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The best 40-42" flat panel HDTV money can buy

von Rothbart

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Shopping for 40-42" flat panel HDTV, doesn't matter whether it's plasma or LCD. Looked into Pioneer Elite but the smallest is 50". I watch mostly classical with some extremely fast movements and I think blacklighting (or whatever it is called) is very important to me. If money is no object (within reasons, do not want B&O), what's the best from technical standpoint, any suggestions?
 

bdeuce22

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you probably are not going to find the best of the best LCD/plasma anymore in a 40-42in. unit since most of making these >50in.

i have seen great things withsamsung

i looked at this line, but opted for a larger tv
 

jet

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Look into the panasonic th-pz800u, one of the best 42s out as far as non pro stuff is concerned.

They should be adjusting prices soon to account for the holiday season.
 

jase12

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the website site is down or something so i cant post a link, but check out the Phillips range. I have a 42 inch full hd LCD which i bought last year. was hands down the best picture i have seen in the size range and won a bunch of awards. i think the ambilight backlighting is more than just a gimmick, watching in a dark room with it on is awesome.

check out this years range, again sorry i cant post a link.
 

jet

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I was looking at philips but really the elites are the best followed by the pannys, a buddy of mine is professional a/v installer and deals in much higher end units so I'm going based on his rec.

Also vR, invest in a calibration DVD which is around 250 I believe which will optimize the pic nearly (not quite but close) as well as a pro physically coming to your house with all his sophisticated equipment. There is a huge thread on the pans if you do a google for the model name and avs forums which is the electronics equivalent of the mc forum.
 

ratboycom

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Runco is where its at. Sure its not a household name but every tv is hand built and calibrated. Picture quality is amazing Runco Stuff They have plasma and LCD in your 40"-42" range. Though why buy that when you can have the full size 103 incher
 

Artisan Fan

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I have helped two neighbors look and both wound up with the Samsung. Great TVs.

If you go LCD, then I strongly recommend the 120khz refresh rate.

Runco is superb reference level gear but is priced accordingly.
 

Dakota rube

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What is this new laser tv I've heard about? Is it a Mitsubishi? And has LCD surpassed plasma now? I'm afraid I have lost track of the developments in television...
 

jet

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Originally Posted by ratboycom
Runco is where its at. Sure its not a household name but every tv is hand built and calibrated. Picture quality is amazing

Runco Stuff

They have plasma and LCD in your 40"-42" range. Though why buy that when you can have the full size 103 incher


I was hesitant to mention this.
 

ragdoll

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I am in the process of installing some new AV equipment in my home. Runco was recommended as my installers preferred brand but I decided to go with something cheaper.
 

Jumbie

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Originally Posted by Artisan Fan
I have helped two neighbors look and both wound up with the Samsung. Great TVs.

If you go LCD, then I strongly recommend the 120khz refresh rate.

From what little research I've done on TVs, I came to the conclusion that 120 refresh was more personal preference than anything else.

Some people like 60 more.
 

lefty

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Very happy with my Samsung LCD. Went onto cnet and tweaked it per their recommendations and the picture is great. Considered the the Sharp Aquos, but didn't like the UI.

lefty
 

zjpj83

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I love my Pioneer but have had it for ages.
 

thekunk07

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i have a phillips, but i'll +1 pioneer.
 

A Y

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At that size for plasma, Panasonic is the best choice. Samsungs are OK.

Price (and size) no object, Pioneer Elite.

Most of my HD watching is classical stuff on BluRay, especially ballet. I think you'll find that limitations in the source material become more apparent than differences in monitors. I've seen bad frame conversion, soft lenses, focus errors, bad exposure ... you name it.

--Andre
 

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