Posted by Mike Kujbida on 07/31/07 03:06

Jack P wrote:
> Bob Ford wrote:
>> I am thinking of buying a new HD TV for our family room.
>> Maximum size I can use is about 42" and I am looking at flat panel,
>> both LCD and Plasma.
>>
>> Costco seems to have good pricing on Vizio LCD or Panasonic Viera
>> Plasma.
>> I've read a lot of the pros and cons for both LCD and Plasma.
>> From what I concur it should be 1080 but from there it appears that it
>> is largely a matter of personal choice.
>>
>> Just curious what the consensus of opinion on this group is re: Plasma
>> vs LCD or brands for that matter?
>> Bob Ford
>> Images In Motion
>> www.imagesinmotion.com
>
>
> Personally I'd go Sony or Panasonic and or at least go with Name Brands
> and not no name brands...
>
>
> What I have told people is to bring along a portable SD non HD dvd
> player and cable it to the input of any TV you buy ----
>
> All the Tv stores have gorgeous HD pumped into their TVs on the floor
> and that's great, but you'll still be watching regular tv for a while
> and if that looks like ass --- then you won't be satisfied.
> See how that regular Dvd looks before you buy....



LCDs and plasmas each have their pluses and minuses.
If you want to make your head spin, check out the various forums at
http://www.avsforum.com/
My co-worker has been researching this a lot lately and has decided,
based mainly on positive feedback on the AVS forums, to go with a Sharp
Aquos LCD.

Three things to watch out for.
#1: Make sure you get a 1080p model, not a 1080i or 720p.
#2. Make sure it's 1920 x 1080 resolution.
#3. Make sure it has an built-in ATSC tuner.

Here's a good example of "buyer beware".
Costco has 2 Sharp 46" LCD sets right now.
One is on sale for $1500 ($400 off coupon) and the other one is $2300.
You're first thought is "Wow, 2 46" LCD HDTVs and one is %800 cheaper.
I'll go for that one."
Then you look at the features.

The cheap model:
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Contrast Ratio: 1200:1 (6000:1 dynamic)
Brightness: 450 cd/m2
Response Time: 6ms
Viewing Angles: 176°H x 176°V
HDTV Compatibility: 720P
Tuner: ATSC / QAM / NTSC

The expensive model:
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
Brightness: 450 cd/m2
Response Time: 4ms1
Viewing Angle: 176º H x 176º V
HDTV Compatibility: 1080P
Tuner: ATSC / QAM / NTSC

Hmmm. The more expensive one is true HD res, has a higher contrast
ratio and is 1080p vs. 720 p.
Maybe it's a better buy after all.

Mike

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