So my folks old 32" SDTV just passed away a few days ago, and they are now in the market for a new HDTV. They returned the dead TV to Costco (since they bought it in '02, it was still under their unlimited return policy) and now have around $400 and change in Costco store credit.

So we're looking for something at least 37" or bigger, and less than $800-ish dollars. I guess we're looking for the best combination of picture quality and size. I don't think they need to go for a 1080p set, which would only raise the price, and they would never see the difference (or care). Just as long as we can hook up their Time Warner Cable to it (and of course, I'll make sure they get the HD box from the cable company) and they can enjoy their TV shows in HD, we'll be happy.

Also, should we wait till Black Friday? Are there any anticipated deals going on?

I thought I saw the 42" Pansonic plasma (720p) was going for $599 at Costco (may have been $699).

Does Costco even do Black Friday deals?

It was $699 + tax when I bought it for one of the bedrooms a couple of weeks ago. If it has gone down I'm gonna have to go back there and get my $100 back.

They decided to splurge for the $899 1080p version of that Panasonic. They seem very happy with it. All I need to do now is get them a nice DVD player, or maybe a Blu-Ray player.

Wow - I thought we got a good deal when we paid $1100 for our 42" 720p Panny last spring...

Shame Costco didn't used to sell cars!

We did get a good deal and we have had the use of the set, in my case for 14 months.

The prices in consumer electronics always come down. If you wait for the best price, you will never buy anything.

I'm looking to buy a 42" tomorrow at Costco. Looks like I have three options. any opinions on these three? Did a search and the specific models don't appear to be in any threads here.

Panasonic THC42HD18 Plasma

Vizio VP423HDTV10A Plasma

Westinghouse VK42F240S LCD

Trevor: I'm no expert on HDTV but have been doing a lot of research lately and saw all three models you describe at both the Chantilly and Fairfax stores last weekend. The research and reviews I found indicated Panasonic models in general are at the higher end of quality, and in looking at the three models in both stores for about 30 mins, I could see a significant difference in the Panasonic picture quality (not to mention a richer set of features). Unless $$ is a major factor, thats how I would lean.

Myself, I'm leaning towards the Samsung 32" LN32A450 as at least three publications named it an editors choice in 32" models. That one is $599 at both Chantilly and Fairfax, and it looks simply amazing.

Go for the Panasonic. It's basically this one with but w/o the 3rd HDMI imput.



http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-32887130.html

Thanks! One thing I really wanted however, was a PC input so that I can use it as my computer monitor. I sit fairly close, about 5-7', that's apparently right at the cusp of whether I'll notice the difference between 720 and 1080. The Panavision is 720 and the others are 1080. Hmmm.

Pretty sure if you only buy one TV you won't see the difference. Might not even if you bought 2 and put them right next to each other.

Went back to buy it today, and they only had the Panny in, so here I am with my first HDTV.

Put Jaws in first, as I wanted the first thing I saw on my new TV, but now I need to watch something in HD. Either Gears of War, or maybe I'll hook open up the PS3 and put in my first blu-ray.

Thanks for the advice all. I'll post my impressions later once I've really sat down with it.

I'd recommend googling the configuration settings for your specific model on avsforum or somewhere. that will make a huge difference.

Costco just dropped the price of the 1080p Panny plasma to $799 so your parents will be able to get $100 back.

I can not believe how cheap plasmas are getting.