LCD or Plasma?

[dainthomas]

Are LCDs that much better than Plasma (as the relative costs would indicate)? We're buying a new house in a couple weeks, and I'd like a nice flat screen over the mantle. My main concern is ending up with something that will crap out in a couple years.

Thanks

 

[CPA]

Costco has a 47" Philips LCD 1080p for $1799.00 at the moment. I'm tempted myself to jump on it.

 

[tfinch2]

Panasonic Professional (no stand or tuner) 42" plasma is selling for 999 at newegg right now, and it has a free upgrade to a 5 year warranty. It's only 1024x768 though, but the reviews are really good.

 

[DBL]

The 1080P Panasonic plasmas are coming at very competitive prices in the next month. 42", 50" and 58".

 

[jackbristow]

I am a recently converted Plasma owner. I used to swear by LCDs until I realized that Plasmas offer a better picture. I game on the tv so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my plasma, just too paranoid about burn in. If you don't game go for the plasma for sure. The Panasonic Professional monitors are top notch.

 

[spidey07]

Huge question.

Why on earch do you want a TV over the mantle?

Otherwise neither tv is going to crap out in a few years.

 

[arcas]

Unless you intend to use it as a monitor for an HTPC, you don't need 1080p capability with a TV that small. You'd have to sit 3 feet from a 40" TV in order to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p (again, assuming you're not using it as a monitor). If you're resigned to getting a 40-42 inch flat panel TV, go for 720p and spend the money you saved on something for your new house.

CPA: in that price range, you should also consider the Westinghouse 47" LCD. Vizio has a 46" and a 47" LCD model in that price range also. I've read poor things about the 46" but haven't seen it in person. I have seen the 47" first hand and while it didn't have the black levels of the Samsung 4661 next to it, it was half the price. I didn't look at it very long but it didn't appear to be a bad display for the price.

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Huge question.

Why on earch do you want a TV over the mantle?

Otherwise neither tv is going to crap out in a few years.

It's centrally located in the family room. The only other option is to wedge a stand to the immediate left or right of the fireplace.

Originally posted by: jackbristow
I am a recently converted Plasma owner. I used to swear by LCDs until I realized that Plasmas offer a better picture. I game on the tv so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my plasma, just too paranoid about burn in. If you don't game go for the plasma for sure. The Panasonic Professional monitors are top notch.

At this point I don't anticipate gaming on it, but I might in the future. What are plasma's issue with gaming?

 

[jackbristow]

Originally posted by: jackbristow
I am a recently converted Plasma owner. I used to swear by LCDs until I realized that Plasmas offer a better picture. I game on the tv so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my plasma, just too paranoid about burn in. If you don't game go for the plasma for sure. The Panasonic Professional monitors are top notch.

At this point I don't anticipate gaming on it, but I might in the future. What are plasma's issue with gaming?[/quote]

As good as plasmas are today they still have potential for burn in. Permanent burn in isn't as big of a thing as image retention. Image rentention will go away after a few mins to a few hours. If you play games that have status bars and life counters then there is potential for IR. If you leave it up for 2 days straight then you can burn it in permanently.

I think I'm just too OCD to deal with Plasma for gaming so I still game on my lcd. When it comes to actual tv and movies, Plasmas have better blacks and more realistic pictures.

Usually after the first 100-200 hours the chance for burn in is very small. Just keep the contrast and brightness down and it will be fine.

 

[Vette73]

LCD ftw.

I looked at both and like LCD the best.

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: jackbristow

Originally posted by: jackbristow
I am a recently converted Plasma owner. I used to swear by LCDs until I realized that Plasmas offer a better picture. I game on the tv so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my plasma, just too paranoid about burn in. If you don't game go for the plasma for sure. The Panasonic Professional monitors are top notch.

At this point I don't anticipate gaming on it, but I might in the future. What are plasma's issue with gaming?

As good as plasmas are today they still have potential for burn in. Permanent burn in isn't as big of a thing as image retention. Image rentention will go away after a few mins to a few hours. If you play games that have status bars and life counters then there is potential for IR. If you leave it up for 2 days straight then you can burn it in permanently.

I think I'm just too OCD to deal with Plasma for gaming so I still game on my lcd. When it comes to actual tv and movies, Plasmas have better blacks and more realistic pictures.

Usually after the first 100-200 hours the chance for burn in is very small. Just keep the contrast and brightness down and it will be fine.[/quote]

I'll probably just pick up a plasma then. My chances of having time to game (with a 7 month old to keep me busy) are pretty slim.

With their lower price, I'll probably be able to get a 50". On DBL's advice, I think I'll wait and see the prices on the Panasonic models.

I've also seen cheap prices on Vizio and Westinghouse models. Anyone here have experience with either of those?

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: arcas
Unless you intend to use it as a monitor for an HTPC, you don't need 1080p capability with a TV that small. You'd have to sit 3 feet from a 40" TV in order to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p (again, assuming you're not using it as a monitor). If you're resigned to getting a 40-42 inch flat panel TV, go for 720p and spend the money you saved on something for your new house.

