$1500 HD Plasma/DLP/LCD TV's... Comments, thoughts, suggestions...

[jAZ]

I've been looking for a new HD TV... I've got a $1500 budget and I want at least 42" screen.

I'm a complete neophyte on these things and I only know what I've been able to pick up in the last few days...

I've learned that with any projection screen (LCD, DLP, etc), I'll need to replace the bulbs in 3-4 years. Also, I guess they have side angle problems to some degree. But they are cheaper than the straight flat-panel like plasma and LCD.

I'm grateful for any thoughts in general. I'll be posting a few deals/models I've come across online or in the store. Any comments on those deals is welcome too.

[jAZ]

When I start looking at the specs, I start getting confused because I have not idea what's important and what's just mumbo-jumbo...

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...55&prDeTab=2#A

42" Akai HD Plasma TV ($1400)

Display:
TV system
Screen size: 42”
Pixel resolution: 1,024 (H) x 1,024 (V) native resolution for optimal HDTV performance
Contrast ratio: 3,000:1
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 1,400 cd/m2
Viewing angle: 160° H/V
Response time:
HDTV compatible: 480p, 720p, 1080i input
Picture:

Digital comb filter: Digital 2D
Film mode pull down conversion: Yes
Color temperature control: Yes
“GAMMA” correction: Yes
Wide mode: Video: 5 modes (fill all, 4:3, letter box wide, anamorphic); PC: 5 modes (fill all, force 4:3, letter box, wide, anamorphic)
Audio:

Audio power: 20W
Audio outputs: 10W x 2
Tone control
Convenience:

OSD language: English
Closed caption decoder: Yes
V-chip parental control: Yes
VGA port provided for connection to computer
Input Terminals:

HDMI input: HDMI connector x1
S-video input: Mini din 4 pin x1
Composite video input: RCA x1
Component video input (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) RCA x 2 sets
Stereo audio input: RCA x 5 sets
Analog RGB input: D-sub 15 pin x1
RS-232 input: D-sub 9 pin x1
Output Terminals:

Audio output: RCA x1
Power:

Power source: 120V, 60Hz
Power consumption: 300w
Dimensions and Weight:

Dimensions: 29.7"H x 42.2"W x 5.2"D
Weight: 75 lbs.

[Halfcan]

Only tv advice I can give you is-don't throw a half full beer at the screen when the Refs screw the Chiefs out of a sure TD!

[Miles]

At that price point DLP would be the best value. Unless you are really sold on the plasma look/compact size, I would probably suggest avoiding them in that range. The inexpensive ones are geting better but they still do not have as sharp of image as DLP for the same cost.

You could likely find something like this on sale at your 1500 budget.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetail...=true&id=31421

Something in that range now:

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetail...=true&id=31420

[jAZ]

I've found a bunch of favorable user comments for this one (Akai) here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5&page=2&pp=30

Here's an FAQ on plasma TV's from Akai that was somewhat useful...
http://www.akaiusa.com/files/faq/Plasma%20FAQs.pdf

[jAZ]

Originally Posted by Miles

At that price point DLP would be the best value. Unless you are really sold on the plasma look/compact size, I would probably suggest avoiding them in that range. The inexpensive ones are geting better but they still do not have as sharp of image as DLP for the same cost.

You could likely find something like this on sale at your 1500 budget.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetail...=true&id=31421

Something in that range now:

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetail...=true&id=31420

I've seen both of these at Amazon. I've been looking at them. One question based on this comment would be... what's the distinction between sharpness and brightness and contrast? And what do I look for in terms of specification to compare sharpness with other sets? Anything?

[Miles]

Originally Posted by jAZ

I've found a bunch of favorable user comments for this one (Akai) here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5&page=2&pp=30

Here's an FAQ on plasma TV's from Akai that was somewhat useful...
http://www.akaiusa.com/files/faq/Plasma%20FAQs.pdf

Without reading through that avs thread, a few of the major drawbacks of budget plasma is low black levels, loack of connections, and usually cannot display full 1080i. Its a tough price point for a plasma even with the dropping prices. If it sounds nice from the AVS thread it may be good choice.

[Logical]

Originally Posted by jAZ

When I start looking at the specs, I start getting confused because I have not idea what's important and what's just mumbo-jumbo...

...

You should never buy a TV based on Specs. The way to buy is to view the pictures (I suggest taking a DVD and comparing the same show on each type). In the end what will make you happiest is what you feel has the best picture. Then you want to decide on features that are must haves. Finally IMO the best combination of picture, features and meeting your budget is what you should buy.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by jAZ

I've seen both of these at Amazon. I've been looking at them. One question based on this comment would be... what's the distinction between sharpness and brightness and contrast? And what do I look for in terms of specification to compare sharpness with other sets? Anything?

You may check some of the FAQs at at AVS for a better explination than I can give you.

I really don't know the how well those stats compare across the technology lines. Bascially my opinon, which may be off, is that the specs are not necissarily what makes for a good picture. Its really the sum of the finished product and its quality.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by Logical

You should never buy a TV based on Specs. The way to buy is to view the pictures (I suggest taking a DVD and comparing the same show on each type). In the end what will make you happiest is what you feel has the best picture. Then you want to decide on features that are must haves. Finally IMO the best combination of picture, features and meeting your budget is what you should buy.

Excellent advice. What looks best to you is what is most important.

[Bob Dole]

Bob Dole found a nice 12" b&w Zenith at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $5. The picture is sharp and it's stood the test of time. Bob Dole is extremely happy with it.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

Bob Dole found a nice 12" b&w Zenith at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $5. The picture is sharp and it's stood the test of time. Bob Dole is extremely happy with it.

Knowing all well 'n good this post was rooted in sarcasm I sold my original 12" B&W last year.

My first TV.

Had stickers from Cap'n Krunch and Cap'n USA and even a few Pac-Man cards (the baseball card stickers out in like 86') on that ugly box.

*sigh*

The only way this can be made right is by a SUPER TECMO BOWL TOUCHDOWN with epileptic style flashing lettering and 48-4 finish...

[Big Dick Jones]

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

Bob Dole found a nice 12" b&w Zenith at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $5. The picture is sharp and it's stood the test of time. Bob Dole is extremely happy with it.

Is it Hi Def?

[KevB]

AVS Forums is a great place to start your research. I highly recommend buying from Costco. They have an outstanding return policy. I just purchased a 50" plasma that I couldn't be happier with.

[Vegas_Dave]

You definately need to go see them in person. Low Cost Plasma's are usually only EDTV in that price range and like someone else said, low black levels (that look more like Grey).

I would HIGHLY suggest DLP. I have the 42" Samsung DLP and frankly, as long as you are looking at it at viewing level, I have no "side view" loss of picture. I have seats up to a 150 degree circle of viewing (75 degrees from center on either side) around my DLP with absolutely zero picture quality loss.

Now if you set it too high or too low from a straight on sitting viewing angle, you can run into a little brightness loss there, but the picture is still great.

My model, I bought at $1498 many many months ago.