which to buy? I am looking to buy a 40 inch HD tv to replace our dinosaur. We do not want to spend a lot of money and are very low tech people. We watch mostly movies and nature shows-- no sports. I read good reviews about the Panasonic 42'' 720 plasma as well as the Sony Bravia EX 400 series 40 inch LCD. I realize that one is Plasma and one is LCD but they are similarly priced and don't know how to go about making a choice. Can anyone help? which to buy? I am looking to buy a 40 inch HD tv to replace our dinosaur. We do not want to spend a lot of money and are very low tech people. We watch mostly movies and nature shows-- no sports.... » Read More which to buy? I am looking to buy a 40 inch HD tv to replace our dinosaur. We do not want to spend a lot of money and are very low tech people. We watch mostly movies and nature shows-- no sports. I read good reviews about the Panasonic 42'' 720 plasma as well as the Sony Bravia EX 400 series 40 inch LCD. I realize that one is Plasma and one is LCD but they are similarly priced and don't know how to go about making a choice. Can anyone help? « Show Less
1588042
Thanks for your response, but what is 1080p content? Are tv shows? THe difference between the two sets is approximately $40.
1436211
There are hundreds of reasons that could go either way. But for you in particular, since movies and nature shows are what you'll be using it for primarily, it will depend on two things. How bright is your room? Will you be watching content in 1080p. If you have a bright room, I'd say go with the LCD. Brighter and anti-glare screen. Darker room, no 1080p, then go with the plasma. I'm assuming the plasma is cheaper though. If they're the same price the Sony is a better buy.
561930
I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the prices on things like the panasonic or the better HDTV sets comes down to the point where it is more affordable. I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the... » Read More I know I am going to get blasted for this. I personally think that as far as Blu-Ray standalones that this player is the best option available. That being said investing over $400 in one of these when you don't have an HDMI V1.3 display (1080p/24p) is just plain insane as you are spending a whole bunch of extra money with technology that you won't use until you upgrade your set/projector. I would go with a Toshiba A3 which has 720p/1080i capabilities and costs a whopping $118.49 shipped. If nothing else the price difference is significant enough that you could make use of it until the prices on things like the panasonic or the better HDTV sets comes down to the point where it is more affordable. « Show Less
858017
I am in your exact same boat. From what I have read the XBR6 has a better processor at 10bit rather than 8but. I can't explain the lingo people said but they said it makes some difference. The data link thing is garbage. I have a feeling Sony realized they were not moving a lot of these units and started packaging them at places like Sam's and Costco where they only sell 4-5 52 inch TV's and people would think hey are getting a bonus with the Sony. I am leaning towards the XBR6 becuase the & is about to be released and it shoudl drive down the 6's price. I saw it last week on Amazon for 2250. I hope in January when I make my move it is even less. What is keeping me thinking about the Costco one is the three year free warranty with use of an AMEX card. Paying tax is annoying but peace of mind is priceless. okay I looked up for you what I read about 10 but vs 8 bit The KDL-52W140 has an 8 bit screen capable of only reproducing 72% of the NTSC color range. If you plan on watching Blue Ray DVDs or the emerging broadcasted 1080p movie channels, then consider that the Sony KDL-52XBR6 is a 10 bit screen. A 10 bit screen can reproduce 1 billion color gradations. The XBR will not produce color banding as the KDL-52WL140. You also get support for x.v.Color and Deep Color, the ability of the XBR to reproduce the full color spectrum captured on film and available via Blue Rays.
