We need to buy a new TV. We have a nice sized room (26X22) but it is sort of sectioned off and we use 2/3 rds for the family room. We looked at 50" projection tv's but the footprint is big and I don't want such a large piece in the room.

I am considering a 42" Plasma tv, but don't know much about them. If anyone has one and has an opinion I would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks

 

Plasma screens are beautiful and great pictures..but they are really expensive right now..we saw a great one at Tweeter.

 

go for the 50" plasma you wont be sorry

 

If your DVD's or other video has lots of black in it stay away from Plasma, as they haven't gotten the black part of the image fixed yet. Looks grainy and crappy. If you don't believe me go to your local shop and demo your OWN material on a plasma. Their demos usually stay away from black content.

I have a 57" HDTV rear projection TV. The footprint is rather big, but I don't mind. The picture is amazing.

If you need any help let me know. I'm very knowledgeable in the home theater area and have many contacts in the business.

 

You may want to personally view the exact model that you want. While some look just as good as a normal cathode tube from great distances, I start to notice blockiness and jagged lines from about 10' and closer. Some sets do better than others, but this is a result of the driver technology and no one (so far) has been able to completely remove it. As with LCD panels, the price increases exponentially with increasing size, so you'll have to find that price/performance point that matches your budget and viewing requirements...the 42"ers seem to be within that range for most, ranging from $2500-$5000, on average. Also, don't forget to check the blackness and whiteness levels by viewing them, not merely by looking at the specs.

I like the reduced weight/size, but the high price and less than clear pic has kept me away from them so far.

 

To learn a lot in a hurry and meet some cool folks go to avsforum.com

To buy, just go to Dell.com

When Dell throws discount coupons, you get the lowest prices in the US.

Examples of units you should look into and recent delivered prices from Dell.

42 Inch Panasonic (SD model) $3500
The sd or standard definition is not hi def on paper, but is about the best picture in the market based on many viewers experiences.

50 Inch Pioneer 503 $5000
This unit is very hot right now, hi def specs and a low ball price for a top shelf 50 inch.

I have had a 42 inch Panasonic for over a year and it is amazing.

You will need a tuner, wall mount, more hifi and some antenna work but in the end, there will be joy.

 

Costco has a couple of 40" versions for about $3000 but they are EDTV's I think.

 

Right on. Check out this forum:

www.avsforum.com

 

Gateway now sells plasma TV's for very fair prices...

 

I want to thank everyone for their input. I have decided to wait awhile for the technology to improve. I am not a big tv person and will probably buy a 30"+ analog set for now and later on replace it with a Plasma or LCD set.