I have been trying to read the reviews and the postings on this forum. Right now, my favorite set is the Pio 4280, but I think the best price I can get for it is around $2000. I've been taking a look at that Panazonic 42PZ700U, which seems to get some strong reviews as well and is more in my price range. Then there's the Pio 4270 from last year, which is in the $1500 price range with the PZ700U.

I would prefer to keep my spending at the $1500 range for this set. I am not a videophile, but I want a great picture. I will be primarily using this set to watch football and movies.

For those of you who are familiar with these sets and others, what would be your recommendation?

For just a little more than $1500, you can get a Panasonic 50PX75U if you shop wisely. Not sure if you wanted to go to a 50" set, but if you do, its a great deal.

I agree with sjm817. At 42", you probably won't be able to tell the difference between a 1080p and 720p set and for the price, the PX75U is an excellent tv.

For just a little more than $1500, you can get a Panasonic 50PX75U if you shop wisely. Not sure if you wanted to go to a 50" set, but if you do, its a great deal.

Actually, if he goes to frys.com he can get is under his budgeted amount.

I did last Friday.

Thanks for the tips on the 50PX75U. Couple questions:

1. Is this set supposed to be protected against burn-in?

2. Also, does the same hold true for a 50" set...that if you sit more than 6 feet away, there is little difference between a 720p and 1080p plasma?

3. I've read a couple posts saying the 2007 batch of Panasonic plasmas are not as impressive as previous years. What's the reason for this? Should I listen to this?

Thanks.

I agree with sjm817. At 42", you probably won't be able to tell the difference between a 1080p and 720p set and for the price, the PX75U is an excellent tv.It depends - i have one of each and i can see a huge difference at my 8 foot viewing distance.

It depends - i have one of each and i can see a huge difference at my 8 foot viewing distance.
It must all depend on the person doing the viewing as I've been to countless stores and I can barely tell any difference between a 768P and a 1080P 50" set from 8'. Keep in mind that these are "normal" HD feeds, not Blu-Ray or HD DVD where some additional benefit may be perceived.

It must all depend on the person doing the viewing as I've been to countless stores and I can barely tell any difference between a 768P and a 1080P 50" set from 8'. Keep in mind that these are "normal" HD feeds, not Blu-Ray or HD DVD where some additional benefit may be perceived.Yes, it depends on a particular person's eyesight - but it also depends on one's tolerance of SDE. Someone coming from an interlaced tube TV for instance probably wont be bothered by SDE since the effect looks similar to what he's been watching for 30 years. Others with less than ideal eyesight can get closer to their TV than i do (in the case of a couple of my friends and several random people in stores over the past 3 years) before they see SDE. Also, SDE is not as pronounced with SD content as it is with a 1080i source (my Tivo S3 and 8300HD).

I was pretty much trying to ignore the SDE on my 42PX50U since i rearranged my couch and chair a few months ago (putting me a few feet closer to the screen), but now that i have the 42PZ700U in that spot the sudden absence of SDE is a profound improvement!

Chalk up another vote for seeing SDE at the 7-8 ft range. I had the 42
px75u and could see pronounced SDE with my Blu-Ray player. After upgrading to the 42 pz700u the difference is pronounced (for me that is). I would advise you to test your viewing distance at the store because 7-8 ft seems to be right in the middle as far as seeing the benefits of 1080p. I do, you may not.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is SDE?

Also, if I am planning on watching at a distance of about 9-10 feet, does this lessen the value/necessity of a 1080p plasma?

Sorry, I'm a complete newbie trying to find the right set for $1500 bucks. Thanks everybody.

SDE is the "screen door effect" and can be seen when you are too close to your tv for either its size or resolution. Basically it is a situation where you can see the lines separating the pixels and the image appears as if you are looking through a screen door. As far as viewing distance, just do a search as there are tons of threads on it. As I said, at ~7.5 feet 1080p made a difference for me.