I want to go over 50"...I think. SO I've been told to get a plasma if I'm going that size.
I have no idea...thoughts? All you TV experts out there. What should I be looking at?

Plasma prices are good because they are not making too many of them right now. I believe the TVs are trending more to the LCD, LED variety. In a year or two we will see 3D!

Some of the newer screens are so thin and light when you compare them to the plasma. A flat screen is definitely worth it, frees up floor space if you can hang it on the wall like a picture. Good luck with the purchase.

I have heard that a number of companies are going to stop producing plasmas as most people are buying LCD.  Panasonic and a handful of other will continue to make plasma.  The main concern I have heard is that plasma reflects a lot of light if the tv is placed facing direct light or sunlight.  Some of the newer plasmas by Panasonic have a more glare resistant screen so this is not as much of an issue. When I was looking at Best Buy, I checked the newer Panasonic plasma and I did not find the glare from the tv to be bad at all, if at all noticeable.  After checking out both LCD and plasma I decided to purchase a Panasonic Vierra.  I am more of a fan of plasma as I think the picture quality is better, less pixelated, etc.  But to each their own!!  

Personal choice for me is plasma over LCD.

As good as the new LCD's are getting I still would rather watch a plasma.

D

What I was told / found out was that the viewing angles on plasma are better than LCD.  As well, if you watch hockey (as I do watch a fair amount) the contrast of white ice and dark players is easier on the eyes with plasma, and you don't get as much 'streaking' of the player's body as some dude blows by my Leafs and we lose.   

I've owned a Sony 1080p LCd for the last 2 years and it's not by any means a top of the line.. yet i have never noticed what everyone seems to be complaining about during hockey games, it's smooth and nice, maybe i'm just easy to satisfy...

Colors are bright, contrasts are good and it's not blurry, or ghosting, or whatever else seems to find annoying..

Plasma had good picture, however less life and uses WAY more power.

I think the new LED TV's are going to be my next purchase.

If you have the space put a LCD projector in. I just put one in over the xmas break.  I had a 51 inch plasma mounted and the picture is as good or better on the projector.

I have a 110" screen installed on the wall.  The projector has different light settings depending on the ambient light in the room.
So even with all the lights on in my basement the picture quality is still great.

Cost wise there is not a big difference.

Quoted from muligan

If you have the space put a LCD projector in. I just put one in over the xmas break.  I had a 51 inch plasma mounted and the picture is as good or better on the projector.
I have a 110" screen installed on the wall.  The projector has different light settings depending on the ambient light in the room.
So even with all the lights on in my basement the picture quality is still great.
Cost wise there is not a big difference.

I beg to differ.....

Just because i recently switched in the other direction!

I used LCD projectors for a number of years, and with a good projector, you get an EXCELLENT picture. especially in a dark room with a nice screen space.  The problem comes when you look at consumables cost.  If you use your projector sparringly for evening tv viewing and movies (like i usually did) I got about 2-3 years to a bulb. $250-$350 for a replacement.  However, if you are like my brother in law's new wife.  She watches TV CONSTANTLY, from the time she gets up, to when she leaves for work. and when she gets home till she goes to bed. and all day on weekends.  Their  bulb life was around 9 months.

Compared to a modern LCD screen, which after 10 years of constant use (beingon 24/7) is just reaching its half life (when it is half as bright as when you bought it)

Keeping a projecotr for me was an extra 500 or more over a 5-6 year period (when i would want a new tv anyways)  but that same time for my brother would have meant an extra $1500-2000 in bulbs.

not to  poo poo on projcevtors.. i used to have a 120 inch screen and it was AWESOME.  its just that if you watch a LOT of tv, you pay for the extra in consumables.


As to plasma vs LCD, plasmas tend to have a nicer contrast level.  The screen downstairs with all my game systems is a modern plasma... very nice.

We have the Panasonic Viera plasma and the picture is awesome using the Blueray or HD cable.

For the buck, this TV has the best contrast ratio, widest colour gamut and fastest response time. The only way I would have gone LCD is with the Sony XBR, but it is WAY less bang for the buck.

Just be aware, the Viera comes in different grade levels and qualities. I suggest mid level or up based on the specs. Don't worry about a shorter lifespan unless it will run 24 hrs or your last tv is in a giant wooden cabinet.

Wow thats alot of TV.  I figured on maybe replacing the bulb every 2 years and prolly upgrading every three After watching movies and sports on the big screen I don't think I could go back down to a 50"

Quoted from axe

I beg to differ.....

Just because i recently switched in the other direction!

I used LCD projectors for a number of years, and with a good projector, you get an EXCELLENT picture. especially in a dark room with a nice screen space.  The problem comes when you look at consumables cost.  If you use your projector sparringly for evening tv viewing and movies (like i usually did) I got about 2-3 years to a bulb. $250-$350 for a replacement.  However, if you are like my brother in law's new wife.  She watches TV CONSTANTLY, from the time she gets up, to when she leaves for work. and when she gets home till she goes to bed. and all day on weekends.  Their  bulb life was around 9 months.

Compared to a modern LCD screen, which after 10 years of constant use (beingon 24/7) is just reaching its half life (when it is half as bright as when you bought it)

Keeping a projecotr for me was an extra 500 or more over a 5-6 year period (when i would want a new tv anyways)  but that same time for my brother would have meant an extra $1500-2000 in bulbs.

not to  poo poo on projcevtors.. i used to have a 120 inch screen and it was AWESOME.  its just that if you watch a LOT of tv, you pay for the extra in consumables.


As to plasma vs LCD, plasmas tend to have a nicer contrast level.  The screen downstairs with all my game systems is a modern plasma... very nice.