510208
It was the combination of the reviews plus the low-ball price that made the Panasonic so appealing. But at the 75% premium in the price that I'm seeing today, I'd be inclined to take a pass. Also, Amazon's introduction to consumer TV technology is better than most, and they do offer some opinions and recommendations. At this point, they definitely favor LCD technology over plasma or LED, which is not to deny the advantages of either in certain categories. One factor that's sometimes overlooked with plasma is the extra weight. Perhaps not applicable to many consumers, but if you have thoughts of moving or hanging it, the trend now is to thin and light. It was the combination of the reviews plus the low-ball price that made the Panasonic so appealing. But at the 75% premium in the price that I'm seeing today, I'd be inclined to take a pass. Also, Amazon's introduction to consumer TV technology is better than most, and they do offer some opinions and recommendations. At this point, they definitely favor LCD technology over plasma or LED, which is not to deny the advantages of either in certain categories. One factor that's sometimes overlooked with plasma is the extra weight. Perhaps not applicable to many consumers, but if you have... » Read More It was the combination of the reviews plus the low-ball price that made the Panasonic so appealing. But at the 75% premium in the price that I'm seeing today, I'd be inclined to take a pass. Also, Amazon's introduction to consumer TV technology is better than most, and they do offer some opinions and recommendations. At this point, they definitely favor LCD technology over plasma or LED, which is not to deny the advantages of either in certain categories. One factor that's sometimes overlooked with plasma is the extra weight. Perhaps not applicable to many consumers, but if you have thoughts of moving or hanging it, the trend now is to thin and light. « Show Less
985887
Hi,I ended up going with the LG 50PX950 plasma, this is my first plasma and so far I really like it.I haven't been able to try the 3d yet, as my glasses were on back order and finally shipped yesterday.Like I previously mentioned, I really did like this TV except for the ghosting issues.
1603870
I actually deliver these tvs for amazon all day long. i have delivered and set up all the brands from the Samsungs to the Sharps to the Toshibas to the Pioneer. I have seen and operated all of the tvs, including the very heavy 60inch plasmas. First it deends on what ur using your tv for. The plasmas are very nice but do have a glare during the daylight or any light for that matter. my personal favorite along with 85% of the tvs i deliver are the Samsungs. Let let me tell u a secret. If you have no intentions on up grading your cable to HD and switching all your components to an HDMI plug it really wont matter what you buy the picture will not be as crisp as that with an HDMI. And the larger the TV honestly the further back you need to be. A 52inch tv is huge for just about any room. Samsung is very user friendly and the remote is simple to operate. Plasmas are the heavier and more sensitive tv. Samung is a great tv along with sony bravia and followed by the Sharp, Toshibas are just okay. They just dont look as classy as the othr three and not as simple to use. This is just my opinion, but like i say I deliver and set up these tvs all day long for Amazon.
1372025
Thanks for the info - unfortunately, and go figure - our very expensive and only 3 y/o plasma tv just died. Fortunately, we bought the extended warranty but still have no tv. Hopefully this will be resolved in the very near future - keep me posted for any other deals.
1930302
I only see the TH-42PZ8OU for $1100 at Sears - maybe it's different in the store itself.I went all out and got the 46' 1080p plasma for $1050 on Amazon last week. Now THAT was a good deal.
759412
I currently have the A3 for my 40" 1080i Samsung LCD. I also picked up a new A35 from Best Buy for $150. Now I have a back up/player, If I decide to upgrade to a 1080p TV. Go online to bestbuy.com, see if the stores in your area have any available. If they do, then run! At this price they're going very fast.Remember the five free movie rebate is still going, you have until 2/28.
2042079
I was originally going to purchase this set at the grand opening of Ultimate Electronics on Black Friday to replace on old Panasonic plasma (I accidentally broke the HDMI connection) , so I already know how great the Panasonic plasma is (my mom's LCD doesn't look half as good, IMHO). I knew that they were cheaper at Sear. But the salesuy wouldn't give me a better offer, so he lost a sale, and I ended up purchasing this set for $649.99 (My old Panasonic 37" plasma was originally purchase for $3,000 at Circuit City). Glad I got up early with the crowds on Black Friday, because this set has gone up on price since then. I was originally going to purchase this set at the grand opening of Ultimate Electronics on Black Friday to replace on old Panasonic plasma (I accidentally broke the HDMI connection) , so I already know how great the Panasonic plasma is (my mom's LCD doesn't look half as good, IMHO). I knew that they were cheaper at Sear. But the salesuy wouldn't give me a better offer, so he lost a sale, and I ended up purchasing this set for $649.99 (My old Panasonic 37" plasma was originally purchase for $3,000 at Circuit City). Glad I got up early with the crowds on Black Friday, because this set... » Read More I was originally going to purchase this set at the grand opening of Ultimate Electronics on Black Friday to replace on old Panasonic plasma (I accidentally broke the HDMI connection) , so I already know how great the Panasonic plasma is (my mom's LCD doesn't look half as good, IMHO). I knew that they were cheaper at Sear. But the salesuy wouldn't give me a better offer, so he lost a sale, and I ended up purchasing this set for $649.99 (My old Panasonic 37" plasma was originally purchase for $3,000 at Circuit City). Glad I got up early with the crowds on Black Friday, because this set has gone up on price since then. « Show Less
1930299
You know i just realized this is a forum for the 720p model - I already have a 720p hdtv and I'm actually looking at the 1080p model. Looking for that one to drop another $100 (hint hint Amazon) before I jump in to get one.
