Should I get a Plasma or LCD?

[Ricochet]

For HD, Plasmas and LCDs will both give you great picture. Just find one of better value. From my experience Plasmas are cheaper for the same size TV.

So much emphasis on HD. Don't forget about SD, though. From my personal experience it seems that LCDs can never display SD properly. The colors seem washed or the whites are incredibly too bright. If you use your HD set to also watch regular TV signal, I'd recommend the Plasmas over LCDs.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: ricochet
For HD, Plasmas and LCDs will both give you great picture. Just find one of better value. From my experience Plasmas are cheaper for the same size TV.

So much emphasis on HD. Don't forget about SD, though. From my personal experience it seems that LCDs can never display SD properly. The colors seem washed or the whites are incredibly too bright. If you use your HD set to also watch regular TV signal, I'd recommend the Plasmas over LCDs.

Well that has a lot to do with the video processor on the plasmas too. People that buy cheap plasmas complain about crappy looking SD. Pioneer Elites, Fujitsus, and Runcos have VERY expensive video processors (especially the Fujitsu and Runcos). That's a big reason why SD looks pretty damn good on the higher end plasmas. And that's another reason why I'm waiting for the new Pioneers. They're supposed to be using a brand new video processor, so we'll see how that turns out. I'm one of the very unlucky few that can't get HD cable or satellite and don't want to bother with OTA HD, so I'm probably going to settle for SD for TV. However, what I'm mainly going to be using it for is to watch HD movies and play my 360. That is where I REALLY want to see the plasma shine. But I still want the SD to look as good as possible.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: MasterOfKtulu109
unless you are buying HD dvds or playing xbox/ps3, 1080p is a waste of money. nobody broadcasts in it (and probably never will), and you pay A LOT more.

get a plasma. better picture quality and viewing angle. i'd look at panasonics. ive heard they are the best for the money (pioneer is the best overall, but you pay a premium and the difference isn't worth it, from what ive heard).

Plasma or LCD 720p TVs are all 1366x768, which is bad.

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: SuperNaruto

Originally posted by: hanoverphist

Originally posted by: erwin1978
Is screen burn-in with Plasmas something I should really worry about? In all my TV-viewing and video game playing years, I've never had a TV or monitor suffer from the dreaded burn-in syndrome. Since Plasmas use the same phosphors as CRTs of days soon to go bye bye, I wouldn't expect it to be more or less susceptible to burn-ins or am I missing something?

i have a plasma tv, 3 kids and a ps2. how many times they have left the room with dance dance revolution splash screen on i cant count, but ive had no issues at all with any latent burn-in

The only time you see burn in is with office that leaves it on MSNBC or CNBC with the stock bar going 24/7 for years

i design custom interfaces for SCADA systems, and you can tell which customers didnt use a screen saver usually, but thats because they were always too cheap to buy LCD. it wouldnt take but a year to burn in a CRT. i havent seen any customers in the 2 years we have been switched over to LCD with burn in probs. i do have one customer that bought a 42" philips for it tho, sweet system. he refuses to use a screen saver also.

 

[erwin1978]

I'm thinking of getting this. Not many are mentioning Samsung's, mostly Panasonic. Who knows may be I can be persuaded to go Panasonic if the price is right.

 

[Solokron]

I have both a Samsung LCD and Panasonic Plasma. The plasma annihilates the LCD in movies and video games. Needless to say I wont be purchasing a LCD within the next three years and never recommend them against a Panasonic Plasma.

 

[pennylane]

Plasma because it looks better and that's what should matter most when it comes to TV's.

 

[CorCentral]

If you're gong to be spending 2.5k plus on a new 50" tv and care whether or not you save $10.00-$20.00 a year on an electric bill, you should consider quality instead........Hmmmmm?

As was mentioned in this thread already. Panasonic 50" 720P sets are quite decent and are top notch for the money. You will not be disappointed and the PRICE IS RIGHT As for the 1080P sets............ Why? Now if you own an HD player and want to play HD discs, awesome, but if you're on cable or a dish type deal, 1080P is a waste at the moment. I'll be looking into HD stuff in about 2-3 years when the dust has settled. Only a fool would buy now.

I own the Panasonic 50px50u 50" Plasma. I use the cable card with it and love it. No set top crappy box to deal with.

PS: Just last year I paid 4k for my Panasonic. I can buy the same tv/newer mdl today for around $2,500. or less.

