What's the best LCD/Plasma TV to get in 40-50 inch size?

dzenno · 09-25-2006, 01:44 PM

What would you guys recommend? Money is not an issue. I've been looking at Sony Bravia LCDs as I'm a Sony fan...i'm planning to mount it on a wall...

thedean786 · 09-25-2006, 02:23 PM

Panasonic or Pioneer - check out cnet.com for more info and reviews. Buddy just bought a 42 inch Panasonic plasma and it was amazing!!!!

cdheaven · 09-25-2006, 02:33 PM

i like my samsung, but im sure if money is no issue at all there are much better more expensive ones.

txusa03 · 09-25-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedean786

Panasonic or Pioneer - check out cnet.com for more info and reviews. Buddy just bought a 42 inch Panasonic plasma and it was amazing!!!!

I have read good reviews on both of these. If he is a sony fan, I betcha he is going to get a sony anyway.

Brunotheboxer · 09-25-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzenno

What would you guys recommend? Money is not an issue. I've been looking at Sony Bravia LCDs as I'm a Sony fan...i'm planning to mount it on a wall...

i like the pioneer elite :http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...762802,00.html

Hunter399 · 09-25-2006, 03:22 PM

We just got a Pioneer Elite in our play room

I have a Sony Bravia 32'' HD LCD in my room

The Pioneer has an AMAZING picture

enwhykiid · 09-25-2006, 03:45 PM

46" bravia--got the 6.5k go for the 52"

IDENTITY_MOTORSPORTS · 09-25-2006, 04:04 PM

depends on how much u want to spend... economical, good looking and reliable. LG. A little more higher end, pioneer elite. The best looking plasma out.... Runco. will run you like 12k but you will love it for the next 3 years until something better comes out

.

drkeng · 09-25-2006, 04:32 PM

Pioneer Elite considered the best and it is amazing looking. Panasonic's plasmas are also excellent. Try to look at them side by side. I see little difference with most programs. Pioneer Elite has a separate box with only one cable running to the TV; everything plugs into the box. Top of line Panasonic may have this now, too. Also , consider if you want 1080p; it may only matter with some DVD's now, more in the future.

Another option is DLP, unless you want a slim unit. Samsung and Mitsubishi make excellent units.

Try to look at face details, especially in darkly lit scenes to see if one unit shows more or less detail. Also, look at black levels, but I must say I've seen little difference there. I have noticed that some things that are obviously very white had a yellow tinge on some brands. Some of it is very subjective. It's a big investment; don't be afraid to take your time and study them for a while side by side. Using some of the above criteria, I bought a Panasonic 32 inch LCD over Sharp and Samsung and I love it. When I re-do my den, I'll likely go for the Pioneer Elite to hopefully avoid ANY possible regret.

Nikki · 09-25-2006, 04:38 PM

If money doesn't matter just go to the store and pick out the one you think looks best. If it's over $3,000 it is going to look good.

dzenno · 09-25-2006, 04:39 PM

How come no one likes Sony Bravias? Are they not worth the investment? Is Pioneer Elite really that much better?

Nikki · 09-25-2006, 04:41 PM

From reviews I have seen online, Pioneer is rated better every time. Sony markets their products well, that's all. I'm not saying Sonys aren't well-made products, but a lot of people buy them and talk about them because they have such good advertising and they are stylishly designed.

sungmin · 09-25-2006, 04:48 PM

if u buy sony youre pretty much just buying for the name. spec for spec panasonic is better and pioneer is the best as far as plasmas go.

yellowg555 · 09-25-2006, 04:57 PM

Don't plasmas have that half-life brightness problem? Like after X years, the brightness drops off by some %? DLPs also have the drawback of needing their lamps replaced every year, and that isn't cheap (like $400/year). I am guessing you are looking to hang the tv somewhere, hence the need for a plasma/lcd. I'd recommend a Bravia LCD or any other HD LCD tv.

Cheers.

dzenno · 09-25-2006, 05:05 PM

Fading problem with Plasmas is exactly what I'm afraid of. I don't like DLP because of the bulb change every so often. I like LCDs because of this.

