Best 50-60 inch LCD HDTV for under $5000?

[Uberpwnage]

I'm in the market for a new TV, unfortunately everything seems to be less clear then it used to be...everything is 1080p, everything has plenty of HDMI ports, BS contrast ratio specs, so it all seems to run together.

A while ago I probably would have gone with the Sony Bravia XBR4 or XBR5, sadly those have been phased out and replaced by the new XBR6, XBR7, and XBR8. The XBR series were known for their scaling quality which is one of my major concerns.

The XBR8 looks very nice with LED backlighting, but the price tag of $7000 for the 55 inch is pretty steep. The XBR6 and XBR7 are "coming soon" and don't have a price on Sony's site. Are these Bravias a good choice or should I be looking elsewhere for the best quality/performance given my price constraints? Preferably $4000 would be a better price, but up to $5000 is if the added features are substantial enough.

[newfiejudd]

look at the samsung LN52A750 120 hz with a 4ms response time. Sony's are still 8ms response time.

[Feyy]

Pioneer Kuro - if you can afford it. Untouchable picture quality

[bacon12]

I dunno about quality but the price is right @ 2 grand for a 73"

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=M402-7308

Mitsubishi is great on quality but that is a DLP set bacon, he asked about LCDs even though I think a DLP is a much better deal.

[1337_Like_ThaT]

If you are looking to spend around $4000, I would definately go with the 52" Bravia XBR6, it would end up totalling $4000 give or take. If you have patience, wait until the 52" XBR7 comes out and see what that goes for, but either way definately go Sony, they have the television market down to perfection

[|JuiceZ|]

Originally Posted by Feyy

Pioneer Kuro - if you can afford it. Untouchable picture quality

x2. The new G9 series is even better but they may be a bit out of your price range.

[Uberpwnage]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'm probably going to wait another month or two to make a final decision. Unfortunately my local Best Buy doesn't have any of the TV's mentioned here, so I make have to make a trip to see them in person. Although I can't remember the last time Best Buy had anything I was interested in, at least in the high end segment.

[mullet]

I sure love my Samsung 61" LED DLP.

[evilchris]

Originally Posted by Feyy

Pioneer Kuro - if you can afford it. Untouchable picture quality

I beg to differ!

[Toss3]

Originally Posted by evilchris

I beg to differ!

Well it's untouchable in the "slim" TV category at least, or do you disagree with almost every review site out there? I mean its got the darkest blacks and very good color accuracy(post calibration), and is plenty bright enough. It doesn't have the most natural or "film-like" picture out there - projectors are unchallenged here - but it sure is the best 50 incher imo.

[RupertBanana]

Things to remember about plasma.

Screen unifomity is close to perfect compared to LARGE LCD, granted LED might help resolve some of LCD's issues.

Plasma black levels are more consistent than LCD, so even if LED LCD has a lower measured black level, it won't guarantee superior PQ.

plasma has virtually no motion blur, whereas LCD "can" have significant amounts.

Plasma technology is lightyears ahead when it comes to low signal strength sources such as low bitrate SDTV or 350mb xvid/divx.

plasma doesn't handle light anywhere as well as LCD, but has no problem with minimal light or zero light.