Guys, my viewing distance is 16 - 17 feet and I'm in the market for a new TV. Don't care whether it's plasma or LCD. I'm kind of leaning toward Panasonic's 58" plasma model TH-58PZ800U. Would I be disappointed in the size of a 52" LCD for that distance? It's kind of frustrating the choices above 52" in LCD is very slim. Perhaps I should step down and look at DLP in a 65" size??? I hate to go with old technology but,,,,,.

Guys, my viewing distance is 16 - 17 feet and I'm in the market for a new TV. Don't care whether it's plasma or LCD. I'm kind of leaning toward Panasonic's 58" plasma model TH-58PZ800U. Would I be disappointed in the size of a 52" LCD for that distance? It's kind of frustrating the choices above 52" in LCD is very slim. Perhaps I should step down and look at DLP in a 65" size??? I hate to go with old technology but,,,,,.

Without knowing your budget or room conditions the 58" Samsung and Panasonics are nicely priced and at that distance bigger would definitely be better. You might also look into the Pioneer 600m monitor as it's very similar to the Elite but comes with no stand, speakers or tuner but if you're going to wall mount and run it through an audio system with a STB then that wouldn't matter. Some pretty good deals to be had out there right now. You can also look at some of the newer Samsung LCD's as they have some 55" sets but are a little pricey right now just being new to the market. Good luck and enjoy your search.

First of all try to get closer on your distance, second get the biggest screen possible,

at this point lcd is going to be more expensive then its plasma couterpart and is worse to begin with so definitely get plasma.

plasma is less expensive and better picture quality.

its a no brainer!.

58" / 63" is nice but get closer on our couch and plasma for sure

i just dont see why would someome go from a 58" down to a 52" and especially if its an lcd and its going to cost the same or more....

I hate to go with old technology but,,,,,.

You don't have a choice. Plasma is a dated technology but comes in the size you need. You should look at the 65 inch Panasonic 850u or go for a projector.

At that distance, you will have to use a front projector, since you will need a screen diagonal between roughly 10' to 20', i.e., 120" to 240"! No current flat panel would suffice, unless you can persuade Panasonic to sell you its 150" plasma prototype!

At 17', 65" is nowhere near adequate; Sony also makes a very nice 70" LCD, but it will set you back $20k, and even that is totally inadequate at that distance. In any case, I do not consider plasma to be "old technology" at all!

Guys, my viewing distance is 16 - 17 feet and I'm in the market for a new TV. Don't care whether it's plasma or LCD. I'm kind of leaning toward Panasonic's 58" plasma model TH-58PZ800U. Would I be disappointed in the size of a 52" LCD for that distance? It's kind of frustrating the choices above 52" in LCD is very slim. Perhaps I should step down and look at DLP in a 65" size??? I hate to go with old technology but,,,,,.


Vision varies from person to person. You need to go to a store and check out what your eyes tell you, from that distance. Some people have the vision of a hawk, other are near sighted. No one can gawk a mile in your eyes. :)

At 17', 65" is nowhere near adequate

As is sitting on a Stool

At a Local Bar..

Trying to watch sports ;)

get closer on your couch get the biggest 58" 63" 65" plasma

Samsung 63B550

Good thing I have 20/15 vision then! I've been watching a 37" Sharp so I figured if I step up to a 58" that will be quite an improvement over my 37". I simply cannot justify paying over $5K for a bigger LCD or plasma such as a 65" or higher.