Which 37 inch TV - LCD or Plasma?

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Hi Guys

I feel now is the time to move on from my trusty Toshiba 36ZP48 (remember them ), and I am looking for a 37 inch TV from John Lewis or M&S (due to having some gift vouchers from my recent wedding).

I would love a bigger TV, but we don't really have the space.

So - I have created the following short list and I would greatly appreciate your help.

I will be using the TV with Sky Plus HD and a Playstation 3 for games and Blu-Ray. I will also be using the TV itself for sound, rather than a home cinema system, so it should the sound needs to be good.

Would an LCD or plasma be better? It's so confusing now that my finger is off the TV pulse! It's amazing how the prices have come down now.

Prices are from John Lewis unless otherwise indicated.

LCD TVs

- Sony S5500 £549 with £50 trade in (don't worry - I won't be trading in the Toshiba) - seems to have average reviews

- Panasonic Viera TX-L37U10B - £549

- Toshiba Regza 37RV635DB - £519 including a free DVD player.

- Toshiba 37XV635DB - £719 with DVD player (but would attempt a price match deal as they are much cheaper elsewhere)

Plasma TV

- Panasonic Viera TX-P37X10B - £549 (good reviews, but not 1080p)

Many thanks for your help!

[brickwall]

I seem to remember the general rule of thumb is below 42" LCD is better, over 42" Plasma is better. However I am no expert and may well be out of touch with the current trends.

Plotloss is your man.

[PJ S]

When you say you don't have the space for a 42", where's the lack of space coming from?
Are you citing the TV in the corner, rather than on wall or in line with a straight wall?

What's your viewing distance?

I can tell you now, if you're looking at the LCDs and thinking "1080p - wonderful!" - you're way off. Unless viewed from 5', you're not going to benefit from a B-R movie at native resolution output (1080p), and even from 8', you'll be barely appreciative of regular broadcast HD (720p/1080i)

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Thanks Guys

The TV is going into a corner, and 37 inches is the max, unfortunately.

Viewing distance is around 6 - 8 feet.

I have ordered a wooden stand from
M&S which is going to take 6 weeks to arrive, so I have a bit of time to play with.

[PJ S]

Late reply - sorry, but nevertheless......Panny 37X10 would be my choice.

[Alfahorn]

PJ S said:

Late reply - sorry, but nevertheless......Panny 37X10 would be my choice.

Totally agree. Got mine on Thursday I'm delighted with it. Got it from my local Panasonic Store for £545 with 5 year warranty.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Thanks for the help, guys.

I ended up going for a 40 inch Sony V5500 for £677 (which includes discounts and Sony scrappage) from M&S with a 5 year warranty.

Can't wait for it to be delivered.