 

[tfinch2]

I just got an Olevia 232V 32" LCD from Circuit City for $494.99. Has a built-in QAM tuner. Well worth it.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: ricochet
For HD, Plasmas and LCDs will both give you great picture. Just find one of better value. From my experience Plasmas are cheaper for the same size TV.

So much emphasis on HD. Don't forget about SD, though. From my personal experience it seems that LCDs can never display SD properly. The colors seem washed or the whites are incredibly too bright. If you use your HD set to also watch regular TV signal, I'd recommend the Plasmas over LCDs.

I agree totally on the SD comments.

 

[scootermaster]

It's funny...these arguments always devolve into the same sorts of things (be it about HDTV, Intel vs. AMD, Windows vs. PC, McLaren vs. Ferrari...whatever).

You've got the guys that spent wayyyyyyy too much money jumping into the fray at the release date, and are now desperately trying to justify why their technology is worth what they paid. Not to imply that whatever it is they own is bad per se, just that it's obviously not state of the art. And if you spent $3k on something relatively recently, you sorta want it to be state of the art. They're not really ready to accept the fact that it's not, so they dogmatically claim that their technology is "fine for the time being" or whatever, when in reality it's not the best anymore.

You've got the guys that simply don't understand some people have lots of money and don't mind spending it. Yes, your LCD looks lovely. It's a nice TV. I'm sorry, the plasma looks better. That's not really up for debate. I don't care if it's ten times as expensive, a fact is a fact.

You've got the people that don't know the difference between "good" and "best". Almost ALL HDTV looks freakin' good. I mean, that's why it's high-def! You go into to any store and see a nice DVD of some nature show playing, you're going to be impressed. That doesn't mean it's the best. Some people want the best. If someone asks "what should I buy?" I'm going to either ask them "for how much?" or I'm just going to tell them "the best" and let them figure out whether or not they can afford it.

And then you've got the people who really just don't know, and get confused by too many options. Frankly, most people (myself included on occasion) fall into this category. The reason why there are so many of these threads is not because there's really any reason for debate (in most cases, there is usually some clear cut "winner") but it's because options create anxiety for making the "wrong" decision (see first item on this list; no one wants to be out 3 grand and regretting it in a year). People get overwhelmed trying to read 4534534534 page threads on AVS forums and whatever. And since those forums are clogged with people in the above categories, spewing misinformation and dogma, it muddies the waters even more.

Anyway, the point is, the first question is ALWAYS "what can you afford?". After that, it's "what are you going to use it for?" But most times that's not even really needed. Once you know what your price range is, in almost all cases, the answer becomes pretty clear.

Frickin' Plasma, aite?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: erwin1978
I'm thinking of getting this. Not many are mentioning Samsung's, mostly Panasonic. Who knows may be I can be persuaded to go Panasonic if the price is right.

If I was looking for the best Plasma in the 3-3.5 range I'd consider Panasonic and Pioneer.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

LCDs arguably are as good as plasma now. You can get 1080 plasmas, they cost bucks though.

As for 50" Do they have 50" LCDs now? Last I knwe ,they were up to 40"

 

[cbuchach]

From what I have always read, LCD is the way to go.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: CorCentral
If you're gong to be spending 2.5k plus on a new 50" tv and care whether or not you save $10.00-$20.00 a year on an electric bill, you should consider quality instead........Hmmmmm?

As was mentioned in this thread already. Panasonic 50" 720P sets are quite decent and are top notch for the money. You will not be disappointed and the PRICE IS RIGHT As for the 1080P sets............ Why? Now if you own an HD player and want to play HD discs, awesome, but if you're on cable or a dish type deal, 1080P is a waste at the moment. I'll be looking into HD stuff in about 2-3 years when the dust has settled. Only a fool would buy now.

I own the Panasonic 50px50u 50" Plasma. I use the cable card with it and love it. No set top crappy box to deal with.

PS: Just last year I paid 4k for my Panasonic. I can buy the same tv/newer mdl today for around $2,500. or less.

Let's PLEASE stop the misinformation about 1080p displays. It is not a waste, it makes ALL sources better. Just read up a little bit to understand why. ESPECIALLY with most of the HD being broadcast not being 1080i, a 1080p is really the only way to really experience true HD.

 

[JackBurton]

I'll make this pretty easy for everyone.

