Which TV would you buy?

[Hammerhunker]

My Toshiba plasma developed a rash of red sparklies. Toshiba couldn't get an inhouse repairman since I live in the sticks, so I was issued a return. Kind of fortuitious, was 30 days shy of the warranty expiring.

I am buying at a Rex Store, and I have the choice of these two tvs, which would you choose from your experience and preference?:

1. 42" Panasonic Plasma
2. 42" Toshiba Regza LCD (1080 capable)

I am going with a 42 inch because that size fits my living room well. I have done a ton of research, but reading specs doesn't tell you what people can tell you. Thanks for the help guys.

[Trevytrev11]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

I think you are fine either way. Both Panasonic and Toshiba produce beautiful pictures. It it were 2 years ago, I'd have said go with the LCD simply because of the some of the initial problems with Plasma, but now you can't go wrong either way.

I know this isn't too helpful, but go and check them out in person and see which one looks best to you.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

What are you going to use it for? tv viewing, movies, gaming? If primarily gaming, I'd go lcd but if tv and movie watching I'd go plasma. IMO, you'll be happier with the deeper blacks of a plasma and Panasonic is one of the best makers in the plasma tv market.

Go in the store and see if they'll let you adjust the settings (b/c they probably have it set to vivid/torch mode) to something closer to what you'll have at home and trust your eyes.

You also have to factor in HDMI inputs, do you care about PIP/PBP, brightly lit room, etc.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

What are you going to use it for? tv viewing, movies, gaming? All of it. I will have the PS3 on it for gaming and Bluray, and hd directv.

Go in the store and see if they'll let you adjust the settings (b/c they probably have it set to vivid/torch mode) to something closer to what you'll have at home and trust your eyes. I will be going into the store tomorrow.

You also have to factor in HDMI inputs, do you care about PIP/PBP, brightly lit room, etc.
Neither is too important really, and our living room isn't too bright.

I know I will have to see for myself, just wondering if anyone has had any direct experience with either.

Thanks

[Seether4113]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

if the room isnt too bright, I would definitely take the Panny plasma.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

if the room isnt too bright, I would definitely take the Panny plasma.

I like your thinking. I am sure thinking it is hard to pass up especially since it is on sale this week.

Thanks for the input

[hogfan]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

Panasonic Plasma.

I have one and game on it quite a bit. Halo 3 and NCAA football mostly. Occasionally some Guitar Hero.

My friend who has a Samsung DLP always comments on how good the picture is on my Panasonic. Also, the off angle viewing is significantly better.

I researched this topic for over a year and the decision was clear for me.

Also, don't be fooled into thinking you need 1080p. Research this on professional sites. They will tell you that unless you are sitting within 6 feet of a 50" plasma you won't be able to discern any difference. Inside 6 feet it takes painstaking time to notice the differences. Black levels are generally considered more important.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Which TV would you buy?

Panasonic Plasma.

I have one and game on it quite a bit. Halo 3 and NCAA football mostly. Occasionally some Guitar Hero.

My friend who has a Samsung DLP always comments on how good the picture is on my Panasonic. Also, the off angle viewing is significantly better.

I researched this topic for over a year and the decision was clear for me.

Also, don't be fooled into thinking you need 1080p. Research this on professional sites. They will tell you that unless you are sitting within 6 feet of a 50" plasma you won't be able to discern any difference. Inside 6 feet it takes painstaking time to notice the differences. Black levels are generally considered more important.

Thanks Hog. With your comments here and in Jmood's thread, along with Seether's, it will be hard to not look at that Panny. You are correct about the 1080p thing, it is just the male in me that wants it all.