Help please.42 inch plasma television. which one.?

12 years ago

I'm stuck. Help. Have old technology but must go to flat screen and am scared to go out without a good review from you all. I live in Wash, Dc area and BB is out, HHgregg also get terrible rviews, Sears gets bad review.

At least if I have the right television I may be able to plug it into Comcast DVR which is dead. The second Comcast box box in one week.They will come and look at it and replace but I need to buy a new television although I am happy with my old Sony with no regrets.

read PC World and they have good HDTV for over a $1,000. closer to $2,000. PC Mag has not reviewed the latest pics. Can I get something (not 3d) that is strong in the market now and will last? I chose 42 in and plasma from hersay. It is about the right size. Need it by Thursday if possible when comcast is supposed to look at my Xfinity box. Ravencajun is quite sick and as I admire her I wouldn't bother her.

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Comments (27)

azinoh
12 years ago
I wouldn't make any choice based on "hearsay". I have 2 Samsung that I like very well...both are LCD. BB is no better-no worse than any other retailer. Just don't let them pressure you into buying an extended warranty unless you want one.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
After much research and shopping last spring I purchased a 46 inch LCD Samsung from Best Buy. Almost a $1,000. No problems. No regrets. No complaints.

DA
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No regrets what-so-ever. As it was, I was poised to buy the Sony Bravia but I felt that the picture was not as good. It actually looked blurry to me. Again, this is my own personal opinion. Additionally, the Bravia is more $$. Two of my other TV's are Sony Trinitrons and they have been very good to me. I'll make one more suggestion. A lot of times these big electronic chains will let last years model go a lot cheaper than the brand new model. Sometimes the only difference between this years and last years model is the contrast ratio. While it is true that the higher the contrast ratio the better your picture, sometimes the difference is something like 6000:1 vs. 7000:1. Again, I'll bet most people will be hard pressed to see the difference..especailly for a thousand dollars. Please remember, this is my own opinion. If you do go after a left over model, make sure it has all the features you were looking for in a brand new model. You have a tough decision to make. Will there be a gaming system, like Playstation, hooked up to the TV? Will there be anyone who will leave a static picture on the set for a really really long time? Will the set be kept in a room that is bright most of the time? If you answered yes to all these questions, then you'd be better off with a LCD. If not, then you'll be able to get a bigger screen for a lot less if you go with plasma. One other thing. How far away will you be viewing the TV from? Most people think thas getting a gigantic set and plopping themselves down three feet from the screen will give them a movie theater like experience..buzzzzzz, wrong. The only thing it will do is first give you a headache and then make you angry because the picture will look like a million little boxes. In any case, LCD's look less boxy close up. Again, see these things for yourself when you go looking. By the way, you're not a pest. ;-)
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Ok gang, the debate here would be the same as anywhere...it probably points to personal preference and word of mouth from family and friends on whether you end up buying a "Ford or Chevy" of the flat screen panels. They work on 2 different technologies to produce the same thing, a picture. Energy costs of the Plasma are higher because of the need to introduce an electrical charge into a gas (neon, Xenon, etc) at every pixel to produce a color (even to produce the color black). Thus all the pixels together, produce a picture. How long does it take the various gases to leak out? Probably just like refrigerant in a refrigerator, etc....varies depending on the particular unit itself. As the gases leak, the picture fades until eventually, there is none.The gases cannot be replaced. The LCD unit works on the principle of refracting light. It has one cfl type light that is refracted to provide different characteristics on the liquid crystal to provide the picture as current is passed through it. The liquid crystal is very similar to liquid dish soap with a lot of salt mixed in it, sandwiched between 2 types of polarized glass. Over time, the cfl type light may change color, similar to that in a florescent light tube (when it turns pink or black, etc.), which will alter the images. The light source usually cannot be replaced. The Plasma will show high speed action better than LCD, which will show a bit of blur to those who are attuned to it. The LCD has the advantage where the screens can be made as small as 5 inches diagonal where the plasma cannot. The LCD provides better clarity when connected to a computer where Plasma does not. The Plasma provides better picture quality when viewed from far left, far right, from above and from below than the LCD. Basically, they both provide a good picture when operating normally, cost is close to the same and they both are good for at least 60,000 hours of viewing before the possibility of deteriorated picture quality. Here's my opinion on this as well as any other competitive product.....what kind of warranty will you get, what kind of customer service can you expect from the supplier and the manufacturer. I hear Samsung is one of the better of all the evils....I don't know because I still use all my older tv's that give great pictures. As they wear out, I'll be in the same boat as the OP !!!
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I ran across this article (below) a few years back. Maybe it will give you some guidence. It's pasted to you, so I am not sure how it's going to transfer. Macey Plasma TVs Above the Fireplace? Reviewer: Phil Connor Copyright 2004 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com. All Rights Reserved. We receive a lot of e-mails asking about the possibility (or even plausibility) of placing a Plasma television or plasma monitor above a fireplace. Living room configurations often put the fireplace as the central focal point. Since we all know that the real focus of your living room is the television, we hit upon the question of integration -- how to merge the logical focal point of a living room (the fireplace) with the actual one (the TV). The introduction of plasma displays has made such integrative gestures real possibilities. Mounting a plasma display above the fireplace is a great space saver, not to mention an attractive way to display the panel. This is a very common application for plasma TVs today. Will the heat from the fireplace harm the plasma TV? There are a few precautions to take before hanging a plasma screen TV over your fireplace. First, take a thermometer and tape it to the wall above the mantel, in the place where the plasma TV will reside. Then build a fire, and let it roar awhile. Now, check the thermometer. If the temperature is above 90 degrees F, then the area is receiving too much heat -- either escaping from the front of the fireplace and rising up the face, or radiating through the chimney to warm the outside wall -- for a plasma TV to hang there without receiving some modicum of residual damage. It would not be advisable to run the plasma for a long period of time while its environment is this hot. Though the Plasma TV has its own cooling system, the surrounding heat will force the Plasma display to work harder to cool itself, thus shortening the overall lifespan of the unit over time. A Plasma TV may still be run for short periods of time without harming the unit (even with the environment heat at 90 degrees F or above). If the plasma display is not turned on while a fire burn in the fireplace, then the unit will not be harmed at all even though the temperature surrounding the unit may be warm. Of course, this might not be an option for people living in places where winter lasts seemingly forever, and fires are an everyday fact of life. In such cases, you should be advised to monitor the amount of heat your plasma display is exposed to while it is running. Can the Plasma TV be mounted onto a brick fireplace? Yes, cement anchors may be used with the wall mount to secure this application. Again, the amount of heat to which your plasma is exposed should be a concern here, as some brick fireplaces can radiate quite a bit of heat. Will the Plasma Display TV be too high? Can I tilt it? Even though plasma TVs typically have a 160-degree viewing angle, tilt wall mounts may be purchased if the mantel is high. A tilt wall mount application will allow the user to tilt the unit from up to 15 to 25% vertically (in this case, downward). With this mounting installation the user will have the choice between a flat or tilted affect while adding only 1.75 inches depth to the plasma TV. A flat wall mount can add as little as 1.25 inches to the depth. So, the difference is only half an inch. Can I just place the plasma on the mantel? A typical table stand for a Plasma TV is between 4 and 6 inches in depth. If your mantel can accommodate such a plasma TV stand, you have it made.
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homebound
12 years ago
belmont tv. Three locations in the DC area. Or costco, but you're on your own with the choices.
grandms
12 years ago
We have a 40" Sony LCD that's now almost 3 years old. Prices have really dropped in that time. If I were to consider a plasma at all, it would be Panasonic, but I prefer the thinness of LCD which also use less electricity.
mike_kaiser_gw
12 years ago
Cnet is another source on online TV reviews. Amazon sells TV's as well, you might want to check out reader reviews there as well.

