Dell Says Consumers Prefer Its Plasma to Panasonic

Dell released results of a four-city, head-to-head competition between its 50-inch plasma and the industry-leading Panasonic model in which Dell says consumers preferred the Dell. The consumer preference study of 50-inch plasma HDTVs was conducted from November 2005 through February 2006 in Baltimore, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Following viewings of each TV, 308 consumers were asked their preference if the Panasonic and Dell TVs were priced $500 and $100 apart. According to Guideline Research, which conducted the taste-test on Dell's behalf, the Dell won at only a $100 discount to the Panasonic.

www.dell.com/HDTVchallenge
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060321/20060321005546.html?.v=1

Dell did one of these "double-blind" studies last year showing that consumers prefer Dell HDTVs over competing models from the leading consumer electronics manufacturers. They seem to be trying to dispel the common perception in the industry that while Dell offers a great value, its products are not of the highest quality. I'd be curious as to what opinions are out there from people who have purchased Dell plasma or LCD TVs -- would you buy one again?