Panasonic HDTV???

[DCVING 6]

Looking at a cheap TV to replace the one in our family room. Does this sound like a decent deal ($549) for this 42"? My brother in law said I should get 1080p instead of the 720, bit it is $800 instead of 549.
For what it's worth, we don't play video games except the wii, don't have a blue ray player, and not entirely sure that HD service is even offered in our area. Sound like the 720 would work for us?

Panasonic 42" 720p HD Plasma 600Hz TV - Black (TC-P42C1) : Target

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Correct, you will never need 1080 if your area does not broadcast in 1080

720 is fine.

Plasma.. Everyone bitched about it, but 600hz is better than these 120HZ LCD. Better refresh rate, no screen burn in.

Go to sears.com and i read for a few hours on tv's, i actually was driven away from the lcd tv back to the plasma.

The new best is the led.

Tell you what, ive been looking for over 2 years to replace my 60" mitsubishi, the one thing i hate about it is the screen is too glossy.

So, when your there looking at tv's, get a good look at how they appear from the side, and from a angle. You will be upset if the screen does not have a matt finish.

Walk back away from all the tv's and take a look at the colors, glare, and if the characters shadow.. ie if it takes awhile for the image to move across the screen. Dont watch cartoons on them, i bought one that way and got home and was not happy with the outcome on regular tv.

GO to walmart for the cheapest prices.
Dont buy online

BW

 

[Dabigguy]

You will not like the glare if you watch it with any lights on. I bought the 50" version in 1080P and am very happy, except for the glare.......but I normally watch in in the dark.

 

[JP112_89]

Yep..

You will get more for your money from a plasma now. They are as energy efficent than the older lcds. No more burn in's and better viewing angles.

 

[Danster]

If you have cable service of some sort, I'm sure they offer HD content. On the other hand, you can hook up an OTA (Over the Air Antenna) and get Digital TV that way. Usually it's better than what comes across cable (local channels) because it's not compressed.

Yes 1080P is better, but 720 will still look good unless your shooting for PQ, then 1080 is the way to go.

Dannyo

 

[cruzn57]

I have a panasonic 61in

Viera ( I think) bought on line from Amazon, was $1500 shipped,(arrived in 2 days) its great! works perfect, no issues, we don't use games, or blu ray,
it has HD, like I can tell the difference!
I recommend the Panasonic unit, and its thin and light! I can carry it myself! ( big plus!)

 

[DCVING 6]

Well stopped at the Target by my parents house and they were all out of stock.

It definitely didn't look as good as the LCD's inside the store, but I'm sure all the bright fluorescent lights has something to do with it.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Yeah, here at this house i just removed a 70' oak tree outback, and since the screen is glossy, any light that comes in the windows just glares off the tv most of the day now.

It didnt used to be so bad, but even now during the day when the sun isnt shining in, it gets annoying seeing light shining back towards you.
Same goes with the lamp fixtures in the room.


What do you mean it didnt look as good as the LCD tv's? Do mean as picture quality, image refreshment, or pixal definition? Or the lcd just looks more sharp on the picture?


Well, right now ive been searching for LED projectors for a few months. Id like to spend 1500.00 on a new tv , but there are LED projectors out there with great image. I just need to find the right one, or learn more about them.

I did ask the best buy guys about the LED projectors, and they said the good ones are not out yet. (although i find many on ebay) I also searched on ebay for the screen for 110" . Looks like a plan for me in the near future for the new house. Just need to plan everything out first.

BW

 

[DCVING 6]

What do you mean it didnt look as good as the LCD tv's? Do mean as picture quality, image refreshment, or pixal definition? Or the lcd just looks more sharp on the picture?

Kind of hard to explain. Almost didn't look as bright, but I'm not sure that bright is the right way to describe it. My brother in law who is huge into this stuff said in a darker room that the colors would look a lot deeper?

I did notice the picture quality of the LCD definatley went away when you were looking from the side.

I wonder if the LCD's are better in a lit room, are they *bad* in a dark room, or just not as good as plasma.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

I think what you were experiencing was a more vivid color picture from the LCD.
The brighter picture does not mean, more vivid tones when seeking a crisp and clear picture. Most likely if the TV your searching for (since its cheap) is a ending of that model line for a new model line. Ive seen it multiple times on the bravia 32" sony.

Have you ever watched a certain commercial on regular tv , and it appears the character doesnt move as smooth as the words coming out of their mouth? Its called GHOSTING, its when the tv doesnt react soon enough. Just search ghosting tv online.

I do think the plasma 600hz is better than the 240? hz LCD.

Go do some searching man, ive been looking for 2 years and still up in the air.

I went to sears and went back with plasma, but now thinking LED projector versus LED flatscreen.
BW

 

[RI-Matt]

+ 1 for Plasma

It definitely didn't look as good as the LCD's inside the store, but I'm sure all the bright fluorescent lights has something to do with it.

The problem is that most stores have some stock boy just plug the TV in and turn it on. They don't do any adjusting at all. LCD's always look brighter in the stores, not neccessarliy better.
I have a 42" Panasonic 720 and absolutley love it. When I bought mine the first thing it asks when setting up is "store mode" or "home mode". Read up on calibrations for the plasmas and how to get the best most accurate picture. I had bought a LCD before, looked great in the store, got it home set it up and spent day after day trying to get to look right. Never did, I ending up returning it and bought another Plasma. I think some people like the brightness of the LCD and others like the realism of the Plasma.

Check out these links for more info.

Plasma TV Buying Guide: Offers Plasma Television, DLP TV and LCD TV Buying Tips

Display Devices - AVS Forum



Matt