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.

[95CelicaST]

Old LCD TVs have CRT-esque refresh rates (60Hz)


Any decent LCD now has 120 or 240.


Personally I have a 42" Toshiba LCD @ 120Hz. Picture quality is much better than my brother's Panasonic 42" Plasma, but falls short of the 37" Sony LCD I bought my parents for Christmas. Still does CoD just fine, which is all that matters anyways

My only complaint (which is a setting that I turned off) is that my TV dims when the picture is dark to enhance the black. This causes a problem when the movie is switching back and forth from a light scene to a dark scene (think telephone conversation). The backlighting is on off on off on off and makes me want to shoot myself. After I turned that setting off my suicidal thoughts disappeared.