Plasma or LCD?

icantbejon · 11-26-2008, 02:16 PM

So I'm about to embark upon the HD TV experience. Just looking for general opinions. Which do you valued forum posters like better, a plasma or LCD tv? I'm going to go with at least a 46" flat panel, and it will be 1080p.

11-26-2008, 02:17 PM

Spending that hazardous duty/hostile fire/tax free pay well I see.

LasciviousXXX · 11-26-2008, 02:22 PM

It really depends on size IMO. But if you are going 50 or bigger I would most definitely go Plasma.

Before I bought my plasma I did a fair amount of research on www.AVSForum.com and got some GREAT technical information on going High Def.

Good choice on the 1080P bro

mash · 11-26-2008, 02:28 PM

I have both. Plasma is definitely a nicer, more life-like picture. But, the room has to be dark, and I wouldn't advise gaming on it. Still some concern re: static images and burn-in.

icantbejon · 11-26-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

Good choice on the 1080P bro

My wife was sending some links for 720p, but I didn't want to go with a technology that has already been replaced.

icantbejon · 11-26-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrell

Spending that hazardous duty/hostile fire/tax free pay well I see.

I'm going with the Per Diem payment when I get home actually. But yeah, I'm treating myself (and I suppose the wife as well) to a new TV. We are currently using an exceptionally old and crappy 27" so it's time for an upgrade. We owe it to ourselves!!!

11-26-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icantbejon

I'm going with the Per Diem payment when I get home actually. But yeah, I'm treating myself (and I suppose the wife as well) to a new TV. We are currently using an exceptionally old and crappy 27" so it's time for an upgrade. We owe it to ourselves!!!

I bought my first iPOD with my Per Diem from a TDY to Okinawa. That was back when the biggest one was like 30GB and cost $400.

DPD6030 · 11-26-2008, 02:46 PM

When I upgraded I looked at both plasma and LCD. Plasma has a higher burn in rate and won't last as long as the LCD according to what I researched. I hope this helps some. LCDs are cheaper too.

11-26-2008, 03:03 PM

Instead of choosing one and eliminating one choice completely, I would look at specific TVs from a spec, price, and quality standpoint and then go from there.

Or just buy a pioneer elite.

jjirons69 · 11-26-2008, 03:10 PM

Plasma by far. Burn ins were a thing of the past. New sets also have extended lives of up to 100,000 hours. If you're hitting the slope, go with something you won't regret. Start with 50". Panasonic makes a damn nice 50" and can be had for <$1300 if you search around. I have a Panny 42" that's 4 years old and it still wows me. LCDs are getting better, especially the 120 Hz models. I like the warm plasma look though. Nothing smaller than 1920x1080.

Genetic Defect · 11-26-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjirons69

Plasma by far. Burn ins were a thing of the past. New sets also have extended lives of up to 100,000 hours. If you're hitting the slope, go with something you won't regret. Start with 50". Panasonic makes a damn nice 50" and can be had for <$1300 if you search around. I have a Panny 42" that's 4 years old and it still wows me. LCDs are getting better, especially the 120 Hz models. I like the warm plasma look though. Nothing smaller than 1920x1080.

I second this

Clampdown · 11-26-2008, 03:32 PM

I picked up a 50 inch Vizio plasma from Costco. I love the damn thing. However, it can make the room very warm if left on for an extended period of time.

Studebaker · 11-26-2008, 03:47 PM

I went with plasma when I took the plunge early this year. And I went with a Panasonic 42" 1080p. The screen has an anti-reflective coating so bright room glare is minimized too. Plasma has a wider viewing angle than LCD, which was another of my requirements. The set I got really fits my needs and wows me too, even though conventional wisdom says a 42" is too small to show the full glory of 1080p.

11-27-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clampdown

I picked up a 50 inch Vizio plasma from Costco. I love the damn thing. However, it can make the room very warm if left on for an extended period of time.

That's your girlfriend that is causing that, not the TV.

Glad I could help.

icantbejon · 11-26-2008, 03:07 PM

I have read that the burn in problem has been corrected, for the most part anyway. I've also read a lot of good things on the shelf life of plasmas now. I guess there is only one way to really find out if all that's true now.

mugwump · 11-26-2008, 07:26 PM

I went through this a few years back and settled on a 42" Panasonic 720p plasma. Wider viewing angle and better picture sealed it for me. If you do go with a plasma just go easy for the first 100 or so hours -- avoid static images for long periods of time, etc. Once you're past that point you can pretty much go nuts with no permanent ill effects. I game heavily on my plasma and have never had any burn-in issues.

