Is it safe to buy plasmas these days?

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Originally posted by: vi_editI think LCD/DLP is a little better, but then you give up viewing angles. I also think the plasma is a little better for full light viewing than the others. Colors seemed more vibrant on plasma than they did on the others.

Why are people so concerned about extreme viewing angles? Are you planning on watching TV from somewhere other than in front of it?

I have a 720P Samsung DLP, and it looks exactly the same from a VERY wide angle. In fact, I have a love seat to on the side wall that is probably 40 degrees to the side of the picture, and it looks fine, doesn't degrade at all.

I wouldn't watch TV from any farther to the side than that.

I just see people always chime in talking about the viewing angles....they are irrelevant to me. I don't care if I can stand beside the TV, and look around to watch it.

well then you should see how good a plasma looks. They totally own every DLP out ther in terms of quality.

If you want superior color and black level then plasma is the only choice. So for the tops in quality, plasma reigns supreme.

Plasma=Screen Door Effect=Picture not as sharp as DLP. The new DLP's can challenge the plasmas for color and black, and have a sharper picture.
To get even with the DLP's in the 2k range, you have to spend over twice that on a plasma, and you still have the screen door effect, which drives me nuts.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Originally posted by: vi_editI think LCD/DLP is a little better, but then you give up viewing angles. I also think the plasma is a little better for full light viewing than the others. Colors seemed more vibrant on plasma than they did on the others.

Why are people so concerned about extreme viewing angles? Are you planning on watching TV from somewhere other than in front of it?

I have a 720P Samsung DLP, and it looks exactly the same from a VERY wide angle. In fact, I have a love seat to on the side wall that is probably 40 degrees to the side of the picture, and it looks fine, doesn't degrade at all.

I wouldn't watch TV from any farther to the side than that.

I just see people always chime in talking about the viewing angles....they are irrelevant to me. I don't care if I can stand beside the TV, and look around to watch it.

well then you should see how good a plasma looks. They totally own every DLP out ther in terms of quality.

If you want superior color and black level then plasma is the only choice. So for the tops in quality, plasma reigns supreme.

Plasma=Screen Door Effect=Picture not as sharp as DLP. The new DLP's can challenge the plasmas for color and black, and have a sharper picture.
To get even with the DLP's in the 2k range, you have to spend over twice that on a plasma, and you still have the screen door effect, which drives me nuts.

Um, are you standing 2' away from the plasma screen to notice a "screen door" effect? At 8'-10' (normal viewing distance), I don't see how you can be experiencing the screen door effect.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Plasmas are safe to buy regarding burn-in... But the only reason is because the manufacturers have tuned them.....the tuning has resulted in a dim picture when compared to similar-sized LCDs. I don't recommend getting a plasma simply because they do not have the same brightness an LCD gets. (they can, but then you'd have the burn in risks again)

I'm no expert...I just went to Walmart, Bestbuy, etc...and compared them all side by side. The LCDs were about 5-10% brighter than the Plasmas.

There is supposed to be a new technology out, but I don't remember what it's called....it's not DLP...something other than LCD or Plasma that's going to be cheaper and look great. I just don't remember the specs on it or anything enough to make intelligent comments on. If you buy now, LCD is the way to go....otherwise, hold out another 6-12 months. The prices are going to continue to drop.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Tifababy
No, the half life of plasmas is somewhere around 10 years I believe. Which means they will be half as bright in 10 years. DLPs have bulbs which can burn out in 3-4 years. I'm not sure of any drawbacks of LCDs right now, other than screen door effect.

Certain backlight technologies can become dim over time. Also LCD's still cannot produce good quality black (as compared to CRT or Plasma or DLP)

 

[Turin39789]

I tried to buy a plasma the other day and was attacked by a mob.

It isn't safe.

 

[dud]

Anyone considering a plasma TV should first pause and then read this:

plasma losing ground to LCD TVs

 

[randomlinh]

what about for gaming? what's everyone use? I think we'll be buying either a 32" or 42" (bedroom or livingroom, depending) in the next 6 months if the prices drop enough...

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: dud
Anyone considering a plasma TV should first pause and then read this:

plasma losing ground to LCD TVs

lol, CNN with a story on video.

Still, if one wants ultimate quality then they get a plasma. If you want inferior quality you get something else.

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
what about the burn in issue guys?

I think as long as you take good care of it for its initial period of usage and get the settings set right, it's not really much of an issue anymore.

can you elaborate on this?

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: daveymark

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
what about the burn in issue guys?

I think as long as you take good care of it for its initial period of usage and get the settings set right, it's not really much of an issue anymore.

can you elaborate on this?

Plasma's are the most sensitive to burn in during the first 100 or so hours of use. During this time you need to keep the brightness/contrast turned way down and make sure that you don't pause the TV and leave it on the screen all day.

Outside of that, you really should keep the contrast/brightness in check since that's what really does most of the damage. It's not an issue keeping it low since plasmas are pretty good in the brightness department anyway.

