Flat Panel TV - Help me out!

[Lauzian]

I currently work for an electronics/appliance store and as I near graduation from college I feel the need to treat myself (and finally use my employee discount to get a nice TV). I have been reading reviews for a while now and I still can't decide. I need opinions from people who have experience with these from a gamer's view. I'm looking for a T.V. in the 40-46 in. range. I like the Sony XBR series (although they are now coming out with the Z4100s and there is a 40 in. model). I am also impressed with the Samsung 96D series and it has also received positive reveiws. What I need from you are your opinions.

Is 120Hz that big a deal for a gaming system?
Is the XBR4 worth the price over XBR2?
Anyone have any good experience with Samsung/Lower tier Sony/other brands?

Other info: The only next gen console I currently own is a Wii but I will have to eventually breakdown and get the PS3 when Metal Gear comes out.

Employee discount varies by brand but for the sake of this post consider it 20%.

[izembo]

i own samsung lcds for all my pc monitors and i love the picture quality/color contrast. no dead pixels on any and just an all around great picture, also a little cheaper than the sony for better quality imho.

the differences between the set wont be that big, whats the price difference though?

[Kazen]

I love my Samsung lcd, amazing picture and the contrast is good to.

[evilbau]

Could always check out avsforum.com, their elitism is palpable, you'll read about any flaw (perceived or real) on any brand.

That being said, I don't bother unless I get 40%+ off retail. The Best Buy HDA (HD Advantage) deal is still going on, you can get this panasonic (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 9512771844) for $500 which is over 50% off. Still might be your best bet. Or could use HDA on just about any TV and get a pretty good deal. I'll say it again, its the best deal of 2007 and 2008 (and I come across a lot of deals )

More info here:
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/message ... 1=best+buy

[Correction]

Back when Sony still made tube TVs I bought a 38" vega XBR and the difference between it and a non-XBR Sony was noticeable. But I really doubt there's going to be that much diff between the newer iterations of this acronym since all it stands for is 'extra bright' or something.

[Epical]

I was in this exact situation in October, and I finally went with a Sharp Aquos 42" LCD (64U) over the Toshiba (the one with 120Hz) and the XBRs (wayyyy overpriced). It's so slim and has an awesome picture, plus 3 HDMI is perfect for all my hookups.

[scrockstar]

I have a Samsung 40" LCD (LNT4071F) and I could not be more happy with it.

Samsung LCDs tend to much much better contrast and color than any other LCD I've seen.

[izembo]

I have a Samsung 40" LCD (LNT4071F) and I could not be more happy with it.

Samsung LCDs tend to much much better contrast and color than any other LCD I've seen.

what I said as well but I really want to accentuate that fact, they really do have such a beautiful picture.

[Isiolia]

I too am pleased with my 40" Samsung panel.

[levish]

I'd go (panasonic / pioneer) plasma if you can put it in a good spot where there'd be no glare

[izembo]

never ever go plasma for gaming

[Tyche]

I have a sharp 64 series. Sharp and sumsung screens are pretty much identical (sharp actually sued samsung for patent infringement).

[Cephius]

never ever go plasma for gaming

I have a 42" Pioneer plasma, I play games on it and watch movies and I couldn't be happier with it. We also have a LCD in the house and I honestly don't see any difference.

[izembo]

video lag and burn in are a lot more likely in plasmas

[melbufrauma]

i have a samsung 40 inch LNT4061F model and its amazing

[Headspace]

i have a samsung 40 inch LNT4061F model and its amazing

This is the one I was going to get during Circuit City's Super Bowl sales, but I got denied for their credit card.

Going to try to get another TV in the summer, is that when TVs get bigger sales again?

[Vertabreaker]

Get an Aquos

[Tyche]

Get an Aquos

[Azkarin]

Get an Aquos

I think I remember you snagging 2 at Black Friday... How much were they selling for then? I'm debating on getting one in August or maybe hold off and camp out for another great deal on a great TV

[Popeh]

Just to put the fact out there.

1-Contrast ratio's on TV's are the most overrated specifications, but yet most people cannot explain what it even does. Bigger number must equal a better TV, right? Oh dear.

2-Samsung measure their contrast ratio's using min/max settings, other brands use default; so yes, although the ticket states higher constrasts, generally it isn't.

Compare like for like, side by side, exact feed a Samsung with another leading brand and the picture doesn't look that 'beautiful' anymore.

That being said, the prices are decent.