Buying a new plasma TV... Help me decide

[Wes]

I'm going to be picking up a new HD Plasma TV within the next few weeks. Right now I'm a bit torn between the Samsung 50" HP-S5053 and the Hitachi 55" 55HDS69. If anyone has either of these particular models and would care to share their experience, great. If not, what does everyone think of either of these brands? They are both 720p machines. A 1080p box would be nice, but I can't spend the extra. Money IS an object so please don't come back with something ridiculous like, "Go buy a Pioneer Elite...." that cost $4000 more than what I'm spending. I've got a budget of about $2500-2700 and would be willing to consider a different box that at least meets or exceeds the specs on the two that I've listed. I'll also be picking up a set of bookshelf speakers, a center channel, and a powered subwoofer (all Klipsch).

Thoughts?

[JamesB]

have you considered an LCD instead of a plasma? I do beleive an LCD will maintain its quality longer than a plasma. Also with a plasma, your room needs to be fairly dark or you are going to get a lot of glare and refelctions from lights in the room or windows since the Plasma's have a glass front element as to where the LCD's dont.

James

[janetg]

within your budget is a mitsubishi 57" DLP - i think we got one for around $1800 around xmas time. the picture is AMAZing

[Jake]

I would get a smaller 1080p LCD or a bigger 1080p DLP.

[Modsquad]

Personally, I'd go DLP....if something ever goes wrong with a plasma or lcd, the cost of repair is usually high. On DLPs the only thing that usually ever goes out is the buld & color wheel and now the newer models don't even have those, they have LED lights. I have a Samsung 61" DLP that has served me well for 3 years & I love it. You get a lot more screen for your $$ if you can forego the wall mount TV.

If you play xbox or games, stick with LCD also, you could possibly get burn in on plasmas.

http://www.avsforum.com/ is an excellent forum for you AV needs. Troll around there also for more info. I know I have read there are some Westinghouse model LCD's that have great picures & have really nice prices....personally, I'm a big Samsung fan when it comes to large formate TVs tho....

GL & let us know what you end up with & the end results.

[Allen]

Check out the latest issue of Consumer Reports. They have a really in depth section on buying HDTVs.

[ttusa]

Wish I could afford one!

[Hanky]

Since you mentioned Samsung, I refer you to this and as a bonus it has a sweet 'lil honey to guide you.
http://shoutout.samsungusa.com/NFL/
Heresay is that plamas will image burn but I have no proof.

[mobilezen]

DLP is a great way to go...plus you're investing into Texas Instruments.

Can't go wrong with Samsung...Gotta love their stuff. I'm not a fan of Korean manufacturers but Samsung is good stuff!

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Allen

Check out the latest issue of Consumer Reports. They have a really in depth section on buying HDTVs.

Thanks for all of the tips. I did check out a very recent issue of CR and read their feedback regarding HDTV's. One of the things that they suggested was that for plasma and LCD screens you should not purchase the extended warranty. They have found that there is (generally) less than a 3% failure rate with these units and the repairs are generally very inexpensive. As for the rear-projection units (DLP, LCoS) they suggest that it might be worth making the purchase.

Still not sure what I'm going to get, but I'm leaning very heavily towards the Hitachi 55" plasma. It's 720p and has an awesome picture, plus it got a pretty good review on CNET. I just cannot afford a 1080p set right now (remember - I just spent $7k on new camera gear last month), but since they are all the rage the 720p sets are available at very good prices. I've looked at the DLP sets and they just don't have the viewing angle that I want. At least, the ones that I've looked at don't. That being said, I initially was going to get a DLP until I read that a lot of the old bugaboos about plasma technology have been pretty much eliminated.

I'll also be picking up a set of Klipsch speakers (Synergy series bookshelf, center channel, and powered sub - no rears at this time) and an Onkyo HDMI receiver. Just waiting for the money so that I can pull the trigger.

[zeroendless]

Or.... projector if you have the space and light control viewing area. Spend less and turn that 55" "monitor" into big screen you gonna get....LOL

[OversighT]

I recently got a 56" Samsung DLP (1080p) and love it. I got more TV for my money and the bigger TV fits the space well. With the variety of choices out there I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 formats.

Model: http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/D...S5687WXXAA.asp


T.

[adirty1]

lcd sony or sharp.
not a fan of the dlp always looks a little fuzzy plus I like the sony that has glass in front to protect the screen. nothing like having little fingers all over your screen... glass is just easier to clean. draw back is it's 15 pounds heavier then without.

[Modsquad]

I'd have to disagree, my DLP is not fuzzy at all when the content is HD content or even my upscaled DVDs played in my Oppo dvd player. Glass would only annoy me as there would be more reflections visible on the screen. I suppose if you have kids, the easy to clean could be a factor, but I'd just rather educate the kids not to touch the TV...

[Debbi]

I also would get an LCD over the Plasma - longer life and no burn-in.