Time for an upgrade... but I need some help!

[TEPLimey]

Hi, I'm (finally) in the market to move to a flat screen HD television.

A few years back, I spent a lot of time researching rear projection HD TVs prior to purchasing a Toshiba 57H85, which has treated me very well. Sadly, I moved to a smaller apartment and need to conserve a little space - and a lot has changed since I was last doing this.

I am in the market for an HD television somewhere around 42-50 inches. I am trying to keep the cost between $1000-1500, but am willing to sacrifice a little loot for quality. 1080p is preferable, but not essential.

Does anyone have any recommendations? The early frontrunners are the Toshiba 42" 1080p 42RV530U and Philips 47PFL3603D/27. I don't have a real preference between LCD and plasma, although my (general) recollection from a while back was that plasma was a better technology.

At any rate, I am open to suggestion, as I want to have several sets in mind when I make the trip to the nearest store for in-person viewing.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

Matt

[Petrus]

I would highly recommend the Panasonic 85U Plasma line. I have the 50 inch and absolutely love it. IMO, the Panasonics are above every other plasma manufacturer other than Pioneer.

[mountainman]

I like the Toshiba 42RV530U. Bought one a few months ago and love it.

[TEPLimey]

I would highly recommend the Panasonic 85U Plasma line. I have the 50 inch and absolutely love it. IMO, the Panasonics are above every other plasma manufacturer other than Pioneer.
How's the glare on that?

[Petrus]

I used this TV to replace a 34 inch CRT, so glare isn't an issue with me. It has an anti-reflective panel for whatever that is worth and I'd say it is better than my old CRT, but not as good as a LCD.

[skylolow]

I would highly recommend the Panasonic 85U Plasma line. I have the 50 inch and absolutely love it. IMO, the Panasonics are above every other plasma manufacturer other than Pioneer.

+1

Panny makes some of the best plasma's on the market for a great price. You really can't go wrong there. Sony, Samsung, and Toshiba make some excellent LCD's in that price range also.

[TEPLimey]

I can get some significant savings on the 75U line. The only difference I notice is that the contrast ratio is 10000:1 rather than 30000:1. Is this going to be a real noticeable difference for a living room setup?

The walls are off white and there is a window that lets in a fair amount of light during the day.

EDIT: Ooops... I see now that this is not 1080p!

What about the 77U line and the 80U line?

[TEPLimey]

I ended up going with the 46PZ80U which I got for $1490 total (incl. tax/s+h).

[J-Dub]

How's the glare on that?
I wanted an 85U, but got a PZ80U instead. No glare; I can see pictures just as clearly on a sunny day as I can at night.

[DaveTwitter]

I would highly recommend the Panasonic 85U Plasma line. I have the 50 inch and absolutely love it. IMO, the Panasonics are above every other plasma manufacturer other than Pioneer.

Thats a great set going for under $1500. So much bang for the buck, you will be very happy.