NationStates Jolt Archive

I am looking for a decent 42-46 inch HDTV - plasma or LCD - for hopefully less than $1500 (US).

Does anyone have any recommendations or otherwise know what is good?

What are you going to predominantly use it for?

Movies?
Watching HDTV?
Watching regular TV?
Computer/console games?
Full-time computer display?

If it's multiple uses, rough percentages would help. This has a major effect on the choice.


Also, how often are you going to use it in the dark, or how dark conditions do you usually have?

I don't think you're going to get a good of that size for less than $1500. Although there are a lot of sales going on right now and you might get lucky.

I have a Samsung HD (not flat screen, it's 2 years old) 32" which cost $500 (base price -taxes, delivery and installation, a suitable entertainment center etc, brought it closer to $1,000). Samsung is a pretty reliable brand, though not cheap. Vizio is also good.

What are you going to predominantly use it for?

Movies?
Watching HDTV?
Watching regular TV?
Computer/console games?
Full-time computer display?

If it's multiple uses, rough percentages would help. This has a major effect on the choice.


Also, how often are you going to use it in the dark, or how dark conditions do you usually have?
Likely standard definition movies and tv and games.

I don't think you're going to get a good of that size for less than $1500. Although there are a lot of sales going on right now and you might get lucky.
Well, it would probably be better to stick with 42". The 46" models are somewhat rare and tend to be expensive.

However, $1500 it's quite enough to get a good 42" LCD or plasma. Not necessarily the best, but good.

Note though that HDTV plasmas are rare, most of them just accept high resolution content, but display it in 1024x768. Some newer models have enough pixels for proper 720p. Full HD, not to be counted on.

Likely standard definition movies and tv and games.
Now, with games... Is it going to be plugged into a PC or a console? With consoles, the basic resolution is usually enough, while PC requires the maximum.

And for how many hours a day will it be used? Plasmas have a problem with longevity, they're better at watching movies as an event, but not full-time family use.

Also, will it be used in darkened conditions or in bright light?

Will there usually be just one person in front of the TV, or the entire family, possibly in different places?

Vizio. 46", 1.5k.

Well, it would probably be better to stick with 42". The 46" models are somewhat rare and tend to be expensive.

However, $1500 it's quite enough to get a good 42" LCD or plasma. Not necessarily the best, but good.

Note though that HDTV plasmas are rare, most of them just accept high resolution content, but display it in 1024x768. Some newer models have enough pixels for proper 720p. Full HD, not to be counted on.

I don't see how you figure 46" is rare. It seems like an illogical and unfounded conclusion.

Did I say PC? No. I meant console games. Or did you not rate PC and games as separate entities in your original post? :rolleyes:


In place of this inane third degree, I will just state that the tv will be used occasionally, not full time, for standard definition tv, movies, and games. (possibly HD movies in the future). I will be sitting around 8-10' feet away directly in front of the set (but if the set has angle issues it probably sucks to begin with)

Vizio. 46", 1.5k.
I was wondering if you could possibly be more nondescript.

46" - fewer good bargain models than with the more established 42" and 50" markets. Although it's getting more common lately.
Did I say PC? No. I meant console games. Or did you not rate PC and games as separate entities in your original post?
Games can be played on either. I use my projector (Barco Cine 9) both for movies and on occasion PC games, for instance.


In place of this inane third degree, I will just state that the tv will be used occasionally, not full time, for standard definition tv, movies, and games. (possibly HD movies in the future). I will be sitting around 8-10' feet away directly in front of the set (but if the set has angle issues it probably sucks to begin with)
That's a good distance and no particular need for max resolution, so going with plasma should be a good idea. You should also consider a 50" with this distance, it won't cost much more.

Something like this, for instance, could do it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0015AD2JK#


Generally brand-wise, Pioneer tends to be slightly ahead in picture quality, closely followed by Samsung and Toshiba.
Not as sure about lower-end brands, they still use panels from the big manufacturers, but may cut costs on electronics.

Interesting tv. Apparently Sears has a sell on it where it is $1400 before tax by Friday... Which comes out $200 cheaper than the LN46A550.

If you can wait till next Thanksgiving, go queuing early at best buy and you can buy a decent 42 inch plasma for less than $800.

1) Going early on black friday is pointless - you just get cold and most of the deals are still there until noon.
1.b) The best stuff is never on sale.
2) Waiting until next Thanksgiving defeats the purpose of looking now.

I bought a sony 47" for 1700 before tax.

If you can wait till next Thanksgiving, go queuing early at best buy and you can buy a decent 42 inch plasma for less than $800.

You might even get to trample someone!

I bought a sony 47" for 1700 before tax.

Also, congratulations, you managed to be even more nondescript than Neo Art.

Buy a Mac, err what?

You could try one of these.

Samsung LN46A650, Sony KDL-46W4100, or the Toshiba 42RV530U. All of them are decently priced, and they're LCDs, not Plasma.

Interesting tv. Apparently Sears has a sell on it where it is $1400 before tax by Friday... Which comes out $200 cheaper than the LN46A550.
That's a damn good offer, keeping in mind that this is a 50" plasma with native 1920x1080. The picture on the Samsungs is a bit less correct than on Pioneers, but you won't notice unless you're a videophile. On the other hand, usability and reliability are very good.


If you're looking to save some more, I'd also (or even rather) consider this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50A450-50-Inch-720p-Plasma/dp/B0015AV3XM/ref=pd_cp_e__map#productPromotions

Basically a 1365x768 version of the exact same TV, costing only $960. I'm a videophile myself, so didn't consider the price factor at first, rather suggesting the best that fits under 1.5k. Actually you aren't going to see any difference unless viewing 1080p content. It will be limited by TV, DVD and common low-HD content anyway.
Modern consoles technically support 1080p, but from what I know, practically they work best at 720p, and most games are designed for 720p. Plus, at ten feet, the difference isn't distinguishable even with 1080p content.
Generally for the specific application the few cases where the extra resolution could be useful aren't worth 1.5x the price.

A 46" model could be a bit cheaper, but I don't see a reason to go for 46", unless there are very specific space constraints. With this distance size definitely matters.

You could try one of these.

Samsung LN46A650, Sony KDL-46W4100, or the Toshiba 42RV530U. All of them are decently priced, and they're LCDs, not Plasma.
Why would I pick them though? The Sony and Toshiba sound like the video is subpar and the LN46A650 is expensive.

That's a damn good offer, keeping in mind that this is a 50" plasma with native 1920x1080. The picture on the Samsungs is a bit less correct than on Pioneers, but you won't notice unless you're a videophile. On the other hand, usability and reliability are very good.


If you're looking to save some more, I'd also (or even rather) consider this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50A450-50-Inch-720p-Plasma/dp/B0015AV3XM/ref=pd_cp_e__map#productPromotions

Basically a 1365x768 version of the exact same TV, costing only $960. I'm a videophile myself, so didn't consider the price factor at first, rather suggesting the best that fits under 1.5k. Actually you aren't going to see any difference unless viewing 1080p content. It will be limited by TV, DVD and common low-HD content anyway.
Modern consoles technically support 1080p, but from what I know, practically they work best at 720p, and most games are designed for 720p. Plus, at ten feet, the difference isn't distinguishable even with 1080p content.
Generally for the specific application the few cases where the extra resolution could be useful aren't worth 1.5x the price.

That ironically costs the same price at Sears - it's cheaper online of course.

Should be able to find something in that price range right now with sales.

Well I was hoping someone had any recommendations on what was good. The 50A550 looks good and is in price range (though it's power consumption is a bit wonky).