I have a Panasonic 50" plasma and can't say a bad thing about it.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Forgot to post that my research showed you should not use a second generation plasma in a room which receives a lot of outside light. My bay window faces the south so plasma though nice was not a consideration.

DA
vala55
12 years ago
I have a 42 inch Phillips, it automatically adjusts the picture to the right size. Later I bought a 37 inch LG, it has the ability to soften the background noises and that is great. The place I bought mine is a local store. They recommended Phillips the first time but when I went back to buy another one they no longer recommended it because Phillips had been sold.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
Hi Ellie! I am back.
Here is what I have and I do love it and would also recommend it. I have a 58" Samsung Plama and I got it from Costco for an excellent price. I would do the same thing over again since we have been so happy with it. I chose the plasma over LCD because of my research but that was just my choice.
Have not had a minutes problem with it.
urlee
12 years ago
Forgot to post that my research showed you should not use a second generation plasma in a room which receives a lot of outside light. My bay window faces the south so plasma though nice was not a consideration.
DA

I sure know what you are saying there DA. I purchased a 50" plasma Mitsubishi 10 years ago which I love BUT, I have been fighting against reflections since. Have to have the shades of my South side windows down.
As much as I hate the widescreen TV sets you have to buy nowadays, I sure will welcome a thinner set as this one is a monster on wheels but I LOVE the square screen.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
that was one of the main reasons I went with the Samsung plasma that I got, it was advertised not to have issues with sunlight and they are so right, the room it is in has one entire wall of floor to ceiling windows that have no blinds or drapes on them and we have never had any problem at all with the tv viewing. The latest versions of plasmas are just so much better than the old ones, almost totally new technology.
I was worried about those windows big time.
I was also wanting the plasma due to the ease of cleaning the screen unlike the LCD and it has been extremely easy to keep clean.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
First of all, Ravencajun is back. That is just great. I was looking for you today on another site while sipping my coffee.
I would like that Samsung plasma in my bedroom and need a smaller one.
Costco is a good name and I will buy it there if
I can (are there directions on line) install it myself to the DVR, DVD, VCR. I follow directions well on technical stuff. I need 2 please. Oy.

Damcoy, Is your television a new one? If so, may I have the model number or the series number. The info about too much sun is a very important tip and consideration in my den. Thanks.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Here you go Ellie.

