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Fall Flat Panel Lineup

I'd like to buy a flat panel from the upcoming new flat panels. But, I'm so confused. I can't separate the wheat from the chaff.

Here is what is important to me: 1) Artifacting during movements and paning is absolutely minimal, 2)I can see detail in the blacks (I'd rather see detail than the quest for the deepest black if that means blocked up details), and 3) whites are white and not gray, and 4) Size is say 42" to 52" or so. Price is less than $5,000. I don't know anything about plasma versus lcd.

I've seen Sony LCD's that I like, but they seem to artifact. I've seen the Pioneer, which seemed to artifact less, but seemed darker in the shadows. I hate the blocked up shadows and the artifacting. My observations were on models in the store about six months ago.

Having said all that, can you point me toward the best option or two? Thanks for considering my question. Jeff
jj2468
lapierre
547 posts
 
IMO the Pioneer Elite has that film look with great black levels. The newer LCD like Samsung TOC (Touch of Color) really challenges the performance/ratio. But I don't think it looks better than my 720p Pioneer. I can get another 15% performance with great power cord and additional 10% detail with power conditioner.

LIke the previous post said...source material is key.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
You've received some terrific advice! As mentioned the source and calibration of these panels is the key. Use the best sources you can..just like audio. And calibrate the TV once you receive it. That's the tough part about judging any of these TVs in a store. Most likely none of them are calibrated.
So you'll get mixed reviews on what's the best.

The wrong calibrations and sources will make any panel look terrible. I would not spend 5 grand on a panel. The prices come down so quickly ...you'd be upset 6 months later with the price of the same panel. I would go for a close out model..which ever unit you purchase.

You can get a great new TV for nearly half of what it originally sold for.
rloggie
102 posts
 
You may want to check out www.avsforum for mucho discussion on all formats, sources, displays etc.
jj2468 OP
280 posts
 
Thanks for all the good information.

Black levels: When folks say plasma has better blacks, does that mean good shadow details or that blacks are just more black, which can block out shadow details?

Source: I live in an apartment with Comcast feed. Is there a better alternative for a source for me?

DVD: Right now I've got a Sony 9000es and imagine I'll move up to Blue Ray and/or the Oppo, of which I've read many good things.

Magnolia: I stopped by yesterday and saw the 2008 Sony against the 2009 Pioneer Elite. Both looked really good. I thought the Sony showed a little grain in continuous tone images, but had a little better shadow detail than the Elite. Both were fed a 720 image according to the salesperson. At the size range (about 50") and with their source I would not say that artifacting was an issue with either of these models. The salesperson said the new Sony XBR comes out in Septmeber or October. I may wait until then, so I can compare it to the other two. Has anybody viewed the new Sony XBR, such as at CES?

Thanks again for all the good input. Jeff
cruz123
585 posts
 
I agree with most of the prior posts. Both LCD and Plasma provide wonderful viewing experiences with a good source. I think the biggest consideration should be your viewing environment. If the TV will be in a well lit room with lots of lights/windows, etc., then a matte screen LCD is the best choice IMHO. If you have a dark room where you can control the light and/or block off windows, etc. then plasma comes into play. Plasma still offers deeper blacks, but LCD typically offers better whites as they intend to be brighter (another reason they're good in a bright room). Both can offer good low level detail with proper calibration.
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