Price Paid:  $1500.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
After using the Samsung LCD PLK403W for two years, I was very dissatisfied with the quality of black levels, and also with the screen door effect, which was very visible on the set. I decided to foregoe the convenience of LCD, and get a big, bulky 47" CRT set. I read some good reviews of the Panny on Home Theater Forum(I actually have the newer model, the 53),so I decided to purchase it. After the set was delivered, and I used the AVIA disc to calibrate it, two things immediatedly jumped out: the contrast, the black level and the color was absolutely superb. The set isn't perfect: the nine point convergence doesn't get the set absolutely in line(there is some slight off convergence on the bottom right that no amount of tweaking can fix), and the geometry and overscan are slightly off. But, overall, the picture is crisp, detailed and beautiful, and a wonderful DVD like ATTACK OF THE CLONES or LORD OF THE RINGS is wonderful viewing on this set. I still haven't seen true HDTV on this set yet, but I plan to rectify that very soon.

Strengths:
Excellent color, contrast and black level. A superbly detailed picture when using top quality DVD player(progressive scan) and DVD's.

Weaknesses:
Geometry, convergence and overscan aren't perfect.

Similar Products Used:
Samsung PLK403W, RCA 35".

Price Paid:  $1399.00 from PC Richard and Son

Summary:
I've followed and read reviews about this model since it was first produced as the PT-47WX42 a few years ago. So I'm quite familiar with this television. I finnally decided that it was time to enter the BIG screen arena. This is to replace a JVC 27 inch TV, which is now in the bedroom, that once calibated has fantanstic picture quality. My DVD player is a Panasonic DVD-RV31 using the component output. Most bang for the buck (Period). ps: The MSRP for the PT-47WX53 is $1499.99 not $1198 as stated above.

Strengths:
Enough inputs to satisfy all your hook up needs, including DVI. Creates a 3D surround sound effect, that does a nice job, for those of you who don't have home theater yet. Easy calibration. Well written manual. Only two feet deep. Fantanstic DVD picture quality using component cables. Can't wait to see this baby light up when I get my next DVD player with Progressive Scan.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Toshiba, Sony(Allways too expensive), Mitsubishi, Samsung