Flat Screen TV - Looking for a 50"+

[HarryD]

Our Toshiba Rear Projection TV died yesterday and the repair kid is telling us that it will cost $700+ to fix it and we would need to wait 8+ weeks for them to get the failed parts rebuilt.

At that cost, I would prefer to get a newer Flat Screen (about 50"). I am thinking a 1080p format and would prefer a plasma.

Does anyone have any recommendations? The repair guy suggested we stick with a Mitsubishi or LG based on the few times he needs to come out to service them. He said the Samsungs are not bad but mostly due to the low intial cost as he sees them more often than the Mitsui or LG.

Thanks!

[MAS956]

I'm looking hard at this Pioneer Kuro. "Only" 720p but getting great reviews:

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-kuro-pdp-5080/4505-6482_7-32476901.html

[alf]

Got a 52' Sharp Aquos LCD, very happy with it.

[alf]

on sale... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8511318&productCategoryId=abcat0101001&type=product&tab=1&id=1186005751234#productdetail

[schamp]

I went with a LCD Sharp Aquos and love it. Same deal as you. Big projection when out and didn't even try and fix it.
Now is a great time to buy. The stores have to pay tax on anything in the store at first of the year. Besides the sale price they might even negotiate.
If you are going to have the tv in a dark room plasma might work. If the room has lots of windows you will have a glare issue.
HD on a LCD will knock you socks off. Unreal.

[mjshira]

Sony XBR 52, great product

[gr8fl4porsche]

I had Mitsubishi since the early 90's - no issues.

Now have a Mit 46" LCD - awesome picture at a price.

[Moses]

I did extensive research and side-by-side testing. I bought a Pioneer 1080p. I'm very happy with it.

[BGCarrera32]

Sharp Aquos, uses 3M Vikuiti film in the set which enhances clarity and brings a brighter picture.

[silverc4s]

Look at the contrast ratio, that is the diffference between the brightest white and the darkest black the screen can display. Also the maximum brightness is important.

I looked at them all & bought a 40" Samsung. It and Sony had the best specs + best picture IMHO... That was the max sizre for my room - it's perfect.

Happy hunting.

[red-beard]

I was at Costco yesterday and they had 1080p 50" plasma for $2499, with a 2 year extended warranty. The Sharp Aquos had the best picture of anything there.

[nostatic]

pioneer kuro. If you want to spend less, panasonic 58x700u. LCD if you have bad glare issues, otherwise the kuro will bury any LCD.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by mjshira

Sony XBR 52, great product

+1

[HarryD]

Well, I chatted with a friend yesterday and he sent me to a different shop that specializes in component level repair. Based on my phone conversation with them today, I may get my existing set repaired for about $300. At that price, I'll keep my set and wait until the HD TV stuff settles down.

My current set is HD Ready and while not the ultimate, to my old tired eyes it is probably ok. I'll let you know if I got off cheap.

[mjshira]

My Dad is nearly blind in one eye and has macular degeneration. He was here of Christmas and it was the first time he could follow TV in great while. With sub titles and HD I could see him enjoying movies again.

[jbripps]

I'm a Panasonic fan too....I have last year's 50" which I've had for 14 issue free months. I'm not sure why there is so much hype on the 1080p's right now.....there is not one station that broadcasts in 1080p.....not one. And it will be a few years before they do. And the technology and prices will be soooo much better in a few more years...just like the 1080i's now. I know there are some dvds that will look as clear as the store images, but i don't watch dvds, so I didn't care. My tv can now be had for under 1200 bucks....a absolute steal for a fantastic picture with a great kuality tv.

Just my 2 cents.....pano picture is tough to beat for that price.

J

[ZOA NOM]

Stay away from plasma. Get DLP, preferably three discreet color chips. Prices will plummet for the current "bulb" type sets when the newer LED based DLP's come out. I have a 70" 1080i JVC that is spectacular. I have replaced two bulbs in three years, however. Both were warranteed, but the next one is on me, for about $250. Watching NFL games in HD on 70" makes that a trivial issue.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by ZOANAS

Stay away from plasma.

Why? Just asking.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Moses

Why? Just asking.

Because the DLP and LCD marketing says so

[Jandrews]

You know, I am in the market for a 55"+ TV and I have had a local, VERY well respected, high-end AV guy tell me to go DLP as well. He said they have a better picture. Based on their prices (for the really large sizes), I was getting excited about getting a huge TV with superior picture for a great price, and began selling the idea to my wife. The problem is, as we started looking at TV's as Costco, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Best Buy, etc...my wife kept saying "but the Plasma's have a much better picture than the DLP's" I kept arguing with her that no...the xyz guy said the DLP's have the best picture in the larger sizes. But then, after about two or three times of this discussion with my wife, I came to the same conclusion. The big Plasma's look BETTER than the DLP's. No doubt about it. Plus their angle viewing is far superior. To say the least, I am confused, but it is plasma for me right now, probably a 58" Panasonic.

JA