In the market for an HD TV

[Paintedeyes]

So my dad is in the market for an HD TV. it's really tough to decided which one and if it should be LCD or Plasma. I know LCD has been improving a lot and people say LCD is the way to go. but Plasma still have the better picture and it is getting better with the whole screen burn problem. We are looking for around 50 inch full HD. Pretty much the best tv money can buy. We want to watch blue ray movies on it and of course play some games on it and hopefully watch regular HD TV. Are there any suggestion to what TV to look into? and if it should be LCD or Plasma for that size. Thanks.

 

[Tiamat]

To my eyes, the Pioneer Kuro 1080P plasmas are the best picture. For ANY TV you go with, you need to get it professionally calibrated to get the most out of it.

 

[Paintedeyes]

what is this calibration you speak of? what do they have to do

 

[Shadowknight]

Pro calibration runs about $275 + travel costs. They spend 2+ hours changing values in a hidden "service menu" not findable by a normal person. They use a computer with a $1500-$10000 device to accuractely read the colors the TV is putting out througha test pattern and they make adjustments as necessary to reach the "D6500" color standard. Worth it, IMHO. Just run your TV for at least 100 hours before getting it calibrated to get through the "break-in" period. There are calibrators all over, but LionAV.com has a pretty good rep.

 

[Paintedeyes]

oh wow i did not know this, that is really helpful, thank you. but should I be looking for a Plasma for a 50 inch tv?

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
To my eyes, the Pioneer Kuro 1080P plasmas are the best picture. For ANY TV you go with, you need to get it professionally calibrated to get the most out of it.

ISF calibration on anything but an Elite voids your Pioneer warranty. The Elite also offer better control for ISF calibration. I'd recommend the Pioneer 5010FD (1080p 50"), and do a manual calibration on it. The PQ will look fantastic and your warranty will still be intact. If you are VERY anal about your PQ (like I am), you can go with shear perfection and get the Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD and have it ISF calibrated. The cost will be considerably more than the 5010FD set up, so you'll have to ask yourself, "is the picture good enough for me?" The 5010FD is THE best 50" HDTV out now, only bested by the Elite model. So even if you settle go for the 5010FD, I'm sure you'll be VERY satisfied with the PQ on the set. It is an AMAZING set!

 

[Shadowknight]

Originally posted by: Paintedeyes
oh wow i did not know this, that is really helpful, thank you. but should I be looking for a Plasma for a 50 inch tv?

If you get a plasma, you need to run it for at least 100 hours before getting it calibrated. It's the "break in" period. Also, keep the screen in zoom mode and keep from watching things with still images (such as having the CNN logo in the bottom of the screen). The chances of burn-in will go down after this period, though it's not completely eliminated.

 

[spidey07]

All of this talk about technologies - most important question:

What is your viewing distance?