Should I get a Plasma or LCD?

[spidey07]

JackBurton,

I haven't kept up with plasma development but if they can stomp a XBR3 (amazing, awesome black level and color, first time I saw it I said "now THAT's a good plasma", only to find out it was LCD).

Eitherway - I am truly astounded by the progression and development of these technologies. Competition, marketshare and what not are driving some of the greatest leaps and bounds in display technologies EVER seen. It's 2007, the year of true-HD.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: spidey07
JackBurton,

I haven't kept up with plasma development but if they can stomp a XBR3 (amazing, awesome black level and color, first time I saw it I said "now THAT's a good plasma", only to find out it was LCD).

Eitherway - I am truly astounded by the progression and development of these technologies. Competition, marketshare and what not are driving some of the greatest leaps and bounds in display technologies EVER seen. It's 2007, the year of true-HD.

Yep, I'm excited!

 

[RossMAN]

One of these days ATOT should have an HDTV LCos vs DLP vs Plasma vs LCD vs projector battle royal!!!!!

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
One of these days ATOT should have an HDTV LCos vs DLP vs Plasma vs LCD vs projector battle royal!!!!!

There's a big problem with that.

1) There is no "best" technology depending on what you want
2) There is a "best" technology depending on only technology
3) As with all thing audio video the ultimate question becomes - "how much do you want to spend and what is most important to you?"

If you look purely at the technology aspect regardless of the cost plasma is ahead, LCD is very closely behind but with the majority of sets being LCD those profits will fuel better and better LCDs.

As it stands today, you are going to pay a pretty penny for a quality plasma/lcd display over 50 inches.

CRT>Plasma>HQ LCD>LCOS>DLP>LCD

Given no price restraint.

 

[RossMAN]

Hmmn I wonder if DLP4Life.com is available?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Hmmn I wonder if DLP4Life.com is available?

It's the mirrors dude, it's the mirrors.

 

[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.

 

[sjwaste]

Disclaimer: I own a plasma.

I read something about the noticeable factors affecting image quality, and for most, its contrast, black level, color saturation, then resolution in that order (I may be off on the first 3, but I know resolution was last on the list). I've had a 37" LCD in my apartment, and it was awesome. My roommate moved out and it was his, so at that point I did some research and bought a 42" panasonic plasma. It's pretty awesome too. If I had to compare, the plasma has better visuals, but without them side by side, you'll probably not be able to tell.

My point? Get whatever is good quality at the best price. Aim for value. You'll like what you got, it's hard to miss on 50" in high def.

 

[spidey07]

TheAdvocate,

I see you have trusted your opinion without an objective analysis. You site Tweeter and other retailers in what they tell you for a source. The mere fact that your trust a salesguy as your source of information and not your own eyes and personal ownership.....

FAIL.

 

[JackBurton]

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.

Oh the Tweeter guys said so? Oh I guess that's like, "hey, GeekSquad said so, so it has to be right." :roll: Give me a freakin' break, let me tell you about "The Tweeter Guys." If they are anything like the moron I ran into, their opinion doesn't amount to jack or squat. I was on the fence with a 52" XBR3 on one side and an Elite 1140 on the other. The XBR3 just didn't impress me. Not to mention the fact even the XBR3s haven't cleared up the LCD motion issues. Plasmas just give a better film experience. Nice and smooth with very vibrant colors. Something I just don't get from an LCD.

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

Oh well, if the reviews said so, I'll ignore what my eyes actually see. I've seen the best LCD (XBR3) and was really hoping that it would be THE one for me, only to leave VERY unimpressed. Just out of curiosity, did the reviews mention Sony has acknowledged they have a problem with clouding on that set? You've got some VERY pissed off customers that have returned their defective set only to receive another defective set. Good luck on that one.

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.

I have too, and I wasn't impressed. Maybe I just have a little higher standards.

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.

Jesus, sounds like you are COMPLETELY misinformed:

All the big box stores and AV houses are switching over to LCD

Definitely NOT true for anything over 50". And I really only consider HDTVs OVER 50". Under 50" is my PC monitor, and I'll use an LCD for that.

