New model Sharp Aquos

For a better picture, larger and cheaper buy a 50'' plasma from Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, NEC or Hitachi. Plasma is still superior to LCD according to the pro reveiwers. Better black levels, no motion blur, better color accuracy and off angle viewing.

RR6

RoadRunner,

What about loss of contrast ratio in plasma with ambient room light? I've heard it's worse than with LCD.

Erland

....this whole plasma versus LCD is a great debate. Up until a year or so ago the plasmas were the definite winner. It is now very close on the top quality brands.

I brought up the plasma to give him an alternative in case he had not seriously considered them. My choice is still with the plasmas, although I think many are more impressed with LCD's upon initial viewing in a brightly lighted dealers store. This is probably due to their higher top brightness level, which is completely unecessary at home unless one has an extremely bright room. Also, I think many are impressed by the LCD's apparently more detailed picture. I actually think the LCD has more of a "video" look than the plasma and do not find this an advantage unless viewing print, etc. The more "film" like look of the plasmas picture to me is a significant advantage.

As far as the contrast, you bring up a very good question. Again, the plasmas were superior in the past. But in a room with high ambient brightness as you mention, perhaps the LCD might have a very slight advantage, although I think the still superior black level on the plasma tends to prevent this. Probably no clear winner here.

Our main plasma is very near a glass sliding door and we still during the day have the brightness and contrast/picture settings way down. I think most people overcrank these settings. Our particular main plasma, a JVC, is very bright and vivid for a plasma. We have never had the slightest problem with too little brightness or contrast. These settings are always at 50% or less.

To me the most important aspect on any flat screen display is to buy a top quality brand. On many other components you can fudge a little but not on the TV.

RR6

....I just checked and at least some of the dealers claim to have it (LC45GDU) in stock. (?????)

RR6

The only 2 places that sell it for less than $4000 say it is on backorder. (not happening) I don't want to pay more then $4000. I read the new model will be $4999 msrp. I'll have to wait, just not sure whether the new model shows up on pricegrabber and the likes beginning of May or end of May.