I am considering getting a flat panel HDTV for my in-laws. Yes, I have read other threads on this. But I'd like current recommendations on their specific wants. Brand names only, down to Philips, due to concerns about repairs after the warranty expires. And for other reasons, including cost, no Sony. I expect to spend $1,000-$2,000 preferably in the lower end of that range.

It must be a flat panel for hanging on the wall. For the first few months, it will be on a stand. Then they will move and hang it on a wall, surrounded by shelves and storage bins. I'm looking at the 36" to 46" range, probably 42" or smaller. She doesn't want anything larger. It will eventually be in a well lit room, but most watching is done at night. Estimated distance, eyes to TV: 8'. Viewing will be head on by 2 people sitting side by side, no off axis TV watching. Most viewing will be network shows such as L&O, Desperate Housewives, ER, etc, from a cable system, and no sports. Probably mostly in SD, even thought these shows are also available in HD. Just not sure what the future cableco will offer, as it is impossible to get a channel lineup off their site. New location will be near Sykesville MD.

They are not picky, to say the least, about PQ, so it does not need to be 1080p. Sound will be from the TV, not a sound system. They will connect a VCR (:rolleyes:) and a DVD player to it, but will probably never have a high def disc player. All the same, it must have at least one HDMI input, probably for a future upgraded cable box, and a VGA input would be nice but certainly not required. S-video and RCA audio jacks are needed for the VCR & DVD players. Simple operation is the goal, so a built in QAM tuner is a must, so they can generally get by with just one remote. She'd like an SD card reader on the front or side so she can see pictures she's taken, if possible.

I've looked at the 42" Sharp Aquos LC42D64U, but have read about banding issues with these sets and 1080p is really overkill for them. And I don't plan on ever inheriting it. I've considered the Panasonic 42" TH-42PX75 with it's SD card reader, but it's a plasma and I'm concerned about any burn in issues (even though they are greatly reduced today) from the set being on for hours on an SD 4x3 channel. They will NOT learn to shift to stretch mode or any aspect changes, nor will they practice any break in procedures. I will set it up for them, and later calibrate it, but any settings made will likely be altered by mistakes made using the remote. Don't ask.

I'm inclined to buy this one at a B&M for easy return. Maybe I should just visit the warehouse membership stores for brand name sets.

Anyone know of a set that might meet these goals, and be an easy transition from a 27" CRT for people in their late 70s?

Hi navychop,

I would consider the Samsung LN-T4053H, LN-T4042H and LN-T4032 models. These are all 720p and can be found for <$1500. Best Buy recently had an internet price of $999 on the 4053 model, but I just checked a few minutes ago and it's back up to $1499. Some Best Buy's may also have the Panasonic 42PE7U plasma sets still in stock for $899. There is a good thread in the AVS plasma section on this set. I don't think you would go wrong with any of these models. Good luck.

Is Toshiba brand name big enough? My suggestion would be the Toshiba 42HL67 720p set, very nice HD, pretty good SD upconversion, and about $1,000 on Amazon (so maybe up to $250 more at a B&M).

I don't suggest plasma, as they'd need to be dedicated with break-in, which you say they won't be, increasing the chances of them getting burn-in.

Make sure to teach them that with the cable box, they can't tune to the SD channel and hope it's HD -- there's a special HD channel for the occasional HD programming!

One thing I've learned is that superbright LCD's can be especially hard on elderly eyes, for the same reasons that a lot of oldsters don't like to drive at night with all the oncoming headlights.

I've also learned that break-in and burn-in are both enormously overrated, and are generally not an issue in today's plasmas.

Properly calibrated, an LCD can bring pleasing images in even a completely dark room. The PQ might not be perfect, but I suspect your in-laws won't be too into perfect PQ, so having it dimmed a little wouldn't be all that bad.

Plus, plasma flicker can be hard on some peoples' eyes, no matter how bright or dim it is. So plasma vs. LCD's a draw in the eye-strain department.

For any older folks that watch television, I would suggest you stay with an LCD since they are, most likely, watching in a very bright room with the lights turned up. Remember, they'll be going from a CRT to a flat panel, and aren't about to change their viewing habits. Will they spring for the added cost of updating the cable box to high def? Possibly not, so consider recommendations of standard def programming on the flat panel. I would think they would be taken care of with many different brands, but don't be afraid of a Vizio that's available at Circuit City, and priced quite nicely. Sears had a sale on the 42" last weekend, and it may still be available, or ask CC to price match it.

Just for info, what do you consider "elderly"???

At least 20 years older than me! ;)

I was born during Truman's administration, so elderly for me is damn near in the grave! :D

Is Toshiba brand name big enough? My suggestion would be the Toshiba 42HL67 720p set, very nice HD, pretty good SD upconversion, and about $1,000 on Amazon (so maybe up to $250 more at a B&M).

We have a winna!

Thanks to all who helped out here. She Who Must Be Obeyed and I went to several stores last night and looked at many, many models. We decided it must have HDMI, component, composite and S-video inputs- and a QAM tuner. It could not be very reflective on the surface, and that eliminated almost all plasmas. ED was acceptable. It had to be viewable in a bright room, have good audio, and loud enough audio. SD PQ had to be acceptable. We wanted it to have an SD card reader built in, if possible.

We got all that in the Toshiba 42HL67, except for the SD card reader. Almost bought the 37" version. We found it on sale online at CC, and then added in the AAA discount. Got it for a VERY good price. And we could examine it immediately for problems, and return it to the local store if there are any. Less shipping risk, and it's here in plenty of time to exchange if there's a problem.

Then the guy tried to load the 50" version into my truck, and I blurted out it was the wrong model. :rolleyes: Oh, well, at least I don't have any guilt feelings. Besides, she wouldn't accept one that large, and I'd have had to just put it in my bedroom. :D

Ike was POTUS when I dropped into the world. Hopefully, one of my great grandchildren's (if I ever have any) classmates will be in that spot when I check out. :p

Now for the last question: Think we oughta wrap that sucka? ;)