 

[Tom]

what happens if the plasma leaks out ?

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: dud
Anyone considering a plasma TV should first pause and then read this:

plasma losing ground to LCD TVs

Wow, that article was amazing....amazingly worthless! It gave ZERO information about each tech in regards to their strengths and weaknesses. All it said is more people will be buying LCDs. Hey, more people will be buying 20 LCDs for their PCs instead of 30" LCDs. Maybe the people contemplating buying 30" LCDs for their PCs should think twice about their purchase now. :roll:

With little price difference, most people would choose LCD TVs because of their higher resolution, Wang said.

Yes, because people are dumb. Throw out a big number and they flock. Put any 50" LCD (1080p or 720p) right beside a Pioneer 50" plasma (model 5070 - 720p res) and I'm sure 99% of the people comparing the two displays side-by-side would choose the Pioneer for its PQ. 1080p does not automatically mean better PQ than 720p.

 

[ivol07]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Plasmas are safe to buy regarding burn-in... But the only reason is because the manufacturers have tuned them.....the tuning has resulted in a dim picture when compared to similar-sized LCDs. I don't recommend getting a plasma simply because they do not have the same brightness an LCD gets. (they can, but then you'd have the burn in risks again)

I'm no expert...I just went to Walmart, Bestbuy, etc...and compared them all side by side. The LCDs were about 5-10% brighter than the Plasmas.

There is supposed to be a new technology out, but I don't remember what it's called....it's not DLP...something other than LCD or Plasma that's going to be cheaper and look great. I just don't remember the specs on it or anything enough to make intelligent comments on. If you buy now, LCD is the way to go....otherwise, hold out another 6-12 months. The prices are going to continue to drop.

Brighter != Better. The first time I used the AVIA DVD to tune my CRT TV I thought it was too dim, but the picture looked great after you get used to it. The disc even tells you that it will look dim for the first few hours. When a TV is too bright all it does is wash out the colors. For a store this is fine, but when you actually sit down to watch a good movie you don't want that.

And as far as plasmas go, after the ~100 hours of break in you can tune it up pretty far without worrying about burn-in. My inlaws have their Panasonic Plasma tuned super bright. I used to turn it down every time I would go over, but it would just be back up the next time I would come over so I just gave up. They've had it over a year and there are no signs of any kind of burn in.

 

[ForumMaster]

it's safe. but if you want true HD, you're gonna need to buy a big one. for 42" True HD TV's, plasmas aren't a choice. unless you're willing to spend a lot.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Plasma=Screen Door Effect=Picture not as sharp as DLP. The new DLP's can challenge the plasmas for color and black, and have a sharper picture.
To get even with the DLP's in the 2k range, you have to spend over twice that on a plasma, and you still have the screen door effect, which drives me nuts.

Funny. Please explain how a projection technology (DLP) could possibly have a sharper picture than a Plasma? What's next, are you going to claim that an LCD projection TV has a sharper picture then an LCD TV?

For TV use, a good Plasma has got the best overall picture. Compare any of the technologies side-by-side and you should be able to clearly see the difference.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Plasma=Screen Door Effect=Picture not as sharp as DLP. The new DLP's can challenge the plasmas for color and black, and have a sharper picture.
To get even with the DLP's in the 2k range, you have to spend over twice that on a plasma, and you still have the screen door effect, which drives me nuts.

Funny. Please explain how a projection technology (DLP) could possibly have a sharper picture than a Plasma? What's next, are you going to claim that an LCD projection TV has a sharper picture then an LCD TV?

For TV use, a good Plasma has got the best overall picture. Compare any of the technologies side-by-side and you should be able to clearly see the difference.

I have. The good DLP's spank the crap out of any plasma I've seen for anywhere near the same price.
I don't know what you like in a picture, but I like a sharp picture. I'm not so concerned about how black the blacks are, and how perfect each color is. I think all of the good HDTV's do a pretty good job in these areas.

What I like is a crisp, sharp picture. And the Sammy and Mitsu DLP's are unmatched, IMO.
Plasmas and LCD projections have screen door effect. That kills the picture for me. Can't stand it.
Now when you get up to the 5K range for plasmas, I might start agreeing with you, but a 1800.00 DLP will win every time vs. an 1800.00 plasma or LCD, IMO, and it's not even close.
And I'm not even throwing the LCOS sets in there....the Sony SXRD is running neck-and-neck for my money right after Christmas with the DLP's right now.
I am concerned about the long-term degradtion of their pictures, though.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb

Originally posted by: vi_editI think LCD/DLP is a little better, but then you give up viewing angles. I also think the plasma is a little better for full light viewing than the others. Colors seemed more vibrant on plasma than they did on the others.

Why are people so concerned about extreme viewing angles? Are you planning on watching TV from somewhere other than in front of it?

I have a 720P Samsung DLP, and it looks exactly the same from a VERY wide angle. In fact, I have a love seat to on the side wall that is probably 40 degrees to the side of the picture, and it looks fine, doesn't degrade at all.

