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What is the best LCD or Plasma TV out on the market today? - n3o24 I've been doing some research, and it looks like Samsung's are both the best sellers and best bang for your buck. Is there a recommended model out there for a 40-50 inch? The ones I looked at are: Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Samsung - 42" Class 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV (Model: PN42B450) Also, are Visio's (by LG) really that horrible? :-) Thanks in advance!

Best Answer: In LCD, Samsung is the leader right now for sure. But there are solid sets made by Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp (the Aquos line) as well. Also, Toshiba and LG make good models from time to time. Their overall lines are not as strong, but they have some models that perform extremely well. And opposite to that some Samsung models aren't really that great at all (like the series 3 TVs). So in the end you need to do a model by model comparison to be sure. Of the models you listed the first and 3rd ones are the good ones. For a 46" LCD you want/need the 120Hz technology. It doesn't bring it to Plasma quality, but it helps a lot. While Plasma is overall better than LCD, I wouldn't necessarily go Samsung Plasma. That's not what they are known for. I'd look at a Panasonic Viera, maybe TH-PX80 or PZ80 at 42" would suite your needs. As for overall, Plasma vs LCD... LCD - is the everyman HDTV. It is cost effective, hence its popularity. It is also physically lighter than Plasma. It tends to draw less power than Plasmas as well (though good Plasmas are now beating LCDs). It has a matte finish so is useful for rooms that have too much ambient light which can not be controlled. LCD whites are a bit brighter than Plasma whites (but how often do you crank your brightness to 100%). LCDs are considered better for gaming (but I don't think you'd be disappointed with gaming on a modern Plasma). LCDs are sharper in SD (think evening news instead of film); this isn't a good vs bad, its just a personal preference thing. It has problems with fast motion though. That is why you see ones advertised with 120Hz refresh rates. This does not come close to Plasma though. So they aren't as good for fast motion (sports and movies). The new 240Hz ones with LED backlighting are making good strides, but right now you're paying a HUGE premium for those features. Plasma - they have better blacks, contrast, and motion blur. They are better TVs, but you often do have to pay a bit of premium for them. Images look smoother. They have greater ranges in blacks/whites so you get greys instead of clumps of black and white. The colors in Plasmas tend to have more "pop" to them; this isn't a good vs bad thing, its just personal preference. Plasmas are great for fast motion (sports and action movies). Plasma's are glass though so are glossy. They can have reflection issues if you are in a room with lots of light that you can't control (you can't turn off the lights and you don't own any blinds). Also for SD viewing they are a bit "softer" (think more like film less like the evening news). This isn't a good vs bad thing, its personal preference. Most plasma owners get used to it and don't mind it. They do have to be conditioned. The gasses of new Plasmas need to be conditioned. All you have to do is keep the brightness/contrast cranked way down for the first 100-200 hours, then optimize, and you'll have an amazing TV experience. Plasma myth (1) - They experience burn-in. This is BS, those days are gone. Just condition the gasses and then use it as normal and you're fine. Also, the better sets have built-in features to prevent this (on top of the technology just generally being better now than say 5 years ago). Plasma myth (2) - They have short life spans. This is more BS. You can leave your Plasma on 24/7 for 34 years before killing it. So do you think you'll still want/own the same TV in 15 years, let alone 30? Plasma myth (3) - They won't work in high altitude because of problems for the gasses. This is again no longer an issue. Current Plasmas can be purchased and used in mile high Denver, and above, so you'll be fine where ever you are (unless you're living in the Himalayas). Plasma vs LCD - One important note though is TV size. In 42" and above you see and get the benefit of the Plasma advantages. But 40" and smaller and the benefits are diminishing. So if you're going way smaller than LCD is likely the better option. Plasma brands - Pioneer Kuro Elite is the best, followed by Pioneer Kuro. But these can cost as much as a small car. Panasonic Viera is the next best and is much more cost effective. Then I would go with Samsung. The Panasonic TH-50PZ800 or Samsung PN50A650 would both be top notch choices. LCD brands - I would stick with Samsung, Sharp Aquos, and Sony (but only Sony if its on sale, otherwise it tends to be overpriced). Sony stopped manufacturing LCD panels, they now buy/use the same ones used in the Sharp Aquos sets. Samsung is a step above the rest if you go with the 5, 6, 7, or 9 series models. - jf

If you are interested in Plasma. Pioneer (if you can still find them) and Panasonic are both better than Samsung, and Panasonics are reasonably priced. Plus, Plasma is far better, unless you are viewing in a room during the day with the curtains open. - MagicianTrent

I would suggest LCD tv over plasma and highly recommend Samsung LN46A650,excellent picture.Great features. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001413D94?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001413D94 - miwa

The best choice for quality/money is Samsung. 10bit screen, 120Hz, 1080p is better. Also read Full TV Specifications from http://www.toptv4you.blogspot.com - Phila

on the market today, the best rated lcd hdtv's are samsung. you will not go wrong with getting any of them. if you are considering plasma, which is what i own and would rec you pick, go with either last year or this year's model panasonic's. the pioneer plasma's are the best in the world period. but you will pay for the quality, and i might not rec since pioneer has already announced they will stop making plasma's as of this year, but i bet you can get a good deal on one. - meekless2001

Unless you are willing to shell out the cash for a Pioneer Plasma, go Samsung LCD. The A650 is awesome, unless you don't like the reddish tint on the body. I agree that you best buy 1080p, and if you can, try to see a blu-ray demo on it. It will blow your socks off! - Andy C

Vizio is not that bad...just make sure you look into what the contrast ratio is, and of course, go for 1080p--never 720p. Big difference in picture quality, especially for Blu-Ray, trust me. I have an LG 42" LCD (42LG50) and I love it, but it is not 120Hz, so I see some blurring when watching fast-moving things like action movies or PS3 games. I only paid $700 for it brand new at CompUSA, so I'm not complaining. Plasmas give you much, much higher contrast ratio, always, and the black shades will be very black--but the glass screen may give you annoyance if you have lights on in the room that can reflect off of it. PS~ Out of your choices, I would disregard the 720p model and go with the LN46A650 (46"). Here's a review of it: http://review.zdnet.com/product/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-ln46a650/32887598 FYI, Samsung is an excellent manufacturer, but their customer service is horrible, in my experience. It was not until I got up the ladder to their corporate relations department that I spoke to someone who fully understood the English language and spoke cordially and respectfully. - Sentient Tornado

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