Plasma TV: Best Quality Per $,$$$

[Bo Loo]

If you're going to a black friday sale, don't rely solely on the big box stores that you would expect to carry these (and have to camp out in line for). I got my 32" MAG LCD 2 years ago at of all places Staples for $499. Heck of a deal at the time and still running strong.



My local Staples opened at 6:00 a.m.; I got there at 6:05, was out by 6:20.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Psycareyo,



It has been my experience that Sears, of all places, has the best (least hassle) "price matching" policy around. If they carry that brand, and you can find it advertised for a lower price by another national retailer, they WILL match that price.



I'm also a big fan of 0% limited-term financing. Figure out the # of months you have to pay off, subtract one, divide the total financed by that amount and make monthly payments...with the last payment going in 2 months ahead of time before the interest balloon kicks in.



You go dawg!



TJR

 

[JerryW Gilliland]

As stated before, I find good deals through CNet.com.

Search by model number.

When it comes up, in most cases they give you the a choice of many places that sell that model number and how much it is.

Another way: Google the Brand and model number.

It will give all sorts of places and how much they're selling for.

I like CNet better because I don't have to sift through all the chaf of Google listings.



And the answer to your question about viewing angle:

Plasma is 170 degrees side to side and top to bottom.

Better than LCD and NO sweet spot.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Psycareyo, others,



I know 720p is passe' and that 1080p is the schinizle, but for those not viewing a lot of HD sources, or if you are viewing your large screen from 10' or further away, the following NewEgg offer might be of interest...the price seems good.



A 42" 720p LCD TV for under $500.

 

[Bill V]

Regarding plasma's viewing angle being better than LCD's--Be sure to assess whether that's even important to you. Many entertainment centers are situated in rooms in such a way where the required viewing area never exceeds 90 degrees. People generally don't sit way off to either side and try to watch TV. If that's your situation, throw that factor out of the decision-making process.

 

[Chris Kulbaba]

Good Point Bill, I dont know about others, but if I am not sitting directly in front of a tv, i dont watch it. I think the viewing angle is more of a selling point when using these things for advertising or in stores where they want people to see it from any part of the seating area at a restaurant or something like that.



If you are watching TV at 170o angle, you got better things to spend money on other than a Plasma TV, haha

 

[JerryW Gilliland]

I have a fairly large family room with seating in various parts of the room.

I've had the rear projection type TV back when it was popular.

It had a fairly small "sweet spot" that I couldn't tolerate these days.

My first LCD set, which is now in one of our bedrooms, is viewable only straight on.

When lying in bed, this is a problem and the TV has to be propped in back to lower the angle.

I tend to buy things to fit current and future use.

So my priority is a wide viewing angle and the best possible picture.

My 2008 model 25 inch wide screen Sony Bravia HD LCD unit I have in the kitchen has no sweet spot and is viewable from anywhere in the room. The LCD set I replaced was only viewable from directly in front of it for optimum picture. That's why it's gone now.



Dynamic contrast ratio has improved immensely in the new Samsung 950 series TVs. My new Crutchfield catalog received yesterday has the 950 series LCD with a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio! It will set you back about $3K with free "white glove" shipping for a 46 inch set. Even though I'm not a big fan of LCD, this unit would give it the black levels I like with the Plasma sets. And with a 178 degree viewing angle, it's definitely the TV for the future. Here's a link if you're interested: