new TV
Out of context: Reply #14
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- ETM0
You first want to decide what type of flat screen you want, LCD or Plasma.
Plasmas are typically cheaper, have better black levels, typically better colour reproduction and no motion blur or lag. However, they have a reflective surface which is no good in sunny rooms and they are still prone to burn-in, although most better sets have ways of combatting it.
LCDs are a bit pricier but have more options is sizes (below 40") are argued to have longer life (but we are talking 40,000-60,000 hours of viewing in either technology) and are better in brightly lit rooms as most do not have a reflective surface. Only higher end sets will give you black levels that will look good when all the lights are out though.
If you go Plasma, I suggest Panasonic then Pioneer. They are both great, but I find Pionner has an unwarranted Price Premium.
If you go LCD I would go Sony or Sharp.
I went for the 42" Panasonic Plasma in the living room and a 32" Sony Bravia LCD in the bedroom. Very happy with both.
As a last note, when you are viewing a TV in store, ask to see how a regular/standard (SD) signal looks on the set. 80% of your viewing will still be SD and not all sets upconvert the standard signal well. Most sets look good in HD, but the cheaper ones skimp on the hardware/software to improve you standard signal.