Thinking about getting a new 42" television when I move into my new house as sort of a "let's get deeper in debt" present (just kidding...been saving a while for it).

I've read the numerous websites out there on the whole LCD vs. Plasma debate, but I want your input.

I'm almost certin Ill never get a plasma, they have an awsome picture for movies but you can't game on them. Its bad for them you'll get burn in no matter what (Ive seen the latest and greatest burn in). LCD can do more they don't burn it from what ive seen. Your colors arn't going to quite as rich as a plasma but you can game on it, hook your computer into it, or if you really feel the need watch tv on it.
Me personaly I'm getting a 1080P projector. Give you its going to cost a pile and I'm a dark space kind of guy. screens from anyware from 30" to 300"

I've been told from an a/v guy that I've worked for that plasma isn't as sensative to burn in after the first 200 hrs of use.

BTW, Pioneer Elite screens are jaw dropping.

Plasma's tend to be less expensive and have a better black point. LCD's excel in brighter light conditions and in gaming.

I went Samsung LCD, installed a bias light and got myself a good calibration DVD. Planet Earth on the Discovery channel is freaking awesome in hidef. 1080p is definitely the way to go.

If you've got a extensive DVD library get yourself an OPPO DV-981HD DVD upconverting player. Well worth the money.

Ya, that Planet Earth is awsome in 1080p, I researched this subject alot and asked here for help back in Jan. More and more people are going LCD, without going into detail it's just better in the long run. Costco has some good looking and moderatley cheap VIZIO's for a pretty good price, Rob I'd say with the money you have saved you can prolly go bigger in size if you wanted.
The one I bought is down to 2200 now and I could die, I paid 1k more for it 7 months ago.
Checkout the Samsung , JVC if you can find it, of course Sony but it will cost more and Vizio at Costco, those are my suggestions.

I think just for TV watching, that I'd go for the Plasma......

I would go LCD

I sell TVs for a living (sometimes), plasma is a dead end technology. Between the limited life, the weight, and the burn in issues... Newer plasmas have "burn in reduction technology", but that just means they tv will burn in the rest of the screen and that kills your contrast more and more every time you have to use it, plasmas arent that great.

LCD is pretty damn good for now, and you can get a 42" 1080p set for around a grand. Newer LED based DLPs are getting better if you want extreme size, but still suffer some of the viewing angle problems. Get a good (not from walmart) LCD and you'll be very happy with it, but do some research first.

Me, i had the space and the muscle but not a lot of cash so i have a 30" 1080i CRT, the picture is fantastic aside from a sleight geometry issue, but its only noticeable in Wii menus.

Quote: Originally Posted by TiZakit BTW, Pioneer Elite screens are jaw dropping.

My parents got one this summer and it looks INCREDIBLE. But then, TVs have really come along way since my earlier plasma.

I think it's a no-brainer for plasma as far as image quality goes. Most LCDs I've seen look pretty splotchy, I'd rather CRT. I don't think burn in is a big deal. I'm currently using our old Sony plasma we got 5 years ago as a monitor and I see no noticeable burn-in. I've read somewhere that you need to break them in like some people do headphones. Just put it on a high-contrast channel like the discovery channel for like 2 or 3 days and you'll probably be fine.

Here's some articles on the differences....

Plasma vs LCD: Which is right for you? - TVs

Plasma vs LCD TV - a detailed comparative guide to flat-panel TV technology

Sound and Vision Magazine - Plasma vs. LCD

LCD TV vs Plasma TV Which is Best? from LCD TV Buying Guide

Flat TV People : LCD TVs versus Plasma Televisions

I have a DLP but as far as I can tell id get an LCD....Samsung is a good lcd

Just stopping by to say "Hi" and that I'm still watching this thread.

I should have clarified. The new television will be for viewing movies/television only. I just gave my PS2 and X-Box to my brother for his kids to play.

Rob