Best HDTV around $1200?

[Chimpy]

My wife and I have decided to buy a new HDTV. Currently, we have a 27" RCA CRT HD which looks fantastic but only supports 1080i (a huge pain with the PS3's lack of an internal scaler).

We have set our limit somewhere around $1200--a little over that limit isn't a bad thing, though, if the TV is high quality.

So, my question is, what suggestions do you have? LCD, Plasma, and DLP all look fine to us, so we have no real preference--this will be used more for gaming than anything else, IMO. We watch television about an average of 1 hour per day.

I was hoping for something in the 40-50" range, but again, if it's quality, if it's out of that range, so be it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a basic knowledge of HDTV's, but I figured I'd ask the experts before making a major purchase.

[kevinw]

Lots of Choices, Do you need 1080p?

[57U]

You may wish to have a quick read through the HDTV FAQs

- Types of HDTV
- How Large an HDTV to buy
- What you need to do to your new HDTV
- Etc.

It's a bit over your price, but I'd recommend the 50" Sony SXRD (LCoS technology), without knowing more about your specifics.

[Chimpy]

Lots of Choices, Do you need 1080p?

It would be nice, but I don't really need it.

[Chimpy]

Right now, I'm looking at this one:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PX75U/4505-6482_7-32317308.html?tag=prod.txt.1

Anyone have any personal experience/knowledge of the set?

[57U]

New unit, similar to the 60U or 600Us from last year, which may still be available on sale at various places. I've set up quite a few of those and they look great.

Is 42" big enough for you? Also, read the FAQ on Burn in, so that you're aware of some of the care/feeding of plasmas.

[PeggyD]

I have a 2-year-old Sony 55" rear-projection set & recently bought a 46" Sony RP-LCD. Both do 1080i. I was able to get the 46" on sale locally for $1199. It's the perfect size for our 14' x 14' den.

[kevinw]

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL-S5086W-50-DLP-HDTV/dp/B000F2P35K
I know I am biased, but I think it is one of the best TV's out there for Movies, Hd and gaming. This is a 2006 model, 2007's are on the way and you can not beat this price.
BTW where in Northern Michigan are you? UP?

[Chimpy]

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL-S5086W-50-DLP-HDTV/dp/B000F2P35K
I know I am biased, but I think it is one of the best TV's out there for Movies, Hd and gaming. This is a 2006 model, 2007's are on the way and you can not beat this price.
BTW where in Northern Michigan are you? UP?

Wow...that looks like a fantastic deal--it might be the one.

I live in the Traverse City area--about an hour and a half from the U.P.

[kevinw]

Wow...that looks like a fantastic deal--it might be the one. Thanks for posting.

I live in the Traverse City area--about an hour and a half from the U.P.
Spent every summer for about 20 years in Manistee. :cheers:

[Chimpy]

Although, after reading the user comments, are the claims about replacing the color wheels and cooling fans on Samsung's true?

If so, I'd probably rather just spend the extra money now and get one that isn't going to have design flaws.

[Chimpy]

Spent every summer for about 20 years in Manistee. :cheers:

My in-laws lived in Manistee for the past 2 years before moving back into this area--Manistee is a beautiful area.

[kevinw]

Although, after reading the user comments, are the claims about replacing the color wheels and cooling fans on Samsung's true?

If so, I'd probably rather just spend the extra money now and get one that isn't going to have design flaws.
No, All tv's have manufacturing issues depending upon model. See here for more about this this model
xx86
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=671006

[jobob313]

I just got the OLevia 532H and am very happy! I got mine for $600 total! And you can get the 542 42 in lcd for around 1100 total!