165402
I loved every second of my tv before I sold it, the thing that sucks with plasma is day light but at night it's crazy clear and looks like an lcd/led picture quality..... I bought the TV BC I'm a gamer, if u really want that crystal quality then tbh save that 8 Hundo spend another 5 and get the new 4k, plasma they stopped making this year it's a dead TV market finally, plasma a also tend to buzz more but there was nothing bad about the TV at all I bought it for 650 at best buy
371457
Stay away from Abe. They are dishonest and will rip you off. Better to buy it from a legitimate retailer or better yet wait a little while and see if prices will drop more. Since the new panasonic plasmas were announced last week this line will get replaced very soon.
481515
gt 25 better deal if you can get a deal on the vt series go for it, higher reviews but i will not spend 500.00 more wait till end of january 2011 prices will drop and there will be alot of promotions free glasses and also blue ray players. i recently purchased a toshiba 46 wx 800 led 3 d tv from amazon for my bedroom, free glasses 3 d and blue ray player 1,200.00 excellent tv toshiba are under rated too me there piture is same as samsung lg sony god bless vito
1341299
Is this TV capable of "24p"? I'm not sure what that is, but it supposedly improves the picture quality, so, and Panasonic just introduced this kick-ass BD player, which I would sooo consider buying after I get a new TV, since my 3-year old LCD (Dynex) totally stopped working about a month ago...(I'm using my gramma's 14" DTV for now, would upgrade yesterday, but I'll be w/o the necessary cash probably for another 8+ months...). Thanks.
430736
Interesting comments. If the wiki article is right, TCL isn't such a "no name" brand after all - I live in the midwest and I have heard of RCA. They were a lot bigger in the days when tube tv's were really big, they sorta got quiet in the LCD/plasma revolution. But anyway, if TCL == RCA, I might end up choosing this TV. Target & BB have a Samsung this size on Black Fri for 328$, and it looks like Toshibas and Samsungs this size in general are the deal at 320ish this year - an extra fifty bucks off for the TCL is almost enough for a bluray player to go with it on Black Fri (yep, really). =) Interesting comments. If the wiki article is right, TCL isn't such a "no name" brand after all - I live in the midwest and I have heard of RCA. They were a lot bigger in the days when tube tv's were really big, they sorta got quiet in the LCD/plasma revolution. But anyway, if TCL == RCA, I might end up choosing this TV. Target & BB have a Samsung this size on Black Fri for 328$, and it looks like Toshibas and Samsungs this size in general are the deal at 320ish this year - an extra fifty bucks off for the TCL is almost enough for a bluray player to go with it on Black Fri (yep,... » Read More Interesting comments. If the wiki article is right, TCL isn't such a "no name" brand after all - I live in the midwest and I have heard of RCA. They were a lot bigger in the days when tube tv's were really big, they sorta got quiet in the LCD/plasma revolution. But anyway, if TCL == RCA, I might end up choosing this TV. Target & BB have a Samsung this size on Black Fri for 328$, and it looks like Toshibas and Samsungs this size in general are the deal at 320ish this year - an extra fifty bucks off for the TCL is almost enough for a bluray player to go with it on Black Fri (yep, really). =) « Show Less
1720451
Hello I own the p50st30 and am an avid gamer, and I also ran the slides as well for the first 100 hours, I wouldn't even say that is necessary, but I am overly cautious when it comes to expensive toys and investments. Burn-in was a problem with some plasmas in the early 2000's after hours and hours of static images being displayed, but technology has advanced so much and panasonic has especially made an effort to fix this that I wouldn't even think twice about burn in. My friend owns a 2008 panasonic plasma and a few times he will see residual images faintly from long gaming sessions that dissapear instantly when he turns it back on or changes the screen, it also had some white slides that came with the tv settings that could be run to eliminate any apparent "burn in". Plasma offer much better picture quality at a much better value than led or lcd, it is too bad that soo many people have been scared off by burn-in stories from early generations of plasmas, they are truly excellent tvs. I would definately stick with the st30 over an LCD you wont regret it.