LCD or Plasma purchase...Online or B&M??

[ProfessorFate]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new LCD or Plasma TV. Obviously, prices are much more attractive online. Pretty much narrowed my choices to a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD or maybe a Panasonic 37" EDTV Plasma. You can get a decent deal B&M on the Pany but not the Aquos. Was considering visualapex, Plasmabay, maybe onecall for online.
So what are your opinions on B&M versus online and the two TVs?

 

[Apex]

I normally buy everything online, but it's really down to what you're most comfortable with. Long term, that's going to matter more than the few hundred dollars difference.

Those two displays are pretty different too, with different strengths and weaknesses.

The Panasonic has much MUCH better contrast, and with it, a far lower black level, and much greater shadow detail. This makes a huge difference in realism for dark movies (ie. LOTR). It's also nice if most of your critical viewing is in a light controlled environment. It also has more accurate colors, especially with respect to the reds. Another benefit is the smoother color gradients (2048 shades through digital input(s), 1536 through analog). In terms of brightness, the panny is brighter than the Aquos in a window, dimmer in full screen. So, if you watch movies where the entire screen is bright at the same time, the sharp will be marginally brighter. BTW, the 7UY panny is 10% brighter than the older models, including the current 25U/P model. The Onyx 30U/P will use the 7UY's panel. You also have much less motion smearing (sharp is a 12ms panel, plasma is roughly equivalent to 5-6ms or so), and dithering.

The Sharp, as mentioned before, will be brighter in full screen. The brightness fall-off for LCD's is steeper than plasmas though, especially this generation of Panasonics. So, as your hours of usage increases, the Aquos will become dimmer than the Panasonic, hour for hour. The Aquos has much higher resolution than the Panny. Resolution will make a difference, but not as much as your typical computer user would lead you to think. With a 32" screen, I'd guess that at about 6' or further away, the resolution differences will start getting very hard to see. One advantage of the Aquos is less macroblocking, though part of it may be due to the Sharp's inferior black levels. The LCD will also be more resistant to burn in, though this generation of plasma is also very resistant.

BTW, what's your viewing distance? The 42" Panny is very very close in price to the 37".

I just got rid of my Panny 42PWD6UY (which replaced a 37PWD5UY), am giving my 42PWD7UY to my parents, and replacing it with a 50PHD7UY. Great plasmas. One day, I may switch over to LCD, but for my viewing preferences, the advantages simply aren't there yet.

 

[Dulanic]

I can't add much to what Apex said... but you can get great deals B&M for the panny plasma's. Like CC currently has the TH42PD25U for $2849 and you get a free xbox ($1000 cheaper then onecall). Or the 37" is $2375 and free xbox.

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: Apex
I normally buy everything online, but it's really down to what you're most comfortable with. Long term, that's going to matter more than the few hundred dollars difference.

Those two displays are pretty different too, with different strengths and weaknesses.

The Panasonic has much MUCH better contrast, and with it, a far lower black level, and much greater shadow detail. This makes a huge difference in realism for dark movies (ie. LOTR). It's also nice if most of your critical viewing is in a light controlled environment. It also has more accurate colors, especially with respect to the reds. Another benefit is the smoother color gradients (2048 shades through digital input(s), 1536 through analog). In terms of brightness, the panny is brighter than the Aquos in a window, dimmer in full screen. So, if you watch movies where the entire screen is bright at the same time, the sharp will be marginally brighter. BTW, the 7UY panny is 10% brighter than the older models, including the current 25U/P model. The Onyx 30U/P will use the 7UY's panel. You also have much less motion smearing (sharp is a 12ms panel, plasma is roughly equivalent to 5-6ms or so), and dithering.

The Sharp, as mentioned before, will be brighter in full screen. The brightness fall-off for LCD's is steeper than plasmas though, especially this generation of Panasonics. So, as your hours of usage increases, the Aquos will become dimmer than the Panasonic, hour for hour. The Aquos has much higher resolution than the Panny. Resolution will make a difference, but not as much as your typical computer user would lead you to think. With a 32" screen, I'd guess that at about 6' or further away, the resolution differences will start getting very hard to see. One advantage of the Aquos is less macroblocking, though part of it may be due to the Sharp's inferior black levels. The LCD will also be more resistant to burn in, though this generation of plasma is also very resistant.

