Plasma TV: Best Quality Per $,$$$

[Carey Frennier]

We have been shopping around for a new TV. We are open to both Plasma and LCD but for the dollar it seems like Plasma is the way to go. We game a lot (Xbox 360) and watch cable TV. We don't really get much for HD channels but we do watch a fair amount of DVD movies. We would like to get a Blue Ray player sometime in the future.



We keep getting mixed recommendations from different sales specialists when we visit Best Buy, Sears, Sam's Club and the like.



According to customer reviews: Quality Only



1) Sony

2) Panasonic / Samsung

3) LG



Samsung seems to be the number one in Quality/Features for the dollar.



The one brand(s) that Best Buy employees seem to really recommend is Panasonic for Plasma units and Samsung for LCD. They really don't have an explanation that I'm happy with.



What's your opinion?

 

[Jenn D]

We recently bought a 40" Sony XBR4 and for the money it is AMAZING. I've found through my TV hunting that BB is very brand loyal to Samsung especially. When we did our research and decided on a Sony, we went to BB to buy it outright. They tried to talk us out of it and into a Samsung. There reason wasn't a good one, they just thought it would be better. So, we bought the Sony and couldn't be happier.



On a side note, my parents did purchase the similar Samsung, and when I compare them, it's like night and day. The color and vibrant picture in the Sony blows them all out of the water.



As for LG - our neighbors bought a new LG back in February. It already has a dark bar running through picture. Since it still "works" and the picture is relatively clear, they don't see it as a warranty issue. Just be warned.

 

[Les]

Samsung seems to be the number one in Quality/Features for the dollar.

You're right on target. I would wait till it gets closer to Christmas. Retail sales are expected to be low and TVs are expected to drop in price after Thanksgiving.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

I know you said you are open to plasma and lcd, but if you truly want the best quality for your dollar you still can't beat the price of DLP.



The rear-projection TV foot-print (depth of cabinet) as dropped due to engineering advancements, and the brightness of these TVs even during daylight is more than acceptable.



Mitsu still has the best DLP TVs IMHO. And they supposedly just came out with their LASER line.



TJR

 

[Steven D]

I recently purchased a Panasonic 50in Plasma from CC. It was on sale for 1200. I didn't think I would be into the HD channels either, but come to find out, if you get an HD cable box you will get quite a few HD channels for free without subscribing to their package.



As for the picture, it is awesome. When first turned on, it made standard cable channels look HD, and the first time I fired up my Xbox, I had a permagrin from ear to ear. I have been shopping and researching HD tv's for over a year, and finally pulled the trigger on the Panasonic. The samsung was a few hundred more, but the picture quality to me, didn't justify the increase in price.



Remember, when you go to buy, you don't just buy the TV, you also purchase the HDMI cables to run from your cable box/satellite to your TV to give you the great quality picture (100 times better than running coax or component), and you will also need an HDMI cable to run from your DVD / Blue Ray player to the TV. If you have a newer X-box that has the HD output slot, you will need an HDMI cable for that as well. These cables will run you about 80 bucks each, minimum.



I also got the protection plan, that was a couple hundred bucks. One last thing I got (CC threw it in for free) was the home calibration. This is where they send their installer out to your house after your or they install the TV, the guy puts something on your screen, and hooks to a laptop and it tells him how to adjust the picture based on the amount of lighting in that room, so you are not running the standard setup from the manufacturer, again, I didn't think it would matter, and after watching the TV before and after the calibration, well, it made a huge difference. CC charged $120 for this service, but I was able to negotiate them throwing in for free.



One other thing to consider, if you are going to hang on wall, there are more pieces that need to be purchased. if you are going to put on stand, you might need to purchase a stand.



Just some things to think about.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Steven,



HDMI cables shouldn't cost that much. Buy inexpensive ones. It's a digital signal. If you get a picture with a cheap HDMI cable then that picture will be of the same quality as an HDMI cable that costs 10x more.



BTW, Circuit City declared bankruptcy, or so was reported on the news today. That's been coming for a while.



TJR

 

[Dave S 2]

Panasonic TH-42PZ80U



TV Price: $848.96

Coupon Code AFL5 5% OFF: -$42.45

Final Price: $806.51

 

[Jenn D]

Ditto on TJR's comment about the HDMI cables. You really don't need an expensive (Monster) cable. Run of the mill Panesonic cables from walmart ($15) do just as well. We've had both and there is zero difference.

 

[Bud Williams]

I bought a 50" Panasonic Plasma 720.

Wasn't really worth the extra cost for the 1080

Bought mine before the superbowl this past year.

