HDTVs: it's time to Man Up

[dead_poet]

Okay, guys, I'm getting ready to buy my first Man-sized TV. I'm still going back and forth on Plasma vs. LCD but I say #### it. Go big or go home. Surprisingly, the wife agrees! If the one thing we can agree on is a big TV, then I think I have to keep her.

The 2 contenders (ranked in order of preference at this point):

1. Samsung LN52A650 (52" LCD)

2. Panasonic TH-50PZ800U (50" Plasma)

Prices are pretty comparable. I don't have an opinion on Samsung or Panasonic quality. It will be used for sports (primarily Vikings football and golf), movies and some Wii action. They are both listed in Cnet's top 5 and the user reviews are pretty positive. Your thoughts?

Also, if anybody knows of any web sites that you know that you can get a good deal let me know. I'd prefer not to go to Best Buy and get #### raped on the price.

Thanks guys.

[Cliff]

I don't have a flat screen TV of my own yet so take my advice with a grain of salt as the only info I have is what I've read and not personal experience. However, I'll be buying one myself fairly soon and so I've done some research.

If I were you I'd go with the 52" LCD. Not only is it bigger but LCD technology is supposedly better than Plasma. LCD supposedly lasts longer and as Plasma TVs get older they continuously get darker and darker.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Go LCD. Plasmas look good for about 2 years, then they start to fail. Plus LCD limits glare. Some LCD to check out are, Samsung, Sharp, and a Sony Bravia. I have a Bravia. Those are great TVs. Samsungs are good TVs too. It's your choice, but I would stick to an LCD. Just my 2 cents.

[Purple people eater]

Although my flatscreen isnt as big as what you are looking for I have to recommend the 52" LCD. I've got a 40" LCD from Samsung and the picture is stunning. I'm really not too familiar with the differences between the Plasma and LCD screens so I made the decision based on personal preference and word of mouth. And all the good feedback from friends and family was that the LCD was the way to go.

[VikingMachine]

I have a 52'' Samsung HDTV and have loved it. No complaints here at all.

[dead_poet]

Thanks guys. So far the LCD has the lead, as I was kind of hoping. Until somebody chimes in and swears by their plasma. That's happened to me a couple of times with some friends, which makes me re-think the whole damn thing.

Anybody know of any good, reliable web sites where you get can some good deals?

Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming.

[dead_poet]

I have a 52'' Samsung HDTV and have loved it. No complaints here at all.

It doesn't drag at all when watching football does it? I've heard that there can be some lag on LCDs but it's gotten much better.

[jackal]

I have a LCD 1080 37 inch and it has no drag at all.

they may have had that problem orginally but not now.

[Kansas Viking]

It doesn't drag at all when watching football does it? I've heard that there can be some lag on LCDs but it's gotten much better.

Make sure it has a high refresh rate and you will be fine.

[MWNANCe]

I have the Panasonic...DirectTV Sunday Ticket and it looks great.. add the HD and its amazing

[Demi]

I have a plasma, and a smaller LCD and no problems on either. Only issue is the viewing angle on the plasma. Not sure if that is an issue on the flat screen newer models though. Otherwise either way I have no problem with either. I think biggest issue is plasma being slightly cheaper. If you're not worried, or want the best I think I'd go with LCD, I've had literally nothing to complain about.

[NDVikeFan]

42 inch Panasonic plasma with HD Direct TV receiver. I wouldn't trade ether one for anything. The only advice i have is make sure you have enough room between your tv and couch. I think for a 42" tv they recommend 8 ft of space but i could be wrong. I am sure there is a chart somewere. I know when i bought my TV i had to rearrange my room as i was too close.

[WichitaKSViking]

My vote is for the LCD and Samsung is just behind Sony right now on quility... The plasma like mentioned has huge glare issues. Also if you can find one with the 120hrz refresh rate you will not have lag that is elite right now... But anyways LCD baby!!!!

[dead_poet]

Thankfully the one I'm looking at has 120 Hz refresh rate, so it sounds like I won't have any dragging or blurring issues.

Does the kind of cables you buy make a difference? I've read that it can, but maybe that's just if you purchase a Blu-ray player.

I think my mind is made up. I'm going for option #1 there, the 52" Samsung LCD. Now I just gotta find a good deal. I've seen it for pretty cheap online, but from web sites I haven't heard of before and don't necessarily trust. Again, if anybody knows of a good one that they've had a good experience with, please let me know. Right now I'm looking at purchasing here: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... ite_search

[jackal]

Does the kind of cables you buy make a difference? I've read that it can, but maybe that's just if you purchase a Blu-ray player.

Yes they do? Do you have satelite? Cable

I would just contact them and make sure you have the right hook for HDTV and you should be fine.