Touch the Future Now at Staples
Home audio & video: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am:
- 11/14/07 3:04 PM
Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am:
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/14/07 3:04 PM
When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am:
- Well informed and ready to buy. (How did you get informed?)
- Somewhat informed. (Please explain.)
- Still confused. (What makes it confusing?)
- Overwhelmed (Please explain.)
- Not interested in either plasma or LCD TVs. (Please explain.)
- Already in plasma and LCD heaven and enjoying it!
- Other (Please explain.)
I am...
by Lac Man - 11/14/07 3:59 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
- Already in plasma AND LCD heaven and enjoying it!
I did most of my research on plasma's and LCD's on www.cnet.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, www.curcuitcity.com and most importantly www.avsforum.com.
I found the most informatoin on avsforum.com, no price talk, straight info from owners of all types of A/V equipment. I've stated this in almost every thread I've posted in, but again, I do not think that plasma's are any better than LCD's and likewise. There are peaks and downfalls with both types of T.V.s I've gone through what seems like a slew of R.P.'s, plasmas and LCD's. I now own two LCD's and one plasma (in the guest room, unwatched really) simply because of the glare on plasmas and image retention (burn-in). I read that someone posted that LCD's can also get burn ins but I have personally never seen or experienced that, doesn't mean it doesn't happen though! I've been happy with every purchase I've made on "next-gen" T.V.s. Plasmas have a fantastic picture, but LCD's do as well! They just both have little kinks and both have perks.
If you can't decide between the two try buying one and try it out within your usual 30-day return window and see how you like it. The ideal thing to do would be buy your favorite plasma and favorite LCD and set them up next to eachother and see which one you like more, but not many people can do that...wish I could have!
This can be very true.
by jcrobso - 11/27/07 9:30 AM In reply to: I am... by Lac ManTwo years ago I was on a quest for a HDTV, I spent 6 months doing so.
I did massive amounts of online reading and looked at about every HDTV on the market at the time.
Here is what I found out: Every type of HDTV TV (Plasma, LCD, DLP, LCoS, CRT, rear projection, etc.) has good points and draw backs. There is no one perfect HDTV for everyone!
For example:
You may want to get the 72" DLP-RP set but your room has a lot of windows, and the sun floods the room in the afternoon. A plasma set would work better in this case. Or you could get room darking shades.
One problem I had after I bought my 47" CRT-RP set, my wife liked it in the store but when we got it home a in our living room it looked twice as big. My wife said it's to big, take it back. I got a tape measure and showed her that it was the same size as the one in the store. I'm still not sure if she is entirely convinced.
Two years ago the CRT sets had the best picture, of course today you won't find any CRT sets, the prices have dropped so much in two years.
So if I were buying today it would most likely be LCoS RP for the living room. John
Plasma or LCD
by RolliePJ - 11/14/07 6:54 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
After comparing plasma, LCD, and DLP, I came away with the conclusion that DLP has a far better picture then either. I purchased a DLP and have never been happier. I have had people come into my house who had either plasma or LCD and they all commented that my DLP put their units to shame. They have traded in their sets and bought DLP sets and are happy they did.
lcd vs plasma
by 97gtp - 11/14/07 6:58 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The total black delivered by DLP, the apparent video quality excedes other systems. Measured vs precieved performance is how Bose sells audio systems. The experience is more important than technical specs.
Either or?
by DaveLister33 - 11/14/07 6:58 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I spent a lot of time researching and found DLP to be better than Plasma or LCD. Why does CNET ignore the better alternative?
DLP
by Ultrafast - 11/14/07 7:10 PM In reply to: Either or? by DaveLister33DLP is not a flat panel technology. DLP TVs are simply an integrated rear projection system, so they don't fall into the same category as LCD and plasma displays (the thing that makes it confusing is that you also have LCD rear projection TVs, again different from LCD flat panel TVs). While they are often very nice you should take note of the possibility of simply purchasing a DLP or LCD projector and using your own, far larger projection surface. This is a little more hassle, but a true home theater is worth the work.
The only problem with the DLP system is that only one color can be controlled at a time, and to overcome this problem there is a rapidly spinning color wheel or other method of changing the color of the light. When your eyes move over the screen as this happens, you can sometimes see a rainbow pattern, similar to the way your hand appears blurred if you move it rapidly in front of a CRT display. I am particularly sensitive to this problem and so I had to purchase a more expensive LCD projector to avoid having this issue, yet have the same level of performance as a cheaper DLP projector would have provided
DLP
by DaveLister33 - 11/14/07 7:49 PM In reply to: DLP by UltrafastI have 1 year old 56" Samsung DLP with the double rate wheel and I've never noticed anything like what you describe. Although the sets aren't "flat", they are pretty thin and the picture is far better IMO.
