Looking for advice on which TV to buy - have 3 picks

I have Verizon FIOS HD service being installed on Tuesday. I am purchasing an HDTV within the next few days from Costco (due in part to their awesome return policy), and I just visited tonight and got a list of the TV's that fit my room size and wallet size ($1100-$1300).

Here are my top picks based on the PQ I saw in the store (which does not always look the same in your home, I know). Based on the PQ in the store, the Vizio 42" Plasma seems to be my top pick so far.

Could anyone give some advice from personal experience? One of my huge concerns is dropping $$ for an HDTV and when I go to watch SD channels it will look terrible and we will be stuck with watching HD (not all our favorite shows are in HD). Also, I plan on using HDMI between the HD DVR and the HDTV.

Here's the list...

Vizio 42" LCD
Costco #: 334242
Model # GV42L
$1199

Vizio 42" Plasma
Costco #: 142421
Model # VP42HDTV
$1099

Philips 42" Plasma
Costco #: 142431
Model # 42PF9431D/37
$1199

Panasonic 42" Plasma
Coscto #: 124260
# TH42PX60U
$1499

The Vizio Plasma has had great reviews. I personally own the Vizio LCD and love it. You'll probably enjoy both.

Excellent, thanks. Do you have any issues with watching SD channels on your Vizio? Do you have Verizon, DTV, or something else?

BTW, here is a comparison of these four products on CNET. I am still debating, but leaning toward the Vizio. But it seems CNET's editors don't rate the Vizio too highly.
http://shopper.cnet.com/4504-6475_9-0.html?id=31661372&id=31975924&id=31788615&id=31987134

You can get the Panasonic 42" Plasma for about $1200.My friend has one and loves it.

Excellent, thanks. Do you have any issues with watching SD channels on your Vizio? Do you have Verizon, DTV, or something else?

BTW, here is a comparison of these four products on CNET. I am still debating, but leaning toward the Vizio. But it seems CNET's editors don't rate the Vizio too highly.
http://shopper.cnet.com/4504-6475_9-0.html?id=31661372&id=31975924&id=31788615&id=31987134

I realize your question was directed at another-- but just wanted to add that I really don't undrstand why so many people have "bad", "terrible", "not good" SD viewing. I have Insight digital service and use the newer Motorola STB-- my SD PQ is excellent-- no complaints at all (other than image size). On some channels/networks that are formated for HD, but that my cable company sends out in SD (like National Geographic) I can ZOOM the image or display in 2.35:1 and it fills the screen, and it liiks good. Certainly not HD, but quite good nevertheless.

I have a 50" Panasonic plasma and a 32" Norscent LCD. I was going to buy the VIZIO-- but on the couple of days I wanted to order the 32", no one had the Vizio in stock, and Norscent was priced right at $599 for a 3250. I have NO complaints, but still would have had got the Vizio, if I could . . .

I was shopping at Sam's Club yesterday and noticed that, once again, there were a *lot* of returned Vizio sets (there must have been 9 of them last time I was there)... and I live in the mid-Maine area, not exactly a high population retail center. I've been noticing the returns Vizios because I was considering one before I bought my 42" Panny 60U. It seems I never see any other brand flat panels with the tags on them indicating they've been returned. I don't know if the sets went bad or if the buyers we uninformed about HD/SD issues. I do know that I've never seen a Panny or a Sammy with one of those returned tags on it. Of course, this may mean nothing; I wonder if people have noticed this pattern at other Sam's Club stores....:rolleyes:

Oh... I forgot to add, my Panny does a great job with SD broadcasts, to me it looks as good as, or better than, the Trinitron in my bedroom. Of course it depends on the signal; for instance, the NBC evening news comes in just great but the local Fox affiliate looks washed out and a bit foggy. I'm not an engineer, but I think a lot depends on the production values of any particular broadcast.

A friend bought a 42 Vizio plasma last month for 999 at Costco, loves the picture on SD. No problems.

I have a Vizio LCD, and I absolutely love it. One of the Vizio's is probably the best deal as well. But if you can get the Panny Plasma for only a bit more I would go that route. Not taking anything away from the Vizio's, they are the best bargain HDTV set I've ever seen, even getting to the point where they may not be considered bargain quality. But all said and done, for now they are a bargain brand, Panasonic is not.

I love my Vizio and cannot find a single flaw, 100% happy with it, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't rather have a Samsung, Panasonic, or Pioneer, cause I would, I just cannot afford, or don't want to spend the money for one.

Thanks everyone for your insight. I went to Costco this morning decided on the Vizio 42" Plasma. I paid $1099 for it, which is still a good deal even though I didn't get the $999 price tag some others got.

If the Vizio does turn out to be a bust and I have problems, I might consider returning it and maybe upgrading to the Panasonic, which is $300-400 more than the Vizio.

One last question... I have the Vizio Plasma sitting in it's box in the living room. We currently have DTV SD programming, and we are getting FIOS HD TV installed Tuesday. Would it be a waste to setup the new Plasma even though it will only be receiving an SD signal from DirecTV? I know, very minor question, but thanks again for all your insight. You have educated me very much on the different aspects of purchasing an HDTV.

Sure, set that bad boy up and throw in your favorite DVD. Make sure you use component cables of course so you get the full 480p your DVD player has to offer. It won't be High Def or anything but I'm sure it will be enjoyable just the same.

Plus you get to play a little bit and you will have it all ready to go when the installer gets there on tuesday. Why are you still reading this???

Go play with that new tv already.

Just set up the Vizio and you're right, the SD channels from DTV look perfectly fine. Watching a DVD with component cables look great. Can't wait to see HD on Tuesday.

Oh, and I have not yet experienced any of the high-pitched metallic noises other Vizio buyers have commented on.

Just set up the Vizio and you're right, the SD channels from DTV look perfectly fine. Watching a DVD with component cables look great. Can't wait to see HD on Tuesday.

Oh, and I have not yet experienced any of the high-pitched metallic noises other Vizio buyers have commented on.

The sound on my Vizio is pretty good as well, not tiny at all. I cranked up the bass and a little on the treble in the TV's menu as well. Anyways the sound is better than any SD tube I've had in the past, way better. I also only use the TV speakers for basic tv watching. If there is a tv show I'm into I use my Surround Sound system. I get DD 5.1 from my calbe box for most popular tv shows anyways. I also use the SS system for movies. So for me the built in speakers are way more than adequate.

Have a 50" Vizio that I love so much I'm considering adding a 47" LCD 1080p Vizio to my collection. They are the deal. My only complaint about the speakers is that they are bottom mounted and take up a lot of top to bottom height, and look a little cheesey. My sound is fine for what I'm doing, but I will be adding SS soon :)

Why Plasma????????? LCDs are more reliable and cheaper too?????????

Why Plasma????????? LCDs are more reliable and cheaper too?????????
Isn't it all about picture quality being a subjective value? Both my wife and I auditioned a number of plasmas and LCDs. We both liked the "feeling" of plasma picture better, felt the colors were more attractive to our eyes and both didn't like the off angle viewing limitations of LCDs; we ended up with a Panny 60U and are very happy with our choice. Doesn't make it better or worse than LCDs, just makes it better for us. Of course, I still feel that great vinyl (like direct to disc recordings) have a nicer, warmer sound than digitally recorded music (CDs)... granted the CDs are as accurate as can be but they seem, *to us*, to lack the depth of vinyl.

Interesting fact, Miles Davis' will stipulated that his entire catalogue always be available on vinyl...maybe he heard a difference as well.
:rolleyes: