Sony 40V3000 or Panasonic 37LZD80 ?

[admin_exported]

Hi

I'm looking for some help choosing between the Sony 40V3000 or Panasonic 37LZD80 to replace my old 32" Sony CRT which has now developed a fault for the second time.

Viewing distance is 2.5m - 4.5m depending on which sofa we sit on so I figured 37" or 40" is about the right size.

I will use it mainly for watching SD through Sky+ (including sports), some HD (either Sky HD or Freesat), upscaled DVD, Blu-Ray films and PS3 games (when I get one!) - hence the choice of a full HD 1080p set.

From what I've read, the Panasonic might be slightly ahead overall but there is a question mark about black levels.

I saw the Sony V3000 in a Sony Centre yesterday and they showed me some SKY HD recordings including Football. Very impressive and I can't help feeling the 40" is a more suitable size for my room. But I also appreciate that the Panasonics are very highly rated.

Any comments / help much appreciated.

Many thanks

Dave

 

[professorhat]

I wouldn't rule out a 42" at that distance - about the same distance as I sit i.e. 2.5 - 3 metres (have a look and see what you think - I saw one person in the forum cut out a piece of cardboard to match the size of TV he was thinking of to see how big it looked in his lounge - good idea!). If sport is important, I would seriously consider a plasma as well, especially as you get into the 40 - 42" sizes, mostly down to motion blur that can affect larger LCDs (a quick search on the forum for this and you'll see literally dozens of posts!). Again, Panasonic make very good sets at this size for reasonable money.

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

Yep, totally agree with the Professor on that one. Do you have a budget in mind? I think Full HD is pointless at that distance - in which I'd look at the Panasonic 42PX80. If you really are intent on Full HD, check out the new Panasonic 42PZ80. They will definitely give a better picture than the Sony and a step up in scale from the Panasonic LCD which would be a bonus at your viewing distance.