Foo - LCD vs Plasma

I am not knowing. Search is not knowing. You are knowing?

Pro/cons please? I heard one may leak, one burns out faster, one is brighter for daylight usage, one is better for darker rooms? I just want a TV that I can plug in and have a good picture. I get confused with all the mumbo jumbo when trying to google. :cry:

Which is a better brand for either one? Please give me your opinions and preferences and why. I don't want to blow a lot of money.

Thanky!

Get LCD.

Better in brighter light, better from more angles around the room. The monitor on your laptop or desktop is likely LCD.

In the past, you had to be careful with plasma. If an image was on the screen for a very long time, it could burn in a ghost image. For instance, if black bars are displayed to make a narrow screen image fit the wide screen, it could leave a faint trace on the screen. It's probably still a problem. LCDs have gotten a lot better recently, so I think the plasma screens are on sale now.

Next, you'll have to decide: 1920x1080 or 1366x768?

LCD
pro - guaranteed no screen burn
pro - uses less energy
pro - lower glare
pro - tv can be tilted upside down if necessary, yeah, right above your bed. ;-)
con - picture is not quite as good as a comparably priced plasma

Plasma
pro - best picture, deepest colors, highest contrast ratio
pro - a little less expensive
con - uses more energy
con- can't tilt the unit very far, think etch-a-sketch

I have bought two LCDs because my kids use them for video games and I don't want to risk screen burn. Also, I like the idea of using less energy.

Hi,
I am a home theater enthusiast. Which means I don't know all that much,
but I can tell you what I think.

LCDs are a bit more practical, plasmas look a little nicer. Looking at a tv at
Best Buy has limitations. Some TVs will be properly adjusted, but most will
have their color temp out of whack so they'll look good in the showroom.
http://www.imagingscience.com/

Now, down to brass tacks. How big is the room, is it dark or bright, how far from the screen will you sit, what's the budget, and...

Plasma has a nicer picture, but it runs hotter, uses more electricity.

In general... in a small room that's fairly dark when you're watching, a 40" plasma is hard to beat. They're not expensive, get one of the better models.

If you sit 8-10 ft away, I like 50". I could live with either. Don't get DLP, I have one and plan on replacing it one fine day. I don't suggest going larger
unless you're going to sit way far away.

You will need a new DVD player. What I suggest there is that you get an Oppo now, and next year when the BluRay Oppo comes out, get one then.
BluRay isn't where I want it to be yet.

This is the cheap Oppo, you will love it.
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv981hd/dv981hd_index.html

and this is their current top of the line.
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv983h/default.asp

I have had my Oppo for about a year, and it is superb. The picture and sound
are much better than my old dvd player which had a list price of a grand. It sounds quite good on music, and actually has digital voodoo that makes the picture look better. For a couple hundred bucks the performance is out of this world.

If you like games... one of the better Bluray players is the Sony Playstation 3.
It's one of the best picks even if you don't play games, oddly enough.

When you do get either an LCD or Plasma, I would highly recommend getting 1080p. This gives you the highest resolution (aka, sharpest picture when using a hi-def source, like Blu-Ray).

Plasma's are generally cheaper and give a little better picture, but LCD's are very, very close to the quality of Plasma's. IMHO, go with an LCD. They are a little bit pricier than Plasmas, but they will last longer and are generally a better build.

Something else to consider is LCD's can't give a deep black like Plasma's. I found this article (http://www.beststuff.com/audiovideo/read-this-before-buying-a-plasma-or-lcd-tv.html) to be helpful, although it is slightly outdated.

According to this source (http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv-plasmavslcd.shtml), at this time it's neck and neck.

It lists the pros and cons pretty clearly.

I'm trying to compile a short list for my needs. Here is what I have so far: 42in Panasonic Plasma (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889187081), 42in Toshiba LCD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889253162).

When you do get either an LCD or Plasma, I would highly recommend getting 1080p.

Disagree.

Buying 1080p at this juncture is a waste of money, unless you get a deal where it is little more than the 720. I don't know of any TV broadcasts that are high enough resolution to take advantage of the 1080. The only use for 1080 is a blue ray disk player which are still way over-priced. It's not a good idea to be a technology first adopter. Wait until the prices come down.

Okay I'm starting to understand more, everyone. I really do appreciate it. Thanks for the links.

SBrave, That article is very informative, It's put more into "Siu English" than a lot of the other articles that I have googled!

Any more?

Anybody have one and then go to another?

One other thing about LCD vs Plasma to consider is the weight and also how the set reflects light.

