View Full Version : Plasma versus LCD
davmoo
07-15-2009, 06:30 AM
I was hoping, and they *almost* touched on this in the first episode...but not quite.
If things like price are equal, which gives the best picture quality, plasma or LCD? I know it used to be plasma, is that still true? Assume we're talking 50" and larger sets here.
maxsunset
07-15-2009, 07:36 AM
I still say plasma rules. Check out this article for some reasons why:
http://www.displaymate.com/LCD_Plasma_ShootOut.htm
Basically the gist of it is, plasmas still have better *real* contrast ratio, typically have more accurate color, motion is still better on plasma, and off axis viewing is FAR superior.
davmoo
07-15-2009, 12:12 PM
Check out this article for some reasons why:
http://www.displaymate.com/LCD_Plasma_ShootOut.htm
Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out now!
kurolust
07-15-2009, 04:13 PM
Plasma still tends to lead the pack. LCD still tends to be better in rooms were there is a lot of light. Also there is still some question as to burn in (same image on the screen for long period) although that seems to be a very small issue these days.
dargo
07-16-2009, 08:41 PM
I was hoping, and they *almost* touched on this in the first episode...but not quite.
If things like price are equal, which gives the best picture quality, plasma or LCD? I know it used to be plasma, is that still true? Assume we're talking 50" and larger sets here.
if you have a dark room plasma is "the" choice pioneer kuro is the Cadillac of plasma
but if you have a room that is very bright used for other uses not detected to tv watching the new samsung lcd with led backlight are very good choice
xibalba
07-16-2009, 09:06 PM
What about DLP tvs anyone have opinion on them?
I constantly see this guy on ShopNBC talking about how great they are he is very annoying.
When it came time to upgrade the old CRT, I did considered DLP rear projection televisions. The two drawbacks for me was the shorter bulb life and they're generally larger than most LCD TV's of equivalent screen size. With prices for LCD and Plasma TVs dropping, I wouldn't be surprised if we see DLP used strictly for cinema projection.
xibalba
07-17-2009, 02:05 AM
Some DLP's now have LED bulbs now so that would add to the life. I know the guy who talks about them on tv is a complete idiot after hearing him talk about laptops and other electronics.
What I have seen they have a pretty nice picture.
logant
07-17-2009, 07:51 AM
What about DLP tvs anyone have opinion on them?
I constantly see this guy on ShopNBC talking about how great they are he is very annoying.
Is this the guy?
Sv5woNs9WRE
davmoo
07-17-2009, 02:04 PM
What about DLP tvs anyone have opinion on them?
Yeah, I've thought about going that way too, so toss opinions on DLP in this thread also! Mitsubishi makes a 65" that I think looks nice and would look even nicer in my house :)
I constantly see this guy on ShopNBC talking about how great they are he is very annoying.
Of course he is going to talk about how great they are...he gets paid based on how many he sells.
xibalba
07-17-2009, 03:13 PM
Of course he is going to talk about how great they are...he gets paid based on how many he sells.
Yea but sometimes it seems he makes things up. I believe one time he was selling a laptop and said something like it was the only laptop with a feature that every single laptop has.
I think it is this guy I was talking about can't see him very well since it is youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLlpQj397Tc
I was thinking of getting a DLP but was always turned off due to lamp life but since there are LED lamps now may get one.
While the LEDs used in a modern DLP will last longer than their 1 to 2 year counterpart, they are not as bright as a 5000/60v arc lamp. Also, you might want to consider that DLPs have a narrower viewing angle than LCD and Plasma TVs.
I haven't looked at price lately, but at the time you could get a larger screen DLP for the price of LCD, especially Plasma, but that gap has changed. So, it's worth considering if size matters.
From DLPs single LED design, to Samsung's new 1 inch models, I think the LED technology, regardless of the type of TV, needs much more improving. From what I've read, those new Sammy 1 inchers are good, but not quite as good as the older, but thicker 950's (which were less advertised as such, but also used LEDs).
As to the shopping channels, I don't find any of the so-called "talent" credible. However, it just occurred to me, back in the 90s wasn't Leo Laporte on the Jones (computer) shopping channel?
tokenuser
07-17-2009, 07:31 PM
What about DLP tvs anyone have opinion on them?I have a 60" Hitachi UltraVision model that replaced a previous one (under warranty) that had developed dead pixels.
We sit approx 14' away from the TV, and the viewing angle is fine. I dont think you want to view ANY TV from the side, and the optimal placement for speakers means yo are sitting front and centre as well ... so is viewing angle really that important?
Blacks are pretty good in my current one. They were more "slate grey" in my previous one.
Only downside is that the TV is on the wall opposite a bank of windows (which have a screened porch on the other side), but we do tend to close the blinds to stop direct light on the screen.
