Help Me Decide on A Flat-Screen TV! (LCD v. Plasma)

[DigDug]

After many, many years with my old 26 incher, I want to buy an HD tv. I've done some research online and by visiting those of my friends that have either plasma or LCD tvs, and I just got back from Best Buy, and I feel as if I'm more confused than ever. It seems that there is no clear winner. Basically, I want to buy a 42" (or there abouts) and have narrowed my search down to the Panasonic plasma on the one hand and either a Sharpe (Aquos) or Samsung LCD on the other. I am leaning towards the LCDs as the color saturation seems brighter and, from what I've read, the LCD technology has or will surpass plasma soon. What are your thoughts, generally, and with respect to the brands I referred to above? They say there are very few native 1080p plasmas, but does this make a difference considering no one broadcasts in 1080p yet, anyway? Is it wise to go for an LCD with 1080p so that I'm looking to the future? I've also read that plasmas are more fragile, but is this only marginal? Finally, the one big thing I'm concerned with is the refresh rates with LCDs -- to tell the truth, I could not tell much of a difference btw plasma and LCD in respect of this at the store. (But I don't have a trained eye.)

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[aphex]

I was never a huge fan of LCD's, until i saw the new sony's.... I was amazed...

 

[Jack Ryan]

I went with an LCD for a few reasons, but #1 in my book was I HATED the glass on the front of the plasmas. I always had an issue with glare when I watched one. LCD's don't have that problem.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

The current generation of LCD hitting the market now (Sharp, Mitsubishi, Sony, LG, Samsung) are amazing. I'm watching a 46" Mits right now. Other than price, there is no reason to buy a plasma anymore.

 

[Viper0329]

My parents just bought a 46" Samsung LCD. It's absolutely gorgeous. After seeing an LCD, I prefer it much more over anything with a glossy screen (ie - plasma). No glare is soooo great.

Honestly, I can't see the need for 1080p as of now or the immediate future. The material I've viewed at 720p/1080i is simply stunning. But if it's in your price range, 1080p wouldn't hurt.

 

[doze]

Check out some of the non major brand LCD'slike Olevia, Westinghouse, Viewsonic. Almost the same quality of the major brands but cost much less. The off brand plasmas are pretty crappy.

1080P would be nice to have if you are getting a HD-DVD player I guess but your cable box will output 720P or 1080i, and OTA HDTV is the same.

 

[RaistlinZ]

I prefer plasma. LCD tv's always look a bit grainy to me, and the depth of color doesn't look as good or as smooth as on a plasma.

 

[jpeyton]

I'd go 1080P LCD just for PC connectivity. Getting a PC to look good on a plasma takes a lot more work.