What is the best lcd/plasma on the market that is 46-50 inches and around $1200-$1700?

Question

We are refinishing our basement and are planning to put a tv down there. There is only one window in the basement and no direct light will be on the TV. What kind of TV should we get and what is the best on the market for the price range I am in? I have seen good reviews on a LG 50" Plasma 720 (is there that big a difference on a 720 over a 1080) and a Panasonic Plasma 720 as well. Any help is appreciated. Also, a clue on what else I need besides a home entertainment center. I assume the cables, wall mount, but don't know how much that extra stuff costs.

Answer 1

i recently picked up a 46" polaroid hd lcd from where else, but walmart, for around $1200. seems like a pretty good deal so far. there is a big difference between 720p and 1080i and  even a big difference between the 1080i and 1080p. the "p" being the better. plasma's tend to have power supply problems from what i researched and thus have a shorter lifespan (the larger the screen the shorter the life, from what i understand) but they have a better picture and go for cheaper. wall mounts are relatively built the same and inexpensive, just make sure it is secured pretty well. even though they are lighter than an old tube style t.v. they are still +/-100# depending on the size. hdmi cables are costly ($35 and on up). one last thing you need to consider is what kind of player/reciever will you be using? blu ray is the best player technology hands down. you wouldnt believe the detail! cable/satellite companies are lagging behind big time on their hd services too so consider that. frustrated and confused yet? remember one thing about high end consumer electronics though, cheaper is almost NEVER better so be prepared to dish out some big $$$ if you want the good stuff.

Answer 2

Currently the best LCD out there is the LN-52A650 by Samsung.... it looks incredible with the 360/PS3 and Blueray and pretty much anything else...

Cnet.com just gave the 52 inch version an 8.0 ratingmaking it their best rated LCD tv!! (it also comes in 40 and 46 inch versions)

I've seen this tv myself... and trust me.... this tv is NO JOKE!

The picture quality is STUNNING!

It has 1080p, 120hz, 50:000:1 Contrast ratio, 4ms Response time, Game/movie/sports modes, pretty much all the latest goodies to look for in an LCD.. (better response time and contrast ratio than the Sony XBR).. plus it looks cool too (it has a red bezel) Currently Beachcamera.com has the lowest price for the 40 inch model at around 1500

Here is the Cnet.com review for the Samsung LN-52A660

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/s...

Samsung LN-40A650:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A650-4...

Also... check out Sony's new 2008 Bravia lineup.. 2008 Sony Bravia lineup:

http://www.hdtvlounge.net/sony/2008-hdtv...

Good luck... and tell me what you think!

Answer 3

My husband is a huge fan of plasma TV, he goes on plasma tv forums and does a lot of researches, the best one out there is Pionneer but they are expensive, the cheapest ones are like 2500, we are planning to get a 60inch 1080p Pioneer but we can afford it yet, hence we got a 40inch Hitachi $980 something from Bestbuy. It works great for a low cost plasma tv. Since the technology is evolving in such a great speed, it's best to get 1080p no matter what brand. Go to cnet.com for tv ratings and reviews.

Answer 4

I own a 52 in.Sony Bravia in my media room and a 42 in. Smasung in the family room, both are LCDs, but I think I like the Samsung a bit more. My wall mount for the 42 in. was around $100, and I did the install myself. The hookups should come with the TV, however if you are going to have cable or satellite obviously those hookups will be sold separately. May I suggest a surround sound system if you have not already purchased one. Good luck!