I need help with buying a TV: LCD or Plasma?

[tedoll78]

I like to watch TV in the dark 90% of the time. My living room is always dark when I'm doing some serious TV time.

I also consider myself a pretty obsessive video gamer.

Any ideas? As much as I love video games, I haven't kept-up one bit with TV technology for the past few years.. :P

[mitchtv]

1. not an expert,but I read last week

that LCD is ready for HDTV. I understand Plasma is not? LCD is much more expensive.

[tinrobot]

2. Depends on the size....

LCDs are supposed to be better and last longer than plasma, but LCD sets top out at about 30 inches...

[Nevernose]

4. That's not true; They go up to 50+ (n/t)

[tedoll78]

5. Well..

I'm wanting one at least 50". :evilgrin:

[Nevernose]

3. If glare (or money) is not a problem, go with LCD

I can't help you with the video game question, as I play all mine on the computer.

FWIW: the salesman at Ultiamte Electronics the other day told me that it was impossible to predict the lifespan of plasma or especially LCD, as the technology is so new that there's no way to tell for certain how long they'll last. He might have just been earning a commision on warranties, but he seemed on the level.

[supernova]

6. What about the new technology: plasma (?) on silicone?

I don't know any thing about it.

[Deja Q]

7. Projection or flat glass CRT...

I've looked at a lot of HDTV sets, especially the LCD ones.

Neither looks entirely enticing; some of the projection sets seem kinda dark but at least the images look CRISP and clear. And in a dark room there's no problem at all... but others were perfect, apart from a $1500 price.

LCD/plasma sets look pixelized and are utterly ugly. They do not deserve the label of "high definition"; even my 27" NTSC set looks better.

While the pixelization isn't worth noting for fast paced scenes I suppose, there are plenty of slow paced scenes, and diagonal lines and text are dead giveaways as well.

$6000 for a 50" 1.85/1 ratio LCD that looks like an Atari 2600 video game is not for me. That $1500 CRT looks much sharper...

Don't believe me? Go to CompUSA or, better, Best Buy. LOOK closely at several sets and concentrate on the edges of things, especially in slow moving scenes. Start with projection or CRT sets then mosy over to the plasma/LCD sets.

Maybe they've just got the sets configured wrong? :shrug:

[tedoll78]

8. I went to Best Buy yesterday..

and saw a really nice HDTV LCD for a really low price compared to the LCDs. Then I peeked behind the screen and saw that it wasn't flat behind it like the uber-expensive models. Not that I care about whether the back is flat or not.

Anyone know the difference between LCD and HDTV LCD? I'm so friggin' confused, lol!

[desi]

12. A little info on this if you'll allow me.....

If the tag says HDTV it is already equipped with the receiver for the HD signal. Expect to pay a bit more.

If the tag says HDTV Monitor it means that you will have to purchase a separate set-top box in order to receive the HD signal.

All HDTV's and HDTV Monitors are digital since they can broadcast in 1080i which is good for gaming.

At the moment very few cable companies broadcast any HD programming. You get most HD broadcasting via DirecTV (Rupert Murdock soon)and free TV, mostly major sporting events and specials. For free TV you would need a HDTV or HDTV Monitor w/set top box and a special antenna. A regular outdoor antenna will not pick up the signal(similar to FM signal.)

If you need more info PM me and I'll be glad to help you.

LCD V Plasma....a Plasma HDTV Monitor/set top box (none yet with built in receiver) will give you the best picture of anything on the market today. About $6/7000 for that 50 in you want. Plasma's life span is measured in hours so for some people they will last ten years and for heavy users maybe six/seven. Very expensive if it ever needs repair. They will try and sell you the store's "extended warranty" for a Plasma which is usually limited to no more than two years at about $8/900 per year. Most vendors will not let you install it yourself and some charge an installation fee and others don't (one area you can negotiate.) Don't EVER pay the sticker price on ANY TV, they ALL negotiate in spite of "company policy." (I could go to jail for this LOL)

LCD Sony has/had two large 50in and 60in LCD HDTV Monitors available (last Spring/Summer) These are not flat though not as bulky as the rear projection TV's in that size. LCD's have bulbs that need replacing after extended use but it is something a consumer can do themselves. LCD's had a problem with high-speed games as do LCD computer monitors. Most serious gamers still prefer the old TV tube type. No problem for gamers with these two models. My personal preference would be the 60in LCD because of the cost factor. Plasmas will eventually come down to where I can afford one.....You can go to SonyStyle.com and check out the new models. You can probably tell that I am partial to Sony. I've sold them all and have shopped competitors and Sony is three steps ahead of all of their competitors. I wish I could demonstrate the bells and whistles for you....My second choice..Hitachi....good luck...

[Nevernose]

9. Enitrely possible at Best Buy or CompUsa

It shames me, in fact, to talk shit about my two favorite places on earth, but still...

The LCD's I looked at, at Ultimate and Frye's, were as close to film as I've ever seen; not quite as the plasma, MAYBE, but there was little issue with glare, either -- the problem with projection. Best Buy and Comp both have a reputation for poor displays

[supernova]

10. I want a slim profile

the whole point of having an LCD or plasma screen, IMO, is the slim profile. I don't want a big, honking piece of furniture anymore. But, I do want a big, honkin' screen to watch movies on.

I personally like the pioneer 50" plasma screen. I oogle it everytime I'm in Sears.

[Kellanved]

14. probably

Most LCD displays have a very high resolution. Their main disadvantage is that they have a very sharp picture, unlike an ordinary CRT (labeled poor man's anti-aliasing). The other problem is that the resolution is hard-wired - the picture is really great, if the source offers the same resolution is the display. If there is no HDTV source the set has to interpolate the missing pixels, which doesn't work too well, especially if the signal-quality is poor. In my experience Phillips has the best results, but as I'm in a PAL county I can't really say.

Another factor: lifetime. Plasmas have a really short one, suffer from burn-in and run very hot. LCDs life longer (not as long as a CRT) and have no burn-ins. The price for LCD panels is expected to take a huge drop, so I wouldn't buy one just now.

[mobuto]

11. Neither: Get a CRT

Get a flat-screened CRT. They still provide by far the best picture quality. But if you're dead-set on spending the big bucks, my un-expert understanding is that LCD is better than plasma in most cases.

[AndyTiedye]

13. Get A Projector

Much Bigger than big screen, but takes up no space.
Cheaper than plasma too.