If you have the money, get a new Pioneer. They are top dog now with their new plasmas. Below are their new models. Check your pocket book and see what you can afford:

PureVision 768p Resolution Line (June Release)
42" - $2,700.00
50" - $3,500.00

Elite 768p Resolution Line (July Release)
42" - $3,200.00
50" - $4,500.00

PureVision 1080p Line (September Release)
50" - $5,000.00
60" - $6,500.00

Elite 1080p Line (September Release)
50" - $6,000.00
60" - $7,500.00

Pioneer's new black levels. Colors aren't bad either.

These are MSRP, so obviously the Pure Pioneers are going to be much cheaper online. With the Elites, you can get them a little cheaper, but you'll need to go to a B&M Pioneer authorized dealer to buy one. No online purchases for Elites. These prices are fantastic for the kind of technical jump Pioneer made with these new TVs. Before you say, "$7500 for a 60" is a fantastic price?" Take into consideration, Fujitsu's top of the line 65" plasma sells for $17,999 and Runco's 65" 1080p plasma sells for ~$20,000. And Pioneer has them both beat with their new plasma line. Awesome HDTVs! It's simply the best HDTV you can purchase...in June and September.

Now if you can't afford the new Pioneers, Panasonic's 50PZ750Us and 50PZ700Us are VERY nice. The 750U will have an MSRP of $3999 and the 700U will have a $3499 MSRP. Both are 1080p, and you should be able to get great deals on them.

 

[Luthien]

Projecter > LCD > Plasma

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Luthien
Projecter > LCD > Plasma

You mean this projector? Yeah, I'd have to agree with you. But I don't have $250,000 either.

As for LCD>Plasma...yeah, not so much.

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Luthien
Projecter > LCD > Plasma

You mean this projector? Yeah, I'd have to agree with you. But I don't have $250,000 either.

As for LCD>Plasma...yeah, not so much.

That projector sucks. I'll stick with my 37" 1080p Westy.

LCD FTW!

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate

Originally posted by: JackBurton

I personally can't stand LCDs for HDTVs. When you put it beside a good plasma, the best LCD (Sony XBR3) just pails in comparison.

Complete shens.

1) Tweeter and the custom install places in town will flat out tell you the XBR3 is the best screen they have, even though they get incented to push stuff like their Pioneer elites.

2) Review shows have objectively and subjectively concluded that the XBR3 is clearly better than any of the plasmas on the market today.

3)I've seen both side by side running off separate but identical feeds and the XBR3 is so much brighter and more vibrant. It's complete eye candy.

That said, the Samsung model that uses the same panel is cheaper and looks the same.

The truth is, all the big box stores and AV houses are switching over to LCD and will continue to do so mainly because of the 1080p resolutions, long life and lack of problems with the sets. Plasma is being forced to upgrade to 1080p to compete, but none of the sales guys at these shops consider it the long term winner.

Also, as Ive said in numerous threads on this same topic - plasma is better for watching dark movies in a dark room with no glare (aka true home theater). LCD is better for gaming, bright lit rooms, glare, and cgi movies & shows. Neither tech is the end all be all and individual models can very greatly in quality. A quality LCD panel is better than a mediocre plasma screen and vice versa.

XBR2 FTW! Hahaha. Well I do have an XBR2, and as an LCD it rocks. I'll tell you I definitely don't complain about it.

If I had a choice between plasma and LCD again I would pick the Pioneer Elite today.

Goodness. 1080p Elites are gonna go for $6000? *faints* And I thought my $3800 XBR2 was already a killer =/

 

[secretanchitman]

LCD by far. we bought a plasma and the HD signals/channels we were getting on it looks absolutely HOPELESS, so we returned that and got a sharp aquos 37" lcd - been happy with it ever since.

plasma sucks.

 

[Mrfrog840]

Originally posted by: Kaido
Plasma for anything bigger than 42".

 

[Mrfrog840]

Originally posted by: OFFascist
LCD.

Uses less electricity, produces less waste heat, lighter.

lmao

electricity-maybe a 3 dollar difference per month
less waste heat-more environmentally friendly than an LCD
lighter-within 1-10lbs difference per size comparison

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: Mrfrog840

Originally posted by: OFFascist
LCD.

Uses less electricity, produces less waste heat, lighter.

lmao

electricity-maybe a 3 dollar difference per month
less waste heat-more environmentally friendly than an LCD
lighter-within 1-10lbs difference per size comparison

exactly. less electricity, less waste heat, and its lighter.

 

[IGBT]

..sony Bravia 46". LCD.