Flat Screen Recommendations: 50 to 60 inch

My son-in-law just got a 42" Panasonic Plasma and the picture is knock-you-over fantastic. Beats the heck out of my Pioneer plasma, and my Sony.

I also agree about the Samsung LED backlit LCD TVs. I shop regularly at Costco and Sam's club, and pass large arrays of HDTVs under harsh viewing conditions at least twice a week. The LED backlit LCD displays stand out from the crowd with better saturation, sharper delineation, more natural presentation, subterranean black levels and an image that almost looks 3D. For a long time the Sony Bravias seemed to be the ones to beat, and their LED/LCD ones are outstanding. But for less money, the razor-thin LED/LCD Samsungs equal or surpass them. They're the ones I have my eyes on for my next purchase (hopefully April).

I have a 5 year old Pioneer 43" plasma and a brand new 37" LG LED-lit LCD screen. Even though my Pio is only 780p, it still has a better picture than almost any other 1080p screen I've seen (other than the later Pioneer Kuros). I haven't seen the new Pannys yet. LED/LCD screens are brighter and more eye-popping and tend to look better in the store. They also look great for things like Pixar animation. However, if you watch real-life films and sporting events, a good plasma is much more natural looking and less fatiguing - at least to my eyes. The LCD's always catch your eye in the store, but the plasmas are much more appealing to me. If I weren't constrained by my built-in cabinetry, I'd pick up a 50" used Kuro.

Do the plasma tv's still have reflection issues? I have a lot of ambient light where my Sony Bravia IV LCD is placed (which is why I went with an LCD). If the reflection issue of the plasma's has been solved, I would consider getting one.

I bought the panasonic tcp54g25 last month and it is fantastic! Picture is great and there is no problem with reflection. Good price too!

Joe in Mobile