Plasma TVs in the 42" range weighed somewhere around 80 lbs when I was shopping them, whereas the LCD I bought was about 48 lbs. I have had no problems installing and removing my TV by myself. I'd have to have a helper with a plasma set of equal size.

Plasma TVs have a glass face that acts like a giant mirror, whereas LCD's have no reflection. Our set is located in a living space with windows, lights, etc...

Frankly, my eyesight ain't so great these days so the picture quality on all of these different sets tends to be 'good enough'. Same thing goes for size; big enough (42" for our family room) was good enough for a room that's primary purpose isn't being a home theater.

Tandem Geek, Thanks for that info about the face and weight. That is really important, something that I didn't even consider. Thank you very much.

Any more?


Perhaps,
if you answer my questions. Its like a bike, not much point in suggesting
a 3K bike if the budget is 1K...

Siu it's really best to make a decision about the type of digital flat panel after you know what kind of video source you'll have.

If you have a 720p or better Cable Box, then you're pretty much going to have equal capabilities with the better name Plasmas (Panasonic) or LCDs (Sharp, Samsung, Sony)

If you are connecting analog cable to this TV, the LCD will typically look worse for the same price point due to motion blur.

Also, if you are using an interlaced source (720i, 1080i), de-interlacing or forming a progressive scan image effectively will cost more.

If you are getting an HD-DVD box, you'll want your TV to at least match the resolution of that source.

Start with the source, then go down the road that many have delineated here.

Disagree.

Buying 1080p at this juncture is a waste of money, unless you get a deal where it is little more than the 720. ... Wait until the prices come down.

Not a tremendous difference in price on a lot of sets between 720p and 1080p. I'll need to research a bit more to see if the 720's I was looking at had a better display engine.

Also, for the two sets I linked to above, there isn't that much weight difference (55 vs 62 lbs).

It may boil down to the room characteristics instead of technical features of the set. Plasma>LCD for viewing angle and LCD>Plasma for reflective light issues (I have a westward facing window, so this is important to me).

The resolution on a 1080p is 1920x1080. The resolution on a 720p is 1024x768 or something very close to that. A 1080p tv can make a good computer monitor. A 720p will not.

Think about that Siu....Having 50" of BF on your TV. Wouldn't that be GREAT!?!?! :D

Perhaps,
if you answer my questions. Its like a bike, not much point in suggesting
a 3K bike if the budget is 1K...

My apologies, Late....Thanks for your help.

The room is small, 15'x18' approx. The room leads to the back yard with a sliding glass door that has a room darkening curtain over it. In the daytime the curtain is partially open, at nights the curtain is shut. The lighting that is used is the kitchen light which is the room adjacent to the TV room. People will be sitting about 12 feet away. Budget is between $2,000 and $2,500.

I thought the title was "LSD vs. Plasma" and my first respose was "why is Siu experimenting with drugs?". Second thought was "first x, then ice, then meth...now plasma....kids these days and their designer dope, what's next?".

^^ :lol: But Siu's drug experimentation is sooo last week. ;)

My apologies, Late....Thanks for your help.

The room is small, 15'x18' approx. The room leads to the back yard with a sliding glass door that has a room darkening curtain over it. In the daytime the curtain is partially open, at nights the curtain is shut. The lighting that is used is the kitchen light which is the room adjacent to the TV room. People will be sitting about 12 feet away. Budget is between $2,000 and $2,500.

You can get a great 40, 42 or 46 inch LCD for $900 to $1700. There's no sense in going overboard. Believe me, I did with the first one I bought. :o Don't buy a wall mount in the store either. That's where they get ya. Look online for a better selection and price for wall mounts.

LCD Sharp Aquos (THE BEST!) and the PS3 as you can watch BlueRay movies on DVD, store and watch digital movies, listen to music, store and listen to digital music, play games, store and play games, AND surf the interweb! (on the PS3) End of story. (and you all know this to be true :thumb: ) Go over board if you liike, that way you'll have more features and will not be upset when a new feature comes out and you dont have it! Happened when I bought a 47 inch Sharp Aquos years ago for....gulp, 3000.00! It was the largest LCD at the time, I had a choice of with or without HDMI and I chose without as I really didnt see a big differance, but today everything is HDMI :cry: so yeah, get what you can :thumb:

You can get a great 40, 42 or 46 inch LCD for $900 to $1700. There's no sense in going overboard. Believe me, I did with the first one I bought. :o Don't buy a wall mount in the store either. That's where they get ya. Look online for a better selection and price for wall mounts.

Thanks Austro. I'm looking for a 50 inch plasma or 52 inch LCD. How about Samsung for the LCD? Or maybe Sony or Panasonic for the Plasma? Still stuck on not knowing between the two because:

Plasma is less expensive
LCD has brighter pic but lighter also (but more expensive)
Plasma has better pic on fast movements
Longevity is the same?? According to the link that SBrave linked me to.

