I'm considering a 42-50 inch TV and can't seem to find anyone to shoot straight with me on whether DLP or LCD is better. Every salesman wants to push his/her pet and I get conflicting info everywhere I look. Also, if any of you are Time-Warner subscribers, do I HAVE to go to digital ($100/mo) to get HD, or does regular cable deliver HD? Thanks in advance for the help.

Class of '65 and married to the world's most rabid "galvanized Aggie

I'm looking at them, too. I've determined that plasma is the way to go. I'll probably end up getting one of the Panasonic 42" models, as they are consistently rated haighest (especially for value).

Check out this site for some decent info - http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/

Actually, I've heard LCD was better because it lasted longer than plasma. I don't own either, though. I just got the top of the line projection TV with HD and am very happy with it. I figure by the time my projection TV craps out, whichever technology wins out between LCD and Plasma will be much cheaper.

Also, I don't think you can get HD cable that is not digital.

I recently purchased a 53" RCA rear projection TV, so I don't have a lot of insight into the Plasma/LCD debate. However, I've not heard of a cable provider that offers HD programming separate from their digital packages. BUT you can get a HD receiver for your set, but it'll put you back a couple hundred bucks. Also, that only works if you live in an area where stations broadcast an HD signal. For me, the best option has been full digital cable with HD programming -- and now DVR service. But that's a differnt story, for a different day...

[This message has been edited by danatkbtx (edited 12/13/2004 5:26p).]

I bought a Samsung 50 DLP about a year ago and I LOVE it. The DLP vs LCD battle is a personal one, I would just go look at alot of them and make up your mind as to what looks better to you. As for the Time-Warner question... My bill is around $100 but I have cable modem service as well as digial cable (including HBO, and all the HD channels including ESPN HD). You cannnot receive HD over normal cable.

Avatar '02

"In the immortal words of Socrates.... I drank WHAT?"

Thanks, guys.

Class of '65 and married to the world's most rabid "galvanized Aggie

I've had a Samsung DLP for almost a year now and couldn't be happier. DLP vs. LCD really comes down to what looks good to you.

Plasma is nice, but you can't get HD (720p/1080i) for the price you pay for a DLP/LCD. Most of those $3k plasmas are EDTV (480p). Keep that in mind when looking at plasmas.

Okay...how about this,

I'm about to buy a new tv and am a self-admitted complete idiot when it comes to this stuff. I don't even know what the acronyms stand for. Here's my question, though...I don't have room for a very big tv...I'm thinking somewhere in the 30' to 35' range, give or take a few. I want a nice tv, with a good picture, at a reasonable privce...but don't care about getting the top of the line. Any recommendations?

Can anyone explain the difference between the different types? Is there a good resource/website for dummies like me on this stuff?

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by MAS444 (edited 12/15/2004 9:23a).]

DLP vs. LCD is pretty much personal preference. Both have positives and negatives. Of the two, I would prefer DLP because when an LCD panel goes out you have a dot in the middle of your screen that will never go away.

If you have the room for it, you should really consider a front projector. You can get decent DLP and LCD projectors for as little as $1000. A projector at that price will not be true HD but it will be HD compatible.

MAS444: Sony makes a great TV using regular picture tube technology. Go to Best Buy or Circuit City and look for the 34" Sony that says "XBR" in the corner near the screen. Hook that up to HD cable or a DVD and it will give you a terrific picture.

I love me some plasma. Money is no object, but watch out for the short life span, instant burn in, poor black levels, gas refills, and the falling sky Chicken Little spoke of.

HDTV in B/CS
http://tinyurl.com/52udu