacing a Toshiba 30" CRT HDTV.

My budget for the TV was $1K. I wavered about Plasma. Right now LED with local dimming is not in my budget. I think the perfect TV for me is the Pioneer KRL-37V, but alas, not to be had in the US and not in my budget if it were.

I bought the G10 from Amazon but cancelled it prior to shipping. I have to admit design was a factor in the decision. The G10 has a narrow bezel for a Plasma, but I do feel that gloss black plastic is a plague upon our house and the brushed metal finished of the refurbished z4100/s is a relief. Matte black would be best.

Why did I choose a year+ old design and a refurbished LCD over a newer plasma with maybe a better picture, viewing angle and blacks? I'm not sure, but it feels right.

Maybe you can tell me. I'll let you know when it comes.