BTW, what's your viewing distance? The 42" Panny is very very close in price to the 37".

I just got rid of my Panny 42PWD6UY (which replaced a 37PWD5UY), am giving my 42PWD7UY to my parents, and replacing it with a 50PHD7UY. Great plasmas. One day, I may switch over to LCD, but for my viewing preferences, the advantages simply aren't there yet.

apex for elite

 

[sygyzy]

I just ordered a 42PWD7UY online. Should ship soon. Buying something expenesive like that online can be a bit nervewracking but just remember to check your reviews and buy from a good vendor. There are a few out there that will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied. Also, some models, like the Panasonic commercial versions (7UY) being one of them, cannot be readily purchased in a B&M store.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I just ordered a 42PWD7UY online. Should ship soon. Buying something expenesive like that online can be a bit nervewracking but just remember to check your reviews and buy from a good vendor. There are a few out there that will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied. Also, some models, like the Panasonic commercial versions (7UY) being one of them, cannot be readily purchased in a B&M store.

Whats primary difference between commercial and home versions? Speakers and Cable Card slot? I don't think I could spend that kinda money online.

 

[ProfessorFate]

Very good info so far, thanks. Can't say what the viewing distance will be exactly as we close escrow on the house it's for next friday. I would expect about 8' however. One sliding glass door on the opposite end of a long living room and recessed lighting in the ceiling on a rheostat so lighting should be easy to control in the evenings when most of the viewing will occur. The Panny definatley looks best 8' feet or so away and to me the Aquos looks fantastic anywhere. :beer:

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I just ordered a 42PWD7UY online. Should ship soon. Buying something expenesive like that online can be a bit nervewracking but just remember to check your reviews and buy from a good vendor. There are a few out there that will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied. Also, some models, like the Panasonic commercial versions (7UY) being one of them, cannot be readily purchased in a B&M store.

Whats primary difference between commercial and home versions? Speakers and Cable Card slot? I don't think I could spend that kinda money online.

commercial/industrial version:
Stand optional
Speakers optional
DVI card optional
720p through all capable inputs
slim, charcoal bezel
warranty: 1 year, bring in.
On 7th generation screen (7UY)

Consumer:
Stand included
Speakers included
HDMI included
ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners built in
CableCARD slot built in
720p only through PC inputs
fat silver bezel
Warranty: 1 year, in home
6th generation screen (24U/P)

Originally posted by: ProfessorFate
Very good info so far, thanks. Can't say what the viewing distance will be exactly as we close escrow on the house it's for next friday. I would expect about 8' however. One sliding glass door on the opposite end of a long living room and recessed lighting in the ceiling on a rheostat so lighting should be easy to control in the evenings when most of the viewing will occur. The Panny definatley looks best 8' feet or so away and to me the Aquos looks fantastic anywhere. :beer:

At 7-8' or further, I'd definitely suggest a 42" model if possible.

What normally happens when you get a TV home is, after a week or two, the TV looks smaller to you than when you originally bought it.

From a 11-12' viewing distance, my 80" screen started looking small, and had to be replaced by a 100" (which now is starting to look a tad bit small).

With controlled ambient lighting, the Panasonic is going to be awesome. With less ambient light control, the NEC models are a pretty good choice.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: sygyzy
I just ordered a 42PWD7UY online. Should ship soon. Buying something expenesive like that online can be a bit nervewracking but just remember to check your reviews and buy from a good vendor. There are a few out there that will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied. Also, some models, like the Panasonic commercial versions (7UY) being one of them, cannot be readily purchased in a B&M store.