Samsung 46 inch LCD Model # LN46C630 purchased at Best Buy on 12/31/10 for $899.99 plus tax. It turned out to be the Consumer Reports "best buy" in their 2011 Buyers Guide. There might be a little different model number for the current year, but a little research will resolve that. Also, be advised it is a smart TV which is really convenient when connecting peripherals.

Absolutely no complaints here. Also, my daughter in New Jersey just called for the pertinent information as she and her husband liked mine so much during their summer visit they want to buy one.

Good luck! Enjoy!

DA
owbist
12 years ago
'Ere we go. This is a 3 minute Youtube video on the TV that DA appears to have.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks ever so much damcoy for the extra time you gave me. This rating seems to be consistant in the next one, the D630, and at a lower price.
I can hook it up myself with the info you gave me and owbist as well.
Didn't know I could see the model on youtube. This is great insight for me.

One Samsung plasma and one Samsung LCD. I may pass out.

I like to say the word Samsung very quickly and bow. It looks and sounds like I am saying thank you in Korean - perhaps?

Ok,'ere we go you smarties. Samsung!!
owbist
12 years ago
Ellie it is amazing how many 'howto' videos are on Youtube these days and the variety of subjects covered is amazing. They go from home and house repairs and maintenance to the exotic.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Ellie,

My understanding is the alpha character C and D, is the model year designator.

Also, Google "plasma versus LCD" (sans quotes). I did that when I was researching, and a lot of helpful information became available for both sides of the discussion.

DA
User
Original Author
12 years ago
damcoy, I do understand the C year model is probably not available to me nor the review although I did not look.I must do that.

I will look at the plasma vs LCD articles. Since ravencajun found a Samsung plasma she liked, although I don't have the model number, and you found a good one I am staying near those reviews. Truthfully, I never had a bad television nor did my parents. Mine are 13 years old. One is a Sony the other is a Phillips with 2 tuners (It used to be a good name.)They work very well. Big box stores will carry bad televisions along with the good ones. Price is no barometer. Sales people have no shame. Just odd to realize (over and over again) companies do not manufacture and sell products that have been researched and developed with pride.
I am glad to have this forum with good folks who reach out and spend time helping. The same names are consistently on board. Would give back gladly if I could.
Thank you.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Ellie,

I don't know if you have made your selection, but here are the top three in the current Consumer Reports "Best Product of the Year":

LCD 46 to 47 inches

LG 47LV5500 $1,080
LG 47LK530 $1,000
Samsung UN46D6300 $1,150

LCD 40 to 42 inches

Samsung UN40C5000 $800
LG 42LK520 $635
LG 42LV3700 $8754

Plasma 42 inches

Panasonic Viera TC-P42S30 $630
Panasonic Viera TC-P42X3 $500
(only two named)

The new full ratings will be out in the December issue of CR which will be available about this time next month.

DA

P.S. Still love my Samsung :)
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Urlee,

I caught it before you did.

"LG 42LV3700 $8754" should read $875.

DA
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Damcoy, that was super of you to type all of that out.
Honestly, and you have it in my price range and size I want.

I don't get CR so I am so happy you thought of me.
I have not gotten them yet. I waited to see what the cost of my car repair would be. It's $200. That is a nice gift.

I know you love your Samsung and I like all things Samsung, it seems. too. Thank you. I will pass your kindness forward. Samsung to you.
DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Ellie if it helps you can purchase a copy of the new CR at Lowes.

DA
urlee
12 years ago
Urlee,
I caught it before you did.

Ooooops, Sorry sweetheart. I guess am not much help to you am I? Please do not fire me yet.
Waited for you to show up in a forum I seldom hear from U in, as I posted a word that is not in my old beat up dictionary but is in a newer paperback I use downstairs.
See if you can find my post.
Hint:Slinglink Turbo
urlee
12 years ago
This may be of help to decide.

Here is a link that might be useful: Info
urlee
12 years ago
Wow! $$$$$

Here is a link that might be useful: Top 10
User
Original Author
12 years ago
urlee, thanks a lot for the articles. I can see that no one agrees but I like the fact that you think I am wealthy and might enjoy considering a 65" screen. Yikes. For the sake of argument, are the upper-priced televisions more techically advanced, better quality (glass screens and remote features, pips) and futuristic, as in using them as a computer screen, or are they just big?

The comments from the readers were interesting though.
Kididlehopper quips:
"You have a tv that says "unexceptional image quality and average sound" and that is listed on you(r) top 10 list? You people need to get a grip."
It made me laugh. Good point Clem.

Samsung brings its prices down after Christmas do they. Good to know.

Thanks, again.
urlee
12 years ago
"LOL" ellie,
I didn't mean for you to buy those $$$$. I just wanted you to know what is out there to get an idea of we are in for.
I like big, but would have to get a "Sugar Daddy" to be able to be so lucky to have one of those. (Sorry guys, but I couldn't resist.)
I never have and never could have a guy just to spend his hard earned money on me like that.
I have to settle for the price range you are in too.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Urlee, it sounds like you put a guy on a budget when it comes to gifts.This is something I have to think about.

Just kidding. You sound like you are a nice person.

Help please.42 inch plasma television. which one.?

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Help please.42 inch plasma television. which one.?

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