OK, so Best Buy is having a 3 year no interest deal for TV's above $999.00. So since that is basically someone giving you a free TV I think I am going to break down and finally enter the HD world. But I need help, I have heard a lot of different opinions, so I assume there is a bunch of people on here who have already done the research that I could pull from.

I am thinking of buying a 52" Plasma or LCD and I do not know which way to go and after that which TV is best. I am looking in the 1000 - 2000 dollar range, obviously I would like to keep it as cheap as possible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

neither

get DLP

Can you give some reasons why please

http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,240036500,00.htm

My parents just picked up a vv sick 60" Pioneer so they can watch Charger games in better clarity. I think I'm going to follow suit soon and get myself one.

Thanks SoCal, that was a really good article, very informative.

the last time my parents bought a new tv for a sports reason, it was for the 1981 super bowl with the Eagles in it. the new tv did not help.

here's are a few links that include info on DLP vs. LCD vs. Plasma

http://www.abtelectronics.com/about/DLP_LCD_Plasma.php3

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6213889-1.html

Best Buy used to have a great explanation of the three, but I can't seem to find it anymore

iv always been told lcd was the way to go with best picture quality and last longest buti cant vouch for the sales ppl they clda been playing me

This one looks pretty good after about 20 minutes of looking, I'm going to keep looking, but anyone have any info on this model.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1169512522269

Well I have

Plasma = 1
LCD = 1
DLP = 1

I got a 42" HP Plasma a little over a year ago on a similar deal at Best Buy, I haven't had any problems with it. I know some people say plasma's can get an image burned in it but my parents have had one for about 3 years with no problems at all.

burn in with plasmas occurs very early on, the longer they last the less of a chance it will happen

I went with DLP since I mostly watch sports, movies, and play video games on it. It has the best refresh rate of the three although the picture clarity is a shade below plasma.

For over 50" you should go plasma.

win one from sony

From Consumer Reports..... (edit.....saw the date on this as February, 2006)

TV types: Weigh pros, cons, and prices

High-definition (HD) TVs come in all shapes and sizes. You'll find everything from flat-panel LCD displays and plasma TVs that can be mounted on a wall to jumbo rear-projection sets and the familiar picture-tube TVs. Each type has its pros and cons, and there are vast differences in price. Here's what you need to know:

LCD TVs
Like flat-panel computer displays, these thin sets have a backlight and thousands of red, green, and blue pixels that open or close to let light through, creating colorful images.

Quick take: Trendy flat screens with decent picture quality, but larger screen sizes are more expensive than other types of TVs.

Common screen sizes: 23 to 45 inches. Manufacturers have showcased sets as large as 82 inches.

Typical selling prices: About $1,000 to $1,500 for a 26-inch wide-screen set; $1,200 to $2,000 for a similar 32-inch model; $2,000 to $2,500 for a 37-inch set; $3,000 and up for 40-inch-plus screens.

Pros: Thin and light. Can be wall-mounted. The best are capable of displaying bright, detailed images. Some new 1080p models have excellent overall picture quality. Antireflective screen minimizes glare from bright light. No risk of burn-in of static images.

Cons: Price goes up sharply as screens get bigger. Most sets can't display deepest black or distinguish subtle shades of gray and black. Fast-moving images may blur. Image may dim as you angle away from center of screen, especially up and down. Long-term reliability not yet known, but our initial data indicate low rate of repairs during the first year of use for several major brands.

Plasma HDTVs
Flat-panel, big-screen TVs with thousands of red, green, and blue pixels that are energized by "plasma"; these work somewhat like fluorescent lights, creating very bright images.

Quick take: Big, bright screens with a real wow factor.

Common screen sizes: 42 to 60 inches. Manufacturers have shown sets as large as 103 inches.

Typical selling prices: About $2,500 to $3,000 for a 42-inch set, $3,500 to $4,500 for a 50-incher. Enhanced-definition (ED) sets that can display a lower-quality version of HD broadcasts cost hundreds less.

Pros: Thin and light enough to be wall-mounted. The best are capable of displaying excellent images with high brightness and contrast and crisp detail. No limit on viewing angle. Bigger sizes are cheaper than LCD TVs of comparable size.

Cons: Shiny surface can produce distracting reflections in bright lighting. Brightness may dim over time. Fixed items displayed for long periods can leave ghosted image. Some sets don't include speakers or a tuner. Long-term reliability not yet known, but our initial data indicate low rate of repairs during the first year of use for several major brands.

