The ultimate debate

[tanama]

Hey guys!

I wanted to purchase a TV for my sister and Im between two models that are in my price range for a gift. They are two different types of TV's (Plasma and LCD) but are comparable in size (42" vs 40") in price $700 vs $630 and that both are a generic brand (Element vs Polaroid)

I obviously want the best deal but Im a rookie in regards to TV's and Im branching out for help from the Tech Experts! Here is the information in regards to the 2 brands:

Element 42" Plasma HDTV #ELE PHD42W39US $700.00

Polaroid 40" LCD HDTV with Digital Tuner #TLX-04011C $630.00

Thanx!!

 

[tanama]

In addition I wanted to add that I have a friend that uses a projector instead of a TV to view Movies and cable, its pretty cool because he has a nice home theater set up but the downfalls are that it needs to be an enclosed area and dark....do you think this is a better idea then buying a TV?

 

[kalrith]

I wouldn't buy a budget-brand TV. They're typically much more likely to have problems than name-brand TVs, and the PQ usually isn't comparable. Companies like Panasonic have excellent CS and will really take care of you if there's a problem with the TV. If you find a good deal, you can find a name-brand TV for around the same price. Here's the only decent 42" I could find in your price range: PANASONIC TH-42PX80U for $778 shipped. If you call in your order, you'll also get a free wall mount.

As far as plasma vs. LCD, I'd say plasma would have better quality in this price range unless you need 1080p, which you don't unless your sister will be sitting 5 feet or less from her TV. Once you get to a higher price and add 1080p to the mix, then that seems the level the playing field more.

Originally posted by: tanama
it needs to be an enclosed area and dark

I think you summed it up yourself. If your sister has an enclosed, dark area that she'd like to watch TV in, then a projector might be a good choice. However, many people just want to hook up a cable box or satellite to their TV and be done with it. A projector won't have speakers, so it will also require a stereo system and speakers. Many people also don't want to always watch TV in the dark. You know your sister better than I do (or at least you think you do ), so you should answer this question on your own.

 

[SlickSnake]

Your new disposable flat panel HDTV

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: SlickSnake
Your new disposable flat panel HDTV

Nice. That's the exact article I was thinking of when I made my post. I had no idea who the source was though.

 

[tanama]

Thanks you give for answering and giving me some valuble information...it was much appreciated!!!....I thought nobody would answer, but you guys did!...there is a reason why you guys are Golden Members!!...

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: kalrith
I wouldn't buy a budget-brand TV. They're typically much more likely to have problems than name-brand TVs, and the PQ usually isn't comparable.

Well, my 42" Vizio plasma (new version $730) is about 2 years old with no problems at all. When compared to my brother's Sony LCD of a similar size, you can't tell any picture quality difference with the same BD (Cars) on a PS3. (Both properly calibrated, of course).

I have found that budget = less features, not less quality.

Review of Current Vizio 42" Plasma

If money isn't an issue go with the Pioneer KURO or high end Panasonic.

 

[SlickSnake]

Originally posted by: sivart

Originally posted by: kalrith
I wouldn't buy a budget-brand TV. They're typically much more likely to have problems than name-brand TVs, and the PQ usually isn't comparable.

Well, my 42" Vizio plasma (new version $730) is about 2 years old with no problems at all. When compared to my brother's Sony LCD of a similar size, you can't tell any picture quality difference with the same BD (Cars) on a PS3. (Both properly calibrated, of course).

I have found that budget = less features, not less quality.

Review of Current Vizio 42" Plasma

If money isn't an issue go with the Pioneer KURO or high end Panasonic.

Unfortunately, some of the electronics problems inherent to cheaper models with less features of the same manufacturers line of products can hurt you, though. Take the main boards in a TV, for instance. The manufacturer may have 3 or more models available of a given size and series, and they all add a few more features like a few more HDMI or other ports or PiP. Well, since they all most likely use the same main board, the cheapest one has the fewest electronic parts on it, so they just bypass all the empty printed circuits on the main board somehow. So they may then use a bit less robust of a power supply in it, since it has fewer electronics in it needing power. So because of this they might also use smaller voltage electronic parts in it too, like resistors, which may also be less robust and use less power than the top of the line model. Of course, all of this saves them considerable money, but it also invariably cheapens out the electronics on the main board considerably over a more expensive version. And it might also cause more headaches down the road for the service techs when trying to replace a main board or other electronic parts on the TV too.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: sivart

Originally posted by: kalrith
I wouldn't buy a budget-brand TV. They're typically much more likely to have problems than name-brand TVs, and the PQ usually isn't comparable.

Well, my 42" Vizio plasma (new version $730) is about 2 years old with no problems at all. When compared to my brother's Sony LCD of a similar size, you can't tell any picture quality difference with the same BD (Cars) on a PS3. (Both properly calibrated, of course).

I have found that budget = less features, not less quality.

Review of Current Vizio 42" Plasma

If money isn't an issue go with the Pioneer KURO or high end Panasonic.

I did go with the Pioneer Kuro, but that's completely off-topic. You're comparing plasma to LCD. If your brother's LCD is a few years old as well, then it was back when LCD was lagging behind plasma technology. Also, it's difficult to compare screens in different rooms, colors, lighting, etc. It also depends on what "properly calibrated" means to you (professional calibration, calibration DVD, or just playing with the settings untill it looks right to you). I'm not trying to belittle your observations, and I'm very glad that you saved money on your purchase and are very pleased with it. However, budget very, very, very often = lower PQ. In your situation it might not. But I think in the OP's situation it does. I'd bet quite a bit that the Panasonic I linked above would totally demolish a budget brand TV, and I wouldn't want your post to encourage the OP that an Element, Polaroid, or Vizio would measure up to that.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

you do not want a projector for casual tv watching.

stick with a brand name plasma/LCD from sony, samsung, sharp, toshiba, panasonic.

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: sivart

Originally posted by: kalrith
I wouldn't buy a budget-brand TV. They're typically much more likely to have problems than name-brand TVs, and the PQ usually isn't comparable.

Well, my 42" Vizio plasma (new version $730) is about 2 years old with no problems at all. When compared to my brother's Sony LCD of a similar size, you can't tell any picture quality difference with the same BD (Cars) on a PS3. (Both properly calibrated, of course).

I have found that budget = less features, not less quality.

Review of Current Vizio 42" Plasma

If money isn't an issue go with the Pioneer KURO or high end Panasonic.

I did go with the Pioneer Kuro, but that's completely off-topic. You're comparing plasma to LCD. If your brother's LCD is a few years old as well, then it was back when LCD was lagging behind plasma technology. Also, it's difficult to compare screens in different rooms, colors, lighting, etc. It also depends on what "properly calibrated" means to you (professional calibration, calibration DVD, or just playing with the settings untill it looks right to you). I'm not trying to belittle your observations, and I'm very glad that you saved money on your purchase and are very pleased with it. However, budget very, very, very often = lower PQ. In your situation it might not. But I think in the OP's situation it does. I'd bet quite a bit that the Panasonic I linked above would totally demolish a budget brand TV, and I wouldn't want your post to encourage the OP that an Element, Polaroid, or Vizio would measure up to that.

They were purchased the same year (2006). I actually peaked into my TV (looking through the vent holes) when cleaning it the other day and noticed it was an LG panel with Vizio's electronics...hmmm.

It also seems that the OP either has to buy a budget brand or go with a smaller TV than they want. My Vizio is for casual viewing and my HT Room is for series movies / sports...so for me it was a fit. (Plus I'm cheap )