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Thanks to the HDTV ping list!

Ok, since you guys so graciously replied, please allow me to pick your brains again.

CCFL LCD vs. LED-lit: For a set right next to tall windows (<2 ft. away), which is best?

Any thoughts on the Panasonic TC-G25 plasma (has a good anti-glare screen per reviews)?

120hz vs. 240hz.: Salesman at Modia (Home Theater Store) says that in the near future, programming will be available to utilize 240hz technology. Really? or is this salesman talk?

Maximum size for space is 47". Wish list includes at least 120hz, 1080i, anti-glare/matte screen, best internal processor (but not so good as the $3000 Mitsubishi LOL) for the <$2K sets. No gaming on this set.

I like plasma flat panels, but they tend to use quite a lot more power than CCFL LCD's at the same brightness level for similar sized units, and some models generate a LOT of heat. That's why I think if you have no plans for 3-D TV, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46EX500 I mentioned would be perfect for you. It's got all the features you need, especially since you didn't say you wanted the Internet widgets found on some higher-end flat panels nowadays. I'd also match it with a good Sony Blu-ray player like the BDP-S570, though I'd recommend you upgrade the firmware on the Sony player to the latest version, though.

Which set is best, (flourescent or LED, in a bright room ?) The correct answer must always be - what looks best to YOU. You have to make that final decision. No one else can answer a question like that, but YOU. The answer depends on your evaluation of how the panel LOOKS in YOUR living room.

That’s why I suggested; in passing, that it’s good that most stores have a 30 day return policy. You can choose a set, but, when you get it home and properly set up..IF you DON’T like what you see; in your own home environment, you can always return it for something that might be better for your home environment.

I’m sorry, but I’m not the proper person to ask regarding Plasmas..I’ve never owned a Plasma, although I’ve heard that they have vastly improved over the past few years..it’s now not very likely that the panels will have any “BURN-IN” problems. (this was a major problem with Plasma sets in the recent past.)

120 HZ vs. 240 HZ - yeah.. this has absolutely NOTHING to do with what is broadcast. It has EVERYTHING to do with reducing motion blur on the HD set..regardless if it’s from broadcast media, or DVD, or Blu Ray. My opinion? Ignorant salesman talk. I’m sure you can find significant discussions of motion blur factors on AVSFORUM..

You have a solid wish list, StrictTime..umm.. all new HD sets WILL only output 1080P (P= Progressive output) You might have a hard time these days finding a new HDTV set that will only output 1080I (I=Interlace) Keep in mind that all broadcasts are inputed at either 720P OR 1080I..the set will always CONVERT the OUTPUT to 1080P..also, broadcasts are always , ALWAYS at 60 hz..Samsung will always REPORT the INPUT at 60 hz, when you press the INFO button on the remote..BUT the set will ALWAYS convert that 60 HZ input to 120 Hz. In Samsung sets; the 120 hz conversion process is ALWAYS on. It can’t be “turned off”. This is a GOOD thing.

The “AUTO MOTION PLUS” function CAN always be modified, or turned off. This process is NOT the same process as the 120 hz function. They are two, very different, separate processes.

Yes..a better computer processor comes with the more expensive sets...my sister has an expensive Mits..she loves it, this set DOES have a very fine panel..gorgeous picture. BUT.. I spent less than half of the money on my Samsung, than SHE spent on her Mits..I’d say the picture on the Samsung panel was just as good as the picture on the Mits. but, that’s my opinion.

Yes.. it’s frustrating,, BUT, I’m sure that you’ll find the HDTV set that’s perfect for YOUR living room enviroment.

HDTV ping list, I will post a thread in late October or early November about the up coming BlackFriday sales.

See below for the latest prediction:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/blackpredicts091310.htm

HDTV: Black Friday Predictions!
TVPredictions.com
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2010) — Fifty-inch HDTVs for as little as $550? 32-inch LCD HDTVs for under $200? Blu-ray players for $70 or less?

These are just some of the incredible deals that retailers will offer on HD-related products on Black Friday, predicts a web site that tracks retailer discounts on what has become the unofficial opening of the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become a cultural phenomenon with waves of shoppers crashing into retail outlets at the crack of dawn in search of great deals.

BlackFriday.org, which has carefully monitored past Black Friday sales, predicts that physical and online retailers will heavily discount Plasma, LED and LCD HDTVs.

“The televisions that go on sale typically fall into 32” to 46” category, but you will see some reduced prices on 50” to 55” HDTVs as well,” the site writes.

For instance, BlackFriday.org forecasts that 32-inch LCD sets will be available for around $199 while 19-inch sets will discounted to as little as $99.

In addition, the site predicts, 42-inch LCD and Plasma models will be priced between $400 and $500 while 50-inch sets will be marked down between $550 and $650.

In the Blu-ray category, the site says feature-laden Blu-ray players will be available between $70 and $80 and some Blu-ray movies will be offered for about $5.

So many have told you how great their experience is with their set, and, luckily, a few have given you very sound advice about where to look for good deals, and how to shop (shout out to Biblical Calvinist who's advice has been spot on)

Another site to use to watch for excellent deals is Dealmac.com. They don't scour ALL retailers but they certainly watch quite a few and they focus on the 46-47" market, so that sounds like a site that you would benefit from.

You've done a good job of stating your needs and describing the room the flat panel will be in. It all comes down to what is important to YOU. Are you brand agnostic? Do you care if it's not brand X, for example?

My advice is to narrow your search down to 2 or 3 brands you'd be interested in. Then, with the size known (46/47 for you), get to know the models, because there will be different lines for each brand for a given size. Then, watch prices and packages (and financing offers if you're into that) via the dealmac site or bfads.net or the other black Friday sites mentioned.

You won't have buyers remorse.