Plasma or LCD

[craze1cars]

Re: Plasma or LCD

One factor no one's mentioned yet is that plasma takes much more power (and thus generates more heat) than lcd.

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Likely not mentioned because it's no longer true in most cases. But a good consideration. Early plasmas ate a lot of electricity, but not so much anymore, especially those that are Energy Star rated. For the most part, they are very comparable in power consumption. Samsung Plasmas are a bit more power hungry, as are Sony LCD's. And this is actually one of many reasons I chose a Panasonic Plasma. It is Energy Star, and actually uses less electricity than either the Samsung or the Sony when compared to models of the same screen size. Here's a power consumption chart with the the actual data:

http://www.crutchfield.com/Learn/learningcenter/home/TV-power.html?page=2#results

 

[Vikesfan]

Re: Plasma or LCD

What you should buy depends mostly on what you plan to watch and where the tv will be. If you are in a bright room and like to play video games or hook your tv up to a computer than a LCD would probably work best for you. If your tv won't be in a bright sunlit room and you like to watch sports and movies than a Plasma is the best choice. I feel that a plasma has the most realistic look and the best black levels. I feel that LCD's aren't as sharp and the colors feel muted to me.

Like many others have said, I recommend the 1080p Panasonic Plasma. I have one and love it! I have a blue ray player and Dish Network HD programming and the picture is awesome on HD programs. On standard definition programs it is okay, but isn't that impressive. Fortunately, everything I watch, with the exception of Comedy Central, is in HD.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Plasma or LCD

What you should buy depends mostly on what you plan to watch and where the tv will be. If you are in a bright room and like to play video games or hook your tv up to a computer than a LCD would probably work best for you. If your tv won't be in a bright sunlit room and you like to watch sports and movies than a Plasma is the best choice. I feel that a plasma has the most realistic look and the best black levels. I feel that LCD's aren't as sharp and the colors feel muted to me.

Like many others have said, I recommend the 1080p Panasonic Plasma. I have one and love it! I have a blue ray player and Dish Network HD programming and the picture is awesome on HD programs. On standard definition programs it is okay, but isn't that impressive. Fortunately, everything I watch, with the exception of Comedy Central, is in HD.

I haven't seen anything about ambient lighting - interesting point. My living room has 6 skylights. Currently, my RPTV washes out easily during a bright day. I expect this is going to be an issue no matter what TV I get.
I went out to the stores Saturday and looked at different sets. Seeing different models side by side helped. Some stores must have had crappy video sources such as Sears - all the TV's looked terrible. BJ's was running a Sony demo on all the sets from DVD. This was easier to compare pictures. I found two that seemed to stand out a little there. One was a Philips and the other a Samsung. Most of the Samsung units did not impress me at all. I don't recall if they carried Panasonic. I'll probably go to Best Buy for comparision as they have the most TVs on display.
My TV source is analog cable, DVD and LD for now.

 

[96 Wellcraft]

Re: Plasma or LCD

The best TV in my opinion is the one that fits your eyes. I spend alot of time with other's reviews to get a baseline, and then I find my tastes are so much different than others I go with what suits me. It's nearly always different than what the reviews find. I also always get the remotes and adjust the different sets to see how much adjustment is available. We bought an LG plasma 2 years ago, because it's picture looked the best to us.

 

[642mx]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I have a Mitsubishi LCD 52 inch wide screen. I looked at plasma's, but the blues and greens didn't look realistic to me. The Mitsu's picture was really good compared to the other brands and the price was right. I've had it 3 years or so and have had no problems.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Plasma or LCD

When I was looking for a new TV, I consulted a friend of mine who is an electronics repairman. His one word answer was LCD.
I bought a 52" flat panel LCD and am very happy with the picture.

 

[modernrocketry]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I wanted a Panasonic Plasma
I settled for a Sony LCD Projection
DLP wasn't an option because I can see what they call "screen door effect"

The Sony is a great TV, but If I do it again, it'll be a Panasonic Plasma

 

[Pony]

Re: Plasma or LCD

Depending on how your room lays out you will see that plasmas look nice from all angles, now some of the newer LCD's have been converted to look nice as well....but you pay a fortune for them.

