New Tv, Many Options

[angawi]

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my 720p Bravia to a new 1080p TV. I live in Malaysia and am considering the following models:

Philips 47PFL9703/98 Philips 47 LCD

Philips 42PFL9703/98 Philips 42 Lcd

Panasonic TH-50PY800H Panasonic 50 Plasma

Panasonic TH-42PY800H Panasonic 42 Plasma

Sony KLV-46X300A Sony 46 X

Sony KLV-46W400A Sony 46 W

Samsung LA52A650A1R Samsung 52 LCD

Samsung LA46A650A1R Samsung 46 LCD

I checked out the models at Harvey Norman, and the salesman was recommending the Philips models, and from what I could tell had the best motion. However it is a tad expensive, but the salesman said he'd thrown in a free Blu-Ray player (either the Sony BDP-S300 Sony or the Panasonic DMP-BD30 Panny) and digital camera I was considering if I get the 47 inch Philips, or one of the two extras if I get the 42 inch model.

The salesman was originally throwing in a Philips SoundBar SoundBar, but since I already have a home theater system I didn't think it a great add-on, although I am considering a 1080p upscaling DVD player, which it has. And it also acts as an iPod speaker which is quite nice.

The Samsung's come with a Samsung home theater system Samsung Home Theater.

Most of my usage will be SD satellite footage, PS3 and Xbox 360, DVDs, and quite possibly Blu-Ray use in the near future.

So, what has the best all-round picture and is most ideal for my needs? What do you recommend?

Thanks =]

[50mxe20]

The first thing to do is to decide whether you prefer LCD or plasma.

There are many reasons why one might choose one over the other.

Once that decision is behind you you've halved your options.

Next is budget. If money is no object you have not achieved much. :-)

Consider the distance you are viewing and the sources you have to display.

That can influence whether you need full HD or HD or ??

Consider the environment, lighting aesthetics, WAF etc

Wrt the sound end of things budget the same amount of money (or more) on the audio that you plan to spend on the video.

Sound is a very important aspect of the HT experience.

(In my case I am currently up to 3 times the video expenditure and it's increasing).

Google LCD vs plasma for some good tips on what the choices each bring and why you would go one way over the other.

[pgdownload]

They're all pretty great TVs (you can't really go wrong picking any of them) - to a large extent it should now really come down to price and you're own preference when you eyeball them.

Personally I'm not a great fan of getting various extras thrown in instead of a price cut - usually get stuff you wouldn't really buy if you were shopping for something in that category instead. I'll usually let a salesman bounce round all the optional extras and then say "ok how much if we go just the TV"?

Looks like almost 90%+ of your viewing is still going to be SD (or worse) PQ so unless you plan on getting a huge Bluray collection in the next 12 months or so then its probably not critical to be looking top of the range full hd in your TV. I'd also err on the side of going 42" on which SD looks really good without being blown up that bit too far and start to look too 'blocky'.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

PS Missed the fact you already have a 720p panel. I'd have thought that would be quite adequate for some time yet on your usage but I suppose not?

Edited September 17, 2008 by pgdownload

[kulfi]

I checked out the models at Harvey Norman, and the salesman was recommending the Philips models, and from what I could tell had the best motion. However it is a tad expensive, but the salesman said he'd thrown in a free Blu-Ray player (either the Sony BDP-S300 Sony or the Panasonic DMP-BD30 Panny) and digital camera I was considering if I get the 47 inch Philips, or one of the two extras if I get the 42 inch model.

The salesman was originally throwing in a Philips SoundBar SoundBar, but since I already have a home theater system I didn't think it a great add-on, although I am considering a 1080p upscaling DVD player, which it has. And it also acts as an iPod speaker which is quite nice.

Of course the HN salesman was pushing the Philips and throwing in extras to sweeten the deal. They've got a boatload of them lying around and with Philips on its way out of Australia forever, no one wants to buy them.

Either way, you'll be buying the TV in Malaysia so why bother about HN Australia making an offer ? If Philips is going to stay in Malaysia and you like it, buy it. We can't comment on Malaysian prices either.

[redxiii]

http://www.harveynorman.com.sg/about_us/ha...n_malaysia.html

you just don't get it do you?? might want to check your info buddy. He was asking us for help about a panel and we should give it regardless of where he happens to be located. This time sir you are wrong and it appalls me how you can agree that philips will be difficult to clear out here and yet when I mention it elsewhere you bite my head off.

quite the hypocrite it would appear.

[kulfi]

http://www.harveynorman.com.sg/about_us/ha...n_malaysia.html

you just don't get it do you?? might want to check your info buddy. He was asking us for help about a panel and we should give it regardless of where he happens to be located. This time sir you are wrong and it appalls me how you can agree that philips will be difficult to clear out here and yet when I mention it elsewhere you bite my head off.

quite the hypocrite it would appear.

Shut up Gerry.

[deukp]

kulfi HN have stores in malayisa i think, get your facts before you bait and flame

why be such a hater....so sad

ontopic: id go for the plasma but if you want lcd go either 6-series or the phillips

[kulfi]

Back on topic then, how about asking him to wait for the new Sony X ?

[deukp]

ok your majesty

angawi you mite want to wait for the new sony x, also if your patient enough you mite as well wait for the 7 series, though i dont know the release date for 7 series but i think it could be before the year ends.