I would not trust the NYT or the WSJ over what AVS has to say about these things. Read AVS for long enough like i have and you'll quickly realize that the NYT WSJ and others are just mouth pieces when it comes to consumer electronics. That being said, without specifics of what your friends are talking about, there are any number of economic pressures driving the price of TVs down. If you are able to buy the TV now and have been waiting to do so for awhile already then i say buy it now and enjoy it.

 

AVS forum is definately a good start for you. As far as pricing goes, there is no way the TV pricing will have over 10% drop by next year. To be on the safe side, you should hold your decision until After the (CES) show which is Jan 5-9th. 05 in Las Vegas. All the newest technology and product will be introduced so you can get a clear idea if that will effect the pricing.

As far as connection goes:
- Comcast regular cable signal can use a RF input (should be on the TV tuner box)

- a new HT system can use a RGB/DVI/Y/Pb/Pr input

- DVD player can use a A/V or Y/Cb/Cr input

- VHS can use A/V input

- xbox can use A/V or Y/Cb/Cr input

A few things you should read up on is:

What is HDTV, EDTV panel?

What is the difference between different lines of resolutions?

What is difference between progressive and Non-progressive signals?

What is DVI? or Firewire Technology?


These are just a few things off the top of my head.


PC Connections and DTV cities are both my customers. I use to supply plasma panels to them. They are reputable company, however prior to order, call to ensure product instock.

You may also contact Richard Stanton at DTV city and let him know Jim Huang from Sampo referred you. He may give you a price break.

Good Luck! Sorry for the long post.



DaRKCrow

 

I've had samsung LCD monitors and TV's and they have all been bulletproof, can't say that about the projection screen.

Sam

 

thx all for great advice!

 

I did a rollout installation at a big Mall chain this year. Anyone who thinks Plasmas will last 8-10 years is kidding themselves. We had a contract with a major manufacturer in our initial pilot stage. Installed 30 Plasmas in 2 different locations (east coast and west coast). Within 2 months we had 24 failures. The Plasmas are ventilated and on about 10 hrs a day on dedicated 20AMP circuits, cycling advertisements. So that works out to about 600 hrs. Of course it's unlikely that you will leave your Plasma on for 10 hr clips but it's no where near the 20,000 hrs we were quoted by the manufacturer. Get the extended warranty if you can!

 

What brand or model did you install for that application? What kind of failure? Electrical or panel failures?

Interested to learn.



DaRKCrow

 

I can't really discuss the manufacturer as we are still in discussions with them. Since I was the Project Manager in charge, it'd be easy to figure out who I am. But I can't say for sure if it was the panel or electrical. Our electrical circuits weren't the problem I can say that, the screens just stopped working, no picture, sound, etc. We had to continually replace them, and that was no easy task as you had to remove them, send it to a depot and have them send another one back, then reinstall. But it is from a very reputable big name manufacturer.

 

Push for what you want... Or go to a different sales person. I'm telling you, I was able to talk down the sales rep for a 2300 Hitachi to 1700 out the door. They want your business and will do anything to keep it. TRUST ME. If all you need is the 10% to seal the deal...they will do it.