Looking for advice on flat panel TV

dpowell
dpowell Posts: 3,068
edited June 2009 in Electronics
With the impending arrival of our second child, the wife and I are turning our garage into a multi-purpose room to free up another bedroom. It'll be used for office, crafting and for the kids to play. We'd like to put in a TV for general use. I already have my theater room where the best equipment will stay.

My plan is to move my Sony AVR (after I receive the new Pioneer next week) and either a cheap panasonic DVD player or the Denon 3910 (if the Oppo 2-channel is good enough to not need the Denon for CD playback). I'll grab a set of speaks from the forum at some point and stick them out there.

Having been in the projector world for the last 8 years, I don't know much about flat panel tv's and am looking for advice on a good direction to go. I've got about 50" - 60" of wall space available but I'm more cost conscious on this than crazy about maxing out the viewing size of the TV or having the absolut latest thing.

Thanks in advance!
____________________________________________________________

polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
Post edited by dpowell on
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  • RandyBox
    RandyBox Posts: 125
    edited June 2009
    Went in Wally world and saw a markdown to $598 on a Vizio 42 inch Plasma, the there was a big tag that says 20% off sale price...

    That's a bargain. I like my 32 Plasma in the bedroom...

    Randy
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2009
    I would recommend taking a god look a Panasonic's plasmas.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • bevo
    bevo Posts: 306
    edited June 2009
    I love my 50 inch panasonic plasma. My room is pretty bright during the day, and an lcd might look a little better then, but come night time it looks fantastic, and can't be beat.

    I also have a 32 inch philips lcd, and a 26 inch olevia lcd. Neither compare to the plasma at night, but during the day, the 32 inch philips is a little brighter, and easier to look at. It all depends on how much light that garage will have if you want to go plasma or lcd. For what your wanting, an lcd from walmart would probably be your best bet. It won't be the best tv out there, but the price will be hard to top.
    Denon 1909, want to upgrade for pre outs
    Fronts-polk RTi A5
    center-polk CSi A4
    Sides Polk FXi A6
    rears- polk rm8's
    sub-SVS pb-13 ultra
    Blue ray-ps3
    Panasonic plasma 50 inch
    Buttkicker(don't use or need it anymore since getting the Ultra)
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited June 2009
    It'll be used for office, crafting and for the kids to play.

    For those purposes, I too would recommend Visio or the occasional heavily discounted Samsung from Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, etc. I'm not even sure I'd get too hung up on plasma versus LCD. Either one should work fine in a converted garage where light (+ or -) should not be an issue. I certainly have no problem with (or argument with) Panasonic, Sony, Pioneer being better displays however in this case I don't think the additional expenditure is warranted. Obviously, you would know best what you're comfortable with. I have several relatives with Walmart Visio's and they have been extremely happy with them.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited June 2009
    GV#27 wrote: »
    I would recommend taking a god look a Panasonic's plasmas.

    +1 This looks good. Love my older Panny.

    Marty913 wrote: »
    It'll be used for office, crafting and for the kids to play.

    For those purposes, I too would recommend Visio or the occasional heavily discounted Samsung from Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, etc. I'm not even sure I'd get too hung up on plasma versus LCD. Either one should work fine in a converted garage where light (+ or -) should not be an issue. I certainly have no problem with (or argument with) Panasonic, Sony, Pioneer being better displays however in this case I don't think the additional expenditure is warranted. Obviously, you would know best what you're comfortable with. I have several relatives with Walmart Visio's and they have been extremely happy with them.

    This would be the way to go IMHO for a secondary general purpose set. You never mentioned a budget just not looking for max size or latest tech.
    But I think the above Panny can be had < $1500
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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited June 2009
    I love my Panasonic 50" plasma. I have the cheapo version, but it still looks great. It's only 720P, but that doesn't bother me because very little content is 1080P with the exception of BluRay. I got mine when it first came out for about $860 and I'm unable to find a better quality vs. price TV out there.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,175
    edited June 2009
    I would spring for a Panasonic Plasma as well. Maybe the entry level 50" version.

