I've posted elsewhere in this forum about Sony hardware. I'm contemplating the transition to a high definition flat screen soon, though I'm torn between Plasma and LCD. As space considerations are a prime factor, I can't go larger than 40" which for me is pushing it.

PLASMA Displays:
Plasmas seem to begin at 42" though I did find one smaller that might work - the Panasonic TH-37PX60U.  This would probably fit in my proposed setup.  Any reviews/comments on this one?

Plasma would probably do better for me. I have controlled lighting. However, I worry about the power consumption (325 W).  That's almost double an LCD I'm considering and I also wonder how it does in warmer environments.

Most of all is the dreaded "burn-in" issue. Their site documents a 100 hour "break-in" period (1-1.5 months for me I think).The prospect of ever stretching or distorting the image seems repellant to me (replacing one problem with another - why do people settle for this nonsense!).

A question here: are the bars at sides (for coventional 1.33:1 TV) and at top and bottom for widescreen films a problem over 2 or 3 hours viewing? Also, let's say you do fill the screen what do you do about the blasted network logos that sit there in the corner while you watch shows possibly for hours (movies, etc.). You can't eliminate those. Is any of this a worry?

LCD Displays:

I'm also looking at a SONY KDLV32XBR2 (XBR3 soon?) and some of the Sharp displays at this size (32").  I'm leaning towards the LCDs for enhanced selected and size, which would fit my setup better.

My first concerns here are Response Rate & Refresh time. An A/V salesman with some smarts informed me that this has come to a point where it isn't all that noticeable anymore.  The smears and other gross artifacts of yesterday are mostly gone. Is this true? It's mostly a lack of detail or softness that betrays inferior rates now.

The other problem is of course black level and the contrast, which I don't think can ever be resolved completely.  It is simply a built-in weakness of the format.  It's nice that they're making progress (by very small degrees in my view) but it's ultimately a fruitless exercise.

I'm writing another novel folks, sorry.  Bringing this all to a close: any personal advice on Plasma vs. LCD and the models I listed (Panasonic TH-37PX60U, SONY KDLV32XBR2 and the Sharp 32" line) is very much appreciated.

I have a Sharp LCD and love it.

LCDs are typically 42" and below, although I've read that they have recently overcome the problems that led to that upper limit.  37" is a great size for the average size living room.

The black bars won't hurt a thing.  No matter what size you get, you'll get them on 1.33:1 format, and across the top and bottom depending on what ratio widescreen movie you're watching.  My Sharp has 4 format settings depending on what you're watching.  I find myself often bumping the 1.33 TV format up to fill the screen most of the time.  You lose the text crawl along the bottom or most of it, but that is no a problem.

Brand wise, give a hard look at the LG model lineup.  Sharp is good, and so is Toshiba. 

Make sure you get one with HDMI inputs, and a full range of the more standard connectors.  I opted for a model with a tuner, so its HD capable.  Also make sure it can handle at least 1080i.

If you look around, you should be able to find something along those lines well under $1200.  TigerDirect and New Egg both have extensive selections of 16:9 LCD and Plasma models.

To answer Saiyan,

1. I have a few windows but the curtains I use cuts the light fine. Light is controlled.
2. I probably mislead you on space considerations. I can definitely fit in anything under 40"
3. The display will be on a stand
4.  Yes, I have a 5.1 surround system (Klipsch)
5. I live in the Philadelphia suburbs (USA)

Quoting Chazcdc54:

Quote:
To answer Saiyan,

1. I have a few windows but the curtains I use cuts the light fine. Light is controlled.
2. I probably mislead you on space considerations. I can definitely fit in anything under 40"
3. The display will be on a stand
4.  Yes, I have a 5.1 surround system (Klipsch)
5. I live in the Philadelphia suburbs (USA)

I just saw your response.  I am working on it now.  Actual dimensions of the space you are working with would help a lot.  For instance, some 40" TVs are made small enough to fit in the footprint of a 37" TVs and some 42" TVs are made small enough to fit in the footprint of a 40" TV.

Oh yeah...and price range.  You can PM me if you are uncomfortable posting that kind of thing on the boards.

I don't know if 1080P or 720P is important to you.  Currently you can't get 1080P in any reasonable price range for a Plasma (there may be none at less than 40").  There are many 1080P LCD panels, and at under 40", you can get them for much cheaper than comparably sized 720P plasma.

Quoting GSyren:

Quote:
I've got a Sony 40" 1080p LCD, and it's awesome.

For my bed room I bought one also for the 1080p, but also I liked the picture on Panasonic 42" plasma.
spent a couple of months trying to make up my mind.