Buy my new HDTV - Panasonic PT-43LC14 vs. Magnavox LCD 32MF605W (1 Viewer)

[Kevin Parrott]

Hi, everyone.

I currently own a Sony KP-43T70 RP TV, which I've had since early 2000, and which has been a great TV. But, I think it's a little long in the tooth, and I want to be able to sell it while it still has life left in it, and while I can still get a little bit of money for it. This fall I'm going to take the plunge into HDTV, and the two sets I'm currently eyeing are the Panasonic PT-43LC14 43" LCD Projection HDTV, and the Magnavox 32" LCD HDTV Monitor 32MF605W. Both are in my price range (I can find them online and locally for $1500, and maybe by fall the price will drop further), and the size is right for my apartment. I've seen both in action at Circuit City, and each look fantastic. I know Magnavox would lose some viewing area, but the clarity might make up for it.

I do have a few questions for anyone who might be experienced with either of these models (keep in mind either TV pretty much maxes my budget):

1) Is bulb burnout really that big of an issue on LCD Projection sets? I don't know if I want to spend $200 on a new bulb every 1.5 years. That would be a plus in the Magnavox side, since I wouldn't have to worry about it.

2) Are LCD Projection TVs susceptible to burn-in at all? I play a lot of Xbox, but never for more than 3 hours at a sitting.

3) Is the picture on the LCD Projection okay out of the box, or am I going to have to get it calibrated and spend a gabrillion dollars?

4) Do flat-panel LCDs handle motion better than they used to, say for video games?

5) my couch is about 10 feet away from my current TV. Would I sit there brokenhearted by the downsize to a 32 inch LCD HDTV?

6) What $$$ can I reasonably expect to get when I sell my Sony? It's in excellent condition.

Given my budget ($1500 max before tax), space concerns (46 inches is really the maximum I can go), and what I'll be using it for (video games, DVDs, and occasional HDTV viewing), which TV do you think would be the better overall choice?

 

[BrianMe]

You will definitely be dissapointed by going from 46" to 32", at least I think so. As for your current TV, $250-$300 would be a good price, but you could probably get as much as $500-$600 depending on the buyer. I sold my 7 year old RCA 52" RPTV for $600 a month or so ago.

I would recommend a Samsung 46" DLP. I bought the 4663 at Circuit City while it was on sale and I got circuit city rewards points (to later buy the stand) and net price was about $1800 (including tax). The new Sammy's are supposed to be even better, with an integrated HD tuner and some other upgrades. I'm very very pleased with the TV. I really wanted to go with a 52" JVC D-iLA, but like you I was dealing with space problems. I may still look at the now-new 70" JVC for the theater room, but I just can't justify the cost compared to a good projector.