We need to buy a new TV. We have a nice sized room (26X22) but it is sort of sectioned off and we use 2/3 rds for the family room. We looked at 50" projection tv's but the footprint is big and I don't want such a large piece in the room.

I am considering a 42" Plasma tv, but don't know much about them. If anyone has one and has an opinion I would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,

 

Pioneer has the best 50''. I don't like Sony's or Phillips.

 

Phillips has a decent plasma, but LG and Pioneer have the best quality I've seen. If you want a projection TV or an HDTV, then Sony, hands down. But they just don't have it in the plasma department

 

Gateway has a decent one for only $2999! Check it out at their website. Or see it in person at a Gateway Country store.

 

You might wanna checkout the latest Sony Wega XBR. It isn't a plasma but they do have them up to 46 inches

 

I want to thank everyone for their input. I have decided to wait awhile for the technology to improve. I am not a big tv person and will probably buy a 30"+ analog set for now and later on replace it with a Plasma or LCD set.

 

And.....my Xbox games are awsome on it!!!!!

 

Dot Crawl is a persistent problem with Plasma Screen. This is where the action on the screen is too fast for the individual plasma pixel to make the change to match the overall picture, colors tend to bleed into another pixel/sprite on the picture. So the lower end units will certainly have these problems. IMO the Fujitsu then the Pionneer are the best brands for Plasma Screens. Check the display or demo of the unit you want to buy at the retail stores.

 

There is some good advice over at www.avsforum.com . From what I have read, stay away from the Gateway and make sure there is a HDCP/DVI port or it will soon be obsolete.

I just picked up a Sanyo plv-z1 projector for $1500. Plasmas are still too expensive for me and I prefer a larger screen (9').

 

I am not impressed by what I have seen so far. My cousin I believe has a pioneer 42 incher HDTV ready. He has free Direct TV courtesy of me with the 500 RCA HDTV receiver. The HDTV is like watching a DVD but the regular channels...which are most of them look worse than a tube TV. If you have the money then go ahead and get one...you can always sell it on ebay if something better comes out.