At the time we were buying (6 years ago), the cost difference between a plasma and a DLP TV in that size range was huge. The gap has closed, but I still feel that at a size above 50" you really do get more bang for your buck with a DLP.
I will be buying a second TV when we move - probably a 40-50" LCD for the loft area, and maybe one for the master bedroom.
HD Nation couldn't have come along at a better time for me :)
masherscf
07-18-2009, 03:53 AM
I will be buying a second TV when we move - probably a 40-50" LCD for the loft area, and maybe one for the master bedroom.
HD Nation couldn't have come along at a better time for me :)
Same here, we're looking to upgrade our three-year old 42 inch DLP with a 50+ inch plasma or LCD.
nokomis_fl
07-31-2009, 04:58 PM
I'm in the process of replacing the 6-year-old 50" Samsung DLP taking up space in my living room (dead $600 board). I want something comparable in size and was initially set on 50+ LCD, but now I see I can get a better deal on bigger, say 55" to 60".
While great stride have been made in LCD and the newer LCD/LED, forthe money I think I'm going to go with a plasma, probably a Panasonic or LG.
Am I crazy? Is there a reason to talk me out of it?
bigbossbmb
08-01-2009, 04:44 AM
not crazy... especially the new V10 Panny Plasmas, they're awesome.
I have a 50PZ80U and love it... I'll definitely get a new one in a couple more yrs (next time 58" or 65").
peter-gandalf
08-01-2009, 06:18 AM
not crazy... especially the new V10 Panny Plasmas, they're awesome.
I have a 50PZ80U and love it... I'll definitely get a new one in a couple more yrs (next time 58" or 65").
+1
I got an 850U and love it as well. Only thing that kinda sucks about plasma is break in time. But newer models are so good at dealing with image retention some people don't bother.
Because im paranoid I used break in images and only watched full screen programing for the first 100hrs. I have no problems with IR.
bigbossbmb
08-01-2009, 09:17 AM
yeah for my break-in time i watched a LOT of Planet Earth. Just get a bunch of discovery channel stuff or full frame HDTV stuff and enjoy that for the first week or two.
davmoo
08-01-2009, 09:56 AM
What is this "break in time" for plasma TVs you speak of? As I indicated when I started this thread, I'm doing the "plasma versus LCD" debate. Having to properly break in a plasma is not a show stopper by any means, I just want to make sure I do things right if I do go the plasma route (which is currently what I'm leaning to).
peter-gandalf
08-01-2009, 03:57 PM
Plasma cell need some time to break in. It helps prevent IR and your sets picture will even look better once it is fully broke in.
more info here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=949107
break-in images here:
http://www.webapalooza.com/plasma/
If your TV has an SD or USB port you can put the images on that and put it in slide show mode.
nokomis_fl
08-05-2009, 05:29 PM
not crazy... especially the new V10 Panny Plasmas, they're awesome.
I have a 50PZ80U and love it... I'll definitely get a new one in a couple more yrs (next time 58" or 65").
I started looking at the TC-P54G10, but I don't really care about the propriatary Internet connectivity. Right now I'm trying to compare the different models to see if I can get the same TV without that limited widget. Only having 3 HDMI ports is a drawback as well, though a switch would probably solve the problem.
I'm stuck right now because I like the brightness of LCDs but like the picture quality of the plasmas while sticking below the $2000 price point. Didn't realize how dark the plasmas were until I saw them side-by-side with LCDs at both Best Buy & Sears on Saturday.
The other issue I have is the feed at the stores suck. Some displays had Blu-Ray feeds which I thought was a better indication on the ability of the TV.
kiwifrog
08-12-2009, 11:43 AM
Plasma cell need some time to break in. It helps prevent IR and your sets picture will even look better once it is fully broke in.
Not Fully correct, by breaking in you plasma your ageing the phosphors, the quality of you picture won't improve, It'll just be less susceptible to Image Retention. I wouldn't bother newer plasma's have pretty much solved that issue now.
I'm stuck right now because I like the brightness of LCDs but like the picture quality of the plasmas while sticking below the $2000 price point. Didn't realize how dark the plasmas were until I saw them side-by-side with LCDs at both Best Buy & Sears on Saturday.
LCD always look better in store they like brighter light. Also demand the store take the set out of "shop" mode that will give you a true idea of the real picture quality. On Pana's shop is displayed in the top corner when first switched on.
Also take your own blue-ray disk along, shop material is enhanced.
I'm a Plasma man, Its not till its at home and your watching at night that you truly realise the comfort a plasma screen offers. Sure LCD are bright and clear but long term they're harsh on the eyes.
Mike.