I know there are a couple of AV experts on the board so just wanting some advice before I make a new purchase.

Looking for 40 or 42 inch (wife said no to the 50 inch one

) but undecided on plasma or LCD. My last one was LCD and has gone kaput after only 4 years.

Which brands are good and which should be avoided?

Send a PM to [url=http://memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=40717FC Wembley 08[/url, he helped me decide on my Panny 50" plasma

FC Wembley 08 knows his stuff regarding tv's

Panasonic Plasmas are really good, picture quality looks far better than the LCD screens especially when viewing black colours and on larger TV's 42 and above.
I've heard the backlit LED ones are pretty good but not seen one out of a shop yet.

Isn't backlit LED simply LCD in a party frock

dont buy LCD if you can afford the other, i got an LCD just after Xmas in the sales, Panasonic and its pants compared to next doors Plazma job, chalk and cheese.
wish i had waited a couple more months to buy a Plazma

I've been looking into plasma/lcd aswell, and have been advised (by the owner of a plasma, and also the blokes at Richer Sounds) that if you'r going to have static images on the screen for a while (my main concern was my kids playing games on it, or the wife pausing sky+ and then forgetting about it for a while) was image burn. Not sure how quickly it forms, but they both said I'd be better going for LCD/LED given the probable use of the set.

LED all the way. Just got a Panasonic 40" LED smart TV awesome, its as thin as a cig paper and the colours are amazing. With the smart TV you get movies, music etc through your internet. £450 online.

Completely disagree. I bought an LG LED 42LW550T 3D tv last month and the picture is brilliant. It is far better than a 42" Panasonic plasma tv I watched last week although I have to admit the Panasonic was a few years old.

Don't worry, I bought a 50" [url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/Panasonic-Viera-TX-P50G20B_TV_reviewPanasonic TX-P50G20B[/url, there ain't an LCD that comes remotely close to it for picture quality

You always did post a load of rubbish on this forum. Once again you are talking complete bo11oxs

Correct

They are brighter and more efficient but essentially yes, you are correct.

Not really an issues, it comes completely down to the quality of the plasma panel. For example, Samsung/LG plasmas suffer heavily with this but Panasonic not so much. They actually have 'inbuilt' protection against this where the screen will go dark after a period of 'still' time thus eliminating the risk.

In any case, the issue is hardly noticeable and NEVER permanent!!

In a good quality 'like for like' comparison, plasma will always out last an LCD.

Must be a 42" as Pana don't produce a 40". Yes, they are excellent but the plasmas are just as thin and offer the same features. More importantly though offer better performance..

There is a you tube 'best buy'- which basically says over 42"" get plasma and 1080p resolution - in a nutshell. I got a Panasonic 46" plasma 1080p and was delighted with the quality.

Sorry mate, but you are wrong on this occasion. LG are good TVs, not great. Yes the pictures are good but they are in NO WAY in the same league as Panasonic. LGs biggest issue is reliability and you should take out any warranty you can as you will be stung big time with the inevitable 'just out of warranty' repair costs.

Comparing a brand new 3DTV with a lower spec old, but better produced, TV isn't quite a fair comparison.. Though LG would love you for this..

Saved you til last mate, as you made the enquiry...

As you may have got the idea, Plasma is the only thing to look at at the 42" and above sector but ultimately it is a brand thing. Panasonic are by far and away the best brand for quality and performance. Which have actually given them this accolade 3 years in a row now.

Not sure what you want from it or where your budget stands but they have some fantastic TVs out at the moment. cod'ead got an excellent model in the G20 but this one is now discontinued and has been replaced by the G30. If you want to step into the 3D market (where you also get superior plasma panel for improved picture quality and 'ultra thin' casing) then look no further than the TXP42GT30. It it the recently crowned 'TV of the year' along with 8 other Panasonic products [url=http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/News/Latest+News/Panasonic+scoops+nine+What+HiFi+Awards+2011/8275962/index.html#anker_8276584SEE HERE[/url

[url=http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/VIERA+Flat+Screen+TV/2011+Plasma+TV/TX-P42GT30B/Overview/7037486/index.html?trackInfo=truePRODUCT HERE[/url

[url=http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/VIERA+Flat+Screen+TV/2011+Plasma+TV/TX-P42GT30B/Awards+%26+Test+Results/7037495/index.html?trackInfo=trueREVIEWS HERE[/url

Brands to avoid really other than the obvious supermarket branded sheittte, are (and i know they've been mentioned) but LG, Philips (though they're pulling out of TVs anyway), lower end Samsung models and Toshiba really.

Let me know if you need any prices or any assistance.

HTH...

To be fair, the G20 was by far and away the best TV of 2010. Cod'ead is right, there aint no 50" LCD tv that gets anywhere near that or any newer 50" Panasonic for that matter!!

Panasonic dealer salesman in pushing Panasonic TVs shocker!

TBF when I got my latest TV, I did a lot of research on the tinternet and Panasonics seemed to come out top on most sites.

And yes I've got a 42" Panasonic plasma and I love it

Fancy bringing your telly down here for a side-by-side shoot-out anytime?

I'd bring mine up to you but I can't get it and the dog in the back of my Passat estate.

Look, if you can't afford Panasonic quality, don't be afraid to say so, nobody would think any the less of you. I spent many weeks researching and watching the available TVs out there before making my mind up. Given that I have no interest in gaming and usually watch sport or movies, so 3D wasn't a necessity and I didn't want to be sat with yet another pair of glasses on my head. Watching soccer or rugby leaves no "comet-trails" at all, something that older plasma and many cheaper LCDs suffer from.

I've always been a fan of Panasonic's AV gear and when they bought Pioneer's plasma technology, they didn't do it for a laugh. You may not have been impressed with an old Panny but you obviously haven't bothered looking at their newer models.

To be honest I swear by Panasonic, and would always buy their gear. Unless I could stretch to Pioneer maybe.

I bought a top of the range 37 LCD (wanted more for games) Panasonic, late 08 and it is class.
My missus has a 50 Samsung PLasma, and images burnt on it (still a good picture mind) but I think it depends on what the main use is for I guess as to what to buy (and the size of course)

When I read what TV you had I assumed you were a man of discerning taste, but then you said you drive a Passat. How long have you been a Rep?

Just kiddin' mate, quite like that Passat's, along with most German cars.