..because of the 1080p resolutions

Panasonic is releasing their 1080p plasma in May at $2799 RETAIL. You'll be able to get it for cheaper online. The higher end 50PZ750U will have a retail price of $3999. Sony's 52" XBR3 LCD on the other hand is selling for ~$4700 online now. And let me tell you, the new Panasonic should slap around the Sony without much of a sweat.

long life

So 20 years is not long enough for you? I defintiely don't plan on keeping my TV that long.

lack of problems with the sets

I don't recall any serious problems with Panasonic, Pioneer, Fujitsu or Runco plasmas. I DO however recall some serious issues with Sony's current XBR3 LCDs.

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.

Quit getting your information from Wal-Mart employees. Bad source.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: JackBurton
Let me make this EASY for you...

Panasonic TH-50PZ700U - Coming VERY soon

Or if you have a little more cash, the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U, which slaps the $8000 Pioneer Pro-FHD1 in the face with its MUCH better black levels and color accuracy. This display will also be released VERY soon and from the sounds of it, worth waiting for.

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. I'd actually take a Pioneer 5070 over ANY LCD, and it is only a 720p set. Now that the new Panasonic and Pioneers are coming out with their new gen plasma, LCDs look every worse.

If you want to see what Pioneer can deliver, they're set to make an announcement on their super plasma shortly, and should give the specs. And from all the talk, these plasma are freakin' amazing! However, Panasonic may just have stolen Pioneer's thunder with their displays that came out of nowhere (PZ700U and PZ750U). I'm REALLY eyeing the 50PZ750U.

Oh yeah, and those plasmas mentioned above are both 1080p.

I've got one of these on order at the moment. If you can get the Panasonic discount on their website, you can get this set for $2,444 with free delivery.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: JackBurton
Let me make this EASY for you...

Panasonic TH-50PZ700U - Coming VERY soon

Or if you have a little more cash, the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U, which slaps the $8000 Pioneer Pro-FHD1 in the face with its MUCH better black levels and color accuracy. This display will also be released VERY soon and from the sounds of it, worth waiting for.

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. I'd actually take a Pioneer 5070 over ANY LCD, and it is only a 720p set. Now that the new Panasonic and Pioneers are coming out with their new gen plasma, LCDs look every worse.

If you want to see what Pioneer can deliver, they're set to make an announcement on their super plasma shortly, and should give the specs. And from all the talk, these plasma are freakin' amazing! However, Panasonic may just have stolen Pioneer's thunder with their displays that came out of nowhere (PZ700U and PZ750U). I'm REALLY eyeing the 50PZ750U.

Oh yeah, and those plasmas mentioned above are both 1080p.

I've got one of these on order at the moment. If you can get the Panasonic discount on their website, you can get this set for $2,444 with free delivery.

how does one get this discount?

 

[uli2000]

Id go plasma. Better blacks, better colors. Saying that though, I have a lcd tv, since I live at high altitude (5000ft is max for most plasmas).

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: DBL
I've got one of these on order at the moment. If you can get the Panasonic discount on their website, you can get this set for $2,444 with free delivery.

how does one get this discount?

Some companies get preferred pricing from Panasonic. I happen to know someone who works for AMEX. Apparently, it can be used like a friends and family discount, so if you know someone, you should be good.

Either way, that's probably not much better than the discounted street price but I figured that I stand a better chance of getting it sooner.

 

[SuperNaruto]

All i know is that for 2 58" panasonic plasma, I can only buy 1 similar 57" lcd..

granted i'm not comparing all the feature, i dont watch tv that much but for what i'm doing.. a cheap 58" plasma is good enough...

 

[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

 

[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

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: Chris
LCDs have pretty much caught up to plasma at this point. The black levels are finally there, the refresh rates are no longer an issue. One is not considerably better than the other at this point, it's just a matter of taste.

Thank you. I wonder if some people here have even seen a decent newer LCD TV. My AQUOS has no blurring and the black levels are awesome. GFs father has a plasma for comparison...I am quite happy with my LCD sets.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: Imyourzero

Originally posted by: Chris
LCDs have pretty much caught up to plasma at this point. The black levels are finally there, the refresh rates are no longer an issue. One is not considerably better than the other at this point, it's just a matter of taste.

