Samsung HPR4252 42-Inch High Definition Plasma TV With Integrated ATSC/Digital Cable Ready Tuner
Great TV at a Great Price
My wife and I were looking for a large TV to occupy some serious wall space and were directed by friends to look at DLP for the \\"long term\\" benefit.  After being warned by several about the dangers of plasma burn-in, and the gaudiness of the old-school rear projection TV, we did some independent research and a lot of store viewings.   <br /> <br />1.  DLP is crummy from any angle other than directly in front.  The bulbs range in time from several hundred hours to a couple thousand - which means that during that crucial playoff game, you're back to your old school 25inch CRT, relegated to the guest bedroom tv.  That's the real reason you kept her around. <br /> <br />2.  Rear Projection is pretty much the same, albeit cheaper for the same quality, and should come with a pre-installed Magnum PI and Knight Rider video show because this is the TV of the 80s.   <br /> <br />3.  This newest generation of plasma TVs is less likely to burn-in than my old CRT, and  have the means to correct the burn-in if images start to appear at any time. Which means permanent plasma burn-in is BS unless you are an airport, school, or other public information conveyor that never checks their equipment.  I checked and we apparently aren't, so we looked closer at the plasma option.  Bottom line:  Plasma looks brighter, better for longer than any other TV out there.  When I'm standing 70 degrees to the side, I can still see the whole picture - when I push the on button, I don't have to wait and pray that the lamps will heat up without popping.  And in spite of my love for old school tv shows that will probably never make it to HD, the plasma looks great for anything on it's gloriously sleek screen - standard or hi-def. <br /> <br />Samsung has a winner here - the TV was cheaper than I could buy on a military base without tax, and it was delivered quickly and took almost no time to set up.  There are plenty of connection options, and the menu options for setup are so simple, I can actually understand them.  The TV was 90 lbs - so it isn't flimsy in any way - and the design is pleasant, not overstated, and nowhere near as instrusive as a rear projection box.  We've already put about 150 hours on the tv, and no problems (other than the addictive quality of playoff games in HD - you can see the texture of the grass, the game ball, and the announcer's toupee - it really is amazing). <br /> <br />A word of caution:  In spite of the low price, this is definetly an enviable Keeping up with the Jones item. Be prepared to sever friendships and test loyalties after purchasing this tv - it makes you look rich without having sold children or body parts to get one.  Thank goodness Amazon sells \\"Bourgeois for Dummies\\".