Are there any plasma/lcd's that have good video quality? (1 Viewer)

[chung_sotheby]

I am looking to purchase a new television, preferrable 32 inches or larger, but all the crt's that size weigh more than some of my ex girlfriends. Also, they take up more space than a refridgerator. Are there any plasma or lcd screens that have black levels comparable to crt or rear projection screens? I would like to do some of my viewing with the lights on, and I would also like to have the convenience of a flas screen (less space, less energy, less weight). I have been looking at some tv's in the $6k-7K range, like the new Sony Wega plasma and some of the panasonic offerings, but reviews for these sets never really compare them to regular CRT's or rear projections.

 

[Harly]

Hi,

I have a 42" Sony PFM42B1 plasma monitor with a Sony STR555ES receiver, Sony S9000 DVD, with 5 NHT speakers. The plasma monitor is only 66lbs and is mounted on a wall.
A plasma monitor can cost you between $5 - $15K depending on brand and size.

Other considerations:
1. You will need a good A/V receiver, DVD, and speakers.
This equipment will cost additional $2 - $6k
2. You will need a satellite dish and a HDTV receiver to
receive digital broadcasts. Another $1k
3. If you have a cable connection (Cablevision)you can use
a super VCR as a tuner to receive analog broadcasts.
In my area Cablevision is not converted to digital.)
Another $.3k

If you are not into playing around with all this A/V equipment a good alternative is the Sharp LC-30HV2U a 30" LCD TV. What a picture!! Recently introduced - selling for
$5.5k.

Go to plasmatvbuyingguide.com to get tips, reveiws, and buying guide for plasma monitors.

Hope I did not confuse you.

Harly

 

[Dave Weida]

All the info you will ever need-
Plasmas- User Reviews, Info, Products, Questions, Etc.
Dave

 

[chung_sotheby]

Thanks alot guys. REally looking forward to auditioning some plasmas/lcds. As for my equipment list, here are items that will hopefully round out my home theater/music setup
A/V:
Lexicon DC2 or Outlaw 950
Panasonic RP91 or Sony NS900v
Sony CDP-Cx90es
Optimum Digital Cable
Panasonic Laserdisc Player (only for Star Wars trilogy and older Criterion Collection LD's)
Sony S-VHS VCR
Marantz MM9000 5 channel amp
Outlaw 750 or Mcintosh 7160

Music Only:
Sonic Frontiers Line 1 with NOS Mullards
VPI HW19 Mk III
Sony CDP-X5000
Sony SCD-1
Trichord Dino Phono Pre
Mcintosh 2205

Speakers:
B&W Nautilus 801 Mains
B&W CDM7 Rear
Audax Center Channel
Blueroom Minipods Back Surround
SVS 20-39 cs powered by 500 watt AR500 sub amplifier

Cables:
3 pair Homegrown Audio Silver Lace 1.5m
4 pair Homegrown Audio Super Silver 1m
2 pair Homegrown Audio Silver Lace 2m XLR
2 Acoustic REsearch Toslink Digital Cable
2 Acoustic Research Coaxial Digital Cable
2 pair MIT Terminator II 2m

TV:
Sony Wega 27" (now you seen the rub)

 

[Bill Slack]

The Toshiva 40/42" sets have a very small footprint and don't weigh a whole lot. They might weigh a bit more than a girlfriend, but... they're still pretty lighweight.
Plasma looks better than LCD for video quality, imo. Is a front projector out of the question for you?

 

[chung_sotheby]

The only problem with a front projector is that every unit that I have seen, even the jumbo, $15000 professional units, are poor at best in lighted viewing situations. I tend to do most of my viewing while the lights are on, so I do not want to have to get a seperate RPTV or CRT to compliment the projector. Also, my viewing room is on the second floor, so dragging a 150 Ibs CRT or a 200 Ibs RPTV is really not that high on my list. Thanks for the advice on the toshibas, I will look into them As of right now I am looking at a couple of Pannys and some NEC's