[Quantum Alert]

I currently use a 20" LCD television for my DVD viewing pleasure.

I have a PS3 and would like to maximize its potential. The release of the original Trek movie collection got me thinking HD.

After some preliminary research, I know the basics. Full HD means Progressive Scanning and 1920x1080. Do we have any resident experts?

I plan to budget for Star Trek's October release. I want to spend $ 500-1,100 on a 40-49" range Full HD LCD with dynamic contrast ratio (is this as good as advertised?) and preferable 120Hk + refresh rate for a (Smooth Motion technology?) fluid, blur-free experience.

I'd love suggestions on what specs I should really be looking for to optimize my viewing experience when I start using my PS3 to play Blu-Rays. Can anyone point me in the direction I can find the best value for my money?

[Jed Starkiller]

I really like my TV It does full HD never noticed any blurring effects on my games. (Personally I think some of the technology is getting beyond what the human Eye see's anyway.) It's a VIZIO. They are relativly inexepensive compared to other brand or at least it was when I bought mine.

[jerhanner]

We've got a Samsung 50" HDTV and it's been nothing but wonderful, esp. with the PS3.

[Zardoz]

All of ours have HD capablity, meaning the chip is in there. When it gets the HD signal, it goes HD.

[martok2112]

If possible, get an HDTV with 120hz as opposed to 60hz. While my 42inch LG gets great resolution at 1080p/60hZ....having seen a tv at 1080p/120hz is really something. The pictures look almost (ALMOST) 3D.

[KJTrek]

Our family has a Panasonic, and I have heard good things about their plasmas at inexpensive prices... but for LCDs under $1500 I would look into Sharp AQUOS and Samsung sets. We get Consumer Reports, and Samsung dominates the LCD categories, with their top 42" model selling for $1250 (a little out of your range) but the issue was from December, and prices are continually falling.

[Zardoz]

LCD is the way to go, plasma has too many issues for my taste.

[Quantum Alert]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I agree LCD is the way to go. After considering the disadvantages of both, I can't see past plasma's glare issue. Additionally, if I leave a still image on screen for too long it may 'burn-in' permanently?

[jerhanner]

Originally Posted by martok2112

If possible, get an HDTV with 120hz as opposed to 60hz. While my 42inch LG gets great resolution at 1080p/60hZ....having seen a tv at 1080p/120hz is really something. The pictures look almost (ALMOST) 3D.

You can see the tan lines on the anchormen and women - right where their little goggles go on their eye!

[KJTrek]

Originally Posted by Quantum Alert

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I agree LCD is the way to go. After considering the disadvantages of both, I can't see past plasma's glare issue. Additionally, if I leave a still image on screen for too long it may 'burn-in' permanently?

I can counter both of those issues, as with our plasma there is an excellent anti-glare filter on the screen, and as far as burn-ins we had several times where we thought we would have one, but it went away within hours.

But, I still would say that LCDs are superior, although their limited viewing angle in my opinion is a major draw-back.