I think i've narrowed my search down to a few tv's in my price range.

Philips 42PF7421D/37 LCD
Samsung HPS4233 Plasma
Panasonic TH-42PX6U Plasma

Which one would you prefer and why? I watch quite a bit of tv but also play a lot of video games, expecially my 360. I have time Warner Cable so i'll be getting all the HD channels as soon as i get a tv. The LCD only has a contrast ratio of 1650:1 compared to the 10,000:1 of the two plasmas but at the store i thought it looked great. Could have just been the settings on the tv's though. I'm just really torn and need some advice.

Also, I already have:

Panasonic DVD-F85 (progressive scan dvd player)
Panasonic SA-XR25 (receiver)

Are there any cables, accessories, etc. anyone would recommend? Thanks for any/all help.

Of the 3 you list, I would chose the panny. Why? Because it fits what I view & how I view the best.

If you want an answer better tailored to your situation, we'll need a bit more information. What % of time will this be gamed on? Do you watch a lot of sports, or cartoons, or things more like CSI or movies? Do you watch in a lighted room or a darkened room? Are there lots of light sources that could potentially reflect from the screen?

Id say go with the Panny, cause I know they are reliable.

Of the 3 you list, I would chose the panny. Why? Because it fits what I view & how I view the best.

If you want an answer better tailored to your situation, we'll need a bit more information. What % of time will this be gamed on? Do you watch a lot of sports, or cartoons, or things more like CSI or movies? Do you watch in a lighted room or a darkened room? Are there lots of light sources that could potentially reflect from the screen?


I would say probably 40% gaming. I watch more sports than anything. I have 3 roommates and they all watch a lot of sports too. No cartoons or anything like that. The room it will be going in has one large window and a couple of lights directly in front of where the tv will be.

Make sure you don't see motion blur on your LCD with fast sports. If not, I'd go that path.

Reason: roommates & gaming. I'm guessing that you're <25. The last thing you need to worry about is fighting with your roommates because one of them got drunk & passed out and left the dvd menu screen on all night & now you have IR. Or they gamed to much or... That type of environment can be kind of like dealing with kids... the plasmas still need a bit of TLC. Not a lot, but more than you can expect to get from most roommates.

Also, with you windows, glare could be a bit of a problem on the plasma.

ok. looks like i'll be going that route then. thanks a lot for your replies.

LCDs do look great, and the lack of contrast is only evident when placed next to a plasma, dlp, etc :)

LCDs do look great, and the lack of contrast is only evident when placed next to a plasma, dlp, etc :)

Depends on which LCD and which plasma. ;)