Rear-projection microdisplays
Newer, pricier big-screen sets, most of which use LCD, DLP, or LCoS technology. Cabinets are about 15 to 19 inches deep, slimmer than older CRT-based sets (see below).

Quick take: Comparative slimness makes them an attractive big-screen alternative.

Common screen sizes: 47 to 70 inches.

Typical selling prices: $2,200 to $3,000 for a 50-inch LCD- or DLP-based set; $5,000 to $6,000 for a 65-inch DLP set.

Pros: Thinner and lighter than CRT-based projection sets. No risk of burn-in of static images.

Cons: Image on some sets may dim as you angle away from center of screen. May need to replace the lamp ($200 or more) during the life of the set. Not as good as plasma sets at displaying deep blacks. With DLP models, some viewers may be bothered by the rainbow effect--perceived flashes of color when you move your eyes along the edges of bright objects displayed on a dark background. Reliability not yet known, but initial data show that they have been much more repair-prone than other types of TVs during the first year of use.

Rear-projection (CRT-based) HDTVs
Jumbo sets that beam images onto a screen from three small CRTs inside.

Quick take: The lowest-cost big screens, but they're space hogs.

Common screen sizes: 47 to 60 inches.

Typical selling prices: About $1,000 for a 51-inch set.

Pros: Low price, wide selection, plentiful features.

Cons: Picture quality ranks lowest overall among all TV types. Big, bulky, and heavy--more than two feet deep and 200 pounds for largest. Image may dim as you angle away from center of screen. Shiny surface can produce annoying reflections. Fixed items displayed for long periods can leave ghosted image. Have been much more repair-prone than picture-tube TVs.

Front projectors
Quick take: A theaterlike experience on a giant screen but be prepared for a potentially complex setup.

Common screen sizes Screen, bought separately, typically 70 to 200 inches. Can use a wall. Projector has 9x12-inch or smaller footprint.

Typical price $1,100 and up for HD projector. Several hundred dollars for screen.

Pros Picture size and characteristics are most like a theater screen's.

Cons Best viewed in dark room. TV tuner and speakers generally not included. Screen affects picture quality and brightness With DLP sets, some viewers may be bothered by the rainbow effect--perceived flashes of color when you move your eyes along the edges of bright objects displayed on a dark background. LCD and LCoS models often cannot render deep black. DLP, LCD, and LCoS sets all require periodic lamp replacement. We have no data on reliability. Professional installation can be costly.

Picture-tube HDTVs
The familiar sets with CRTs (cathode-ray tubes).

Quick take: Still among the best for picture quality, these offer the lowest-cost way to view HDTV, but maximum screen size is limited and sets are bulky.

Common screen sizes: 26 to 36 inches.

Typical selling prices: About $800 for a 32-inch set with a squarish, 4:3 screen; $1,200 for a 34-inch wide-screen, 16:9 model.

Pros: Least expensive type of HDTV. The best have outstanding detail, color, and contrast, and unlimited viewing angle. Mature technology with proven reliability and long life.

Cons: Maximum screen size limited to 36 inches. Bulky, at about 2 feet deep or more. Heavy, with largest sets weighing about 200 pounds.

I bought a 42" plasma 5 years ago for 6k. It is a panasonic and I use it as my computer monitor also. Due to me using it as my computer monitor, it is frequently on and displaying the same image (my desktop). To this day I have experienced ZERO problems with burned in images. And this is with the old tech.

I recently got this http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=s...asin=B000H312RK


(it was cheaper at office depot)

it's very nice so far.

I don't know about plasma..

But LSD did a trip on me, stay away from this unless you can find a sterile environment to hang out in.

I laughed at grass once for 15 minutes...or a week..not sure

I did plasma in my eye once. man, that was hardcore.

Where are you planning on putting the TV?
Basement with little to no natural light I'd recommend Plasma. Main floor, lots of light I'd suggest LCD. LCD doesn't reflect as much glare.


After a couple of months of researching, I bought a 46" 1080p LCD a couple weeks ago:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetai...=&langid=EN

Came with free HD DVR for 4 months, its schaweet.

Its going in a main living area, but there is not direct light on the TV area, the windows are actually in great spots in association to where the sun comes in and the TV loaction.


Also, I amdebating on whether or not to mount it over the Mantle, my mantle is pretty high, about 66" so the botton of the TV will be 6 feet off the ground and my couch is 14" away from the wall. Any thought on if that is too high? My wife wants to put it to the side of the Fireplace where are old 52" big screen projection TV is now. I am 50/50.