To Plasma or not to plasma... Questions.

[Widowmaker]

Like others here, I would highly recommend that you do not get a plasma, for many of the reasons listed previously. Do you really want to pay for a TV that might just last 10 years? I don't know about you, but if I pay $10k+ for a TV, I would want to it last FOREVER.

Also, next time you go to look at them, run your fingers along the top where the heat vents are. You will notice right away how hot they run, hotter than any other display out there. Imagine the burn-in possibilities...

Lastly, a 50 inch plasma may sound nice on paper but once you hang that sucker on the wall and sit 8-12 feet away from it, you'll be surprised how small it looks, especially considering all the money you spent on it.

[yamdsp-a1]

All valid points, however, I wasn't looking to spend $10K or anywhere near that amount. Hopefully under $3K

I am doing more and more research on the subject. I know a guy who purchased a Panasonic RPTV LCD which he claims is 16" at its widest point for a 50" screen. I am going to look at it this weekend. It is about the same price as the Plasma, weighs about 80lbs and can fit on top of my stereo cabinet - this how he has it set up. That covers a lot of my bases, so it could be a real contender. I am curious how it is effected by ambient light and if there is any glare on the screen.

The plasma is still the front runner though. I don't mind if it runs hot, and it seems to me, the technology has evolved to compensate for the earlier burn in problems, and the black levels are much improved over earlier iterations. I don't really want to hang it on the wall but it would look pretty good in my living room. As will the RPTV.

The search and saga continues....

Yam

[topspeed]

All valid points, however, I wasn't looking to spend $10K or anywhere near that amount. Hopefully under $3K

I am doing more and more research on the subject. I know a guy who purchased a Panasonic RPTV LCD which he claims is 16" at its widest point for a 50" screen. I am going to look at it this weekend. It is about the same price as the Plasma, weighs about 80lbs and can fit on top of my stereo cabinet - this how he has it set up. That covers a lot of my bases, so it could be a real contender. I am curious how it is effected by ambient light and if there is any glare on the screen.

The plasma is still the front runner though. I don't mind if it runs hot, and it seems to me, the technology has evolved to compensate for the earlier burn in problems, and the black levels are much improved over earlier iterations. I don't really want to hang it on the wall but it would look pretty good in my living room. As will the RPTV.

The search and saga continues....

Yam

Dunno about the Panny but I watched the Rose Bowl on a friend's new Sony 40" lcd (via Dish Network) and it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. When there was a lot of things happening on screen, there was a visible blurring or "ghosting" of the images. They simply weren't very defined. Also, the black level pretty well sucks. This is an inherent problem with lcd's from what I understand (which is very little) and it makes a difference in the contrast levels present. The colors are beautiful and the brightness seem fine but that wierd imaging during the game pretty much nailed the lid shut on LCD's for me. Honestly, it sounds like you're pretty well sold on plasma's anyway.

Good luck

[jgierich]

Speaking as one who has a new model 50" Panasonic, I have absolutely nothing negative to report about it. The Picture blows me and everyone else that sees it away. I did about three months of research before I made my purchase and almost without exception, the Panasonic stood head and shoulders above any other brand. I spent the extra bucks and have it mounted on a Bello Plasma stand and it is an awesome display. Prices have dropped significantly. My total purchase, with the stand was under 7k. I dealt with Visual Apex on the purchase and they were outstanding. I would highly recomend the Pani

[RayBan]

Well there is no denying that a CRT will give a better black level...
Iam an owner of a plasma (under 3k) and I found that by taking the time to adjust the set with something coperable to the Digital video esentials test disk, Iam able to get a pretty good image. Sure it will never equal a CRT but if you buy it knowing that it's not a big deal. I also can tell you that the better quality cable youuse the better the picture as well Component being a good picture
As far as life of the TV? Considering how incredible the strides in technology are and the track record of EVERY peice of equipment I ever owned, I'm not going to stress over this TV lasting 10 years. IMAGINE what we will be talking about in 10 years! I'm sure it will get me happily thru 5+ years

[jgierich]

[QUOTE=RayBan]Well there is no denying that a CRT will give a better black level...
The Panasonic boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio and even if that is an overstatement, I have NEVER seen a better, crisper more clear picture than what this monitor produces. I swear that at times during the Superbowl, like when the overhead camera was used, I felt like I was on the field. I do agree that I could care less if I get over 10 years with this, as I can imagine watching true holographic imaged Tv within the next decade.

[yamdsp-a1]

Which TV under $3K did you go with?

I saw the 50" LCD RPTV. It was pretty good. I was actually very impressed. Also, I think with a proper calibration, the TV would be pretty amazing. I could see myself owning that TV, no problems at all. However, I am still pretty curious about the plasmas and I have nto exhausted my research yet, ao I apprecaite the information.

Thanks for your input.

Yam

[jeskibuff]

Which TV under $3K did you go with?

Hey Yam...I just checked out that Visual Apex site that jgierich referred to. They have a 42" Panasonic EDTV on sale right now for $2745 (expect somewhere around $100 shipping). This doesn't come with the stand, although it's pictured with one. Also, note the contrast ratio is now at 4000:1. Worth checking out, in my opinion.

Edit: correction...their cheapest shipping runs $195