Hello everyone

I am new to the site, and am so happy i found it. Readign through the topics, i have found it all so insightful.

I purchased a Hitachi 42PMA330A under the pretence it was all Hitachi manufactured, and that it contained a Japanese Panel. Further investigation has revealed it is a chinese panel, and that 95% of the parts are LG. Suffice to say, i have returned the panel and am looking to swap it for something actually good.

A friend has suggested one of the Samsung DLP Rear Projection LCD's. I hear they are good, but have also heard negative reports about early generation DLP, and rainbow effects. I am contemplating the Panasonic 42" SD TH-42PA50A, but am not overly convinced it is a wise move. Finally i have looked at both 26" and 32" LCD's from Panasonic and Samsung. Both Panasonic models have HDMI, but have resolutions of 1366x768 pixels when i would prefer 720. The 32" Samsung doesnt have HDMi, which is an issue.

So basically, the tv will be in my bedroom, so size is a bit of an issue. I watch predominently DVD's, but also run tv out from my XPC. It wont really be used for games, although with XBOX 360 due out soon, you never know.

Please offer me some suggestions for what you consider to be the best alternative. I find myself leaning towards either the 26" or the 32" LCD by Panasonic...

i got the TH-42PA50A, and could not be happier.

You choose wisely - it's the best Plasma on the market.

I'm in a very similar boat - so many options and I have no idea what the "right" screen is? But lately I'm leaning towards the Samsung SP50L6HX 50inch DLP for a few reasons. Firstly, bang for buck size wise it blows away plasma. Secondly, it has a proper widescreen resolution of 1280 x 720 rather than the usual 1024 x 768 of 42inch plasma's. This should make running a PC through it much easier. But, DLP is nowhere near perfect (rainbow's, bulb replacements, viewing angle) so, even though it's cheaper than plasma and probably slightly better suited to my requirements, is it still the "right" screen?

I was to considering samsung DLP but the bulbs are about $400 and i can see the rainbow thing.

mootface,

You appear to be a little confused with your technologies.

DLP and LCD are different.
You can get either a Rear projection DLP (eg Samsung) or a Rear projection LCD (eg Sony).
You can also get a flat panel LCD

Hope this helps.

My personal favourite is the DLP RPTV, but I don't see the rainbow effect.

HoHOhoHohOh yes sorry i was chatting to someone while i was typing that. I meant, for example, the new range of Samsung DLP Rear Projection TV's. In particular the new 50" model.

At the moment i am leaning towards the Pana TX-32LX500A. Seems super, and has HDMI etc, so i am good to go when 360 comes out. Anyone have any experience with this model?

I also was looking at new panels for my room about 2months ago.

I was throwing up the Pana 42' SD plasma, NEC 42' SD Plasma.

In the end i went the 32' Sharp Aquos LCD TV and am more than impressed.

It delivered better, brighter colours to my eye than the other panels i was look at (could have something to do with the fact its HD ) I could not be happier..

What i lost in screen size i gained in PQ, for me, a trade off well worth it.

The Sharps, from my understanding are one of the best LCD panels on the market and highly worth considering.

Came standard with stand, speakers and a 3yr warranty.

PS - I see no of the adverse affects associated with LCD TVs on my panel (eg blurring, clay faces etc)

anyway just another panel worth considering.

Thanks Scott

Just took a look at the Sharp 32" Aquos. There are two versions, one with HDMI, but a 960x540 res, and another that doesnt have HDMI, but a res of 1366x768. They both look the part

It seems all of the competing 32" LCD's are priced around the same, and complete with almost the same features. WIth this in mind, i would have to say i prefer the Panasonic one though, purely for aesthetic reasons

Sorry Moo i should have been more specific, since Sharp realeased the other 32' model. I have the one without HDMi only DVI - LC32GA4X. But as it isonly a bedroom TV, i didnt not need really need HDMI (personal thing)

But if you like the look of the pana (again a perso thing) then go the pana.

Overall though id stick to the LCDs as you are getting HD resolutions.

Let me know how you go...