One big difference between LCDs & plasmas, which is visible to naked eye, is that the plasma screens have a glassy finish, which causes reflection. So any light source in front of the tv will cause the picture to fade little bit & you will see the reflection of the light source & your room on the screen (including light coming from the windows effect the display). Plasmas are best suited for rooms with lower then average lighting. Picture is always brighter & clearer on LCDs even with less contrast ratio compared to Plasmas. LCDs with response time <10mS shows good picture in a well lit room.

Another point effecting the price & quality is the resolution. It does not make much difference in sizes < 32" but as you go higher you will notice the difference. 1080p being the highest resolution available today and is not going to be obsolete for next 10 years (hopefully) is the best option for HD programming & video games. 1080i/720p are good for HD too. ATSC tuner is required for HD reception. Some sets don’t have the tuner built-in and are sold as HDTV ready. Sets with built-in ATSC & NTSC tuners cost more (~$100-200). Some HD programming can be received free off the air using antennas. ATSC tuner is not needed if a HD cable/sat box is used. A set with multiple HDMI inputs ports is a good idea to go with.

The standard definition programming does not look good on these sets including the standard DVDs. Any resolution less than this will be obsolete soon. EDTV is also kind of a transient standard and will be out soon. Standard definition is going to be replaced by HD in 2009 in US & Canada will follow too.

60,000 hrs equates to 10 years of average TV watching.

LCD is technologically better but expensive compared to plasmas. The trend is moving towards LCDs with most of the big players promoting LCDs.

Excellent Pwin and thanks,

If you want 50" plus, then LCDs don't have options. I agree on the lighting issue with PLASMA, but as I am gonna put the TV in the basement it should not be a matter to worry in my case.

Regards,

VJ.

congrats on the 50" plasma TV and other stuff. Miss the Budweiser a lot.

But what happened to the West Indies trip? Why did u cancel it, maan...?

Rgds.

Rajan.

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Let's make India a better place !

Hi Rajan,

Thanks!!

Yes, we had a long discussion and came to a decision to go for a LONG TERM HAPPINESS then a SHORT one. Within almost the same expense, Biwi ke sath beth kai (Recliner pe...
)...TV dekh ne ka maja aur ayega.

Moving to the new home on 31st, kash tu idher hota...

TORONTO ke darwaze to always khule hai, you know that right?

Would email you soon..

Rgds,

VJ.

To all the 'knowledgeable guys'

How would you rate Pioneer ELITE 42 inches? Seems to me the most expensive Plasma of its size in the market.

When I bought it, it was retailing at about $5,400

Chandresh

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Chandresh

Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!

On an un related note ...

I brought a SONY flat tube 32 inches TV . I feel that the prices of LCD / Plasmas will drop by quite a bit in the next 3-4 years as the technology & HDTV broadcast matures ..... till then I wish enjoy the conventional

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Fido.

I am buying a 32" LCD TV in India.

Should I buy Sony or Samsung? Given that the Sony costs only Rs.4000/- more.

Rgds.

Rajan.

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Let's make India a better place !