Best Buy has not one, but two 42-inch TVs on sale for $498.99 each. If you prefer to go with a name brand, there’s the 720p Panasonic VIERA plasma. Otherwise, there’s a model of Best Buy’s house brand, Insignia: a 1080p LCD TV.
The Panasonic’s been marked down from $700 and the Insignia’s been marked down from $650. Shipping adds a whopping $70 to either TV but if you’ve got a local Best Buy with the TVs in stock, you can use the in-store pickup option to avoid those shipping charges.
Panasonic VIERA 720p Plasma [BestBuy.com via dealspl.us]
Insignia 1080p LCD TV [BestBuy.com via dealnews]
Could somebody help me out here? I need a new TV and I would like a 42 inch. I’ve read that LCDs are better than plasmas. I’ve also read a scientific study tha proved there is no visible difference between 720p and 1080p unless you are a few inches away from the screen. I’ve also read to look at the contrast ratio, which you want to be 10,000:1 or higher.
Could someone who has more expertise help me out here? Which TV would you get?
There are a bunch of those kinds of sales going on. After Sears started with their Black Friday Now sales everyone is getting into it hoping to separate people from their money.
Tim LCD’s are NOT better than Plasma. A plasma will almost always have better black levels and picture quality than an LCD will.
Good info on Plasma misconceptions at http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/plasmatv-misconceptions.html.
Tim,
LCD is better than plasma. Period. You can buy yourself a plasma but in the end you’re going to be disappointed because you’re going ot end up paying more to run your television without a noticeable difference in picture quality.
1080p is better than 720p. If you can get a 720p or 1080p at the same price – go 1080p. There may not be much content out that can take advantage of it, but over the next 3 – 5 years expect lots of 1080p content t be available. If you like watching DVDs you’ll enjoy 1080p a lot more. Blu-ray movies may be expensive but the difference in picture quality will matter a lot more as prices for the players go down.
$500 for a 42″ HDTV is probably the best deal you’ll get until March/April 2010.
Plasma is “better” than LCD. better blacks and refresh rates generally. brighter picture, better color gamut. better viewing angle. they run hotter though, and usually take more energy. look it up. decide for yourself.
Tim,
LCD TV’s are better and they will last much longer. You run a huge risk of your plasma going out on you within 3-5 years especially if you are a big video gamer. if you want more bang for your buck stick with the 1080p and stick with all LCD models. You are getting mixed signals on this website, if you go to any retailer they will inform you to purchase a LCD television. Best of luck and enjoy your new LCD television.