I'm a noob at this stuff, but I've heard all sorts of things regarding which is best for my living room setup.

I'd like put the flat panel 50" TV on the fireplace hearth. I know, it seems like an unusual place. But I've thought this and I prefer not to place it on the left of the fireplace because that space is somewhat tiny and it'll look really crampted. And I'd rather not place it above the fireplace because the height is too high; uncomfortable neck viewing angle from the sofa. So I'm seriously considering resting it on the hearth and just moving it to the floor whenever I use the fireplace.

This picture was taken from when I first moved in, but the room looks much nicer now. The large picture window is facing South so during daylight hours the sun does shine nicely into the room. The sun rises from left to right and really only touches a wee bit of the fireplace bottom early in the morning (when I'm not awake). And during the winter time, it's always dark when I get home from work so the sun isn't much a problem during the winter time. So if I place the TV flat-on the hearth, the sun will never really shine directly on the screen during the hours I'm watching it.

So what's the deal with plasma and LCD and their refelctive viewing properties? Is LCD or plasma optimal for this room? Or maybe both are OK?<ul><li><a href="http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/joeo/misc+cool+pics/117-1732_img.jpg">TV to go on fireplace hearth</a></li></ul>

guess Plasma would be a better choice due to size (50"). One problem I see is how to conceal all the wiring with your setup. That is too nice of a room to have viewable cables, etc.

What brands are you considering.

Me, I'd do a 50" Pioneer and be done with it. Great price on a great set this year IMO.

Depends on your needs though.

I'd consider the new Sharp's in that size as well as Samsung's 1080p LCD's too.

for rooms with lots of light - the downside is at night when watching movies or shows with dark scenes - you can't see what is happening in shadows.

With Plasma - you can turn up the brightness but risk burn-in issues

What's that, in the $2k range? So I'm willing to go either way, LCD or plasma.

The 50" Pioneer 1080 plasma's are definitely too pricey for me.

I'm learning that the 50" Plasma 1080's are considerably more $ than the 50" LCD 1080's. Is that a fair evaluation?

I think, ideally, I'd love to get a 50" Plasma 1080 but the current prices aren't going to make that happen. This TV I'll plan to have a while.

I purposely wrote "and just moving it to the floor whenever I use the fireplace." :-)

I would go with a 50" Pioneer if you want the best picture. If cost is a issue go to Sams club and get Visio.

LCDs will work if you have lots of light - but that will mean dark scenes in movies or TV shows will not show up much

All I've really considered is flat panel. What are other options?