This is not true. Plasmas have a glass screen and glare like crazy. In severe situations you can only watch a plasma from straight on. Some have glare protective coatings but they are more expensive and in my opinion distort the color. This is also the drawback of DLP and the one of the best selling points of an LCD. LCDs don't glare and you really can watch them from any angle in the room in any light.

I haven't seen anything about ambient lighting - interesting point. My living room has 6 skylights. Currently, my RPTV washes out easily during a bright day. I expect this is going to be an issue no matter what TV I get.

It wont be nearly as much of an issue with an LCD. I bought my parents an LCD and they have a gigantic bay window in the room.......no issues.

Panasonic or Pioneer plasma and don't waste your money on any extended warranty. These units are good for 8-10 years minimum and don't have the failings of rear projection. All most of them needed was a bulb and convergence adjustments anyway.

Thats completely untrue. Given the fact that this technology really hasn't been around that long I find it difficult to believe that statement. I deal with TVs everyday.......I have seen Panasonics and Pioneers with issues. If you don't want to buy a plan thats great IF things only go wrong in the first year of ownership which is covered by the manufacture.

mthieme you proabably need to get an LCD if you have all those skylights. If that is the case I highly recomend Sony or Samsung. Both have really nice pictures and offer numerous price ranges for any given size set. At my store alone we carry 5 different 46" Samsungs........at a wide price range.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Plasma or LCD

mthieme you proabably need to get an LCD if you have all those skylights. If that is the case I highly recomend Sony or Samsung. Both have really nice pictures and offer numerous price ranges for any given size set. At my store alone we carry 5 different 46" Samsungs........at a wide price range.

This has been my biggest problem, way too many choices.
My time is running out. My old Panasonic rear projection is dying quickly. The picture starting jumping tonight, had to turn the brightness all the way up...she's sinking quick.
I've noticed some Samsungs look good, others do not (same video source). Sony is nice, but at the high end of the price scale. In and LCD, 52" loooks like the top of my price range. I'd like to stay under $2K if possible.
I haven't noticed any of the viewing issues you describe with plasmas in the showrooms.
I'm even entertaining DLP's at this point.
I just may have to bite the bullet and run up the Visa for that 65" Sharp ($3,400). any opinion on Sharp?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I own both LCD and Plasma.

Both are getting better and trying to eliminate their shortcomings.

The plasma picture is better, if you like movies and sports go that way. The reflection on the screen "may" be an issue, but I have very large windows facing south that overlook a large yard and the water and I have never had a problem. This was the big concern, or issue that each sales person brought up, when I asked if it was going to be any worse than my old tube TV they said, well, no. At that point I knew it wasn't a deciding factor, but it may be for you and remember, this only a possible issue during some daytime hours.

If you look at an LCD from different angles the picture will look different, just go to the showroom and check it out. Move from side to side and then up and down, the change can be very obvious and drastic on some sets. This problem will be there day or night and will never change.

If sun shines directly on the screen during the time of day you want to watch TV, go LCD.

If you plan on using it as computer monitor go LCD.

What sold me on plasma was the shaky picture with LCD when there's a lot of action on the screen, just watching even the new ones in the showroom gave me a headache.

My LCD TV gets used very little and if didn?t own a plasma I?d watch it all the time and be mostly happy with it, but when viewed side by side, I?ll pick plasma every time.

Like I said before, they're each getting better, but still aren't equal in all areas.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I'm getting the idea it's 6 or 1/2 dozen...
Thanks for all the input.
I think I'm going to visit one more store, Belmont TV - a mom & pop TV specialist kinda store (they usually have floor samples and such for cheap) and maybe put all the ones I like on a dart board and go for it.

 

[Godfirst]

Re: Plasma or LCD

Hi,
Deffinitely lcd they last longer and I heard that plasmas can burn out, I have a sony lcd 1080 great picture, good luck.