Panasonic was rated the best by Consumer Reports

at the time.

Sears always has a 30 day price match policy plus 10%

of the difference.

I waited till the competitors were low and sears price was high,

then I jumped the extra 10% of the difference saved me another

72.00.



Log in to Consumer Reports login:North Liberty Password:Library

this sometimes works.

 

[Todd Z]

Samsung

 

[Scott Doughtie]

I just went to CC today. They announced a week ago that they were closing all of the Atlanta stores. The place looked like a bomb went off. Everything was at least 20% off. Check and see if they are closing any stores near you. Also, Costco has good deals on TVs.



As far as the TVs go, we just bought a 42" LG LCD (42LG50) from BB three weeks ago when we moved into the new house. The TV is great. We got it for $900 after haggling, discounts, & RewardZone coupons. I was gunning for a Samsung because our other two HD TVs are Samsungs (37" Samsung HD 1080p and a Samsung 50" HD DLP). They wouldn't budge on the Samsung prices though.



Plasma is a bit cheaper in price, but LCD is catching up. LCD has more sizes, brands and styles available. I think it boils down to preference and what you are comfortable with. Here are a few links to the frequent question of which is better...plasma or lcd:



http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv-plasmavslcd.shtml



http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasma-vs-lcd.html



http://tv.suite101.com/article.cfm/lcd_vs_plasma_vs_dlp



http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Tv5api13CJF/learn/learningcenter/home/tv_flatpanel.html

 

[JerryW Gilliland]

I have a Toshiba 42" plasma 720p. Had it since 2003 with no issues to date.

I'm looking to upsize to a 50" 1080p plasma, so I've been looking as well.

If you find a TV you like, go to CNet.com and put the model number in the search field.

That will give you a tech review, consumer reviews and pricing.

As far as a blanket statement on which mfg is the best, no can do.

One Samsung model might be rated 5 stars, while another is rated much lower.

I agree with the mfgs of choice: Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and LG, not in that order.

I have two friends who just bought Vizio TVs. I've viewed them both and they are very good.



I like the plasma due to the rich colors and deep blacks they produce.

Also, their viewing angle is 170 degrees.

LCDs just can't dupicate those characteristics.



Visit Cnet.com a couple of times and you'll be hooked.



I study TVs and pricing on a daily basis, I'm waiting until after Thanksgiving to buy. By studying now, I'll recognize a good price when I see it.

 

[Dreman]

What can you get for $200?



I'm really cheap!

 

[buzz worth]

I just bought a 42" LG plasma and a 32" LG LCD 2 months ago. The 42" is fine but the 32" has a squeal when turned on. Called BB and they won't do anything since it is more than 30 days old and we did not buy the extended warranty.



LG has sent their serviceman out to the house twice and replaced the 2 main boards in it to no avail. They are now air freighting a new "panel" with the thoughts that this is the only thing that has not been replaced so it must be the problem.



I called their customer service and got someone somewhere in the outer world that was programmed to answer any questions with an apology and a "we'll fix it" routine.



I emailed my complaints and said I thought it should be replaced............I am awaiting a reply.



I know this can happen to any company. Just my opinion but this has turned me totally against their products. The service angle has been alright but it's less than 2 months old and the three service trips must to be costing them a fortune, not to mention air freight on all these parts.



ss

 

[Chris Kulbaba]

get a 1080p lcd sharp aquos, best tv I ever owned and it looks AWESOME on any video including PC at 1080p... never been happier



[Broken External Image]:

 

[MarkO]

For video gaming and anything where ther might be icons on the screen for a while i would suggest an LCD. I have a plasma that i am happywith but when i play video games there is a burn in factor. so LCD would be better for tht purpose.

 

[jason vocaty]

I cant believe no one had mentioned vizio love mine had it for 2 years now not a problem with it and there an American owned company! as far as hdmi cables i believe my 15 footer cost a $100 at my cost/

 

[Keola P]

I have a samsung lcd. I'm very happy with it's quality, features, and performance.



If you're concerned about energy cost, I heard somewhere that plasmas use more energy than lcd's. Not exactly sure how true that is, but my samsung lcd is energy star rated. I would wait for black friday to save a little cash.

 

[Christopher Wilde]

I get compliments on my Samsung 42" Plasma all the time. Very bright and clear from all angles.

 

[Mike Roncarati]

I love my 42" Toshiba Regza LCD. Kids use it for Wii, and I have an HDMI from my PC to run my games. I agree with what was said about cables, go to monoprice.com and save a ton!