Best Choice For HDTV ?????? - Blu-ray Forum

Video Master · 10-10-2008, 02:08 PM

I just got my BDI Concours LCD stand (pictured) but I'm still on the fence about what TV I want to get. A stylish Sony, a reliable Samsung, or mabye a Panny Plasma? I'd like to only spend around $1,500. Anyways, I made some photoshopped mock ups of what they might look like. Give me your thoughts on quality and style in a 1-5 manner with reasons why. Much appreciated.

Panasonic Plasma TH-42PZ80U $1,300

Samsung LN46A860 (2 inches thick) $2,000

Samsung LN46A750 $1,600

Sony KDL40W4100 $1,500

Sony KDL46Z4100 Silver $1,800

Sony KDL46Z4100 Black $1,800

Sony XBR4 $1,600

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 02:15 PM

Consider Plasma first, DLP second, and LCD never.

Count out the DLP's because of your setup. If you want a wonderful black level, accurate color, and great performance with motion...go with plasma and avoid LCD like the plague.

That Panny would be perfect.

Kryptron · 10-10-2008, 02:19 PM

Those Samsungs are some of the best lcd's on the market. Don't take the above trolls opinion. Plasma is great but those lcd's have fantastic black levels and accurate colors when calibrated. Go with what looks the best to you in the store.

callas01 · 10-10-2008, 02:21 PM

Personally I would say either the Panny plasma but get the 46PZ85U for about $1600 or the 46A750 or the Z series. That being said, you should really go and check them out and see what you like personally. Play with the settings, that always makes the BB guys happy... inside joke.

I don't know much about the 850 series yet so I am no help, and I would say the W series lacks some of the feature I feel you should get for that kind of cash.

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kryptron

Those Samsungs are some of the best lcd's on the market. Don't take the above trolls opinion. Plasma is great but those lcd's have fantastic black levels and accurate colors when calibrated. Go with what looks the best to you in the store.

A fantastic grey yes, but not a true black.

Video Master · 10-10-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilmMaster

Consider Plasma first, DLP second, and LCD never.

Count out the DLP's because of your setup. If you want a wonderful black level, accurate color, and great performance with motion...go with plasma and avoid LCD like the plague.

That Panny would be perfect.

How does a Plasma look with PS3 games? What about Pioneer Plasmas - Why don't they offer then in a 42 inch?

callas01 · 10-10-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilmMaster

A fantastic grey yes, but not a true black.

Not all LCD's have the Grey look. Please, I just went over this on the Best Buy and Me thread.

I don't think there is an answer for the pioneer 42" question. sorry bud.

Kryptron · 10-10-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Video Master

How does a Plasma look with PS3 games? What about Pioneer Plasmas - Why don't they offer then in a 42 inch?

There are a bunch on unimformed people around, spreading misinformed opinions. The same way there is a group of people who think all plasmas suffer burn in and phospher lag, there is another group who think all lcds have poor black levels and motion blur

.

To the OP, i would suggest your look into the 800 series Panasonic plasmas and the 800 series samsungs. The panasonic 800u looked great when i played with it in the store.

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

Not all LCD's have the Grey look. Please, I just went over this on the Best Buy and Me thread.

I don't think there is an answer for the pioneer 42" question. sorry bud.

Place any of them next to a quality plasma...you'll notice the grey rather than black and you'll notice the blur.

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kryptron

there is another group who think all lcds have poor black levels and motion blur

.

...because they do when compared to Pioneer, Panasonic, and some Samsung plasmas.

drago3451 · 10-10-2008, 02:56 PM

I would say that if you are placing the setup in a brightly lit room than an LCD might work better than a plasma. Most plasmas have a glass front to them and suffer greatly from ambiant light. I know they make glare reducing glass for these setups but I am told it degrades picture quality. My father in-law has an Elite Pioneer and the glare takes away from the picture. Sure the black levels and PQ are top notch, but if all you can see is the window in the background or the lamp then I guess it is not the best. Not all people want to black out their living rooms.

Video Master · 10-10-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drago3451

I would say that if you are placing the setup in a brightly lit room than an LCD might work better than a plasma. Most plasmas have a glass front to them and suffer greatly from ambiant light. I know they make glare reducing glass for these setups but I am told it degrades picture quality. My father in-law has an Elite Pioneer and the glare takes away from the picture. Sure the black levels and PQ are top notch, but if all you can see is the window in the background or the lamp then I guess it is not the best. Not all people want to black out their living rooms.

Yeah thats true. I do want to watch TV with the lights on and blinds open. I have always been a Sony fanboy but their stuff lately is subpar and the prices are redic. Right now its down to the Panny TH-42PZ800U, Panny TH-42PZ80U, or Samsung LN46A860. I know the Pannys have great pictures, but the casing is so bulky- about 4 inches thick. The thinner the better. The Samsung is about 2 inches thick, but I'm really not into that blue trim around the edge (or red). It just doesn't match the furniture in my *****'n bachelor pad.

The style of HDTV's this day and age is "TRBL, TRBL, TRBL!" (Frank Caliendo imitating Charles Barkley)

SS316SRV · 10-10-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Video Master

Yeah thats true. I do want to watch TV with the lights on and blinds open. I have always been a Sony fanboy but their stuff lately is subpar and the prices are redic. Right now its down to the Panny TH-42PZ800U, Panny TH-42PZ80U, or Samsung LN46A860. I know the Pannys have great pictures, but the casing is so bulky- about 4 inches thick. The thinner the better. The Samsung is about 2 inches thick, but I'm really not into that blue trim around the edge (or red). It just doesn't match the furniture in my *****'n bachelor pad.

I can tell you're a bachelor because men who have been in relationships for extended periods of time don't fret over a few inches. It is what it is. Take it or leave it.

