tv purchase - 36"-42" - 2000$ -need advice

You may also want to consider the Syntax Olevia 42" LCD FP with rebate should be close to your budget. Syntax LT42HVi 42" LCD TV I prefer the Sharp and Sony but budget limits you with those. (Rules prohibit us linking to sites with retail pricing. So you must search on your own at places like resellerratings.com)


Consider your rooms viewing conditions - many windows with sun = LCD FP preference but if you have control over sun and room lighting then a Plasma will suit your needs.


Sun can wash out a plasma even though it may appear bright as can be in the store and create reflections in the panel much like a CRT DV whereas an LCD FP has no glare or reflection and stays bright in daylight even with full sun. In store viewing is overhead so you won't notice it like you will once in your home. Plasma strength is in controlled lighting situations.


You fail to mention the Philips Panel model number so it's hard to recommend one way or the other. I viewed a 42" Philips at Costco Website and the specs are pretty state of the art if they truly deliver if this is the model your speaking of and it also states it has an anti-reflective screen. Have not seen it in person but if they specs are for real this may be a good choice.


Consider your viewing environment and then buy what you prefer within your budget regardless of what anyone says here. Your eyes - Your money!


Good Luck

Depends on a couple of things:


1) If you can achieve low-light conditions during full daylight, either LCD or Plasma could be used. Without effective room-darkening window treatments, you are pretty much restricted to an LCD, and one with adjustable backlighting at that, for day/night usage.


2) Since you are watching both 4:3 TV and DVDs which are primarily 2.35:1 aspect ratio, there will be extended periods where there are areas of black at the sides and top/bottom of the image. Since LCDs do not suffer burn-in as do plasma panels, the LCD would appear to be your best choice.


There are a number of LCD panels under $2000, among them the Syntax mentioned above, the Dell 37", and the Westinghouse 37" (all 1080p units). Also there are plenty of units in 1280X720 and 1366X768 resolutions.


Gary