Hey folks,
I am looking at lcd tv's and was wondering if there are any recommendations on a set in the 32" to 42" range. I want to keep the price below $2000.

Also, what is an hdmi cable and what is it used for?
Any other things to look for? Your input would be appreciated!

I've gotten a lot of good info on this forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

Panasonic gets great ratings, I have a 42" plasma Pany myself. Beautiful pic, and I think there under 1500.00 now.

If your going to get a big TV, might as well get it right.. and bypass the LCD for a plasma.

I bought a 42" plasma panasonic about 6 mo ago and love it. HDMI is the newest interface most commonly used to replace the composite video/audio or coax between the TV, DVD player and stereo systems. If your other components don't have HDMI, there is no reason to buy the cable.

I love my 37" View Sonic (known for making good computer monitors) which is now only $900 Cdn at Costco. 3 HDMI inputs!

The best 42" LCD I saw on a recent visit to Circuit City was an LG brand.

I have a 50" LG and the 50" Panasonic Plasma. The LG has a much nicer picture and a much better remote.

I love my 37" View Sonic (known for making good computer monitors) which is now only $900 Cdn at Costco. 3 HDMI inputs!

Your Kidding right? ViewSonic is some of the worst monitors I have ever used.

Their power supplies are notorious for failing. I have had to replace at least a dozen this year at work.

Of Course, this is just my opinion.

Sony for LCD and Pioneer for plasma.

Sharp Aquos LCD, mine was pricey, over 4 grand 4 yrs ago, prices have come way down. LCD has a much longer life that plasma but the picture quality is neglagable, some feel LCD is a cleaner image but for me it is a wash. I have had zero problems. Get a hole saw and drop the cords through the wall, makes for a clean picture frame installation. Some cheaper models have several cords to the TV mine has the remote box with only two cords that lead to the TV. There are many reality options you may need when you go look at them so analyze your needs. Example, what type of cable or dish service you use. Also, TV to wall mounting brackets, mine pulls away from the wall and turns so it can be seen from my patio. Try to think of it all before you buy?
Brian 69SS396

Kevin,

I haven't shopped flat screens for a while but a GOOD 42" LCD might be pushing your budget, whereas a GOOD 42" plasma can be had. And oh - by the way, if you can fit the 42 then get the 42 or forever wish you had.

HDMI. As was stated it's a standard interface cable that carries both video and audio signals between the components without suffering from signal loss or multiple analog/digital conversions. DVI is similar but does not carry audio. In order to use HDMI each component you have needs to have an HDMI interface/connector. For instance, if you are using a cable box then the box would need an HDMI output and your TV would need the input. If none of your equipment is HDMI capable then you cannot use the new TV's HDMI input. Note however that HDMI is absolutely the way to go. Also note that if none of your current equipment is capable of delivering a HD signal to the TV then you can't watch anything in HD. If you DO upgrade your equipment (cable or Sat box) to HD capable then the new box will most likely have an HDMI connection.

BTW, most plasmas are rated at 60,000 hours before "half life". This translates into watching the TV for 8 hours a day for 20 years. That plasmas have a short life is a myth.

As Klamath mentioned, the AVS forum will have the latest and greatest information. It really is the Chevelle Tech of the video world.

Dan

I have three LCD flat screens at home. They are Samsungs and I have never had a problem with them Top of the line, 1080P, is worth to catch on sale at Circuit city.

I've never seen an LCD TV that didn't have vicious "screen door" effect. Maybe that's just me? I've been holding off buying one because of that. I have seen some plasmas that I like, but I worry about how much power they use. And DLP's are nice, if they came with LED lamps that would actually last.....

For that much money go plasma, I would not touch and LCD because of the screen door effect, I find it very annoying.

I've got the 37" ViewSonic LCD, paid $1199 a year ago, now they are $799 USD www.microcenter.com after a $200 rebate of course..............mine has worked very well.

It's kind of funny, I was following a similar thread a while back, and not too many here had very much good to say about plasma, but said LCD was where it's at. Now that LCD is getting pretty affordable in the bigger sizes, but it's no good, plasma is where it's at. You folks are driving me nuts! :clonk:

I had a 37" Polaroid LCD. I thought it was great. That is until a got a little out of control and threw a cell phone. It hit it right in the corner, and broke the screen inside. :sad:

No worries Steve, at this point either LCD or Plasma are a pretty safe bet. Fact of the matter is, no matter how they look in the store they are going to look different in your home. The stores typically have the brightness and colors turned up on the display models to make sure they catch your eye.

Plasmas seem to have slightly better sharpness and color saturation. They are also generally "faster" than LCD's - which is important for fast moving action stuff; auto racing for example. It's called motion blur. GOOD LCD's don't suffer from it so much anymore, less expensive units probably will. If you are considering an LCD make sure you find out what it's reaction time is - it's measured in MS.

Dan

Kevin: Ours is a Panasonic: We've had it for a yr. GREAT Picture. & sounds. We had a rear projection before this a 55 inch. But it stuck out so far from the wall. This one is great. I sent you an email

If you haven't already decided on an LCD as opposed to plasma, check here:
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com

Lots of info on plasmas and busting some of the myths.

I didn't like the LCD because the color saturation wasn't as good as the plasma, and because of the smear during fast motion. Plasma doesn't have that problem.

Panny 42" here. LOVE it! Guy at work got the Samsung with the Ambilight thingie, says that is really cool.

K

If you haven't already decided on an LCD as opposed to plasma, check here:
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com

K

Beat me to the punch...they have a nice comparison of Plasma vs. LCD. (Just to be fair, they also operate lcdtvbuyingguide.com and share the same LCD vs. Plasma writeup)

I also agree with what others have said - I bought both a Panny plasma and now an LCD, and I am truly disappointed with the LCD. Fast motion is a seious issue on LCD - I see motion blur and pixelation all the time on mine. I can't stand to watch the thing...my wife, on the other hand, doesn't notice it at all. :confused: (Its a Viewsonic - so not the upper end of LCD...)

Colors are much better on the plasma, as well...

RE: ambilight - I did the McGyver thing and mounted a flourescent light to the back of my plasma for backlight, and it was the single best 20 bucks I have spent for watching movies. It is seriously an amazing addition...

Thanks folks! I am off to the stores tomorrow to do my research.

I was visiting my Uncle in Chicago and was admiring his 60"SONY Plasma (before they bowed out of the Plasma game) and I must say I was very impressed. I found out that LG made all of their Plasma Screens including the one he owns and the HD picture was excellent. I too am in the market for a large screen and I may be purchasing a Plasma after "living" with this one for a weeks and getting to test drive it.
Steve

I have a 72" Sony LCD for a couple of years and would not have anything else. Hey Rob could you explain the floresnent light deal a little better, what exactly does it do? Thanks Edd

Hey Edd - the fluorescent light really seems to improve the picture...here's a nice writeup from CNET (http://asia.cnet.com/howto/insidersecrets/0,39050640,39277447-39002112q,00.htm) that explains it better than I can.

Thanks Rob I cain't wait to try that. Edd