Newbie 42'' LCD/Plasma SD/HD purchase question

[dennis]

I'm sorry if this is a naive compound question but I'm looking at a couple of TVs. First generically speaking (since I like IFC and Sundance and smaller films) is there a superior 40-42'' on the market that will have decent SD coverage or are all HD (LCD-LED/LCD-Plasmas) TVs at this size comparbly terrible for SD broadcast? Secondly the TVs I'm looking at (or willing to take alternative suggestions) (1) The Panasonic 42'' 1080p Plasma (TC-P42u1) TV at only 899 here in NYC. At the double the price but seductively featured and well reviewed (hard to find a specific TC-P4 Pan review) 40'' LED/LCD un b6000. and then the LG 42lh40 42'' 1080 LCD (1299) and Samsung 40'' 1080 LN40B550 at 934. I know there will be variations in the prices and am more interested in your superior qualitative opinions. Once again forgive this first (longish) post. My best. dennis

[dennis]

p.s.The LED/LCD is one of the newer "Samsung" super thin models

[rbinck]

Welcome to the forum dennis. I don't personally have an opinion on those specific HDTVs, but in general if you have a room with good light control the plasmas are going to a be better choice. Of the LCD screens the type that use LED backlighting are the state of the art these days and I understand they rival plasma black levels.

[dennis]

p.s. I will be watching 65 % (less commercial) movies and 35 % television drama. Thanks for the welcome. dennis

[rykerabel]

TC-P42u1 is the bottom end of the Panasonic 1080p Plasma range.

Step up to the TC-P42S1 and you add the new "Neo-PDP" with 40,000:1 native contrast (2 mil:1 dynamic) (its much brighter)

Step up to the TC-P42G10 and you add THX mode with more accurate colors and more color calibration settings.

Coming at the end of May, step up to the TC-P42V10 and you add 96p display of 24p source movies for complete freedom from film judder.

That is the complete line up for 2009 42" 1080p Plasmas from Panasonic.

All are better than any LCD in a dimmer movie viewing environment.
All have perfect motion handling with no blur and no artifacts at all.

If you plan to watch in bright daylight window backlit room, you need to step up at least once to the Neo-PDP displays for the increased brightness.

Unless you are a true hardcore video file, I'd suggest the TC-P42S1 as the safest and cheapest bet.

Always check the TV in person to see if you are susceptible to seeing phosphor lag (color trails created by the different decay rate of the different phosphor elements) Most people are not and never see them, just like some people never see the blur created by LCDs sample and hold.

[OrelveAvemn]

Hello