To plasma or not plasma... that is the question...

[SenojNW]

I want to upgrade from my 68 cm Sony CRT to a large TV. The picture quality on my CRT beats any flat panel I have seen but it is small and the flicker (60Hz) is annoying - especially with still pics...

I don't need the size of projection (room is too small), and don't want room lighting & lamp life issues. I don't like the look of LCD (I dunno - personal preference) so plasma looks like the best bet... I've done heaps of reading and have decided on the Panasonic TH-42PX60U or TH-42PX600U (TH-42PV60A & TH-42PX600A in Australia).

My question is - having done some reading it looks like there are some new technologies that could hit the market next year (laser TV and SED). Plasma is dropping rapidly in price now before Christmas - can't help thinking it may be an effort to move stock to make way for the new tech...

Thoughts & comments?

[FelixM]

So called 'laser TV' is just a projection TV with a laser as a source of light. Less power consumption, may be better color - but the same bulky units with average viewing angles. I mean there is nothing 'revolutionary' in laser TV - just better projection unit.

SED... hah! We've heard about SED for a long time - and where are they? The last thing I read about SED is they will start with 55 inches, and - I think - be very expensive first 1-2 years, because they'll be advertised as 'revolutionary' and other crap.

So I do not really see a competitor for plasma, since you prefer it to LCD.

[JimP]

What size is your room, how far will you be sitting from the display, what size screen are you considering and what is the room lighting like?

[SenojNW]

I sit about 3 metres (max - other sitting positions closer to the side) from the screen and the maximum I was considering was 42" - which is good cos the 42" plasmas have really come down in price now... Room lighting varies - I don't get any strong rays on the wall I would use but the general lighting depends on the blinds open or closed.

[JimP]

SenojNW,

It doesn't sound like lighting will be a problem. With plasma, you want to be extra careful about bright windows and walls that would reflect in the screen while you are viewing it. With blinds, you should be able to control it.

If 42" is comfortable for you at your viewing distance, you should be o.k. You're right about the drop in prices in that size. I think I'd prefer something larger, but that's just me.

[SenojNW]

The two Pana models in that size (42") here in Australia have come right down in price so they are looking pretty attractive. I think I'll hold off until after Christmas and try to grab one in the post Christmas sales.

Cheers!