Plasma vs LCD vs Rear Projection

[fLum0x]

Explain which you prefer and why you chose that over the others.

Personally, I think plasma's have really good color, but is this "burning" true?

LCDs and RP take a price cut and are very good quality, just lack the brightness. I am not sure what I want :X

 

[MrChad]

IMO, plasmas offer the closest color depth and black levels to CRTs, which are the best in terms of PQ. Burn-in has not been an issue with plasmas for years now. I also prefer the wide viewing angles that plasmas provide over rear projection TVs.

That said, in terms of bang-for-the-buck, plasmas are on the bottom of the list, as there are much cheaper rear-projection options.

 

[Hammerhead]

LCD
rear projection is darker and the viewing angle blows.
plasma is good but LCD is cheaper

 

[dirtylimey]

I bought a DLP and am very happy with it. Viewing angle isnt really a problem, I can see my tv from anywhere in the room really and the only place i will want to be is on my comfy couch. Brightness doesnt seem to be an issue since the picture is pretty radiant. 50" Toshiba DLP, $1100 = win.

Of course, an LCD would be nice for the size but my DLP isnt that deep and is fairly lgihtweight so im not complaining.

 

[SagaLore]

I'm thinking about getting CRT rear projection.

 

[TheAdvocate]

LCD over plasma. Rear projection requires bulb replacement which absolutely rules it out of the comparison. Just say no to $200/bulb replacement every 2-3 years.

LCDs last longer, better picture (outside of the superexpensive pioneer elites), quieter, cooler, use less juice, better for gaming, cheaper for 1080p.

I was surprised by how heavy a quality LCD TV is though. Same sized DLPs are often a few pounds lighter.

 

[foghorn67]

I don't think I have a favorite for what is best. Maybe for a particular purpose. I love my LCD for my bedroom. For the living room, it might be a DLP.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: foghorn67
I don't think I have a favorite for what is best. Maybe for a particular purpose. I love my LCD for my bedroom. For the living room, it might be a DLP.

That's our setup

50" DLP - livingroom

32" LCD - bedroom

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: foghorn67
I don't think I have a favorite for what is best. Maybe for a particular purpose. I love my LCD for my bedroom. For the living room, it might be a DLP.

werd

Also DLP and LCD rptvs offer much larger sizes for a lot less than plasma and LCD tvs can touch. Just typically a better option for those on budgets.

I have a Samsung 42" DLP set in my living room and a 32" LCD flatscreen in the bedroom.

 

[ScottFern]

Plasma hands down. It has the best black levels, and colors seem more vibrant and real on a plasma.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate
LCDs last longer, better picture (outside of the superexpensive pioneer elites), quieter, cooler, use less juice, better for gaming, cheaper for 1080p.

1. Half-life on plasmas is around 60,000 hours (23 years at 7 hrs/day).
2. Both LCDs and Plasmas have great PQ, but LCDs in general fall short of plasmas' black levels.
3. I can't hear the fan on my Panasonic plasma unless I put my ear right up next to it.
4. From what I've read, energy consumption on plasmas is comparable to simliarly-sized LCD TVs.
5. Better for gaming? I thought we addressed the non-issue of burn-in.
6. I can't argue with the fact that cheaper 1080p LCDs are much more readily available.

 

[purbeast0]

your poll fails cause LCD falls into two categories.

I picked rear projection though because I think that DLP/LCD RPTV's look bettr than the other 2.

 

[Czar]

what about normal projectors?

 

[andy04]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
LCD
rear projection is darker and the viewing angle blows.
plasma is good but LCD is cheaper

I couldnt disagree more... LCDs that are cheaper and piece of craps. resolution, contrast, response brightness everything suffers significantly when compared to plasma. If you compare features, Plasma is cheaper.
Rear projection - its cheap but its no good, nowhere close when compared ot plasma or lcd..

Originally posted by: Czar
what about normal projectors?

No good - a TV is a TV is a TV is a TV - nothing can replace it... I have used it and this thing is irritating...

 

[JackBurton]

I only consider LCD for screens smaller than 42". Plasma, DLP or front projection for anything larger. However that Westinghouse Quad HD (3840x2160 res) at CES is freakin' crazy!

