I used to sell TV's part time during varsity so I know a bit:
Depending on what you want here's what I'd recomend...
32"
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Best value by far on the market at the moment is the LG32" (LC7 model), you can pick these up for R5999 which is a steal,
My personal fav in this size is the Samsung 32" (R81 NOT THE S81), but these are quite pricey at R 7999.
You can also look at Sony S series 32"
37"
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This is a bit of an awkward size and not a huge range....
The Samsung 37R81 is very rare and I've only ever seen it at Hirsch, not sure of the price
The LG 37" (LC7) is nice and worth considering at R9999
I'd look into Sony at this size though, as I believe they have launched a Full HD model now
Never heard of it or seen it in SA ... maybe overseas ... unless it was launched this week ... then I'll know later, but not AFAIK
On Sony just be careful. They have recently launched a new range and a lot of shops, Game, Dions, Hirsch are running what look like brilliant specials. But it's discontinued stock so do some research! The LG LC7 and Samsung R81 are current models!
So is the Sony 37" S Series I think at R11999, maybe R10999, maybe even less ... will check later at work ... not full HD though ... in a cheap budget, the Philips Full HD 37" is an option (LG Panel)
40-42"
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Now you are in the Full HD range
Not necessarily ... unless you go for a Full HD model (if you have that budget),
Samsung 40R81 is brilliant and reasonable at about R13 999
Nice Panel, but not Full HD.
Sony 40" V series is great unit ... at about R14999 as well ... Bravia engine on this unit outdoes Samsung R81 ... Sony D series is an option with Motion Flow to counteract ghosting in sport
LG 42" (LC7) is good, but for the same money I'd rather take the Samsung!
Sony has a big range but >> $$ if you know what I mean.
Once again not necessarily true, because Samsung aren't the cheapest either ... the Samsung M81 and F81 (Full HD models) were more expensive the sony W40 and X40 (Full HD Models) last week when I checked
Don't listen to the Plasma people!!
Also utter rubbish ... This boils down to personal preference ... in many cases, a Plasma will give you a better image depending on what you are watching ... especially with the Panasonic Vierra and Pioneer ... but they don't come cheap
Yes you will get Ghosting on an LCD with DSTV but so what! I doubt you have cash like this to throw around all the time, this is obviously an investment.
Reasons Plasma is a waste
Once again, Plasma is not a waste ... there is still no LCD that can output a standard TV signal better than a Plasma, but an LCD will do a better job for PC/Gaming use:
1. Glare: The screen is glass lots of glare, LCD matt finish
Agreed
2. Resolution: Higher HD resolution on LCD than Plasma, even with "HD Ready" models
Fairly true ... resolution is 1024x768 ... but its the vertical lines that makes the difference not horizontal ... because true HD Ready is a 720p signal ... and plasma has enough vertical lines to cover this range ... this is only a downfall for connecting a computer ... TV signals are better viewed at this resolution
3. Connections: Usually more HDMI inputs on an LCD e.g. Samsung LCD's ==> 3xHDMI
The Panasonic PV700M has 3xHDMI ... I wouldn't decide on a TV because of HDMI inputs ... if you need more ... and you are going to have a home theatre system ... get an amplifier with multi-HDMI inputs
4. Swivel Bases: LCD's come on swivel bases.
Yes ... I will buy a TV because you can actually turn it, without moving the base ... woohoo ... this isn't even a consideration ...
5. No (noticeable) Ghosting on HD signals in LCD, isn't that why you are buying one? For HD and PS3. Remember LCD is a DIGITAL TV and optomised for digital input which is one of the main causes of ghosting. Current DSTV is analog when it comes out of the decoder.
Ok ... and how many signals are in HD currently ... and when it comes out, how many will be in HD? ... I agree ... I don't really see ghosting too much ... but sometimes it is noticeable ... especially when watching a soccer match ... Plasma has its advantages here
6. Option of Full HD
Both LCD and Plasma have OPTIONS of coming in Full HD ... the only downside is that for a Full HD plasma, you have to look at 50" and bigger ... whereas Full HD LCD starts at 37" ... this is a big plus for LCD ... but is only gonna help you if you watch Bluray movies or use a PS3
7. Lifespan. Plasma only 60 000 hours (screen burn etc)
True ... LCD is 80 000 ... Screen Burn is an easy fix (we've done it many times), but in any case 60 000 hours at an average of 8 hours a day (4 for kids in afternoon, 4 at night) equates to something like 20.5 years ... will you even still use this TV in 20 years time? There will be 10x better technologies (Hologram FTW 
)
Benifits of plasma:
1. Price
In defence of LCD ... in the 40/42" category some LCD's are still cheaper
2. I don't have any more time to write these, but they are mostly listed above
Well that's my 2c.
And this is my 2c ... I will still buy an LCD for myself anyday ... but you can't say Plasma is a waste of money ... it has its uses and advantages over LCD ... I would consider myself an LCD Fanboy, but I won't say a plasma is not worth the money
If you guys have the time and live in Jhb, come to Cats Digital in Sandton City today and tomorrow and ask for me (Itai), I will show you just how good the LCDs and Plasmas are ... and if you want one ... much to contrary belief, Cats Digital is not a rip off on TV's ... some other things yes ... but we sometimes cheaper than game / dion on tv's ... most of the time roughly the same
[QED]
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