I realize the prices are coming down, the first plasma TV I saw was a 40" about 7 years ago. Price was $20,000.

I just can't get past the fact these things seem to die before people get their credit card paid off.

A friend of mine bought a nice one a few months ago--it worked for exactly one week before the lamp burned out. When he called the repair shop (under warranty), it took 3 weeks to get the lamp.
No thanks.

They do look nice though...

 

That is true - you do run the risk of having lamp problems - but I think that comes down to researching TV's and reading reviews. There is ALWAYS the chance that something will go wrong - but at least it was underwarranty

 

I've been hearing that HD will be mandatory within 5 years for 20 years now.

In 1989 I remember people saying that by 1995 my old TV would be obsolete and I'd have to buy an HD set to watch TV ever again.

When they refine them enough that they last at least 10 years, then I'll be interested. I just don't think its going to happen. Everything is becoming disposable cause its all made in China

 

Thats for sure! Nothing is made like it used to be! I dont think your CRT TV will be obsolete just because the networks must broadcast in HD because you can get an over-the-air antenna for your TV.

But, these TV's do last -- its just the bulbs you have to change after 2000-5000 hours of viewing.

 

True 1080P broadcast is still aways away, right this second Samsung is developing and testing a 3D version of HD, it is going to be pricey.

It is a matter of facts, you can buy a 1080P, my cousin bought a 60" Panasonic 1080P and I was over setting up his surround sound. On Direct TV in was still only receiving a 720 signal.

I still would not and did not waste the extra coin on a 1080P, I have heard that all signal is going to be broadcast in a TRUE digital by 2009, but no HD.

Another thing to consider, if you are on cable rather than satellite, you are not getting a true HD signal. Cable is only broadcasting a portion of its signal in digital so the HD signal is not even a true 720 at this point. So if you are on cable it is even less likely that 1080P will be worth the money because the true digital signal is not going to be there for a while.

That is a mis understood fact also, as I stated in my first post. The Plasma bulbs now have longer life spans, Plasma was losing its market share with the growth of LCD. They developed better bulbs to keep up and maintain its market share. Again it is how you break in a Plasma more then anything.

 

We need to find out how long away full HD is..,

but I watch a LOT of movies and it would be worth it for me to have the full 1080P HD for $200-$300 more.

 

By the time Satellite is in 1080P most TV's you buy today will be outdated. Take your 1080P HDTV thats connected to a HDDVD Player and change the setting from 1080P to 1080I and see how much difference there is....... Or even 1080P to 720P not much difference to the necked eye. Do some research heck they can't ever decide which is better between 720p or 1080i.

 

Forgot to mention - Sharp makes some dang good TV's too!

 

Really? Sharp stuff used to be pretty much junk. I didnt even know that product was still around.

 

I'm really surprised no one has mentioned Sony VEGA BRAVIA engine panels here. Those are really nice.

I don't really know what size you are after but the latest I've seen for about $2000 you can get a 46" 1080 HD from anyone of the major dealers up here for a really nice picture.

Of course I don't really buy into the the HD experience but this is because I don't have HD on my DVD player or on my Sat. reciever. I think you need digital for sure because the old way will be gone at the end of 2009 if I'm not mistaken but to run out and re-buy all your favorite title on HD DVD or BluRAY is really a waste of time. This is like DVD Audio and SACD or even further back in history of the BETAMAX and the VHS. one will eventually come out on top - only to be the back seat to something else.

Personally I'm a sony guy. Everything except speakers which BTW are always anologue - no matter what SHAW cable tells you (you have that up there right?). I have never had any issues with the high end sony stuff I own. DVD player, SACD player, MD players, Receiver / AMP, VHS, even my tape deck and old tv's are all sony. The audio in my truck is sony as well.

Anyway, I'm about as confused as you are in the big picture so let me know what you decide.