 

[TheAdvocate]

I spent 6 months examining plasmas and LCDs at home theater specialty stores and in freinds and coworkers homes (actual conditions) with the mindset that I was going to buy one of the very popular Panasonic plasma sets (the 42").

Long story short, I bought a 1080p LCD. The PQ wasnt close. LCD was visibly better. The only thing I might buy a plasma for is for a real home theater cause it would perform better in a dark room. My TV room isn't dark. LCD.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate
I spent 6 months examining plasmas and LCDs at home theater specialty stores and in freinds and coworkers homes (actual conditions) with the mindset that I was going to buy one of the very popular Panasonic plasma sets (the 42").

Long story short, I bought a 1080p LCD. The PQ wasnt close. LCD was visibly better. The only thing I might buy a plasma for is for a real home theater cause it would perform better in a dark room. My TV room isn't dark. LCD.

Glad you're happy with your purchase. What LCD make and model did you end up purchasing?

 

[PricklyPete]

Since 90% of my viewing is done in a well lit room with plenty of opportunities for glare...I went with a 42" LCD and I couldn't be happier. Sure the black levels aren't quite up to speed with a good Plasma when watching a movie with the lights off...but it is a compromise well worth it given my normal usage.

 

[Aikouka]

I prefer Plasma's picture quality over all. Even side by side, the pictures are more vibrant and overall. Although, I do personally own a DLP and I'm quite happy with it. I don't worry about a bulb; I simply don't care. The picture quality is great (although I think Plasma is still better), I have a great assortment of hook-ups (although I think my mom's Samsung plasma has a slightly better array than my Samsung DLP) and it's very lightweight. I can tell you, the Samsung 42" Plasma weighs probably about twice as much as the 46" DLP. It's almost crazy, because you'd expect it to weigh more because it's simply bigger, although not by much .

EDIT: To summarize, DLP is my favorite overall. Good picture quality, lightweight and great price. My 46" cost $1250 and the 42" I got my mom for Christmas cost $1500. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to do that math . Even adding in your precious bulb doesn't make it go over and it still wins in overall size. Also, note that the DLP is a true 720p (1280x720) set versus the LCD and the Plasma which contort the size.

 

[teckmaster]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
I'm thinking about getting CRT rear projection.

DONT DO IT!!!!

 

[Ramma2]

DLP for best price to size ratio, but no good if you want to wall mount

I wanted to wall mount, so it was between LCD and plasma. I went with plasma for brightest display, richer colors and better blacks. Overall better picture quality to me.

I picked up a 42" Panasonic plasma about 4 months ago and I love it. No burn in.

 

[teckmaster]

This poll is poorly set up. There are a few options that were left out. LCD for one is flat or rear projection. You also didn't add DLP or LCOS.

I haven't really seen much of a difference between Plasma and the Flat LCD. At the store I run, we don't sell plasma for the simple fact that repairs aren't cheap.

DLP and LCOS both have great pictures. I think LCOS is actually a little better.

The one good point on the plasma though is the size. I believe right now, 46" is the biggest Flat LCD where plasma are up over 70".

If I had to pick one though, right now it would be the LCOS.

 

[CraigRT]

I dont even know how people can think an LCD looks better than a good plasma... Plasma bar none has the best most convincingly real picture.

LCD is the best for everything else and sadly would win for my house. All around usage.

But for a movie only TV, 42" or so... Plasma for the win.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
I dont even know how people can think an LCD looks better than a good plasma... Plasma bar none has the best most convincingly real picture.

LCD is the best for everything else and sadly would win for my house. All around usage.

But for a movie only TV, 42" or so... Plasma for the win.

Who buys a TV for "movies" only? Most people expect it to serve several purposes, unless it's a rarely used TV, like a bedroom TV.

 

[funboy6942]

Front Projection FTW
Screw your puny 80' or less pictars, give me 100 inches or more!
WTH if your going with a rear projection tv you have to change a bulb it it as well if it isnt a CRT rear projection tv and if your going to do that you may as well go for BIG since thats why your buying it anyway.

I went FPJ 100" and will never go back, cant watch a movie on anything else anymore.

OP update the poll with front projection you bias sob