Help me buy a TV, plasma or lcd? Options

[Hanyo]

My 10 year old CRT tv blew up recently and now its time to move up to a flat pannel and move up to HD.

Basically I'm looking for the best tv for Standard definition.

my size requirements is 40"-46", and budget is $1500.




My first pick was the samsung UN46B6000, but its a side lite led tv that has some dimming issues and the flatness of the tv means the sound would be terrible. I do have a home theatre set up but it would not be on all the time.

Second pick is the panisonic TC-P46S1, this is a plasma set so its picture is going to be amazing but the energy efficenty of this set is gonna hurt. It will cost more to own this set over the years then a more expencive LCD tv.

my last pic is the samsung LN46B750, the 240 hz lcd tv is suppose to a great tv according to the reviews. But i heard the standard definition is mediocre and the price of this set is on the high side. When i can get the same picture quality for 500+ dollars cheaper with a plasma.



I want to know your guys opinion on the best standard definition set. or at least point me in the right direction on who makes better SD set.


And suggestions?

thanks alot.

[yarik83]

My first advice would be a plasma tv.

Energy efficiency is the least thing you need to be worried about. I have my plasma on 5pm-2am every single week day and 10am-2am on weekends (unless im out riding my bike of scuba diving) and my electric bill went up by a huge amount of $3.95.

Energy efficiency is one of those things that you can move around from thing to thing and save money that way. For example in each of my 3 bathrooms I unscrewed 2/3 light bulbs and put in a low wattage bulb. I also turn off my lights religiously and all lights in my house are low wattage. I noticed a $15/mo reduction in electric bill. Most tv's now are very energy efficient so dont worry about that.

Things that you do need to worry about would be
-viewing angle (which plasma excels at)
-outputs for surround sound, hdmi, optic etc
-if you dont have surround sound then you would need to buy a tv with speakers
-brightness and number of colors.

also you do want to factor in tax and extended warranty into the price.