Fall Flat Panel Lineup


I'd like to buy a flat panel from the upcoming new flat panels. But, I'm so confused. I can't separate the wheat from the chaff.

Here is what is important to me: 1) Artifacting during movements and paning is absolutely minimal, 2)I can see detail in the blacks (I'd rather see detail than the quest for the deepest black if that means blocked up details), and 3) whites are white and not gray, and 4) Size is say 42" to 52" or so. Price is less than $5,000. I don't know anything about plasma versus lcd.

I've seen Sony LCD's that I like, but they seem to artifact. I've seen the Pioneer, which seemed to artifact less, but seemed darker in the shadows. I hate the blocked up shadows and the artifacting. My observations were on models in the store about six months ago.

Having said all that, can you point me toward the best option or two? Thanks for considering my question. Jeff
jj2468
I agree with most of the prior posts. Both LCD and Plasma provide wonderful viewing experiences with a good source. I think the biggest consideration should be your viewing environment. If the TV will be in a well lit room with lots of lights/windows, etc., then a matte screen LCD is the best choice IMHO. If you have a dark room where you can control the light and/or block off windows, etc. then plasma comes into play. Plasma still offers deeper blacks, but LCD typically offers better whites as they intend to be brighter (another reason they're good in a bright room). Both can offer good low level detail with proper calibration.
I was hoping somebody would offer what Cruz noted........remember even if Plasma is in darker room that lamps will show up in reflection and canbe annoying, I still feel Plasma is the way to go quality wise but the lines are getting increasingly blurred, if you get an LCD with a very high contrast ratio and a 120hz platform should be great for most viewers, calibrate with a professional and your all set.
IIRC, an equivalent size plasma uses more energy than an LCD. I think that ought to be a consideration; it was for me.

db