Quote:
Originally Posted by
Maxlaplante 
Sure.. Viewing distance is 8-10 feet in a basement with one window in the room with potlight
At 8 feet, you might prefer a 50" (more-or-less) panel for watching SD sources (TV or DVD) - and perhaps even many "HD TV" shows.
However, we sit 9ft from a 60" set (ST50) and the view is Marvelous for blu-rays, HDDVDs, some HD TV shows, and at least some SD DVDs.
Given your rather broad price range, you might well find that a larger-than-50" Pan UT50 or ST50 fits within your budget. Personally, would pick either of those over any LCD panel (short of the Sharp Elite, perhaps!).
We have 3 Pan plasmas in our home (from 4.5 years to under 1 month old) & have only experienced minor, short-term IR - but then we do NOT game. However, have 4 "kids" who all game AND own plasma sets (mostly Panasonic + 1 Samsung - and 1 Pioneer that I do not think ever gets Gamed On...
), and have not heard reports of Long Term IR / burn in from any of them.
Still, there have been a number of reports of problems with IR - and Perhaps Actual Burn In - on various 2011 plasma panels, so can sympathize with your concern.
If game playing will really be "2 - 3 hours / day," would opt for a Pan, and plan to run at least an hour of Full Screen, No Logo, No Ticker programming - at least on every day gamed.
Might help. Might not. But I would sleep better for the attempt!