So far from what I've seen Sony Bravias seem to be the best choice, not just design wise but also picture wise.

jadeddjay · 09-25-2006, 05:19 PM

lcd: sharp aquos line.. newer ones are all 1080p, i just ordered the 37" lc-37d9u, theres also an lc-46d62u i think thats 46"

if you really wanted a plasma i hear the pannys really good but for all practical purposes i would get an lcd

Brunotheboxer · 09-25-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzenno

How come no one likes Sony Bravias? Are they not worth the investment? Is Pioneer Elite really that much better?

to me, the elite is much better.

Quote:

Fading problem with Plasmas is exactly what I'm afraid of. I don't like DLP because of the bulb change every so often. I like LCDs because of this.

So far from what I've seen Sony Bravias seem to be the best choice, not just design wise but also picture wise.

before you lay out your money to buy an expensive tv, do some honest research. check out sound and vision magazine, search online, and go to the stores and look at the tv's. the sony bravia is a great tv, but to me the elite is much better.

huchung · 09-25-2006, 06:28 PM

plasma: pioneer elite
tube: sony XBR - they're rated the best on cnet

Nitz99 · 09-25-2006, 06:40 PM

Go with Pioneer. I own a 43 inch Pioneer Elite Pro930 and I would not trade this plasma in for anything else on the market. The media receiver that comes with many of the Pioneer plasma's makes connecting additional components to this tv as easy as could be. The picture quality is outstanding. Check them out yourself but keep in mind that on a showroom floor most plasma's have their brightness turned up as high as possible in order to stand out when next to 20 other models. Ask your salesman if you could play around with the settings. Good luck...

DLJJ3399 · 09-25-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzenno

What would you guys recommend? Money is not an issue. I've been looking at Sony Bravia LCDs as I'm a Sony fan...i'm planning to mount it on a wall...

Sony Bravia. That's what I have.

But... I'm a Sony snob though!

P.S. Consumer Reports thinks so too. I think it was in last months issue. Good luck.

findtom · 09-25-2006, 08:00 PM

If money is no issue get a 335i.

