Samsung UN46D6000 vs. Panasonic TC-P50ST30

Can you recommend a TV for a small living room? The room is 18 feet wide, and current viewing distance on a standard-definition 35-inch TV is about 12 feet. I'm looking at the 42-inch size range for $1500 or less. I think I need an LCD TV with 120 or 240Hz refresh rate; I watch a lot of sports, and I'm not sure that 120Hz would be enough. Also, I think I want an Internet connection as well. I know from listening to you that this can update the TV, but can it access shows like what Leo Laporte and you do on twit.tv?

Tim Smith

First of all, sitting 12 feet from a 42-inch HDTV is way too far to be optimal; I think you'd be happier with a larger screen at that distance. LCD TVs with 120 or 240Hz refresh rate do sharpen motion, which is great for sports, but they also introduce a visible artifact called the "soap-opera effect" that makes images look like they were shot on video, though this affects movies much more than sports shot on video to begin with. Plasma TVs do not suffer from motion blur like LCDs do, so you might consider a plasma instead.

An Internet connection does allow the TV's firmware to be easily updated, including new apps to access online content. However, which apps are available is entirely up to the manufacturer and the deals it has made with content providers. I know of no TVs that offer access to content from twit.tv, but the Roku box does, so you might consider adding that to your system.

In your price range, I recommend the 50-inch Panasonic TC-50ST30 plasma ($1300, reviewed here, shown on the right above) and 46-inch, 120Hz Samsung UN46D6000 LED-LCD TV ($1300, reviewed here, shown on the left), both of which offer access to online content. The Panasonic is 3D-capable, while the Samsung is not. Also, the illumination in dark scenes on the Samsung can be uneven, a universal problem with LED-edgelit flat panels. Of these two, I prefer the Panasonic.

If you have an A/V question, please send it to askhometheater@gmail.com.

COMMENTS
unisenmedia's picture

I would have to agree, go with the Panasonic. I always look at it when a manufacturer sticks with what it knows and concentrates on a single line or type, like Plasma in this instance, you can do no wrong. Plasma are best for sports.
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DWEINBERG's picture

I would agree with the Panasonic as well. I just purchased the Panasonic TC-55ST30 plasma on sale for $1099.00. This is the 55" model and I highly recommend it, especially for the distance you will be sitting from the screen. A 42" screen is way too small, a 50" is adequate, but you'll soon regret not going bigger. And since your budget is $1500.00 you're way below. Some stores are running a special on this TV to include a blu ray player for $1299.00. Let us know what you end up buying.

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