CPA: in that price range, you should also consider the Westinghouse 47" LCD. Vizio has a 46" and a 47" LCD model in that price range also. I've read poor things about the 46" but haven't seen it in person. I have seen the 47" first hand and while it didn't have the black levels of the Samsung 4661 next to it, it was half the price. I didn't look at it very long but it didn't appear to be a bad display for the price.

Why would point out that 1080P is not necessary for a screen that small b/c "you will not see the difference" but then go on to recommend TVs with noticeably inferior pictures to a good Plasma or LCD? Sure, the Westinghouse is a nice picture for the price but put it next to a new sharp, samsung LCD or even a 720P Panansonic plasma and you can easily spot the difference at 10 feet. The 1080P is just icing on the cake and ensures future compatibility.

I've heard this argument over and over but at this point it's getting a bit silly. 1080P will be the standard within 1 year. Regardless of whether you may or may not benefit from it from you seating distance, I'd prefer to know that I have the latest technology, which will be current for at least a few years. Also, even if you do not use it as a monitor, you may very well attach some sort of media streamer in the future as these products mature, which may very well benefit from the added resolution, especially if there is some sort of web browsing capability. IMO, the only reason to go 720P at this point is budget.

 

[Shyatic]

Originally posted by: jackbristow
I am a recently converted Plasma owner. I used to swear by LCDs until I realized that Plasmas offer a better picture. I game on the tv so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep my plasma, just too paranoid about burn in. If you don't game go for the plasma for sure. The Panasonic Professional monitors are top notch.

QFT

 

[Uppsala9496]

I went with lcd since my living room gets a lot of sun. The glare off a plasma is far more noticable and distracting than the glare off an lcd.

 

[TheAdvocate]

Originally posted by: dainthomas

It's centrally located in the family room. The only other option is to wedge a stand to the immediate left or right of the fireplace.

Unless you have a very low mantle, this is a horrific idea. It simply is not comfortable or natural to look up from your couch to watch TV. It'll be like sitting in the front row of a stadium seating movie theater. Your neck will hate you. Please, please do yourself a favor and take this advice seriously.

Oh, and to answer your original question, I've decided it really is this simple:

Bright room or heavy gaming = LCD
Dark room or dark movie watching = Plasma

 

[ric1287]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: arcas
Unless you intend to use it as a monitor for an HTPC, you don't need 1080p capability with a TV that small. You'd have to sit 3 feet from a 40" TV in order to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p (again, assuming you're not using it as a monitor). If you're resigned to getting a 40-42 inch flat panel TV, go for 720p and spend the money you saved on something for your new house.

CPA: in that price range, you should also consider the Westinghouse 47" LCD. Vizio has a 46" and a 47" LCD model in that price range also. I've read poor things about the 46" but haven't seen it in person. I have seen the 47" first hand and while it didn't have the black levels of the Samsung 4661 next to it, it was half the price. I didn't look at it very long but it didn't appear to be a bad display for the price.

Why would point out that 1080P is not necessary for a screen that small b/c "you will not see the difference" but then go on to recommend TVs with noticeably inferior pictures to a good Plasma or LCD? Sure, the Westinghouse is a nice picture for the price but put it next to a new sharp, samsung LCD or even a 720P Panansonic plasma and you can easily spot the difference at 10 feet. The 1080P is just icing on the cake and ensures future compatibility.

I've heard this argument over and over but at this point it's getting a bit silly. 1080P will be the standard within 1 year. Regardless of whether you may or may not benefit from it from you seating distance, I'd prefer to know that I have the latest technology, which will be current for at least a few years. Also, even if you do not use it as a monitor, you may very well attach some sort of media streamer in the future as these products mature, which may very well benefit from the added resolution, especially if there is some sort of web browsing capability. IMO, the only reason to go 720P at this point is budget.

-plasmas do not have burn in problems as they did when they first came out, so don't worry about that.

-and secondly, theres no way in hell 1080p will be the standard TV def in 1 year. It MIGHT be that case for TV's native res, but they can barely do 1080i/720p now, there's no way 1080p TV will be used so soon.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: ric1287
-plasmas do not have burn in problems as they did when they first came out, so don't worry about that.

-and secondly, theres no way in hell 1080p will be the standard TV def in 1 year. It MIGHT be that case for TV's native res, but they can barely do 1080i/720p now, there's no way 1080p TV will be used so soon.

Stop the misinformation about 1080p. There is simply no good reason to purchase a non-1080p display today. Most network broacast in 1080i anyway, so unless you like throwing away resolution you need to get a true-HD display.

 

[dwell]

I researched this for months before buying...

