ok... my old TV is from the early 90's...now i'm thinking about picking up a new one as i'm planning to move into a new place.this will be for my living room.looking for something atleast 42".My question is,so many new TV's around i don't know what the hell anything means... all this hd, lcd, hdtv, plasma crap.can someone list whats good and whats not.I know whatever i get in about a year it will be junk but i still want to get one.After Christmas sale maybe...?


Peace

 

Sony, Sharp, and Samsung makes excellent LCD flat panels. The XBR2/3 Bravia line up from Sony is really doing it for me. The Sony models just has the best picture quality IMO. Maybe it's time for a 40" Bravia XBR for my living room (40" is all the wall could fit where I mount it) Then I can put the 32" XBR1 Bravia in my bedroom, and my Samsung 26" in the bathroom (all with 5.1 surround)!

LCD flat panels are great for lit rooms and great picture quality. However, it isn't able to produce very accurate black levels and some are known for ghosting (kind of motion blur) Not much of a problem with my Sony Bravia XBR, I love this panel!!!

Plasmas are just as good but requires more of a darker enviroment. Good for watching sports since it doesn't have the ghosting like LCDs but also risk of picture burn in in some cases.

There's a lot of information out there. Look in: www.avsforums.com
Lots of information there!

 

One important factor in your choice is how it is going to be viewed. Some have great pictures if viewed head on and lose a lot if viewed from an angle. Also reflection from windows or doors is important.
We picked DLP as the room for the tv has lots of windows and DLP is best for reflections.

Just thought I would add to your confusion

 

An HDTV set is a must for watching sports IMO (if you're a sports fan). Some nice sets can be had for less than $1500.

 

My favorite TVs right now are the Sony XBR2 LCoS projection sets.. they are large and expensive, but the picture is glorious. My favorite LCDs are from the sony bravia XBR line. Also awesome picture, but again, they are expensive. Best bang for the buck comes from a DLP. I would check out Samsung DLP tvs.

 

TV from early '90s? Wow!

I'm also looking for a TV, preferably plasma. I'm not sure if Sony even makes plasma, but picture-wise, Sony TVs usually have the best quality.

I'm looking to spend about $1500 (which is on the cheap side) on a 42" plasma from Panasonic or Samsung. Just waiting for a really good deal from now 'til X-mas.

Post here if any of you know of excellent deals. Thanks!

 

LCD also doesn't have reflections. One MAJOR thing with DLP is, every couple of years or so, the lamp/bulb would have to be replaced. That's about $200+ everytime. I would avoid DLP, but instead opt for LCD or plasma.

 

If you don't play games on it and don't intend to use it as monitor and your room is not overly bright (reflection issue), plasma would be a more suitable choice because it offers higher contrast ratio (typically 10,000:1) and has a deeper, blacker black. Otherwise, LCD fits the bill.

For LCD, look for ones with resolution of 1280+ x 900+. The 1028's are pretty much leftovers from previous gen. Also look for contract ratio of 2000:1 or higher.

Also note not all Sony LCD are great. Their XBR line is top notch among LCDs and commands a premium in price. Their S line on the other hand is run-of-the-mill, if that (contrast ratio of 1300:1, for example). Their mid-line V series is better than most out there.

 

pioneer for plasma

dell for LCD

 

Check out the better Sony and JVC projection sets. You get more TV for your money compared to any of the "flat" technologies and they are no longer as big as a piano. My father-in-law got a brand new big-screen plasma TV and I've give it this, you can view it at extreme angles and in bright daylight. I just don't need that ability in mine.