RGD. · 11-26-2008, 07:47 PM

I would say - go look at them and decide what looks best to you. I bought a Sony Bravia LCD last year and am thoroughly pleased. Excellent picture and people often comment on it.

Couple of Notes:

Always check the specs and features of the sets - don't go with just a 1080 whatever. Look at refresh rates, speakers, inputs, outputs, etc etc.
HDMI inputs - the more the better and use them!
You may get a 1080 set - but know that not all broadcast, cable, etc signals are in 1080. Some of the HD channels I get are in 720.
Surge protection - you about to make an investment - buy a surge protector. I have a whole house unit on my circuit panel plus a plug in on my Sony.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Ron

acruce · 11-26-2008, 07:51 PM

I bought my 60" Hitachi plasma 1080P about 6 months ago. It has an absolutely stunning picture.The image burn is a thing of the past. My TV will get a 100,000 hours until you get half life which they say is still a great picture . So thats about 15 to 20 years of excellent quality TV. The half life which should be another 10 years of great TV. I would definitely go plasma and go BIG!!. I bought the biggest they had at the time.I believe you can get a 65" plasma know days. I LOVE MY PLASMA.

ucla695 · 11-26-2008, 10:00 PM

I have a Sony XBR (120 Mhz) and it's great for the bedroom. We do most of my gaming there... Then after some research, I plucked down some coin and pulled the trigger on a Pioneer Elite Kuros. Even better.

Just do some research and see what fits your budget. For live action and sports, I would go for a plasma. Less motion blur.

MTB996 · 11-26-2008, 10:42 PM

As others have said, depends on the size and use. Large (>52") and not for gaming, go with plasma. The pioneer Kuros is the best TV on the market today. If smaller size or burn in is an issue, go with LCD.

As far as LCD, we are starting to see LED backlit LCDs and they can get to over 500,000 contrast ratio and the 120hz resolves most of the motion artifacts. My problem, my TV is not available yet: LED backlit (RGB, not white) LCD at 65"....it will be the best of both worlds, just not available yet.

11-26-2008, 02:16 PM	#1
icantbejon Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jon Location: Chester, VA Posts: 1,219 Trading: (10)	Plasma or LCD? So I'm about to embark upon the HD TV experience. Just looking for general opinions. Which do you valued forum posters like better, a plasma or LCD tv? I'm going to go with at least a 46" flat panel, and it will be 1080p. __________________ "Learn to pay attention. Life is hard.....it's even more challenging when you're stupid."

11-26-2008, 02:17 PM	#2
Darrell Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Plasma or LCD? Spending that hazardous duty/hostile fire/tax free pay well I see.

11-26-2008, 02:22 PM	#3
LasciviousXXX Team of 11...Always Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Týr Location: New Orleans Posts: 4,579 Trading: (8)	Re: Plasma or LCD? It really depends on size IMO. But if you are going 50 or bigger I would most definitely go Plasma. Before I bought my plasma I did a fair amount of research on www.AVSForum.com and got some GREAT technical information on going High Def. Good choice on the 1080P bro

11-26-2008, 02:28 PM	#4
mash Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Kevin Posts: 435 Trading: (2)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I have both. Plasma is definitely a nicer, more life-like picture. But, the room has to be dark, and I wouldn't advise gaming on it. Still some concern re: static images and burn-in.

11-26-2008, 02:46 PM	#8
DPD6030 Shepard of the sheeple Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The Mitten Posts: 7,166 Trading: (151)	Re: Plasma or LCD? When I upgraded I looked at both plasma and LCD. Plasma has a higher burn in rate and won't last as long as the LCD according to what I researched. I hope this helps some. LCDs are cheaper too.

11-26-2008, 03:03 PM	#9
Alee Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Plasma or LCD? Instead of choosing one and eliminating one choice completely, I would look at specific TVs from a spec, price, and quality standpoint and then go from there. Or just buy a pioneer elite.

