So I am going to get a tv for the indoor smoke room. Looking to spend less than $1000 ($999 is ok). I will be sitting about 8 ft from it.

Will have HD and the PS3 hooked to it.

My first venture into the world of Plasma/LCD/LED.

Anyone have any tips, suggestions, or advice is appreciated.

So far from my light recon work, the Panasonic 50" Plasma is the leader.
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If its going in a room that doesn't get a lot of ambient light I would go for a Plasma.
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At 8 ft. 50 inches will be huge. We have a 42" in the bed room on the wall and its 10 feet from the end of the bed and it is plenty big. I know bigger it better but save a little and go a little smaller. Personally, I am a big fan of Samsung and they usually get you the most for the money. :-)

Not sure where you are in relationship to large electronics dealers, but remember to price compare and haggle with the sales people. The sticker price is negotiable, and most stores including Best Buy will come down on their price to keep your business if they think you can get it somewhere else for cheaper. :-)
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I have a 46" Samsung LCD TV that I use as my computer monitor. Ive always heard Samsung is the leader followed by sharp and sony.

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If you do sit really close I would suggest adjusting the brightness and such :-)

Also I would check out the new LED Samsungs that are like an inch thick
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I would suggest LDC over a plasma...longer life and ability to pause without burning images. VIZIO makes a great product.
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LCD! 32-42inch would be great (I was getting motion sickness 10ft away from my 40inch)! :-)

For current deals, check out Slick Deals - http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?f=9
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I had the same issues as you just a few months ago and my collegue, who always worked as a sales rep for the display department of Pioneer told me to go for Plasma as Plasma is better then LCD, and she told me to go for Panasonic as they produce the best plasma's available.
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Panansonic??? Are you serious Ferdie??
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She was, I took her advice and don't regret it. 42 inch of plasma pleasure.
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I agree with some of the others on going for a 46 or even a 42.. take the money saved and get decent cables and a nice surge protector. :-)
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I had a Panasonic Plasma and a Phillips ambi-light plasma...both TVs died within 16 months of purchase. Thank god for the extended warranty I purchased. I was able to purchase a Vizio 55' LCD with the warranty money. I have had my two Vizios for almost two years + and no issue what so ever. Just my :-)
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The 42 inch Panasonic Plasma is one of the best deals out there right now.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218061795104

$600 for a name brand 42 inch Plasma is going to be tough to beat.

Burn-in on Plasma is pretty much eliminated with the newer models BTW.
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At 8 feet I would go with something between 32 and 40 inches. We have had great luck with Toshiba LCDs.
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Here's an option... http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25026
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Thanks Andrew...learn something new every day!! :-)
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I have a 46" Samsung, sit 8' from it. I have never had any compaints about it. Picture is unreal!
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I sit about 8' away from my 48" and probably wouldn't go smaller.

With 16:9 movies bigger is better..:-)
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Same here, I love it!!!
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You know what would be sweet for a smoke room TV? A Zenith floor model...it'd give your smoking room a nice antiquey look. I wonder if you could get a LCD or plasma installed inside a Zenith case? Hmmmmmm. :-)
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My parents had one of those up until just 5years ago!
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