:o

Sorry everyone. It's been a few years since I watched TV and am really n00bish at this. Thanks for all your help. I really do appreciate this.

Disagree.

Buying 1080p at this juncture is a waste of money, unless you get a deal where it is little more than the 720. I don't know of any TV broadcasts that are high enough resolution to take advantage of the 1080. The only use for 1080 is a blue ray disk player which are still way over-priced. It's not a good idea to be a technology first adopter. Wait until the prices come down.

I paid $250 for my Blu Ray player a year ago. 'Overpriced'? Not in my view. I've gotten my $250 out of it already. Blu Ray quality pisses on DVD and even most HD broadcasts.

My 40" Samsung LCD has the best picture I've ever seen. About $1700 a year ago. Probably available for <$1000 this Xmas.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/patentcad/PCSAMLNT4071FRTSNC.jpg

I'm no TV expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

LCD!

Thanks Austro. I'm looking for a 50 inch plasma or 52 inch LCD. How about Samsung for the LCD? Or maybe Sony or Panasonic for the Plasma? Still stuck on not knowing between the two because:

Plasma is less expensive
LCD has brighter pic but lighter also (but more expensive)
Plasma has better pic on fast movements
Longevity is the same?? According to the link that SBrave linked me to.

:o

Sorry everyone. It's been a few years since I watched TV and am really n00bish at this. Thanks for all your help. I really do appreciate this.

According to Consumer Reports, the best flat panels are Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Pioneer. As far as cost, the order is Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic then Samsung. In my opinion, making the best value Samsung.

My 40" Samsung LCD has the best picture I've ever seen. About $1700 a year ago. Probably available for <$1000 this Xmas.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/patentcad/PCSAMLNT4071FRTSNC.jpg

I got a 40 inch Samsung 720p LCD with 20,000:1 contrast ratio for $999 five months ago. The 30,000:1 ratio model was about $1500. It may have even been 1080p. I don't remember.

Siu, the critical spec to look at on these TVs is the contrast ratio. The higher the ratio, generally the better the picture. I think if you are going to use your TV primarily for watching movies or just big events, the Plasma might make sense. But if it's on a lot, aka background noise, or you have video games hooked up to it, LCD.

Siu -

I'm not an expert, but after a bunch of research last year, I went with the Sony XBR4 52" LCD. At many stores, regardless of how the sets were adjusted, the Sony had the best picture of all the LCDs side by side. To date, I still have not seen anything that makes me regret the choice and purchase. The new 65" LCDs that are out have come close, but the picture just isn't as good as mine; even side by side with the smaller 52" in the store, the Sony has a better picture - so much better that the whole bigger is better argument flies out the window.

I bought an upconverting DVD for it pending affordable Blu-ray and it's just amazing! Kyra watches Finding Nemo and that's got some great color scenes that are incredible with this combo. Can't wait for it on Blu-ray! Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are pretty amazing, too, especially with good surround sound.

Whatever you get, make sure it's got 120 Hz capability. May not need it now, but you will!

That's the next upgrade. My A/V box is about 8 years old and, while good, could stand to be updated. Maybe even add two more speakers to go from 5.1 to 7.1, but probably not until I stop getting shipped all over and find one place to park after I retire.

That's my .02. I'm not a -phile in any subject (video or audio), but did do quite a bit of research before plunking down that kind of cash.

I have a 7 year old HD CRT projector set in my family room (57"). I want to replace it with a 55-58" LCD, but once you get over 52", the prices get stupid. When those prices get less stupid, I'll buy one. I may break down and get the slightly smaller 52" size when those come down to $1000. Actually that 7 year old Hitachi has a great picture. Fine for HDTV and DVDs, it really is a nice set. Not quite up to snuff for Blu Ray.

I got a 40 inch Samsung 720p LCD with 20,000:1 contrast ratio for $999 five months ago. The 30,000:1 ratio model was about $1500. It may have even been 1080p. I don't remember.

Siu, the critical spec to look at on these TVs is the contrast ratio. The higher the ratio, generally the better the picture.

Mine is 1080p and 120Mhz refresh rate. Really is a stunning TV, and it doesn't even have LED backlighting. But Blu-Ray on that TV is just sick.

My apologies, Late....Thanks for your help.

The room is small, 15'x18' approx. The room leads to the back yard with a sliding glass door that has a room darkening curtain over it. In the daytime the curtain is partially open, at nights the curtain is shut. The lighting that is used is the kitchen light which is the room adjacent to the TV room. People will be sitting about 12 feet away. Budget is between $2,000 and $2,500.

