Viera Plasma or Sharp LCD, 42", recommendations?

by fcweissbach Sep 17, 2008 5:19PM PDT

I've narrowed my searching to 2 TVs finally, and they are:
Panasonic TH-42PZ85U
42" Plasma
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Viera-TH-42PZ85U-42-Inch-Plasma/dp/B00142JKRW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221722004&sr=8-2

and the

Sharp Aquos LC42D64U
42" LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC42D64U-42-Inch-1080p/dp/B000UN3VT4/ref=pd_bbs_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221721634&sr=8-6

PROs:

The plasma has great video speed, incredible darks, very durable, and not so reflective compared to other plasmas.

The LCD has a pretty fast response time, brighter and more vivid colors, closer true colors, lots of image tuning, less power usage, and lighter. Sharp is also an extremely reputable company known for their fast and friendly customer service and repair/replace plans. LCD also has some better reviews albeit the LCD set is relatively older than the plasma. Also, better for basic cable.

CONS:

If a plasma breaks, thats it. Video noise and artifacts are not uncommon, even with incredible contrast and great black levels, the darks on movies still seem to "creep,"

LCD is not fun with dead pixels, slightly more expensive, not as dark blacks, ghosting due to response time, not the best for movies/fast sports.

I've been reading reviews, and both sets have very high ratings. In fact, each set has better reviews on different sites I've come across. I will watch everything from basic cable to HD Discovery and from DVD to Blu-Ray, and sports to video games, so I don't really have a specific taste.

Any help would be useful

Discussion is locked

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Which TV

by masonaries Sep 17, 2008 8:22PM PDT

Your critique of Plasma vs LCD is right on. People like LCD for movies and games and Plasma for sports.

Of the two sets I like the Viera but I can't help but recommend you look at the Samsung LN46A630 which I think is the best of both worlds.

The 630 has better DCR and 120 mhz response time for motion blur.

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Samsung LN46A630 or Samsung LN46A650?

by Terry Browne Sep 18, 2008 6:58PM PDT

Is there any reason why you'd prefer the Samsung LN46A630 over the 650, IF that is the case?

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Choice

by masonaries Sep 18, 2008 8:24PM PDT

The 630 is around the same price as the Panny and Sharp. Otherwise the 650 is a better TV, but IMO the 630 is better than the Sharp and has advantages over the Panny, i.e. less glare, less energy use, better for movies almost as good as Panny for sports with 120 Mhz motion flow.

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Check Costco for both sets

by Dan Filice Sep 18, 2008 3:05AM PDT

I've been eyeballing that Panasonic at Costco which they are currently selling for $999. They also carry the Sharp LCD too, but I don't remember the price.

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Decided on Sharp

by fcweissbach Sep 18, 2008 5:10AM PDT

I landed on Sharp because I found the 46" model for 1250 shipped from amazon, which is a little less than I found it cost for the 42" most elsewhere. The Plasma ran around 1100 before shipping from most places, and 1250 shipped from amazon, so I couldn't resist the good deal.

I also like the LCD because it has much more image control and tweaking. Also, SHARP is known for having excellent warranty service. The only thing lingering on my shoulder is the problem a lot of people have with banding lines on the LCD. I figure if I can get 2 or 3 years out of this TV before any breakage I'll be fine.

That plasma is great though, especially for the price. It is rather bulky compared to the LCD in terms of thickness and bezel. The plasma is also gobbles energy.

These TVs are a little too close to call so my recommendations is just whichever you feel you get a better deal on.

Viera Plasma or Sharp LCD, 42", recommendations?

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