11-26-2008, 03:10 PM	#10
jjirons69 Haberdasher Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jamie Location: Chucktown, SC Posts: 4,120 Trading: (94)	Re: Plasma or LCD? Plasma by far. Burn ins were a thing of the past. New sets also have extended lives of up to 100,000 hours. If you're hitting the slope, go with something you won't regret. Start with 50". Panasonic makes a damn nice 50" and can be had for <$1300 if you search around. I have a Panny 42" that's 4 years old and it still wows me. LCDs are getting better, especially the 120 Hz models. I like the warm plasma look though. Nothing smaller than 1920x1080. __________________ Somebody has to go back and get a chitload of dimes

11-26-2008, 03:32 PM	#12
Clampdown I Cut Like a Buffalo Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Brian Location: Noneya Posts: 868 Trading: (12)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I picked up a 50 inch Vizio plasma from Costco. I love the damn thing. However, it can make the room very warm if left on for an extended period of time.

11-26-2008, 03:47 PM	#13
Studebaker Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Piedmont Triad, NC Posts: 95 Trading: (0)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I went with plasma when I took the plunge early this year. And I went with a Panasonic 42" 1080p. The screen has an anti-reflective coating so bright room glare is minimized too. Plasma has a wider viewing angle than LCD, which was another of my requirements. The set I got really fits my needs and wows me too, even though conventional wisdom says a 42" is too small to show the full glory of 1080p. __________________ "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much."

11-26-2008, 03:07 PM	#15
icantbejon Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jon Location: Chester, VA Posts: 1,219 Trading: (10)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I have read that the burn in problem has been corrected, for the most part anyway. I've also read a lot of good things on the shelf life of plasmas now. I guess there is only one way to really find out if all that's true now. __________________ "Learn to pay attention. Life is hard.....it's even more challenging when you're stupid."

11-26-2008, 07:26 PM	#16
mugwump Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 133 Trading: (0)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I went through this a few years back and settled on a 42" Panasonic 720p plasma. Wider viewing angle and better picture sealed it for me. If you do go with a plasma just go easy for the first 100 or so hours -- avoid static images for long periods of time, etc. Once you're past that point you can pretty much go nuts with no permanent ill effects. I game heavily on my plasma and have never had any burn-in issues. __________________ Meandering Smoke

11-26-2008, 07:47 PM	#17
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I would say - go look at them and decide what looks best to you. I bought a Sony Bravia LCD last year and am thoroughly pleased. Excellent picture and people often comment on it. Couple of Notes: Always check the specs and features of the sets - don't go with just a 1080 whatever. Look at refresh rates, speakers, inputs, outputs, etc etc. HDMI inputs - the more the better and use them! You may get a 1080 set - but know that not all broadcast, cable, etc signals are in 1080. Some of the HD channels I get are in 720. Surge protection - you about to make an investment - buy a surge protector. I have a whole house unit on my circuit panel plus a plug in on my Sony. Good luck and let us know what you end up with. Ron

11-26-2008, 07:51 PM	#18
acruce Just killing Time Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: Venus TX Posts: 1,114 Trading: (1)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I bought my 60" Hitachi plasma 1080P about 6 months ago. It has an absolutely stunning picture.The image burn is a thing of the past. My TV will get a 100,000 hours until you get half life which they say is still a great picture . So thats about 15 to 20 years of excellent quality TV. The half life which should be another 10 years of great TV. I would definitely go plasma and go BIG!!. I bought the biggest they had at the time.I believe you can get a 65" plasma know days. I LOVE MY PLASMA. __________________ LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST~SMOKE AS MANY FINE CIGARS AS POSSIBLE ~ SMILE ~ IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD!!

11-26-2008, 10:00 PM	#19
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: Plasma or LCD? I have a Sony XBR (120 Mhz) and it's great for the bedroom. We do most of my gaming there... Then after some research, I plucked down some coin and pulled the trigger on a Pioneer Elite Kuros. Even better. Just do some research and see what fits your budget. For live action and sports, I would go for a plasma. Less motion blur.

11-26-2008, 10:42 PM	#20
MTB996 Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 317 Trading: (1)	Re: Plasma or LCD? As others have said, depends on the size and use. Large (>52") and not for gaming, go with plasma. The pioneer Kuros is the best TV on the market today. If smaller size or burn in is an issue, go with LCD. As far as LCD, we are starting to see LED backlit LCDs and they can get to over 500,000 contrast ratio and the 120hz resolves most of the motion artifacts. My problem, my TV is not available yet: LED backlit (RGB, not white) LCD at 65"....it will be the best of both worlds, just not available yet.