ok well sorry don't want to waste anyones time her but I can't figure out if I need a response time/ refresh rate lower than 8 ms for gaming. I've been looking for the answer all over & I searched boards including this one. thank you for your help.

You may want to tell us the model of your TV and if you are going to use and what video connection type.

He doesn't have the T.V. yet, that is the point of the post.

Does he need to choose a T.V. with a better than 8ms refresh rate?

I don't know the answer, but I would check out avsforum dot com. I'm sure the answer can be found there.

Yes That's correct I want to buy a HDTV to complement my Playstation 3. Just want to try to make the right type of purchase the first time

Panny Plasma is awesome. I have the 42" myself

Sony Bravias would work well too.

I'm very happy with my Sharp Aquos. Amazon has a "gaming" Aquos for just under $1200 shipped.

I would personally look for a TV that has at least 5 HD inputs (HDMI or component). You'll want HDMI for your PS3, a possible Xbox 360 or HTPC or all-region DVD player, and your cable box. Components will then work for, say, a Wii, older cable boxes, older consoles, etc.

I have a 42 inch Aquos with a PS3 and a XBox 360 hooked up to it. Awesome TV.

the Samsung LCD's are the shit right now...

and you can get the 4665f 46 inch for less than $1800 on Amazon right now...

incredible picture... been gaming on it over a year...

8ms is fine for gaming...

ok, thanks for your help but I guess I'm not being clear enough. I've figured out the size of the screen I want already, I understand about the different a/v ports, the resoluion, etc,. _BUT_ some tv's state the refresh time, some have a gaming-specific mode (so I'm pretty sure that would avoid motion-blur), some don't state anything about it. _SO_ I'm trying to find out if this is a major consideration in comparison shopping. As I stated in the original post I've been looking for this answer online by doing a couple/few hours searching HDTV buying guides.

I've been a member of DVDTALK for several years, not too active on the forums though. I just thought I'd ask you all since you seem to be pretty knowledgeable on display issues.
Thank you again.

Same here. I don't think I could've spent my money on a better TV.

I have a Sharp Aquos 52D62U and am quite happy with it.

I believe the game-specific mode is to reduce the image processing to minimize lag. I think the motion blur, if there is any, would be there regardless of mode.

Honestly TV tech is so advanced now that if you get one of the "known" brands you will probably be very pleased, especially for gaming.