Whats primary difference between commercial and home versions? Speakers and Cable Card slot? I don't think I could spend that kinda money online.

commercial/industrial version:
Stand optional
Speakers optional
DVI card optional
720p through all capable inputs
slim, charcoal bezel
warranty: 1 year, bring in.
On 7th generation screen (7UY)

Consumer:
Stand included
Speakers included
HDMI included
ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners built in
CableCARD slot built in
720p only through PC inputs
fat silver bezel
Warranty: 1 year, in home
6th generation screen (24U/P)

Originally posted by: ProfessorFate
Very good info so far, thanks. Can't say what the viewing distance will be exactly as we close escrow on the house it's for next friday. I would expect about 8' however. One sliding glass door on the opposite end of a long living room and recessed lighting in the ceiling on a rheostat so lighting should be easy to control in the evenings when most of the viewing will occur. The Panny definatley looks best 8' feet or so away and to me the Aquos looks fantastic anywhere. :beer:

At 7-8' or further, I'd definitely suggest a 42" model if possible.

What normally happens when you get a TV home is, after a week or two, the TV looks smaller to you than when you originally bought it.

From a 11-12' viewing distance, my 80" screen started looking small, and had to be replaced by a 100" (which now is starting to look a tad bit small).

With controlled ambient lighting, the Panasonic is going to be awesome. With less ambient light control, the NEC models are a pretty good choice.

Picture quality and everything pretty similar between the 2? The input thing I didn't know, also doesn't the commercial support PAL and consumer only ATSC/NTSC?

Overall consumer would seem better for a normal home TV for the non techi people. I really like cable card slots as it really can save on running wires through the wall, tho I really want to see the next gen cable cards /w guide and VOD support.

 

[Rudee]

32 or 37" LCD is pretty small. If I was going to spring money on a LCD, It would be a minimum of 42".

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Dulanic
Overall consumer would seem better for a normal home TV for the non techi people. I really like cable card slots as it really can save on running wires through the wall, tho I really want to see the next gen cable cards /w guide and VOD support.

Well, I'd personally suggest that if you want to go with the consumer one, you wait a few months for the Onyx to hit the shelves (30U/P model). There's a definite difference between the 6th generation and 7th generation panels. The 7th has 10% higher brightness (though not really needed), even more burn in resistance, and a host of other small improvements.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Dulanic
Overall consumer would seem better for a normal home TV for the non techi people. I really like cable card slots as it really can save on running wires through the wall, tho I really want to see the next gen cable cards /w guide and VOD support.

Well, I'd personally suggest that if you want to go with the consumer one, you wait a few months for the Onyx to hit the shelves (30U/P model). There's a definite difference between the 6th generation and 7th generation panels. The 7th has 10% higher brightness (though not really needed), even more burn in resistance, and a host of other small improvements.

Interesting to know. I'm not looking for one, I sell them. I try to keep as up to date on the fine details, but I've never had or seen a commercial model, and didn't know they were based on a older panel. Plasma's aren't a huge market so knew many of the details but not all, but lately Plasma's have been selling ALOT more, mostly due to the price drop in the market, like the panny EDs and the new XS Sony HD's which BTW I think look amazing.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Dulanic
Interesting to know. I'm not looking for one, I sell them. I try to keep as up to date on the fine details, but I've never had or seen a commercial model, and didn't know they were based on a older panel. Plasma's aren't a huge market so knew many of the details but not all, but lately Plasma's have been selling ALOT more, mostly due to the price drop in the market, like the panny EDs and the new XS Sony HD's which BTW I think look amazing.

The commercial/industrial panny's tend to come out 3-6 months before consumer ones, so the commerical model is based on a newer panel, not older.

The XS sony's are pretty good, much better than the XBR, which is based on 1 generation older panel & electronics (3rd gen, probably similar to the XBR 955 when it comes out). The XS 50" is a NEC panel, I believe, much like the last gen. The 37 & 42 should be hitachi (bleh, ALiS). From my limited viewing of the 50, it seems to be brighter than the panny, with a bit more pop to the colors (thanks to a red bias?). The black levels are visibly inferior though, and it seems like the detail is a little less (but smoother pict). Without a chance to play with the adjustments in a controlled environment, it's hard for me to say though.