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
128x128warrenh
The only experience I have with satellite transmission is what I've seen in the stores. 'twas, quite amazing, but I have seen, as I said, HD via cable, and it was great to my eyes. Better than regular TV, but maybe not as fine as satellite. I'm not a TV watcher 'cept for the Yankees and a few shows here and there. I'm sure the LCDs are killer, but a 42" probably cost way more than a 42" plasma. Right?
The problem with LCD is that it looks good from the sweet spot, but when you move off-axis, left or right, you get that tropical fish, florescent thing happening -- and LCD also has a problem with "blacks" which becomes exascerbated when you move off-axis. I'm not sure why HD would look any better from a satellite than from an HD Box. I get mine from an HD Box and the HD I get looks terrific -- I just wish there was more programming available. The difference between HD and non-HD is really startling, which makes it hard to watch anything in standard def. If you're looking to skip the auditioning process, trying to find a kid who knows anything about the screen, etc., I don't think you will go wrong with a Panasonic. The guys and gals over at AVS Forum seem to swear unanimously by Panasonic plasma.
Check out the PANASONIC - TH-42PX25U/P. It has HDMI input and is HDTV ready. Next, you'll need an HDMI equipped DVD player.
Do check out avsforum.com, you will find NEC being mentioned as one of the best and on par or better than Panasonic by many.

I have a NEC 42VP4, 42" EDTV, bought it while Panasonic was out of stock 6 months ago. With a little tweaking (and all monitors need a little tweaking out of the box), PQ is equivalent to Panny and I am only using component input. NEC also makes its own glass, and they are still made in JAPAN, not like the newer Panny which is coming from China if avsforum.com threads are accurate.

Best part is NEC monitor has lots of input option, unlike Panny professional version which needs optional "blade". Consumer version will not have this issue, but cost a lot more with the added ATSC tuner, speakers, and stand, so still a good deal.
Anybody buy from Plasma Concepts? Called them to ask a few questions. Prices seem to be excelllent, but I'm new in the plasma kingdom. Suggestions for other places to buy? Bestbuy I hear is good. Yes? Thanks again...
I bought my plasma from plasma concepts. They were very easy to work with, but the proof is generally when things go wrong. In my case, everything went right--delivery showed up on time, everything worked, no dead pixels. They also got points in my book when I ordered the separate panny DVI card and a DVI cable over their website, and they called me to let me know that the DVI card came with a decent DVI cable. A lot of internet retailers would have just shipped it; they lost out on $90 by being attentive. I appreciated that.

I'd note that they also had a special "AVSForum Members Price" on the panny I bought, just for the asking... Check the threads over at AVSForum.

Labtec--I'd be careful of blanket statements like HDTV via CATV being bad. It is highly dependent upon a lot of factors. I've tried to summarize some of the relevant factors in a post here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?bhome&1083566550&openusid&zzEdesilva&4&5#Edesilva

YMMV.