rmvvwls

Fair enough zelix. I know they aren't the same, but the rep said something about cooperation, so I presume that Panasonic has access to their technology. I saw a Pioneer set up in a shop over here, and it really didn't impress me. Not sure whether it was how they'd set it up, or the quality of the movie (anyone know if Pearl Harbour is supposed to look like that on bluray?), but it looked no better than any other one I'd ever seen.

Cobra, I mentioned it. It's an Australian model, so you'll want to find the equivalent US model. It's essentially the base model FullHD.

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Cobra2468

Well thanks for all the info everybody, +rep. New twist to the thread... Is plasma the best option or would an LCD be better? I find the plasmas are brighter and more vibrant. Again, this is ONLY for blu-rays. There will be absolutely 0 gaming on this display because it's for my parents and well... they don't do that.

dudenell

LCD is better in my opinion... the bulbs on a plasma sometimes need to be replaced and they cost a crapload... On top of that its cheaper to make LCD tvs so the prices would be lower for an LCD.

Here is an article you may want to read:
http://www.cnet.com.au/plasma-vs-lcd...-240036500.htm

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zelix

Plasma's hands down for blu ray's

But regular tv, games, and movies you should go with an LCD

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rmvvwls

+1

From what you've said OP, plasma is what you're looking for, and in 42", it's going to be cheaper as well. The only time LCD is a much better choice is when you're planning on hardcore gaming on it (as opposed to casual).

That's the first properly unbiased and truthful article I've read on the subject in a long time. +rep for the find dudenell

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Cobra2468

Thanks much.

DNytAftr

hmmm.. you should keep an eye on amazon i got a samsung 50 inch plazma from there for $1000 with rebates

Heres my samsung PN50B860



It was $1600 then used a promo code for $600 instant rebate + free shipping and no tax.

about 2 weeks ago there was a code to get it down to $1200 .. but another option is the pn50b650 which is the same thing with out the internet stuff and bells and whissles. =]

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Goobers

if you want future proof hit up the LED tvs, not that much more expensive than lcd and plasma and will last a looooooOooooOOOOng time, i have a 50" lcd, was only 1500$, but lcd and plasmas are rated to last 60,000+hours, so although the technology will get old the tv will continue to provide untill you decide to chuck it, just watch out for screen burn, nasty stuff

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Mr Bear

Black Friday! The time to buy.
I personally like the LCD/LED TV's better. Plasma's have gotten better, but life isnt as great as LCD

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E=mc Hammered
Do you, or do you not know about the bird?!

sccr64472

Pioneer is quiting the Plasma business altogether and will no longer be selling any. As of 2 years ago, Panasonic was making their panels, but that's the only shared component. Irrelevant now that Pioneer is leaving the business other than the fact that rumors state that Panasonic will have access to some Pioneer exclusive technology.

As far as LCD versus Plasma, it really depends on the room and intended use. Plasma has better motion and deeper blacks, but are heavier and tougher to install, use more power, generate more heat. Also, Plasma requires a darker room due to the reflective glass front. LCD are easier to mount, use less power, generate less heat, don't suffer from reflective glare due to bright rooms. With all that said, I prefer my Samsung Plasma over my Panasonic LCD. IMO, Samsung has the second best picture behind the soon to be extinct, Pioneer Elite. The Samsung has better color, but the Pioneer has the darkest black in the industry. I purchased the Samsung for 3 reasons over the Pioneer 1) Pioneer leaving the business raises warranty questions if replacements aren't available. 2) Pioneer's largest is 60". 3) The 63" Samsung was $1k cheaper than the 60" Pioneer.

Edit: I forgot to mention a huge disadvantage for LCD and that is dead or broken pixels. If you read the manufacturer's warranty, you'll see that dead pixels are commonplace and are not grounds for an RMA unless they're excessive. Every manufacturer's warranty is different, but the allotted dead pixel policies generally vary with the size of the tv. It really makes you wearing of buying an LCD over the internet. I'd go nuts if I was stuck with a huge LCD tv with a few red spots staring me in the face lol

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