 

[wuttja]

Re: Plasma or LCD

After lots of research, I went with the Samsung LN52A860. It is a 52" LCD, and the picture is amazing. The main reason I went LCD over Plasma was power consumption. Plasma TV's use more electricity than LCD for the same size screen, and to me the LCD was sharper. The new LCD's achieve nearly the same black level as Plasma, and if you can afford the 900 series from Samsung, those use a different backlighting source (LCD instead of CCFL) which has a much higher contrast ratio and will last longer. The problem is the expense. The 55" runs around $4000 - $5000 right now, and the 46" is around $3000. The 650 and 750 series are almost always on sale somewhere.
Crutchfield's website offers a good LCD versus Plasma breakdown to help choose what's best for you. Needless to say, you can't go wrong either way!
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Lyizgthq0OT/learn/learningcenter/home/tv_flatpanel.html

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Plasma or LCD

Remember, not all LCD or plasma sets are created equal, in each style there are great and not as great pictures. I say it that way because they all have at least a very good picture.

When you decide on which type, then compare within that type and you'll find noticeable differences, some people shop on price and some shop on actual picture quality and for the most part they're all happy with the set they picked. Some people are less picky, don?t really notice, or aren?t aware that there can be such a big difference between models and brands and just buy something on sale. If that?s the only set in the house they?ll never know the difference and will just assume they have a great picture because it?s so much better than what they had before.

Actual picture quality while watching movies and such is what was important to me and that?s what steered my choice. I went to high end stores and looked at properly setup TVs so I could compare just how good the picture could be, many of the discount or large chain stores have poorly setup and/or adjusted sets so there?s no way to really compare them.

Now back to buying online, you will get much more TV for the dollar on line, it can be as much as $1,000.00 less for the same TV. You may also be able to get excellent models that are newer with more options at the lower price, I did. The prices and shipping terms change on a daily basis, the price may go up or down a few hundred bucks and shipping can be free, or up to $200.00.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I'm even entertaining DLP's at this point.

I just may have to bite the bullet and run up the Visa for that 65" Sharp ($3,400). any opinion on Sharp?

I've heard nothing bad on DLP, and has been reliable technology in TVs and projectors for years but I don't want anything in my TV having 'moving parts'. Next thing you know you'll have to do annual maintenance to lube the color wheels. Wonder if they'll make a similar product to bearing buddies

On the Sharp side of things, the Aquos is a very good quality (in reliability and picture quality/features) I have several friends with them, all with high regard for them.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Plasma or LCD

After lots of research, I went with the Samsung LN52A860. It is a 52" LCD, and the picture is amazing.... and if you can afford the 900 series from Samsung.
Crutchfield's website offers a good LCD versus Plasma breakdown to help choose what's best for you. Needless to say, you can't go wrong either way!
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Lyizgthq0OT/learn/learningcenter/home/tv_flatpanel.html

I checked out the info at Cructhfield. Sounds like I would be better off with LCD just because of my lighting situation.
Out of all the Samsung LCD's I've looked at, the LN52A540 looks best to me. This one is on the running. Since this puppy is going on Visa, I'm also contemplating biting the bullet and going for a 65" Sharp. I've found this online for $3397 delivered.

If sun shines directly on the screen during the time of day you want to watch TV, go LCD.
Now back to buying online, you will get much more TV for the dollar on line, it can be as much as $1000.00 less for the same TV.

Direct sunlight during certain times of the day is an issue.
I have found that online sources are about $200 average less in a 52" screen. When you get up to a 65" screen, the difference is $1000.
Most online places ship free, and of course there's no tax which is at least $100 in my case.
If I purchase online, I will have to scrutinize warranty and company policy very carefully. Crutchfield and Tiger Direct would not be a problem, but TVs Depot could be (?).


Here's another issue that worries me. My current rear projection has an optional second layer to protect the screen. I forget what they call this. But, this has paid for itself do to the kids. I've asked one salesman about this option for todays TVs and he looked at me like I had three heads.
Anyone know anything about a protective screen? Am I living in the past here?

