[Jim Noble]

I am about to switch from a 50" Toshiba 4:3 analog RPTV to a plasma TV. My viewing distance is 10-11 feet, but I have one seat in the room at 7 feet.


When I look at 1.85:1 material on the big 4:3 set, the image looks "too small" with the large black bars above and below.


I think, though, that this may be an optical illusion because the Toshiba set, screen plus stand/speakers is so big.


If I go 42", I plan to get ED since I can't see the difference (I know, I know-but I can't), so we're talking about less than half the price of the 50" HD plasma, but:


Is 42" too small from 11 feet?

 

[mangopony]

Jim: Go for the ED plasma at 11-12 feet. You will be most happy! I am enjoying my new display right now. HD will look great! And SD and DVD will look very good.

 

[GoBowsGo]

My seating positions range from 9-13 feet and I was also struggling with the 40 vs 50 decision. I finally went with the 40" ED and am very pleased with the arrangement. It is wall-mounted and feels like a good size fit for the room at these distances. This monitor looks terrific even with my old non-progressive DVD player and SD cable programs. I've got DirectTV coming this week and have high hopes that the PQ will be even more astounding.

 

[mangopony]

GoBowsGo: Be sure to get the HD package from Directv if you are set up for same. And, with a over the air signal (local station) PBS is one of the best things going for HD content. Talk with Directv. As a new customer, you will be able to get some very good price breaks. Even the regular digital content on Directv will look..very good..

 

[SoSo]

Jim,


I used to have the same dilemma as you do. My TV room is roughly 12 x 10 feet. After the sofa, I will be sitting at about 11 - 10 1/2 feet away from the TV (Wall mount). I solve my "problem" by going to a local B&M store (I actually went to the Bose showroom) and try various distance on different screen size. Here is my 2 cents:


42": NICE and CLEAN


50": WOW, Holy cow, that's awesome! Dude, I got to get this so I can have my own theater.


I agree with you there's no need for an HD 42". I know, I know. And I CAN see the difference as well. I was counting how many blade of grass in Discovery HD while it is just a little blur of green grass on the ED. But that doesn't "justify" an extra $1,500 out of my pocket. Unless you are going to hook up an HTPC and do some web surfing on it.


In conclusion, Jim if you have the deep pocket, go with the 50". You won't regrad.

 

[GoBowsGo]

mangopony,


thanks for the advice. DTV guy is out tomorrow morning and I was planning on getting the HD package. I have the HD Tivo receiver but wasn't able to get the DTV salesperson to offer any $ discounts to sign up. All I got out of her was the standard 6 months free of HD. I'm not even sure I'll be able to get reception because of huge trees blocking the southeast part of the sky from my house. I guess we'll see tomorrow.


G

 

[igreg]

You need to ask for retention at DirecTV to get the discount. The CSR's aren't aware of the discounts. Or try calling this number directly:


1-800-600-8977

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...&pagenumber=43


Received $250 equipment credit and six free months of HBO, plus, the regular promotion of six month of the HD package free.

 

[GoBowsGo]

igreg,


I'm a new customer so I'm assuming retention incentives wouldn't apply to me. Do you know of any new customers who got a credit right off the bat? Thanks!


G

 

[htfanintn]

My seating position is similar to yours, and I went with the Panny 42" 7uy. I had the money set aside to go with the 50", but decided the 42" was just what we needed. It's great from 12-15'. (It is somewhat acceptable from 20', but at this distance, a 50 would be much better.)