Plasma Pros:

• Deeper blacks

Cons:

• Burn in/image retention
  Run hot
  Heavy
  Glossy Screen

LCD Pros:

• Brighter picture
  Higher resolution (1080p)

Cons:

• Slower response times
  Never truly black

Went with the Samsung LN-S4695D (LCD) and am very happy. I occasionally wonder if I should have went Plasma but honestly, LCD overall had more pros for me.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Panasonic Professional (no stand or tuner) 42" plasma is selling for 999 at newegg right now, and it has a free upgrade to a 5 year warranty. It's only 1024x768 though, but the reviews are really good.

I looked at that and I thought I saw that there were no HDMI inputs. I could be wrong tho.

 

[jackbristow]

Originally posted by: Sheik Yerbouti

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Panasonic Professional (no stand or tuner) 42" plasma is selling for 999 at newegg right now, and it has a free upgrade to a 5 year warranty. It's only 1024x768 though, but the reviews are really good.

I looked at that and I thought I saw that there were no HDMI inputs. I could be wrong tho.

It doesn't come standard. You can buy an HDMI "blade" for about $150. It's not meant to have all of the connections of the consumer model. Component will do just fine if you don't want to pay for the blade.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: Chris
I researched this for months before buying...

Plasma Pros:

• Deeper blacks

Cons:

• Burn in/image retention
  Run hot
  Heavy
  Glossy Screen

LCD Pros:

• Brighter picture
  Higher resolution (1080p)

Cons:

• Slower response times
  Never truly black

Went with the Samsung LN-S4695D (LCD) and am very happy. I occasionally wonder if I should have went Plasma but honestly, LCD overall had more pros for me.

With the dynamic backlighting in the 92U series and the next gen from all manufacturers and response times in the 4ms area, the newest generation and the upcoming one, will pretty much eliminate any cons. Not to mention you get 1080p and equiv size for almost the same price.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: ric1287

Originally posted by: DBL
Why would point out that 1080P is not necessary for a screen that small b/c "you will not see the difference" but then go on to recommend TVs with noticeably inferior pictures to a good Plasma or LCD? Sure, the Westinghouse is a nice picture for the price but put it next to a new sharp, samsung LCD or even a 720P Panansonic plasma and you can easily spot the difference at 10 feet. The 1080P is just icing on the cake and ensures future compatibility.

I've heard this argument over and over but at this point it's getting a bit silly. 1080P will be the standard within 1 year. Regardless of whether you may or may not benefit from it from you seating distance, I'd prefer to know that I have the latest technology, which will be current for at least a few years. Also, even if you do not use it as a monitor, you may very well attach some sort of media streamer in the future as these products mature, which may very well benefit from the added resolution, especially if there is some sort of web browsing capability. IMO, the only reason to go 720P at this point is budget.

-plasmas do not have burn in problems as they did when they first came out, so don't worry about that.

-and secondly, theres no way in hell 1080p will be the standard TV def in 1 year. It MIGHT be that case for TV's native res, but they can barely do 1080i/720p now, there's no way 1080p TV will be used so soon.

I actually meant that 720P HDTV's will fade out and be relegated to the bargain bin. I was not talking about actually broadcasting in 1080P.

Either way, a proper 1080i signal can be de-interlaced into a 1080P signal, so you can benefit from 1080P TODAY when watching a 1080i signal.

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate

Originally posted by: dainthomas

It's centrally located in the family room. The only other option is to wedge a stand to the immediate left or right of the fireplace.

Unless you have a very low mantle, this is a horrific idea. It simply is not comfortable or natural to look up from your couch to watch TV. It'll be like sitting in the front row of a stadium seating movie theater. Your neck will hate you. Please, please do yourself a favor and take this advice seriously.

Oh, and to answer your original question, I've decided it really is this simple:

Bright room or heavy gaming = LCD
Dark room or dark movie watching = Plasma

The information about the brightness of the room is helpful. It'll be in a south facing room with a couple skylights. Now I'm leaning toward LCD again.

Maybe we can hang it on the wall next to the fireplace (I'll have to measure to make sure there's enough room).

 

[czech09]

If you have any intension of gaming on it or hooking it up as a monitor - then LCDTV. If you're using this as a main TV in your room get the plasma.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: dainthomas

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate

Originally posted by: dainthomas

It's centrally located in the family room. The only other option is to wedge a stand to the immediate left or right of the fireplace.

Unless you have a very low mantle, this is a horrific idea. It simply is not comfortable or natural to look up from your couch to watch TV. It'll be like sitting in the front row of a stadium seating movie theater. Your neck will hate you. Please, please do yourself a favor and take this advice seriously.

Oh, and to answer your original question, I've decided it really is this simple:

Bright room or heavy gaming = LCD
Dark room or dark movie watching = Plasma

The information about the brightness of the room is helpful. It'll be in a south facing room with a couple skylights. Now I'm leaning toward LCD again.

Maybe we can hang it on the wall next to the fireplace (I'll have to measure to make sure there's enough room).

LCD also uses less power and most if not all I have seen produce less heat as well.

Me and my wife have had our LCD tv for over a year now and its been great. Now we just want a bigger one so we can put the 37inch int he bedroom