Best Tv for Digital Tv?

I need to buy a new TV as my old CRT model is about dead. I am looking at buying a new flat screen ( a 50" plasma or 46/47 " LCD). I have Comcast digital and I am not planning on getting HD service right now. The room the TV will be in has moderate light and the TV will be used for watching general TV (including sports) and DVDs. Given I will not have an HD signal what would be a better purchase – the plasma model or LCD model?

Suggestion:

Well of course there are good and bad versions of both format of TV's but overall Plasma is still offering the best picture. Right now Panasonic in my opinion is making one of the better 'reasonably priced" Plasma TVs. They supposedly bought the rights to the plasma technology that Pioneer was using and many felt they were making some of the finest Plasma's on the market. Pioneer is no longer making Plasma TVs but you can still find a few on the Internet. I purchased the Pioneer Elite Pro 151fd myself, and its as good as any set I have ever seen.

Also because many manufactures are pushing higher refresh rate screens it is important to understand how that may or may not improve picture and if it is worth considering when purchasing a TV. First its important to understand that higher refresh rate screens do not apply to Plasma TVs.
Motion artifacts are not a issue on Plasma screens.

For LCD, it may improve motion artifacts,but you should judge for yourself. From many of the hi-end reviews I have read, many professionals feel it is not really improving picture quality. So If LCD is something you are considering I suggest viewing for yourself, and reading reviews to see if that is something you think is worth the extra investment.

I would also like to highly recommend that you consider ether having your TV professionally calibrated by a certified ISF technician, or at the very least buying the Video Essentials blu-ray DVD and taking the time and do it yourself. The disc is very informative and with a little patience and practice you can get pretty close to a professional calibration. This is the only way to truly see what Hd video is capable of. For the length of time we view our TVs having your Tv professionally calibrated is really pretty reasonable considering the amount of enjoyment you will get back. Professional ISF calibrators can get into hidden calibration menus, and have very expensive test gear that is truly the only way to get the best picture from our TV's.

Kevin
35 years hi-end audio video specialist