 

[arboldt]

Re: Plasma or LCD

Just received the Nov Consumer Reports with a feature on 100 best things they've tested this year. Here's their TV list:

60" Plasma - Pioneer PDP6020FD, $5,000
58" Plasma - Samsung PN58A550, $3,200
52" LCD - Samsung LN52A650 $2,800
50" plasma - Panasonic TH-50PZ800U, $2,500
47" LCD - Vizio VO47LF, $1,300
42" plasma - Panasonic (?) $1,200
40" LCD - Samsung LN40A550 $1,250
37" LCD - Sony KDL-37XBR6, $1,500
32" LCD - Panasonic TC-32LZ800, $900

HTH
Al

 

[wuttja]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I did purchase mine online from Cleveland Plasma. I certainly am leery about buying something like this online, but also did extensive research on online vendors. Cleveland Plasma was great to work with and will work with you if you find a better price at a different retailer. I checked out AVSForum also as that is full of real technology nuts. It's a little overwhelming but if you search on the models you are considering, you will find all kinds of information about them.
Let us know what you end up with!

 

[Expidia]

Re: Plasma or LCD

I have a 4 yr old 65" Sony rear projection.
A 2 yr old 50" Panny Plasma
A 1 yr old 32" Samsung LCD
And a 22" Samsung LCD "on the way"!

Plasma vs LCD . . . 4 yrs ago, plasma used to be a bit better, but the two technology's are pretty much equal now. As already mentioned, an LCD's matte screen give off less glare, especially if your room has windows behind you.

Samsung LCD's for the price and high ratings are a great value. That's why I just ordered another one (the 22") for my 3rd bedroom which has my elliptical machine.
I figured watching TV or a DVD in HD will make the time go by faster.

I find Amazon.com charges sales tax now in NY ($32) so I went on Pricegrabber.com and found the 22" Samsung at Butterfly Photo for $393 with no tax and free shipping.

Consumer Reports in my opinion is pretty accurate on model comparisons. OK to look in the big box stores but be aware they are all not adjusted properly as the manufacturers set them from the factory too bright so they give off that "wow" factor when you walk by them in the stores and suck you in.

I'm not one for warranties, but you really should get one with any of these units. My 50 inch Panny started smoking when I turned it on after bringing it home from Circuit City. Luckily, all I had to do was drive back 10 minutes to the store and swap it for another one. Think about that when you buying a big screen online on what it's going to be like returning it!

Even the 32" Samsung started giving off a high pitched noise after 2 months. The tech came out and replaced the power supply. I watched him take the back off and all that is inside is an LCD screen and a small circuit board.

The tech even said these Plasama's or LCD's are all made in Mexico or China and they are all pretty much alike meaning they are all made with cheap labor and cheap China components and if you had to pay for the repair on your own it's going to be very very expensive.

I had already bought a Samsung warranty directly from Samsung for an extra $300 for another 3 years (4 years coverage including the 1 yr Samsung warranty).

Don't ever purchase the store's own "rip off" warranty!

Check out Squaretrade.com for cheap warranties. They cover Ebay purchases, but they also cover anything you buy online or any retail store for 40% off.

They sent me a coupon for 50% off a warranty for up to $50 after I bought a $7.50 2 year warranty on a used Sirius radio off Ebay last week. 2 years coverage and if the radio breaks they give you back your full ebay purchase price.

So I'm going to pick up their warranty for another 2 years for $22.50 on the $393 22" Samsung. That's pretty cheap for what a repair is going to cost if this new LCD breaks over the next 3 years.

Just my two cents . . . from my recent experiences with 4 HD TV purchases! That's 4 tv's already a 50% breakdown result and all were pretty much top of the line models.

Be sure to check consumer reports for their brand reliability (history of repairs) ratings too!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Plasma or LCD

Here's another issue that worries me. My current rear projection has an optional second layer to protect the screen. I forget what they call this. But, this has paid for itself do to the kids. I've asked one salesman about this option for todays TVs and he looked at me like I had three heads.
Anyone know anything about a protective screen? Am I living in the past here?

mthieme, my Panasonic rear projection TV had one, new Sony rear projected LCD TV doesn't. To be honest, I don't think they're even provided anymore but you're right. If you a lot of small kids, it used to save the screen the wear and tear. But, I don't think they're available anymore, at least not that I've seen