I wouldn't watch TV from any farther to the side than that.

I just see people always chime in talking about the viewing angles....they are irrelevant to me. I don't care if I can stand beside the TV, and look around to watch it.

well then you should see how good a plasma looks. They totally own every DLP out ther in terms of quality.

If you want superior color and black level then plasma is the only choice. So for the tops in quality, plasma reigns supreme.

Plasma=Screen Door Effect=Picture not as sharp as DLP. The new DLP's can challenge the plasmas for color and black, and have a sharper picture.
To get even with the DLP's in the 2k range, you have to spend over twice that on a plasma, and you still have the screen door effect, which drives me nuts.

Um, are you standing 2' away from the plasma screen to notice a "screen door" effect? At 8'-10' (normal viewing distance), I don't see how you can be experiencing the screen door effect.

I have 20/10 vision. I can see it.
Regardless, I have yet to see a plasma or LCD that can touch a DLP or SXRD at the same price point.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
I have 20/10 vision. I can see it.
Regardless, I have yet to see a plasma or LCD that can touch a DLP or SXRD at the same price point.

I don't know which plasmas you are comparing, but the top plasmas are made by Panasonic, Pioneer and Fujitsu. Maybe you are just comparing crappy plasmas. Also, with a DLP you also need to factor in the maintenance cost (bulb replacement) to the total price. When you do that, you'll find that a $2800 plasma is about the same price as an $1800 DLP. And let me tell you, the $2800 plasma (Pioneer PDP5070HD) will slap around any DLP. There's just no comparison.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
I have. The good DLP's spank the crap out of any plasma I've seen for anywhere near the same price.
I don't know what you like in a picture, but I like a sharp picture. I'm not so concerned about how black the blacks are, and how perfect each color is. I think all of the good HDTV's do a pretty good job in these areas.

What I like is a crisp, sharp picture. And the Sammy and Mitsu DLP's are unmatched, IMO.
Plasmas and LCD projections have screen door effect. That kills the picture for me. Can't stand it.
Now when you get up to the 5K range for plasmas, I might start agreeing with you, but a 1800.00 DLP will win every time vs. an 1800.00 plasma or LCD, IMO, and it's not even close.
And I'm not even throwing the LCOS sets in there....the Sony SXRD is running neck-and-neck for my money right after Christmas with the DLP's right now.
I am concerned about the long-term degradtion of their pictures, though.

I can respect your opinion if you truly have done your research. I just don't know how you can interpret a projection technology as having a sharper picture then LCD or Plasma. Projection by it very definition would not provide a truly sharp picture. In fact, the screen door effect that you complain about is a result of having a sharp picture and is really not noticeable at normal viewing distances.

There is no need to spend 5K on a quality plasma. You can get a 50" Panasonic for <2K and it blows away any DLP in picture quality IMO.

 

[bucwylde23]

I bought a 37" vizio lcd from costco. I had thought about the Plasmas, but i was worried about burn in.
I always leave the TV paused and I always leave my 360 on just sitting in the menus for periods of time.

Is an LCD better for gaming than a plasma? I don't doubt that plasma has a better picture, because whenever I look at plasmas I wish mine looked that good

 

[Fritzo]

Plasmas are only good for 50"+ TV's. 42" or lower go LCD.

 

[LS20]

i agree that generally LCDs are superior to plasmas... from the higher resolution..to future proofness.. to less power consumption (and heat dissipation!)... and with all media heading towards integration, its a lot better for hooking up computers and other digital devices to...

but, for the time being, for my money spent, a panasonic plasma looks as good as i need it to

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: LS20
while they wont display HD, as defined, pixel for pixel.. theyll take in HD and rescale... all that matters is the end picture and they look awesome. a good quality 1024x768 plasma will look superior to a cheap hdtv with "true" hd resolution

no


1024X768 is a retarded resolution, that isn't even a widescreen resolution but 4:3... Gawd awful, I can't believe they make plasmas with retarded resolutions like this... No tv can do a decent job of rescaling, too expensive.. If you want to scale properly, you need to do it at the source..

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: goku
no


1024X768 is a retarded resolution, that isn't even a widescreen resolution but 4:3... Gawd awful, I can't believe they make plasmas with retarded resolutions like this... No tv can do a decent job of rescaling, too expensive.. If you want to scale properly, you need to do it at the source..

yes

its widescreen if the pixels arent square. again, its not the means, its the ends. thats why people dont shop for lcd monitors by specs, or computers by clock speed. and thats why ill take retarded pioneer elite plasmas all day everyday over any "true" 1080p olevia or westinghouse

 

[Eeezee]

Technically yes, you can get burn-in if you're not careful when the television is still new. After a month's worth of use without leaving a static image on the screen you should be fine for the rest of the television's lifetime. If I'm not mistaken, it takes like 60+ minutes of a static unmoving image to get burn-in anyway, why would you let the TV sit there like that for so long?