Flat Screen Recommendations: 50 to 60 inch


I'll consider any option, LCD, Plasma, "internet" TVs, etc.
Just want something that will look good out of the box. We watch DVD movies, stream from a Roku box, and news and a few stupid shows from cable TV. Will get less than 10 hours a week of play time. Interested in all opinions and experiences with current models.
Thank you in advance.
smwdrtwin
Panasonic plasmas are definitely the way to go now that Pioneer is not making their model anymore. I have a 50" plasma, and it is fantastic, especially after having it professionally calibrated after the break-in time (I watched carefully so I can do it myself in the future, or adjust this one if I need to).

Plasmas are the best for a couple of reasons - they have better blacks, so all color looks more realistic, and if you are a fan of black and white film, it looks WAY better on plasmas than LCD or LED. Also, movement in sports looks much better on plasmas, if you are a sports fan. And if you are viewing from an angle, plasmas look better than LCD's and LED's as well. The only real disadvantage is that they do put out more heat, and use more power.
Power schmower lol, OP said he doesnt use it many hours weekly anyway. I say hug a tree and fire up that Plasma!
I vote for the Panasonic G25. My 42 has done very, very well for the last year. The THX mode allows for plug and play excellent viewing.
The best plasmas are still better than the best LED LCD screens, particularly when you are at 50" and higher.

I would get either a G25 or V25 series Panasonic. The V series Panasonic comes with THX, so with little to no adjustments you can get a great picture. These plasmas can be gotten in 50", 58", and 65".

I just bought a V25 series 65" Panasonic plasma and couldn't be happier. I previously had a Pioneer Kuro 6010 60" HDTV and it was great, but I think this Panny is just as good, and it certainly is better than the best Samsung LED LCD's I have seen. Although Samsung also makes very good plasmas, I just think they are a smidge behind the Panny's, but they can be gotten at a cheaper price.

Greg
I agree completely with Allchemie - my mother-in-law just got an LED LCD, and it isn't even close to my Panasonic plasma. Also agree that the Samsung plasmas are quite good.