Fall Flat Panel Lineup


I'd like to buy a flat panel from the upcoming new flat panels. But, I'm so confused. I can't separate the wheat from the chaff.

Here is what is important to me: 1) Artifacting during movements and paning is absolutely minimal, 2)I can see detail in the blacks (I'd rather see detail than the quest for the deepest black if that means blocked up details), and 3) whites are white and not gray, and 4) Size is say 42" to 52" or so. Price is less than $5,000. I don't know anything about plasma versus lcd.

I've seen Sony LCD's that I like, but they seem to artifact. I've seen the Pioneer, which seemed to artifact less, but seemed darker in the shadows. I hate the blocked up shadows and the artifacting. My observations were on models in the store about six months ago.

Having said all that, can you point me toward the best option or two? Thanks for considering my question. Jeff
jj2468

Showing 1 response by jj2468

Thanks for all the good information.

Black levels: When folks say plasma has better blacks, does that mean good shadow details or that blacks are just more black, which can block out shadow details?

Source: I live in an apartment with Comcast feed. Is there a better alternative for a source for me?

DVD: Right now I've got a Sony 9000es and imagine I'll move up to Blue Ray and/or the Oppo, of which I've read many good things.

Magnolia: I stopped by yesterday and saw the 2008 Sony against the 2009 Pioneer Elite. Both looked really good. I thought the Sony showed a little grain in continuous tone images, but had a little better shadow detail than the Elite. Both were fed a 720 image according to the salesperson. At the size range (about 50") and with their source I would not say that artifacting was an issue with either of these models. The salesperson said the new Sony XBR comes out in Septmeber or October. I may wait until then, so I can compare it to the other two. Has anybody viewed the new Sony XBR, such as at CES?

Thanks again for all the good input. Jeff