Best TV for multi-use, dig cble/dvd/hd/PS2(3)

GUINNESS · #1 08-17-2006, 12:23 PM

Wanted to know what's the best TV one can buy for the money when using it for everything stated in the subject. I know refresh rates have changed over the years and "burn-in" isn't as much of a problem as it was in the past. Still, I really don't want to spend 1-2k+ on a TV only to have an image from one of my games burned into a corner.

The reason I ask is the whole no interest financing until Jan 08 at Best Buy right now is very very tempting

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GUINNESS · #2 08-17-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncx

That's right MD, the display we are talking about supports 1080i as far as incoming signals are concerned, but cannot display 1080i in native format or anywhere close (and other 42" plasmas cannot either, this is normal). More importantly, it can't support 720p in native format which is due to the 42" size more than anything. The pixels can only be so small to fit in all the lines of rez in a 42" display. This is changing with the new more densely-packed pixel displays in the new generation of 1080p displays. This 1024x768 display can't play content that is broadcast at 1280x720 (720p) without manipulation of the original signal, it simply won't fit the screen. When you get up to 50" plasmas, you get 1280x720 (exactly 720p) or 1366x768 which can both play the all-important 720p content with zero scaling or conversion... pure HD.

For this reason (physical size vs pixels) many people who watch a lot of DVD's and standard definition content (cable or satellite) buy ED 42" plasmas instead of HD 42" plasmas. Non-HD content (480i/480p) tends to look better on lower-rez ED displays due to no scaling, vs. watching that same content on an upscaled HD display. A very good DVD player will likely scale the image for the screen better than this display will.

All that to say, to watch 1080i or 720p HD content on a 42" display, you really want either a killer scaler in your cable box or sat box, and/or a great scaler in the plasma itself so that HD content is treated properly, and not processed into eye-crossing junk on the screen.

ps.... CBS will show its debut of the new HD-NFL broadcast in 1080i tonight. Make sure to check it out... it should make Fox and NBC's HD feed look like poop by comparison.

So should I consider poneying up for a 50" instead of 42"??? I was thinking 42" simply from a standpoint of how far we will be from the screen, but I guess it's a little different comparing plasma and projection. I just want something nice that will eventually handle HD, games will look kick ass on, and I can enjoy many hockey and football games on... and when I'm not there, Nicole can enjoy what she wants to watch since it will be at her place

nupe10123 · #3 08-17-2006, 12:38 PM

I was in an electronics store the other day looking at Plasmas (I'm just starting my research on this subject). Anyway, the guy seemed really knowledgeable and said that the 'best' all around televisions are LCD's. He stated a lot of 'stuff' and basically said go to the internet and I'll see many reports comparing plasma, projection and LCD technologies. The store sells all kinds of TVs but he was really strong that LCD is the best way to go for the money. I'm not sure if he was saying that because he gets more of a bonus for LCD sales, but I plan to look into it more this week.

Driver8 · #4 08-17-2006, 01:03 PM

I have a Sony 50" LCD. It's been a great unit. I've replaced two bulbs in three years. If you have the space for it, it's going to offer you great value for the cost. It is first rate with HD (Xbox and PS2 w/ HD-conversion looks incredible). I think SG has one like mine as well. Greg, care to comment?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nupe10123

I was in an electronics store the other day looking at Plasmas (I'm just starting my research on this subject). Anyway, the guy seemed really knowledgeable and said that the 'best' all around televisions are LCD's. He stated a lot of 'stuff' and basically said go to the internet and I'll see many reports comparing plasma, projection and LCD technologies. The store sells all kinds of TVs but he was really strong that LCD is the best way to go for the money. I'm not sure if he was saying that because he gets more of a bonus for LCD sales, but I plan to look into it more this week.

dr.jay · #5 08-17-2006, 01:07 PM

I have a Sony SXRD 50'' the picture is amazing when it is a HD channel, its a bit pricey but im told it is one of the best tv's out there

TQ2K · #6 08-17-2006, 01:20 PM

Go get a Panasonic LCD HDTV screen, should satisfy all your requirements.

Get a 32" if tv location is pretty close to where you'll sit.

Or a 42" or bigger if 10' or farther...

acedeucy · #7 08-17-2006, 01:23 PM

GO LCD...Sharp Aquos is a great TV. If you aree using it for Xbox 360 or PS3 they both have a DVI and HDMI inputs and the picture is crystyal clear. My Xbox 360 looks absolutely ridiculous on it and once Microsoft puts out the HDMI cable it will look twice as good.

Not to mention you also have blu-ray and HD-DVD out in a month or two!

I would go LCD especially if you play games, you have less of a risk of burning in an image from a paused game.

Plasma will burn in a matter of months if you are a gamer because of the loading screens.

iop9000 · #8 08-17-2006, 01:24 PM

i dont think you cant find a plasma set for less than $1-2k.
Although somebody posted a while back about a 42" phillips lcd for $999 with rebates, refurbished though

acedeucy · #9 08-17-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iop9000

i dont think you cant find a plasma set for less than $1-2k.
Although somebody posted a while back about a 42" phillips lcd for $999 with rebates, refurbished though

I think it was a 42" Plasma for $999 not an LCD. I could be wrong though!

nupe10123 · #10 08-17-2006, 01:30 PM

Sounds like folks here are really LCD fans versus Plasma or Projection. Thanks for the input! Any suggestions on where to find the best deals - either on line or national chains that I can find in LA?

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