LCD/PLASMA vs, DLP
by rcappleby - 11/16/07 7:20 PM In reply to: Either or? by DaveLister33Cnet may be overlooking "the better choice" because, though DLP does have a much better picture when looking straifgt on, It has a MUCH shorter life than either of the other two, and, like a projection TV, It has a very narrow viewing area. LCD and Plasma have nearly na full 180 degree (165 av.) viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically, whils DLP only has a viewing area of approx. 120 degrees in any direction. I, for one, want ALL my guests to have a great experience, not just a couple.
Bob (standing up for CNet)
viewing angle
by mach1219 - 11/16/07 8:57 PM In reply to: LCD/PLASMA vs, DLP by rcapplebywhile i have read the DLPs have a narrower viewing angle, I have not had any problems viewing my 52" DLP from 160 degrees out, or more (in my dining room looking into living room) and think this is a something, from personal experience, to not even concern oneself with when deciding which format to purchase.
-Other
by jonnybones - 11/14/07 6:59 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Very well informed, but low on funds
LCD or Plasma TV? How about neither...
by Ultrafast - 11/14/07 7:04 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have two ways to watch TV/movies in my house. One is one the computer with a real time HD-Capture card by avid. This is nice, it's like HD TiVo, and on the 30" apple cinema display it sure looks great. This display is in a totally different league from plasma or even LCD TVs. My display is calibrated and, by the numbers, is almost as good as the benchmark Eizo display that sits next to it. This said, however, 30" is simply not that big these days.
For a truly immersive TV experience we use a projector. This too defies comparison with the usual TVs. Not only is it on a different scale when projected on the 185" Da-Lite screen, but the image quality is phenomenal. True HD, excellent response times and perfect colors are the words that come to mind, but it still doesn't fully describe the whole experience.
I've tried many LCD displays that simply weren't up to par, and while plasma displays have flashy, attractive images, they still lack realism. Also, plasma TV's are extremely power hungry (a 42" plasma can use more than double the power of a normal refrigerator in a normal year of use). I highly recommend the route I took, provided you have the space. For $3000 you can have a 200" HD system, and that includes the price of a mid range 7.1 channel digital surround sound system. For that same $3000 you can get a 42" LCD or 50" plasma, with all its associated problems, and typically weak sound system. I think the choice is clear
Plasma vs LCD
by danceman99 - 11/14/07 10:31 PM In reply to: LCD or Plasma TV? How about neither... by UltrafastI bought a 46" LCD, and after having a 27" Sony Trinitron, I love the sharp crispness and the vivid color of the LCD. I also went for a LCD because I use it as a monitor with my computer. I use the PIP/POP for working on the computer, while watching TV. You are right, the price of the 46' LCD cost much less than a Plasma of the same size.
I know not to buy a plasma
by sordello - 11/14/07 7:14 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Reason #1
I run a repair shop and the parts are incredibly expensive - A typical repair usually runs around $500. Number one piece of advice when buying a plasma or a LCD TV - GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY!!!
#2
They do draw a lot more power then a LCD or DLP projection set. When Testing I usually have to go straight to the wall plug rather than my 400 watt variac. they usually will pop the circuit breaker.
#3
Most manufacturers are scaling back there development of plasma in favor of LCD type displays in favor of LCD production. The cost of LCD on larger displays has become equivalent to Plasma in the 42in range. A couple have even closed there plasma screen manufacturing plants.
The current investment in plasma by manufacturers is slightly less then 20% while the LCD development has risen to near 80% of their investment.
On another tangent and this applies to both LCD and Plasma - do avoid the cheapest sets out there. The parts are becoming obsolete before the sets are even out of warranty. The worst are the Funai sets. They are branded for lots of manufacturers. A few to mention are Scott, Akai, Sansui, Phillips Magnavox. I have even seen a few LCD sets branded for Wall-Mart with the ILO brand name - No parts available at all. If it breaks throw it away and get a new one!
I think I'll stick with my Toshiba Projection HD set for a while longer. The DLP's with the laser light engine will be here soon and maybe Oleds are the next big thing...
Nether LCD or Plasma, DLP all the way!
by fliersrr - 11/14/07 7:43 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I love my first generation Samsung DLP HDTV. Can't find a better picture in any store, but still looking. I sure would like something to hang on the wall, but so far none compare to the DLP first generation.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
