LCD vs Plasma

[King of Snake]

I'd like to know which one is better.

I'm going to buy a new TV for my new flat (it's got to be 40 inch, minimum) and I don't know whether to buy and LCD or plasma one.

Plasma ones seem cheaper, but I'm pretty sure the quality isn't as good.

Can anyone give me some advice?

:Cheers:

[Warthawg1]

Do you watch a lot of sports that are available to you in HD, or is this more
for movies and general programming?

[King of Snake]

Do you watch a lot of sports that are available to you in HD, or is this more
for movies and general programming?

I'll be watching sports in HD as well as movies and general. I'll basically be spending most of time in front of it

[MaxPower]

I don't know the specific reasons why (mainly because I shut down when he starts talking about this stuff for hours) but my husband, who is in custom home theater installation, always recommends plasma over LCD. The steps he usually suggests to anyone that it going to be purchasing a TV is to spend some time at a place like Best Buy where all the TVs are hung side by side showing the same program. Important things to look for is contrast ratio (you can ask the sales guy)...basically you're looking for the blackest blacks and whitest whites. You also want a good processor.

I don't know when you're planning on getting it, but the prices are supposed to substantially drop in the next few months. I'd hold out and then get a bigger one than just a 42. Especially if it's in a big room.

Aaaaaand that's the only knowledge I've retained in Mr. Power's 7 year foray into AV. Don't get me started about receivers and speakers.

[LostVoyeur]

well from personal experience I have both and they are the same brand name so thats not the difference, but I wayyy prefer the LCD to the plasma. The plasma has issues with if you pause a movie for more than like 5 minutes the picture "burns" into the screen, it goes away after a bit , but is still very annoying. The same thing goes for video games...like for instance there is a map on one of the bottom corners that is there the whole time you are playing....after you are done with the game it's still there.

The LCD isn't as pixelated at the plasma on larger screens. The plasma has a "shiny" screen so if there is any glare in the room...forget it. The plasma put off way more heat than the LCD. And is very touchy to movement. DO NOT EVER lay it down flat!

[MaxPower]

Good points there LV. Yeah, you have to be very careful with a plasma. You find the plasma is more pixelated than the LCD? I've found the opposite. I guess it depends on the content and the medium. Cable used to be waaay worse on a HD tv than satellite...now it's getting better. Also, if you're watching something that's not in the TV's native resolution, and you don't have a converter, it could look worse. As far as the "burn", most of the newer plasmas have greatly improved with not only the initial burn, but with the burn protection features. We've left our on pause for almost an hour.....kids.......and it didn't burn. As for the heat....you are SO RIGHT. I thought something was wrong with the TV the first day we had it...I called my husband to make sure the house wasn't going to burn down!

[Leia Amos]

You guys are almost better than Consumer Reports. :D I am planning on a 42-46in widescreen tv for the new place. Best Buy gift cards to the rescue.

[Warthawg1]

Will you be using a Blu-Ray disc player?

[Vitriol]

Probably not at first.

[Warthawg1]

Plasma has generally higher contrast ratios... better viewing angles before pic distortion sets in....

but most of the newer LCD's are getting closer to the pic quality... if you get the newest technology LCD sets.

The reality of all this imho is they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
LCD catches up to plasma on one thing, then plasma has to catch up to LCD on
another.

Plasma burn issues have gotten better to negate that LCD advantage. LCD's have gotten better on the viewing angle issue.

In general I tell people that you can pose this question to 20 different people and
get 20 different answers. In response to that, I recommend reading up on the differences
between how the sets work, so you understand the technology. When you understand
the differences in the technology, you can then compare the sets in a store and make a decision that takes into consideration all the factors. Issues important to me might not be important to you.

[LostEmissary]

With both LCD and Plasma technologies become more advanced, it's become less important which one you choose. Plasma used to have a lead over LCD, but LCD technology has been coming along faster than plasma these days, and I'd say it's probably become the better option. I'd personally pick LCD for various small reasons, including the fact that plasma burns in over time, causing the picture to dim eventually, although the amount of time it takes for this to happen depends on the manufacturer and model.

If you're looking to get a TV that's 50"+ you might want to consider a DLP projection TV. The rear projection DLP technology has really reached a point where it's the best option for really large screens and the price is easily the best for large screens. Additionally the weight is quite low, and the sets don't take up very much space (even a 60" DLP projection set is only around 12" deep). The only issue with DLP sets is the bulb eventually needs to be replaced, unless you go with an LED light source, but that's around $300 more than a non-LED source. However, since bulbs for standard DLP sets can be in the price range of $200 or more, it's worth it in the long run.

You can get a 67" DLP set with LED light engine for $1,879 shipped from Amazon, or a 61" for $1,497 shipped. That would pretty much be HD bliss, and you'd be set for the next 20 years in terms of an HDTV.

For a quality LCD or plasma you're looking at around $1,300+ for a 46"+.

I'd personally go with the DLP w/ LED, as it's going to probably last longer and look better, not to mention for a couple hundred more than a 46" plasma/LCD you can get a 61" DLP. If you're in a big room, the extra size will be worth it. If you won't be sitting very far from the TV, then the extra size is probably wasted. Check out the reviews here of the Samsung 61" DLP w/ LED: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL61A750-61-Inch-1080p-Powered/dp/B001415FIG

If your budget is less that than (more in the $1000 range), you'll have to make a sacrifice in one aspect or another. Either smaller screen size or a non-mainstream brand.

In the end, the only big recommendation I have is to avoid any 720p sets. You definitely want nothing less than a 1080p set in order to be prepared for when you get a blu-ray player (and you eventually will once you become spoiled by HD).

[Warthawg1]

I just got burned by bulb issues in DLP sets early on in the game, and it's going to take
awhile for that bad taste to get out of my mouth.

[MaxPower]

I just got burned by bulb issues in DLP sets early on in the game, and it's going to take
awhile for that bad taste to get out of my mouth.

My BIL had the same thing happen to him with his DLP.

[LostVoyeur]

I have heard nothing but bad things about DLP....even from the guys at the store...LOL

[LostEmissary]

I have heard nothing but bad things about DLP....even from the guys at the store...LOLMaybe because they're cheaper (per inch) than LCD and Plasma, and therefore they get less commission? That's my guess. Just curious, where besides at the store have you heard nothing but bad things?

The bulb issues are the reason I suggest the LED based DLP sets. They have no bulb issues, as the LEDs will last a looooong time.

Again, browse through the hundreds of reviews at the link I posted. The LED DLP sets are pretty hard to beat in terms of price, picture quality, and screen size.

[King of Snake]

Thanks everyone :Cheers:

I've settled on a 40" LCD 1080p. I've found one for £600 ($900).

[LostEmissary]

Thanks everyone :Cheers:

I've settled on a 40" LCD 1080p. I've found one for £600 ($900).Awesome :D Blu-Ray player is next! ;)

[King of Snake]

Yep. My GF wants a PS3, and I ain't gonna argue

[Dezie]

:rotfl: Every time I see this title I think I've got something to add!

But no, no.






Ahhhh......:) Evrah time.

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