No apology is needed.

My room is similar. We sit about 9 feet away and have a TV that's about 52".
At 12 feet, a 40 inch screen looks small to me. I like the 50 inchers. At 60 inches the various limitations start to become noticeable.

Plasma looks a bit washed out in daylight, although I understand they are better
now. Panasonic has good bang for the buck in plasma. LCDs are a mixed bag. Because there are differing models within brands, it can complicate the decision. However, life has decided to be kind to you, the top of the line TVs like the drool worthy Pioneer Kuro are beyond your budget.:D Been there, done that, still stuck with the DLP....



The Consumer Reports Xmas gift issue has reviews of TVs and I think it also
has repair rates. One thing to remember, whatever TV you get, go over it with
a fine tooth comb looking for any problems like dead pixels. Get a dvd like the one ISF offers (there are others, no idea if one is better than another). It will give you an idea of how far off your color temp is. Having a pro calibrate it is a good idea, but pricey.

And don't forget the Oppo, seriously.

Mine is 1080p and 120Mhz refresh rate. Really is a stunning TV, and it doesn't even have LED backlighting. But Blu-Ray on that TV is just sick.

The picture IS amazing. I don't even have cable or a dish, just a powered HD antenna. Plus, the public TV station now puts out four different channels in the same bandwidth that they used to supply one. There is a lot more to choose from.

Disagree.

Buying 1080p at this juncture is a waste of money, unless you get a deal where it is little more than the 720. I don't know of any TV broadcasts that are high enough resolution to take advantage of the 1080. The only use for 1080 is a blue ray disk player which are still way over-priced. It's not a good idea to be a technology first adopter. Wait until the prices come down.

So you've never heard of CBS, NBC, HBO, Showtime, Discovery? They all use 1080i for HD.

Late, I will be looking into the Oppo, I went over your links, thanks.

Skiahh, I know your taste and thanks for your opinions as well. As a matter of fact, thanks to everyone! I'm going to have to go and look at the actual items and at least I'll go in more armed with info than I was a couple of hours ago. That way I won't look so stupid and fall for their end of year "get rid of these" sales tactics.

LCD

con - picture is not quite as good as a comparably priced plasma
Agree

Plasma
pro - best picture, deepest colors, highest contrast ratio
Agree

con- can't tilt the unit very far, think etch-a-sketch
I have no idea what this could possibly mean.






Some TVs will be properly adjusted, but most will
have their color temp out of whack so they'll look good in the showroom.
Agree. Out of the box most TV mfgrs set the picture controls to max contrast and color saturation too high. That way the picture pops on the showroom floor.


BluRay isn't where I want it to be yet.
Where do you think it is going? Other than slower load times Blu Ray is awesome.




I paid $250 for my Blu Ray player a year ago. 'Overpriced'? Not in my view. I've gotten my $250 out of it already. Blu Ray quality pisses on DVD and even most HD broadcasts.
Agree.




According to Consumer Reports, the best flat panels are Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Pioneer. As far as cost, the order is Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic then Samsung. In my opinion, making the best value Samsung.

Panasonic and Pioneer make great plasma TV's. The picture quality is outstanding and the reliability is terrific. The bad thing about Samsung is their spotty customer service issues. Eg: slow parts shipping and availability. It has been this way for years.

Wally World had a 50" Panasonic plasma for $999 last weekend. Looked like a great deal.

Wally World had a 50" Panasonic plasma for $999 last weekend. Looked like a great deal.

That will look like a bad deal in Dec. 09. So what? I've purchased three LCD TVs the past three years. They are all awesome (27", 32", 40") and we have gotten our money's worth out of all of them. We enjoy them every day.

Where do you think it is going? Other than slower load times Blu Ray is awesome.



I have a 720P DLP and at this very moment I am watching Firefly off dvd.
It looks great, and it wouldn't look much different on bluray.

In other circumstances... bluray is fine. But mostly we watch old tv shows we get off Netflix. Can't stand most of the new stuff. It looks great on this tv with the Oppo. I am more than a little worried when I do get a new tv the shows I actually watch will look worse, not better.

Oppo has amazing bang for the buck. When they come out with a bluray player, I'll think about it. But to tell the truth, I'll prob wait until it's time to get a new tv.

120 Hz gives me a headache.

http://www.cnet.com/hdtv-viewing-distance/

We sit 10' from the wall, and we got a 46" Samsung (LN46A550). Perfect size and amazing picture. Just don't upgrade the firmware. It seems to have screwed up the HD reception. :(