Not to throw a wrench in the discussion, but I picked up a 57" Mitsubishi DLP Model #57831 the day after Thanksgiving and couldn't be more happy.

I would put it's picture quality up there with any unit on the market right now. The brightness, color contrast, dark imaging, etc. is top notch.

My brother bought a 50" Sony LCD about two years ago and it still looks pretty good.

DLP is a great technology and I would definitely look at that as a viable alternative to LCD and plasma.

 

I bought a 50" Panasonic Plasma, which I love, based on the Consumer Reports top rating for the 42' and 50" Panasonic Plasmas.

 

Wow there is a lot of false information in here. Let me dispel some of the false information first.

Myths perpetuated in this thread

#1 Plasma is more expensive

A high quality plasma is a bit less expensive than a high quality LCD at the moment.

#2 Plasma doesn't have 1080P
Pioneer's PRO-FHD1 is 1080P.

#3 Sony is the only sole manufacturer of LCDs

Actually Sony doesn't make their own LCDs, even now. Only Sharp does. Sony has barely caught up in flat panel competition. The truth is, Samsung and Sony manufacture their LCD panels together in a joint partnership. http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Ar...00407/04-0715E/

The panel you're getting in a Sony is the exact same panel you're getting in the Samsung. However, there is still a signficant difference between the image qualities presented. The two companies all apply different video processing techniques their their lower and higher end lines.

As of now, the hands down best consumer LCD TV you can go out and buy is the Sony Bravia XBR2/3 series. Some might argue that the Sharp D62 Aquos has better black levels but Sharp is still having problems with their 8th generation manufacturing plant.

Now, DLP vs Plasma vs LCD (vs SXRD). It's all a matter of budget and preference. You can achieve great results with any of these. I personally prefer a flat panel that's wall mountable so that throws out the big TVs.

Plasma vs LCD
Right now, high end plasmas still have a better picture than the best LCDs, NFR is right in that Pioneer and Panasonic are the best. The only drawbacks to plasma are brightness level and burn in. You should go with LCD if your room is very brightly lit or you plan to play ALOT of video games or use a computer/media center on it.

 

They are out. All are over $5 grand

 

Cnet's top rated LCD is the Sony KDL-40XBR2 (which I own, natch).
http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6531_7-650912...l?tag=cnetfd.mt

LCD's give you 90% of the Plasma experience with none of the drawbacks. The Sony supports up to 10 devices and has 3(!) HDMI ports.

 

Well, I really liked the look of a Plasma Samsung I went and looked at today, but I do plan to play a lot of Video games so I guess Plasma is out. I'm left with LCD or DLP. Brands I like are Sony, Samsung, Pioneer and a few others. I found a Samsung 50" DLP with 1080P for about $1500. Would you say that's pretty solid buy?

 

And ridiculous power consumption. If you have old wiring in your house good luck. LCD is MUCH better in this arena. I just don't get the need for Plasma.

If PQ really is your #1 priority, none of the technologies listed will provide the best. For that you have to go to CRT (Direct or Projection).

 

FWIW, I think I'm gonna get the Samsung HLS5087W. Check it out and let me know what you think/decide!!!

BTW, this is what TV I think will suit my needs the most, a window light room, a lot of video game use, it's 1080p, etc. etc.!

 

There are 1080p plasma, panasonic has a 65" and 103" 1080P plasma. If anyone is in the sf area, come by westfield mall on market both are displayed w/ our bluray player.

 

[QUOTE=Highrpmek,Dec 10 2006, 03:29 PM] Well, I really liked the look of a Plasma Samsung I went and looked at today, but I do plan to play a lot of Video games so I guess Plasma is out.