Plasma TV

[slightlyhuman]

My parents are getting a 42" plasma TV to put above their fire place in a house their building. I don't know too much about TV's considering the fact that I never watch TV/movies.

It has to be 42" to fit properly but what do you guys suggests for a first time plasma TV? They're not hardcore about it so it doesn't have to be the sickest one on the market.

 

[slightlyhuman]

holy early post batman

 

[Koing]

Panasonic or Pioneer. You can't go wrong with either imo. Or LG/ Samsung. They have decent plasma tv's also. The Pioneer is a 43" though.

Koing

 

[SVT Cobra]

I just saw a commercial for hitachi's new 42 inch...

 

[CTrain]

This is the best advice you will ever get.
Go down to Costco and buy the Vizio for $1299.
Cheapest 42" plasma out there + the protection of buying from Costco.
Return/exchange anytime you want.

 

[avash]

For a plasma and if you're on a budget ....

Panasonic TH42PD60U or TH42PX60U depending on what you will use it for.

TH42PD60U is an EDTV, works great with DVD and SD resolutions. Just remember, it's ED though, so you won't be able to take advantage of HD in the near future.

TH42PX60U is a nice HDTV, I would get this over the EDTV because it's more aesthetically pleasing, HD compatible (up to 1080i), and a good DVD player with upconversion will give you a fairly good DVD playback picture.

Go HD now. In a few years, go true-HD.

 

[Caesar]

Originally posted by: CTrain
This is the best advice you will ever get.
Go down to Costco and buy the Vizio for $1299.
Cheapest 42" plasma out there + the protection of buying from Costco.
Return/exchange anytime you want.

Is that HD or ED?

 

[redgtxdi]

It's true HD..........(err.....well, as true as 720p is, I suppose).


It is a bit washed out compared to other 42" plasmas, but it's hard to beat for the price if you don't really need anything fancy.

I'd still HIGHLY recommend one of the Panasonic units, however. SDTV looks much better on the Panasonic units than almost any other plasma out there. (though no panel HD tv will give you good SDTV). It's about as good as it gets right now.

$1,299 for the Vizio

Circa $2K for the Panny. (Circuit City has typically had the best deal on these 60u Pannys. If it's not below $2K yet you could tell them to wait a little while).


P.S. Note my sig as an HDTV buyer!

P.P.S. www.letitwave.com will make SDTV look MUCH better on future panels, though we're still in the *wait* mode 'til they strike a deal with Faroudja or put 'em in TV's themselves!

 

[microAmp]

I have the Panasonic 42PX60U, I would recommend that.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Do not place the TV over the fire place, that is so tacky and puts a strain on your neck when you sit down and watch.

 

[awolkoff]

Originally posted by: Schfifty Five
Do not place the TV over the fire place, that is so tacky and puts a strain on your neck when you sit down and watch.

+1 on that

 

[jpeyton]

Vizio for the price, Panasonic for the best.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: Schfifty Five
Do not place the TV over the fire place, that is so tacky and puts a strain on your neck when you sit down and watch.

i don't care what they do, it's their house. if that's the case then they will learn that and go from there.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: Schfifty Five
Do not place the TV over the fire place, that is so tacky and puts a strain on your neck when you sit down and watch.

If you say so... I've had my plasmas and LCD's mounted over my fireplace for almost 4 years and I've never once encountered any strain in my neck. As far as tacky... whatever floats your boat. My living room gets gobs of compliments with that setup any time I have company over.

 

[doze]

Get a good tilt and swivel mount

 

[Lyfer]

Get something from Costco (if you like to sleep well at night on $1+k toys). Or get the Panasonic 42" from newegg for $1.3k, its nice but has no HDMI.

 

[0roo0roo]

over the fireplace a little high for viewing height unless u get something insane like a 60+ incher. such a position is more decorative than practical