Quote:

The style of HDTV's this day and age is "TRBL, TRBL, TRBL!" (Frank Caliendo imitating Charles Barkley)

How are they supposed to look? I think I saw one next to a space ship that folds into a briefcase.

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

Yes, I know that they are as black as a plasma, I am not an idiot, but, I do not watch grey tv. You are welcomed to come over and see my TV anytime, just so I can get you to see the truth and shut up.

Now I was playing with a Sharp and a panny simultaneously and and noticed the milky black, but when I looked at my sammy, i didn't have any such issue like the sharp had.

Oh, nevermind. Just noticed your set. I think I'll have to pass on your offer. It would be difficult to find something of quality to compare it to at that size.

Go Blue · 10-10-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

I can tell you're a bachelor because men who have been in relationships for extended periods of time don't fret over a few inches. It is what it is. Take it or leave it.

That's awesome!

Video Master · 10-10-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

I can tell you're a bachelor because men who have been in relationships for extended periods of time don't fret over a few inches. It is what it is. Take it or leave it.

How are they supposed to look? I think I saw one next to a space ship that folds into a briefcase.

Style is as important as function (well at least it is in Los Angeles) so thickness is a major issue. The thinner it is the better it will look on my stand. Why use a 1990's "brick" cell phone when you can have a thin year 2008 iPhone?

And what about the new LED backlit / 120 MHz LCD's? Has anybody had a good experience with those?

SS316SRV · 10-10-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Video Master

Style is as important as function (well at least it is in Los Angeles) so thickness is a major issue. The thinner it is the better it will look on my stand. Why use a 1990's "brick" cell phone when you can have a thin year 2008 iPhone?

And what about the new LED backlit / 120 MHz LCD's? Has anybody had a good experience with those?

callas01 · 10-10-2008, 03:33 PM

the blacks on the LED's are supposed to be better then the plasmas, but i hear they have some issues, check out cnet, im sure they have done a review.

FilmMaster · 10-10-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

Film master and videomaster, neither of you sound like real home theater enthusiasts. Both of you sound more like pompous materialistic fools.

If you are going to spend money on a new TV...you should spend it wisely. Why waste money on an LCD when you could do much better? A real home theater enthusiast prefers quality equipment.

TooBlu · 10-10-2008, 03:39 PM

I had the Panny 800U for 2 1/2 months..did the Break in on it for a month..didnt play any games..and i got BURN IN..not IM..but a badcase of BURN IN from playing COD4 for only a hour a night..i had it set to GAME MODE..after i set the brightness and contrast way down...Now i have a SAMSUNG 850 SERIES...WOW

10-10-2008, 02:08 PM	#1
Video Master Banned Member since:May 2008 Location:Hollywood, CA	Best Choice For HDTV ?????? I just got my BDI Concours LCD stand (pictured) but I'm still on the fence about what TV I want to get. A stylish Sony, a reliable Samsung, or mabye a Panny Plasma? I'd like to only spend around $1,500. Anyways, I made some photoshopped mock ups of what they might look like. Give me your thoughts on quality and style in a 1-5 manner with reasons why. Much appreciated. Panasonic Plasma TH-42PZ80U $1,300 Samsung LN46A860 (2 inches thick) $2,000 Samsung LN46A750 $1,600 Sony KDL40W4100 $1,500 Sony KDL46Z4100 Silver $1,800 Sony KDL46Z4100 Black $1,800 Sony XBR4 $1,600 Last edited by Video Master; 10-10-2008 at 02:29 PM.

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10-10-2008, 02:15 PM	#2
FilmMaster Banned Member since:Sep 2008	Consider Plasma first, DLP second, and LCD never. Count out the DLP's because of your setup. If you want a wonderful black level, accurate color, and great performance with motion...go with plasma and avoid LCD like the plague. That Panny would be perfect.

10-10-2008, 02:19 PM	#3
Kryptron Expert Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Tampa Bay, FL Home Theater Gallery:21 4K collection:83 Blu-ray collection:450 Trading Score:4	Those Samsungs are some of the best lcd's on the market. Don't take the above trolls opinion. Plasma is great but those lcd's have fantastic black levels and accurate colors when calibrated. Go with what looks the best to you in the store.

10-10-2008, 02:21 PM	#4
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	Personally I would say either the Panny plasma but get the 46PZ85U for about $1600 or the 46A750 or the Z series. That being said, you should really go and check them out and see what you like personally. Play with the settings, that always makes the BB guys happy... inside joke. I don't know much about the 850 series yet so I am no help, and I would say the W series lacks some of the feature I feel you should get for that kind of cash.

10-10-2008, 02:56 PM	#11
drago3451 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:426 Blu-ray reviews:1	I would say that if you are placing the setup in a brightly lit room than an LCD might work better than a plasma. Most plasmas have a glass front to them and suffer greatly from ambiant light. I know they make glare reducing glass for these setups but I am told it degrades picture quality. My father in-law has an Elite Pioneer and the glare takes away from the picture. Sure the black levels and PQ are top notch, but if all you can see is the window in the background or the lamp then I guess it is not the best. Not all people want to black out their living rooms.

10-10-2008, 03:33 PM	#18
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	the blacks on the LED's are supposed to be better then the plasmas, but i hear they have some issues, check out cnet, im sure they have done a review.

10-10-2008, 03:39 PM	#20
TooBlu Senior Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Tampa Blu-ray collection:261	I had the Panny 800U for 2 1/2 months..did the Break in on it for a month..didnt play any games..and i got BURN IN..not IM..but a badcase of BURN IN from playing COD4 for only a hour a night..i had it set to GAME MODE..after i set the brightness and contrast way down...Now i have a SAMSUNG 850 SERIES...WOW

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