jadeddjay · 09-25-2006, 10:19 PM

sharp aquos.. i cant believe im the only one mentioning this

09-25-2006, 01:44 PM	#1
dzenno Banned 273 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	What's the best LCD/Plasma TV to get in 40-50 inch size? What would you guys recommend? Money is not an issue. I've been looking at Sony Bravia LCDs as I'm a Sony fan...i'm planning to mount it on a wall...
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09-25-2006, 02:23 PM	#2
thedean786 A Herald of Doom 218 Rep 230 Posts Drives: A Fancy Car Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	Panasonic or Pioneer - check out cnet.com for more info and reviews. Buddy just bought a 42 inch Panasonic plasma and it was amazing!!!! __________________
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09-25-2006, 02:33 PM	#3
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 229 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	i like my samsung, but im sure if money is no issue at all there are much better more expensive ones. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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09-25-2006, 03:22 PM	#6
Hunter399 Major General 325 Rep 8,091 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	We just got a Pioneer Elite in our play room I have a Sony Bravia 32'' HD LCD in my room The Pioneer has an AMAZING picture
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09-25-2006, 03:45 PM	#7
enwhykiid Captain 98 Rep 821 Posts Drives: '06 titanium 330XI Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	46" bravia--got the 6.5k go for the 52" __________________
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09-25-2006, 04:04 PM	#8
IDENTITY_MOTORSPORTS Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 244 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV. iTrader: (0)	depends on how much u want to spend... economical, good looking and reliable. LG. A little more higher end, pioneer elite. The best looking plasma out.... Runco. will run you like 12k but you will love it for the next 3 years until something better comes out .
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09-25-2006, 04:32 PM	#9
drkeng Major 156 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: '18 M4 'vert Tanz Blue Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northbrook, IL iTrader: (0)	Pioneer Elite considered the best and it is amazing looking. Panasonic's plasmas are also excellent. Try to look at them side by side. I see little difference with most programs. Pioneer Elite has a separate box with only one cable running to the TV; everything plugs into the box. Top of line Panasonic may have this now, too. Also , consider if you want 1080p; it may only matter with some DVD's now, more in the future. Another option is DLP, unless you want a slim unit. Samsung and Mitsubishi make excellent units. Try to look at face details, especially in darkly lit scenes to see if one unit shows more or less detail. Also, look at black levels, but I must say I've seen little difference there. I have noticed that some things that are obviously very white had a yellow tinge on some brands. Some of it is very subjective. It's a big investment; don't be afraid to take your time and study them for a while side by side. Using some of the above criteria, I bought a Panasonic 32 inch LCD over Sharp and Samsung and I love it. When I re-do my den, I'll likely go for the Pioneer Elite to hopefully avoid ANY possible regret.
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09-25-2006, 04:38 PM	#10
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	If money doesn't matter just go to the store and pick out the one you think looks best. If it's over $3,000 it is going to look good. __________________ Nikki
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09-25-2006, 04:39 PM	#11
dzenno Banned 273 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	How come no one likes Sony Bravias? Are they not worth the investment? Is Pioneer Elite really that much better?
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09-25-2006, 04:41 PM	#12
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	From reviews I have seen online, Pioneer is rated better every time. Sony markets their products well, that's all. I'm not saying Sonys aren't well-made products, but a lot of people buy them and talk about them because they have such good advertising and they are stylishly designed. __________________ Nikki
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09-25-2006, 04:48 PM	#13
sungmin playing the field 3 Rep 153 Posts Drives: Lunch is for Wimps Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sactown iTrader: (2)	if u buy sony youre pretty much just buying for the name. spec for spec panasonic is better and pioneer is the best as far as plasmas go.
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09-25-2006, 04:57 PM	#14
yellowg555 First Lieutenant 9 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0)	Don't plasmas have that half-life brightness problem? Like after X years, the brightness drops off by some %? DLPs also have the drawback of needing their lamps replaced every year, and that isn't cheap (like $400/year). I am guessing you are looking to hang the tv somewhere, hence the need for a plasma/lcd. I'd recommend a Bravia LCD or any other HD LCD tv. Cheers. __________________ 2006 Jet Black 325i, ZPP, ZSP, Steptronic Auto, Navi, Xenon
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09-25-2006, 05:05 PM	#15
dzenno Banned 273 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	Fading problem with Plasmas is exactly what I'm afraid of. I don't like DLP because of the bulb change every so often. I like LCDs because of this. So far from what I've seen Sony Bravias seem to be the best choice, not just design wise but also picture wise.
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09-25-2006, 05:19 PM	#16
jadeddjay Major 115 Rep 1,441 Posts Drives: e92 335i, f10 m5 comp Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: jackson, ms iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 e92 335i [0.00]	lcd: sharp aquos line.. newer ones are all 1080p, i just ordered the 37" lc-37d9u, theres also an lc-46d62u i think thats 46" if you really wanted a plasma i hear the pannys really good but for all practical purposes i would get an lcd
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09-25-2006, 06:28 PM	#18
huchung Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 249 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	plasma: pioneer elite tube: sony XBR - they're rated the best on cnet __________________ What did the five fingers say to the face? COOOOOLD BLOODED!
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09-25-2006, 06:40 PM	#19
Nitz99 Private First Class 13 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 2013 AW F30 335i Sport Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: nyc iTrader: (1)	Go with Pioneer. I own a 43 inch Pioneer Elite Pro930 and I would not trade this plasma in for anything else on the market. The media receiver that comes with many of the Pioneer plasma's makes connecting additional components to this tv as easy as could be. The picture quality is outstanding. Check them out yourself but keep in mind that on a showroom floor most plasma's have their brightness turned up as high as possible in order to stand out when next to 20 other models. Ask your salesman if you could play around with the settings. Good luck...
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09-25-2006, 08:00 PM	#21
findtom Colonel 129 Rep 2,658 Posts Drives: E60 545i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 545i [0.00]	If money is no issue get a 335i.
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09-25-2006, 10:19 PM	#22
jadeddjay Major 115 Rep 1,441 Posts Drives: e92 335i, f10 m5 comp Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: jackson, ms iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 e92 335i [0.00]	sharp aquos.. i cant believe im the only one mentioning this
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