TV time!

[[AK]The Beast]

So my TV bit the dust right as last night's epic MLB all-star game was ending (just shy of 1:30 in the morning)--made a noise and my picture is washed in blue, all channels, all inputs. So I figure there's no point in getting my 32" non-HD set repaired, but I'm looking to replace it pretty quickly as it's my main set. I'm looking at this one (Best Buy/ZDNet)--anyone have any thoughts on it or other suggestions in the $1000-ish range? I currently don't have an HD programming package but I'm checking the costs of going that way in the very near future.

[[AK]Clay]

Looks like a steal. IMHO 42" HD is the baseline minimum for a new primary TV for a household. The last time I looked, $2,000 was the lowest you could get such a TV for.

The only thing concerning to me is it is plasma. The technology could have evolved, but around 1-2 years ago, the complaints with plasma were its poor energy efficiecincy/high temperature (heat = wasted energy) and its relatively short overall service life.

[[AK]The Beast]

Yeah, that worried me as well--the ZD site says it's plasma, but Best Buy and the model number both say LCD. I don't believe there's a 42" plasma for that price, either. LCD I believe easily (though it's still a steal).

[[AK]Nuts]

I've been pleased with my LCD... it was brighter than the plasma and had less glare. Just make sure you get a model with every possible input!

[[AK]The Beast]

Definitely. This one has 'em all (and I believe has 2 composite inputs, not that I need them). I'm not buying anything until I go to the store and see it side by side. Unless Woot has their 42" for $650 again. That I'll buy on faith.

[Slaughter]

I'd stay clear of Dynex, personally.

I'm a fan of this one in the 42" size. The Westinghouse is my favorite for the price.

I'd suggest anything 32"-40" that Best Buy has, but everything on their site was either the same price as the Toshiba or more expensive for 1080p.

[[AK]Nuts]

Also, don't forget some of the more traditional stores. I bought my 50" at Sears. They offered a good price on the warranty, and price match for 90 days. The biggest pain in the ass is the inability to do true side-by-side comparisons. You can't grab the 40" LCD and walk it over to the 40" plasma. Or look at two TV's from different makers. They specifically separate the TV's from one another to make it tough. Also, they keep the lighting low so you can't judge glare and brightness.