What are the most important specs to look for in a new tv purchase?

[moviefanaticfan]

I have a 42 Phillips 1080i. I want to get a tv with 1080p. What Specs are the most important when buying a new tv? also, whats better Plasma or LCD

[xtop]

specs don't necessarily tell the whole story. you'll have to go to a store and take a look at the tv's

[JasonR]

Nothing beats a visual, a good starting place though.

1080p
24p
120 Hz

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Nothing beats a visual, a good starting place though.

1080p
24p
120 Hz

Good specs. Make sure you get at least

Make sure to get 1080p and 24fps. 120 Hz can be optional but is preferred. The other post brings up a good point about viewing the pictures of the TVs themselves. Individual taste varies, so pick out the one that looks good to you.

[xtop]

as for lcd vs plasma. really its how much you have to spend, but more than likely you'll wanna look at lcd

[quetzalcoatl]

What is better on the LCD and plasma debate depends on your room. If you have light hitting the screen then plasma is about the worst thing since the reflection will kill you. LCD is better in this department. So look at your room and then go look at the stores. But donot just look at the settings they have play with them. And if the shop will not let you find another one.

[WimeTime]

Originally Posted by quetzalcoatl

What is better on the LCD and plasma debate depends on your room. If you have light hitting the screen then plasma is about the worst thing since the reflection will kill you. LCD is better in this department. So look at your room and then go look at the stores. But donot just look at the settings they have play with them. And if the shop will not let you find another one.

I just picked up a Samsung 46" lcd (71) series. it has a glass screen. I'm not sure why? But it does.

[DrinkMore]

1 - Most important. Make sure it's not broken


Plasma = the best!
LCD = if you want to help save the environment (lower power consumption)

Panasonic = the best plasma out right now (NOT INCLUDING THE KUROs - overpriced)

Sony = the best LCD you can get right now I believe.

[yspkrk]

Originally Posted by WimeTime

I just picked up a Samsung 46" lcd (71) series. it has a glass screen. I'm not sure why? But it does.

I would say "glossy" instead of "glass". When I went to Fry's the other day, I saw matte and glossy screens side by side. I thought the matte screen looked softer while glossy one sharper.

[Azumi]

I'm a big fan of plasma because the image appears more 3-D and lifelike. It's a real immersive experience.

LCDs have gotten better, but most screens (especially the cheaper ones) make images that appear flat. Sure, it'll be extra crisp and sharp, but is it how things look like in real life?

It really comes down on the kind of look you like -- and the money you're willing to spend. Word of caution: when you compare them in stores, chances are they'll be in demo mode with unreal colors. Try to play with the settings to attempt a calibration.

If you still watch some SD (whether it's DVD or TV broadcasts), plasmas should produce the better results in upscaling.

[U4K61]

Originally Posted by yspkrk

I would say "glossy" instead of "glass". When I went to Fry's the other day, I saw matte and glossy screens side by side. I thought the matte screen looked softer while glossy one sharper.

Glossy looks great untill you see lamps and other room lights reflecting off the screen.

[JasonR]

My lcd at times can look flawless. One of those things where you back up the Blu-Ray to have another look at the scene. I would recommend lcd. I could get 24p now for the same price as I paid for my TV five months ago, that is the only thing I would change. (Even though I've never even seen it)

[clyon]

Size, 2+ HDMI ports, 1080p, lots of settings.

If you get any New brand name tv, Samsung, Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, JVC. They will all have everything you want, you just have to pick what type of TV you want, LCD, Plasma, RP or FP. Each has it Pros & Cons, in some groups there are subcategories, like LED LCD's, LED RP's, DLP vs SXRD.

[savage1984]

you want 1080p if you're getting 50" or bigger and sitting 7 ft. or closer.
2+ hdmi
contrast ratio is usually bogus because different companies have different standards.
Pioneer and Panasonic make the best plasmas. Panny are just 2 grand cheaper.
Plasmas get more glare then lcd, but lcd's won't ever reach the black level of plasma because a light must shine through the back of the screen, lessening the black level slightly.
Sony and Samsung make the best lcds. The xbr4's are supposedly amazing but pricey. Almost all 1080p lcd's have 24p 120 hrz. Only the pioneer kuro$$$$ can do that for plasma as of now

[bageleaterkkjji]

Originally Posted by savage1984

, but lcd's won't ever reach the black level of plasma because a light must shine through the back of the screen, lessening the black level slightly

have you ever heard of the 81f might not have the blackest blacks now even though its close but next series maybe

[crackinhedz]

Television Buying Guide

[Sy-]

My next set is going to have at least:

• 1080p/24hz
• 1080p/60hz
• 1080p/120hz
• High Color Support
• Internal Digital Tuners
• 60+ Inches!

[SS316SRV]

Originally Posted by bageleaterkkjji

have you ever heard of the 81f might not have the blackest blacks now even though its close but next series maybe

LCDs, no matter which one, will touch a plasma's contrast. Plasmas are better with dark/black areas. If there a lot of gaming happening I would go LCD. If the set is for TV and blu-rays mainly, go plasma.

Other than my 2 cents, do what you want.

[CasualCat2001]

Size. No sense spending the money on all the other features if it is too small for your viewing distance

HDTV Home theater Calculator

PS this guy's (Carlton Bale) calculator is the best thing since sliced bread.

[gearyt]

in order ( for me )

Size 42" for small rooms
46 - 50 for med
65 for large ( see room calc above )

Plasma for movies
LCD if heavy games

1080p Gotta have

deep color

the following depend on price... I would not, at this time pay an extra $1000 for them,

24 fps

120 Hz