Help me between these budget TVs

[rocketdan9]

Both are under 850 so the price factor doesn't matter

1) Insignia 42" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV** (NS-L42X-10A)

pros: 1080p , 120 hz , lcd (brighter and more vivid colors), 2 or 3 years best buy exclusive warranty (since its their branded tv)

cons: 6.5 ms , insigna not really a brand name (not sure of their quality or expertise in making tv's)


2) Samsung 42" Plasma HDTV** (PN42B450)

pros: 600 hz (sub), 2 million to 1 dynamic contrast, Samsung reputation in being leaders in making tv's

cons: 720p, plasma's inability to be as bright as lcd's


I'm seriously torn between purchasing either one of these new tv's since i'm on a tight budget. I've seen both tv's on display and both have their good's and bad's. Like the insigna was bright and colors seem more vivid in addition i really like the 1080 p feature (since i plan to watch some hd tv) and 120 hz which helps fight blurs. The sales guy also stated this is insigna's advanced series and they have come along way (now at least even with brands like vizio, westinghouse etc). The samsung plasma display was smooth as a cat on screen (no blur whatsoever) utilizing its sub 600 hz refresh rate and 000.1 ms (i assume) feature . But the screen seemed lifeless in terms of brightness and colors standing out and sort of sucks its only 720 p.

I guess this problem would be easy to solve if i had 2000 k to spend on a samsung LED/1080 Panasonic plasma but its not possible at this time.

So what do you think is the best choice ??

[Brewmeanie]

I'm always leary of buying insignia TV, it's best buy's house brand and you never know where they came from.

[tsatsa]

From the 2, I'll go with Samsung and not the on name one from BB.

[tony822]

for a 42' tv, I don't think you'll see much difference between a 1080p & 720p after you watch it for a short period of time.

but if you must get a 1080p, then get insignia. if not, Samsung.

[GSRee]

i really like the 1080 p feature (since i plan to watch some hd tv) and 120 hz which helps fight blurs

How far will you be from the TV? http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/12/09/1080p-charted-viewing-distance-to-screen-size/ shows where you'd have to be to notice the difference between 720 and 1080. At 42", it looks to be right around 8 feet or less to notice the benefit of 1080.

And the 120hz feature isn't something you'll use all the time...make sure your usage will benefit from it before using that as a deciding factor.

[blackmoon69]

try too lok for the vizio brand they have good prices too.

[dutchca]

Bright room = lcd

Lighting controlled room = plasma

Don't worry too much about how the picture looks in the store, they will look drastically different in your living area. Realistically, there shouldn't be too much difference in the colours/contrast after a proper set-up. Buy an avia/dve disk, they are worth it. Some local libraries also carry them.

With a 42'', 1080p isn't too much of an issue.

You may want to check out avsforums.com to see what owners have to say about each set.

[idiotcanuck]

I'd agree if you have a reasonably light controlled room, I think that the Plasma will give you a better viewing experience.