Thank you. I wonder if some people here have even seen a decent newer LCD TV. My AQUOS has no blurring and the black levels are awesome. GFs father has a plasma for comparison...I am quite happy with my LCD sets.

This is true to a certain extent. I have an Aquos and it displays a damn nice picture. On the other hand, if you have spent some time with a quality plasma as I have, you can appreciate the subtleties that enables the plasma to produce an overall better picture.

For instance, reports indicate that the black bars that you see on the new Panasonic plasma are almost indistinguishable form the black bezel. Compare that to your Aquos and you should easily be able to understand the difference. The Sharp has got great black levels....for an LCD.

 

[ColdFusion718]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: Imyourzero

Originally posted by: Chris
LCDs have pretty much caught up to plasma at this point. The black levels are finally there, the refresh rates are no longer an issue. One is not considerably better than the other at this point, it's just a matter of taste.

Thank you. I wonder if some people here have even seen a decent newer LCD TV. My AQUOS has no blurring and the black levels are awesome. GFs father has a plasma for comparison...I am quite happy with my LCD sets.

This is true to a certain extent. I have an Aquos and it displays a damn nice picture. On the other hand, if you have spent some time with a quality plasma as I have, you can appreciate the subtleties that enables the plasma to produce an overall better picture.

For instance, reports indicate that the black bars that you see on the new Panasonic plasma are almost indistinguishable form the black bezel. Compare that to your Aquos and you should easily be able to understand the difference. The Sharp has got great black levels....for an LCD.

I've also seen some top quality LCDs at the specialty home theatre stores. Then, I checked out the new Panasonic plasmas. The plasmas totally blow those LCDs out of the water. When you first look at a mediocre LCD panel, you'll notice the poor black levels immediately. When you look at a high end LCD panel, you'll notice a much better picture.

Then, when you go look at a top quality plasma screen, you will notice an even better picture. You just won't go back.

With that said, I own LCDs primarily because I'm waiting for a good 1080p Plasma. From the looks of it, Panasonic seems to have taken care of that. Now it's time for a new TV!

Since I'm not married, I won't have to consult anyone. Bachelor-hood FTW!

 

[Canai]

I like LCDs.

 

[dwell]

At this point black levels matter only if you A/B sets side-by-side. If I turn my Sammy on in a dark room with no signal and crank the brightness, yeah, the black is grey. But you'd never notice under normal level, normal viewing.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Chris
At this point black levels matter only if you A/B sets side-by-side. If I turn my Sammy on in a dark room with no signal and crank the brightness, yeah, the black is grey. But you'd never notice under normal level, normal viewing.

Black level affects color, so even if you don't think you see it with LCDs, it's there.

That's another reason why color looks so much better on a plasma if you put them side by side.

 

[Apex]

When the super-contrast LCD panels come out, then it may be time to switch over. Until then, plasmas still rule for visual quality.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: DBL

Originally posted by: JackBurton
Let me make this EASY for you...

Panasonic TH-50PZ700U - Coming VERY soon

Or if you have a little more cash, the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U, which slaps the $8000 Pioneer Pro-FHD1 in the face with its MUCH better black levels and color accuracy. This display will also be released VERY soon and from the sounds of it, worth waiting for.

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. I'd actually take a Pioneer 5070 over ANY LCD, and it is only a 720p set. Now that the new Panasonic and Pioneers are coming out with their new gen plasma, LCDs look every worse.

If you want to see what Pioneer can deliver, they're set to make an announcement on their super plasma shortly, and should give the specs. And from all the talk, these plasma are freakin' amazing! However, Panasonic may just have stolen Pioneer's thunder with their displays that came out of nowhere (PZ700U and PZ750U). I'm REALLY eyeing the 50PZ750U.

Oh yeah, and those plasmas mentioned above are both 1080p.

I've got one of these on order at the moment. If you can get the Panasonic discount on their website, you can get this set for $2,444 with free delivery.

That is an awesome price man! Post your impressions and DEFINITELY some pics when you get yours.