05-29-2008, 02:06 AM
Advice:
1) Don't buy a plasma. Buy an LCD. Plasma TVs are slowing being phased out now that large panel LCDs are possible and economical to produce. LCDs use less electricity, and "burn in" is not as big of an issue.
2) 720p vs 1080p not really an issue anymore. Most sets under 42" are still 720p and most over 42"+are 1080p. Avoid any set that is 1080i native. That is a real oddball.
3) Brand does matter, but so does the model #. Sony, Samsung, Pioneer, Panasonic, makes some great sets. They also make some mediocre ones. Research each model you are considering. Even top end sets have been known to have issues. For example some of Sony's XBRs (top of the line) had clouding issues last year.
4) Feature buzzword of the year: 120hz processing. Basically its suppose to make fast horizontal action smoother. It was only on the high end sets last year. It's made its way to the mid-end sets this year. It can be great, it can be nothing, it can make the picture look worse. Like everything its all in the engineering so don't let the spec "wow" you alone.
1) Don't buy a plasma. Buy an LCD. Plasma TVs are slowing being phased out now that large panel LCDs are possible and economical to produce. LCDs use less electricity, and "burn in" is not as big of an issue.
2) 720p vs 1080p not really an issue anymore. Most sets under 42" are still 720p and most over 42"+are 1080p. Avoid any set that is 1080i native. That is a real oddball.
3) Brand does matter, but so does the model #. Sony, Samsung, Pioneer, Panasonic, makes some great sets. They also make some mediocre ones. Research each model you are considering. Even top end sets have been known to have issues. For example some of Sony's XBRs (top of the line) had clouding issues last year.
4) Feature buzzword of the year: 120hz processing. Basically its suppose to make fast horizontal action smoother. It was only on the high end sets last year. It's made its way to the mid-end sets this year. It can be great, it can be nothing, it can make the picture look worse. Like everything its all in the engineering so don't let the spec "wow" you alone.