    If you could afford a more expensive purchase, I would get the 58" Panasonic Plasma THX version.

    Enjoy, as I wish I could do the same thing you are doing in using the garage for a multi-purpose room. Maybe one day...
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  • abharucha
    abharucha Posts: 5
    edited June 2009
    I would be careful with Samsung plasma (especially the A650 series). I own a 63A650 and it suffers from pink hues. This problem makes whites slightly pink and its annoying when you pay $3K for a TV and you can not see pure whites.

    Go with Panny if you decide on a plasma. I am going through a nightmare right now with samsung to address my issue but getting run arounds.

    Anil
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited June 2009
    +1 on the Panny, I love my 42" 1080p. 0 problems with it.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited June 2009
    My brother has a Panasonic plasma. It's hard for me to describe but it seems to me that the plasmas tend to have some sort of blurry effect where the image just isn't as sharp as what I see on the LCD's. I appreciate the suggestions. I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal at cosco or wally's world.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited June 2009
    apphd wrote: »
    +1 This looks good. Love my older Panny.

    This would be the way to go IMHO for a secondary general purpose set. You never mentioned a budget just not looking for max size or latest tech.
    But I think the above Panny can be had < $1500

    http://hdguru.com/panasonic-tcp50g10-50-plasma-review/416/
    Some how missed getting this link in my post above. Sounds like you aren't interested in Panny plasma but thought I would fix the link.
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  • Crispy3M
    Crispy3M Posts: 27
    edited June 2009
    GV#27 wrote: »
    I would recommend taking a god look a Panasonic's plasmas.

    Ditto... but maybe take a "good" look instead:D
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited June 2009
    I have a Samsung 50" Plasma that was purchased after I returned a Panasonic because of excessive judder and graininess. I am totally pleased with the Samsung. Much more natural colour and huge picture controll. Don't be disuaded by one bad review.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited June 2009
    Seems there are a lot of rebates out there on the Samsungs. Either it's a really good deal or the company wants to quickly move along some bad product.......:)
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • DanAckerman
    DanAckerman Posts: 70
    edited June 2009
    Samsung is moving over to the LED's. Great screens and I can highly recommend them.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited June 2009
    feed the right stuff into either a Panny or a Samsung and im sure you'll be happy with either one. just my 2 cents.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited June 2009
    After reading on this site, I decided on Panny plasma(can't afford Pioneer :()


    http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/compare-reviews.php
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  • jdwmap
    jdwmap Posts: 116
    edited June 2009
    55" Vizio LCD for less than 2000.00 at Sam's Club. I bought it for the basement and its very nice. There are a ton of TV's of decent size in the 500-1000.00 range as well.
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  • debussyj
    debussyj Posts: 198
    edited June 2009
    I've got a Pioneer 5020 in my "serious" listening room. I've got a Samsung 850 in my family room. I like both for different reasons, but must admit I'm partial to the Pio. When I'm going to watch a movie, it's the Pio I turn to. I also like the Samsung for sports, etc. and everyday viewing. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one display, it would be the Pio. But that's just me. Hope you get something nice. DJ
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  • Hillbilly61
    Hillbilly61 Posts: 702
    edited June 2009
    gdb wrote: »
    After reading on this site, I decided on Panny plasma(can't afford Pioneer :()


    http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/compare-reviews.php

    Don't sweat what is recommended here. Take the recommendations in, do your own research and buy what looks good to you w/features that you want. Remember, it's your money, but others will readily spend it for you!
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  • blueboxer
    blueboxer Posts: 621
    edited June 2009
    I have a 50 in. Samsung plasma, a 42 in. Samsung plasma, and a 40 in. Samsung lcd. I love all three and got each at a great price from Crutchfield and a Best Buy promo. I narrowed down my choices between the Samsung and Panasonic, both are excellent products and affordable. The Samsung just pleased my personal eye and tastes a little bit more than the Panasonic, but I think anyone would be pleased with either. Someday a Kuros will be in my dedicated home theatre room, but that is a year or two away.
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