First HD tv

1. How far away will you be from the display when watching it? (Be as exact as possible. A 5' range difference IS a major difference - Please limit the range to 2')

9-10 ft.

2. What TV will it be replacing (i.e. 27" tube TV, etc)

30 inch tube


3. What will you be watching on it (i.e. 1/3 movies, 1/3 TV shows, 1/6 Sports, 1/6 gaming console, etc)

1/2 tv shows on direct tv, 1/4 movies , 1/4 sports

4. Will a computer be connected to use the display as a monitor? If so, what percent of the time?

no

5. Will you be getting a Blu-ray player to watch movies and will you be getting any HD service from cable/sat, or will you just be watching SD programming, and upscaling SD DVD player?

sd for now does a bluray player upgrade dvd's?

6. Are you looking for the best in class display, the best bargain display, or best bang for the buck in the middle display?

best bang for buck

7. What is the room lighting situation? (i.e. can you control the lighting? Can you use light blocking blinds, etc to control it?)

dim room, only 1 east facing window



8. What is your budget range?

1000-1400

9. Will people be watching at multiple viewing angles or just usually one person sitting directly in the center?

multiple but I get the center seat

10. When will most viewing be done on the display (i.e. Daytime or after sunset)?


after sunset


Been looking at 50 Panasonic S and G series ,Samsungs in 500 ,600 and 800 series. I think Samsungs may have a better non HD picture

Go with Panasonic. They have better reliability and much better customer service. Unfortunately, you really can't tell much by seeing an HDTV inside a store due to the ultra-bright lighting and each TV being set to "torch mode" for maximum "attention grabbing". They will look much different in your home. Once you purchase one, make sure to break it in properly and then calibrate it, either by a professional or with a calibration disc. Have fun with your new plasma !! :thumbsup:

You are making the correct choice with going plasma based on your use IMO for better PQ and at a lower cost for comparable screen sizes.

You might want to consider stretching the budget a little and looking at the 54" models as that would be the best size for your viewing distance.

As was already said, it is hard to compare them in stores with horrible torch mode settings and sharpness set wrong to grab your attention. Heck, in the ultra bright stores many would argue that LCDs look better, but I know first hand that once you get them home in dimmer home lighting that the reverse is true.

I will also say that my 50" Panasonic plasma has the best PQ with SD than either of my 2 LCDs or 1 DLP have.

A 50-54" inch G10 would do nicely at 9-10ft., if you deside on a Panasonic G10 plasma take it out of factory "Torch Mode" immediately! I would say the same to LCD owners! I find my 52" display at 9/1/2 ft. away is just perfect! :D