Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Zicato
We're thinking about getting a new TV. Anyone want to recommend a set 40-42" where the price tag won't put me in shock?
|
Pioneer has been making the best plasmas for years, with Panasonic coming a close second. Around the end of 2008, Pioneer shut down its panel operations, and started sub-contracting the work to Panasonic. Apparently there's been a degree of transfer of technology, and the Panasonic plasmas have risen in excellence.
I'd recommend the Panasonic TC-P42X1 as fitting your description. You mentioned your concern over glare, and this model has their newer anti-glare screen. When you look at this model, make sure it has the "X1" designation, as this is the quicker response model, making it excellent for gaming and sports.
It is a 720p, which is sufficient for broadcast HD. While the resolution is less than Blue Ray, on a 42" television you aren't likely to notice the difference beyond 7' of distance.
One of the main things I was looking for was a set which had a decent analogue tuner. Many of the HD sets have analogue included as an afterthought, and it looks horrible.
I can't stand the limited viewing angles of LCD televisions, and replacing the cathode for backlighting can be a harrowing experience.
If you decide to go with the Panasonic, look around for pricing. I've seen excellent deals online, but I picked mine up last year locally for about $539. The pricing is all over the place, you just have to look and wait a bit. Dell had them for the same price not too long ago.
Here's a thread covering both the 42" & 50" X1s:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1124476
If you're into tweaking things, this thread goes indepth into accessing the service menu and calibrating the set after break-in:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1128487
I've no complaints with the set, but I'd surely like to find a way to keep some of the rugrats that wander in here from touching the screen. They seem to lose all conscious self-control when wound up.