What is the best plasma for watching sports in the $1700 price range?

Question

We are looking for a new TV and have determined to probably buy a plasma. Basically we will be watching action movies and sports on the TV. Are there going to be problems with blurring and the image going crazy on these tvs? We are looking at the Samsung FPT-5084 which was reviewed well on Cnet.com and some versions of Panasonic Viera 42"-50". I periodically have heard reviews saying it was hard watching sports on these type of tvs. Thanks for the help. Also, how do these pictures do with standard cable signals? Are they just blurry or are these tvs only good with high def channels and programs.

Answer 1

I have a 50" plasma myself and I watch sports, movies, SDTV, HDTV, and play video games.  I can vouch that plasmas are great for what you need.

Motion blur issues are LCD related.  Fuzzy image with SD channels is related to all HDTVs (LCD and plasma).

Here are some things to watch out for.

If you are watching cable or satellite, buy a 720p TV.  1080p TV will only make your image quality look fuzzier.  If you watching BluRay, HD-DVD, or playing HD video games, then buy a 1080p TV.  Right now, all SD stations are 480p and HD stations are 720p or 1080i.

The would get a Panasonic.  The Panasonics have the best plasmas out on the market without paying a premium.  If you want to get a bang for your buck, buy a LG or Samsung.

Buy the TV with the highest contrast ratio, as this is related to color depth and quality. If you can, buy a TV with 2 or more HDMI inputs.