TV ignorance

As an interesting side note, I read today in the WSJ that all Sony's flat panel televisions are manufactured by Samsung. Unless Sony combines the Samsung display with superior Sony electronics (which is a possibility), why wouldn't a Samsung flat panel TV offer a better value?

Plasma, I believe is better than LCD. The plasma technology is advancing so fast that this is probably the one direction I would avoid buying used.

Warrenh, I agreed with you that plasma TVs are very appealing. They certainly have that WOW factors. Please go to www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com (plasma tv buying guide dot com). LCD often cannot achieve high brightness intensity when the screen is as big as 42" or larger. On the other hand, plasma has no brightness problem, but it has the darkness problem. Tube is best at this. However, based on the website I recommends, Panasonic seems to be the leader in this industry, 6th generation of EDTV plasma. It makes its own glass and components. I don't know your price range, but the new Panasonic EDTV plasma has brightness ratio of 4000:1, which is exceptionally good if it can achieve its claim. The new model has 1.07 billion colors rather than millions likes its predecessor. It claims to be to be rival to some of the best CRT. It has has DVI with 4 slots for future upgrade. It is supposed to be the coolest in its class even though it consumes about 300 wattage power -- as hot as a halogen lamp. Hence, it does not use a fan to cool down like some of its competitors, thus, no fan noise. One thing I have found out is that regardless whatever brands people purchase, those owners are happy with their toys. Good luck.

Don't buy anything for the time being! The new television technologies and transmission standards are changing everyday. This is a transition period. Wait for about 3 or 4 years if you can until all is settled.

If you can't wait, buy a good'ol CRT (tube) they are dirt cheap now so you can easily upgrade in a few years with minimal financial loss.

This is I am doing anyway. Every time I am at the GoodGuys, I had to fight hard my impulses to upgrade my 12-year-old SONY 32". If you venture into some of the videophile's online forums you'll know what I mean: they are debating new standards, new technologies everyday! it's a mess there. Sit and watch is the best strategy.

Abe

Abe,
I respectfully disagree with sit and watch strategy.

Technology always advances. TV is just like computers, no matter when you buy; it will be obsolete in a few years. Suppose the industry did come out with a totally new standard 3 years from now, it will take at lease a couple more years for the new technology to become mature and affordable.

If I see something I really like and is within my budget, I would rather buy it now, enjoy it for the next five years, and make upgrade decision when the new standard did come. Life is too short to wait.