Looking for best bang for buck 42-50 inch, 1080p.

The 42PZ77U model you mention is your best bet with the bargain prices available right now, dipping under your $1200 level at several stores. A 50PZ77U would be better beyond 7feet, but the cost is higher over $2000 even with the sale prices now. Another alternative is a 50" Panasonic or Samsung 768p plasma, they are very low priced now and in your price range.

At those viewing distances, I really can't see why you are considering a 42" television. Go for 50" and don't look back. Among HDTVs, size is far more important than resolution.

+1. I did a 50 inch Panny today, a non-1080p model as it will mostly be used for sports, no gaming, and seating distance from TV is about 8 feet.

How far back are the center seats that line up with the TV. From the description of the room I'd assume that it is the far corner seats that are going to be in the 6' range which is not the optimal seats anyways since you are going to tend to sit in a center position with the TV when you watch it for your own enjoyment. Because of this, I'm guessing that the majority of watching will be in the 9'-10' range???

You'd probably get the most enjoyment out of a 50" 1366x768p panel. You should be able to find a Panasonic one of these for about $1500. If you think that the 42" size is right though, then you should be able to find a 1024x768p one for $1100. I think you'll have a really hard time though finding a 1920x1080p 42" panel for any less than $1500 after all is said and done. Bigger is almost always better when it comes TVs and it will definitely have more impact on your viewing enjoyment than the jump from 768p to 1080p. Lots of HDTV is only 480p or 720p anyways.

Take a look at the Samsung 5044 or 5054. Frys just had the 44 on sale for below a grand on black friday.

The obvious choice is the Samsung HP-T5064. This is a great solution for your application. Don't worry about needing 1080p. The 5064 is plenty colorful and contains lots of detail for a 768p set.

Chris

I started out with a 42" PC77U from Costco for my first HDTV, loved the picture and color, but took it back after 60 days when I found a local guy that sells discontinued and "open box"models for great prices.

Ended up getting a 50" Panasonic TH-50PX60U (manufactured in Jan. '07) for around $1200. It was in original box with all cards, manuals, etc. Pristine condition. TV works great, and I love it. The 50" 1366x768p panel provides a much nicer picture than the 42" 1024x768p panel did, and the 50" really does feel a lot bigger. I really recommend going with the 50"..

The only thing I don't like about the X60U is the the tuner is much inferior to the newer tuner in the 77U. I was getting 4 HD channels with rabbit ears on the newer 77U, but with the 60U I only get one HD channel... Oh well, time for cable or satellite...!

I purchased a Hitachi 50 inch 1080P Model 50S601 at 1.7K and I'm very happy with it. I really like the motorized mount and the picture is very pleasing.

john

I got my 50" 77U 1080p TV for $2k.

Someone else posted that they got a flyer from Microcenter for that TV for $1400....so the price on this TV can get pretty close to what you want to spend.

If you absolutely cannot go over $1500, and can't get a sweet deal....go for the 50" over the 1080p.