HDTV prices are only going to go down south. The demand is increasing and the Feb 17, 2009 deadline is aproaching when all analog broadcast stations will be shut. So expect more of digital stations and better quality broadcast.

That's only for OTA, almost all cable systems, and D* are already digital.

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I was also looking at a 40" Sony.

btw - I'm expecting a royalties check on the "Girlie Question" approach.

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Current:
2016 X6 ///M Black Sapphire Metallic

How far are you sitting from TV - seems like 40" is on the small side unless its on your bedside table.

Have a look at the various viewing calculators online.

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/v...l#anchor_13194

Of course the only real calculator that you need is your eyes and your preference.

i know, i'm double posting the same stuff

I think it's important to note that there are different flavors of HD panels for sale and you have to be careful that you're comparing apples to apples and not just looking at specs.

True 1080p resolution on a plasma is 1920x1080. So while the screen size might be comparable between brands, unless you're comparing panels with the same resolution, you're comparing apples to organges.

The sub $1500 panels are usually 1080i or 720p, don't make a mistake.

I'm struggling with the purchase right now too, my 40" SONY WEGA HD (tube) is still working great so I can't justify the purchase, but i really would like the panny 58" 1080p but it's $3500 . If i'm spending > $2k on a TV, I'm expecting it to last for 5-7 years, and in that time i'm assuming that 1080p will be more ubiquitous, so buying a 1080i or 720p right now could be wasting money as i'll look to replace it in 2-3 years.

So bottom line is make sure you're checking the resolution so that you don't have to replace the panel in 2-3 years and waste money.

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I assume this is a response to my last post since I don't see a post from LabGuy. I think this past Turkey Day deals were better than the deals now because based on what I bought, I have yet to see a 50" name brand hdtv for under $1K since Thanksgiving. I know technology gets cheaper over time (I purchased a 32" LG about 2.5 years ago for twice my 50"), but the deals you have right now aren't as good as they were in November. Maybe I just got a really sick deal, but it's been over 2 months and our same tv is $1399 at CC, $1499 at BB and $1249 online, which is why I feel the deals at Thanksgiving were better.

Don't get a flat-panel lcd. The blacks just aren't up to the level of lcos/sxrd and plasma.

A friend of mine spent well over $4G's (yes really) for one of the first 42" plasma pannys 4 or 5 years ago when this was the new 'thing'. Cost him a lot but he has enjoyed it for the last 4-5yrs.

Another friend still has his 27'' from c1995 and is still waiting for the price to drop on plasma/lcds to all time lows. Just before he pulls the trigger some new technology comes along that he has gotta have and the clock restarts. He may end up getting a 50" for about a G but has spent the last 5yrs watch a crap box.

True stories, extreme, and to each their own, but both prices and technology are good right now and its not a bad time to buy.

....or you could wait another year and pick it up for a few hundred less - but hang on, by then 2160P will be the new standard, maybe you should wait until the price on this drops....

unless you got a very bright room