Bigger is Better...


Hi guys,
Well it may not be better, but it's certainly more impressive. Orginally I was going to go with the Panny 32" LCD, but it turns out (from some furniture movement) that I have more than enough room, in my bedroom, for a 42" plasma. Here's where I'm at now, in my mini bedroom system:
-purchased used NAD 320 integrated
-Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers on the way-
-newest Bravo, on the way, as well-
What is the 42" plasma to own. $$ are not a factor if the set delivers. I'm looking for a September purchase. Enough time, then, to do my homework, and hopefully fall into a good price. Also, with all the plasma specs, I do not understand the contrast ratio number. What should I be looking for? Thanks in advance.

peace,
warren
warrenh
Since you are looking for 42", I recommend the Panasonic. The current model has contrast ratio of 4000:1. My last year model has 3000:1. Panasonic makes it own glass and for others. If I recall correctly, this is the 6th generation of Panny making plasma. It could be 7th by now. Besides avsforum, you can visit PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com for plasma TV buying guide. I got all my info from such website when plasma was in its infancy as avsforum did not have much info then.
Can you explain what that contrast ratio stat is all about? 4000:1 is obviously better than 3000: 1. Or is it? I have seen some very costly plasmas with ratios of 850:1. What's that about? Thanks in advance.
The 42" plasma to own is the Runco (with their outboard scaler). I was blown away...
"Contrast ratio is the ratio of luminance between the brightest white that can be produced and the darkest black that can be produced. Contrast ratio is a major determinant of perceived picture quality" So, the bigger the better.
Contrast ratio was just discussed in the latest issue of home theater magazine...it was pretty interesting to say the least...they say that the specs are not accurate as they can be formulated in a number of ways...not to mention, the human eye can only pick up 300 to 1 so 3000 to 1 is useless or something like that...pick up the issue...it was a good one.

Ellery