plasma or lcd?

This may be OT, but the good old CRT seems to be on its way to becoming ancient. I do miss it - for one nothing beats it where brightness and contrast ratio are concerned, not to mention the many DIY hours spent trying to properly align the picture (raster - for the tech minded)!

Hi Rohit,

I agree, while not understanding/caring much about the technology. Brightness and contrast ratio of our existing CRT (AKAI) TV is excellent. I hope my wife does not miss it much after we replace it

Hey guys, heres one happy owner of a brand new Sony  Bravia 46EX520 LED LCD TV!

World cup running on the cards, suggested an upgrade from our old Ctv, which had been a workhorse from many years. Hunting for a new TV, we went to a known dealer of consumer electronics to see the offering from different cos. I and my dad always prefer sony for basic home media(not talking about home theatre components!) and we were shown the newest offering from their stable. The salesperson there was trying to push us towards the Samsung 3D ones. However, the owner of the shop, who is very well known, suggested us to stick to the Sony models for some reasons. Hence, we brought the new one home along with a Sony HTS Dav 310. We also got a free Airtel DTH as per their WC offer. This is my opinion about the TV:

When it was first installed, the DTH guys hadnt arrived yet and hence, we were forced to watch the cable TV channels and the upsizing meant a blurry screen. So we spent time looking at the other stuff. The TV also offers a browser, internet video, four HDMI slots and two USB slots and is a good media package. The screen clarity and brightness is good, but I cannot compare it with competitors as the showroom guys would have put everything in max mode for the Demo. I dunno whether these features are there even in other models, but it offers a prescence sensor, which can shut the Tv down if there is nobody in the room for a specific time. Also, it has a very nice GUI and a picture frame functionality.

After the arrival of the DTH, with the two HD channels, my TV showed its true colours and true clarity! I was amazed to see NGC and star Cricket in HD and so were family members! I just hope more channels come up with HD and that is the best practical thing that can happen to the tv.

Sankalp, I envy you!

Wow Akai - haven't heard that name in a long time. Sharp too was known for rugged TVs. My friend has an almost 20 year old crown colour TV which simply doesn't seem to be in a mood to give up (touchwood!!). Those were the days when quality meant long-lasting stuff...

Krishna, you need not, cos there will be one day when you too will have to buy one! And at that time, the latest trend/tech will be yours and mine will be outdated! So we both will have to switch places at that time!

@ Rohit: definitely true, as my 20 year old onida tv is still doing fine! No need to touch wood as I think it has served us enough and needs to rest in peace! 

Super OT from my side but as Rohit said, the quality of things are coming down drastically and for example, due to the increase in competition from lower end brands, even premium brands have given up their QA. Take the case of nokia. I m just fed up with their low-cost offerings presently, and I do pity them as they are forced to do so. Dunno what will be the case with my new TV and other items

After reading this thread and watching all the links attached in the thread, plus doing some more googling, I have purchased Samsung 42" Plasma on 28.04. Thanks you KVSK Prasad, Ami and all other, who have contributed in enlighting all of us about the Technology and selection of Digital TV.

The model I have selected is PS42C430. Initially I was inclined towards Panasonic, But as they are launching new Models, the dealer was out of stock of old models. I can not wait for various reasons and I got a deal from one of my freind, who is attached with Samsung.. I got this 42 incher at mere 31K.

Installation will be done by today evening and will give my feedback soon.

thanks again.