Home audio & video: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies
Re: Plasma vs LCD reflections
by Pannylover4ever - 11/17/07 12:23 PM In reply to: PLASMA V. LCD by LMC2222In response to LMC2222
The Plasma screens are made of glass and the LCD have a plastic screen so what you are saying is partially true.
However, you will see the latest screens have addressed this already. The Panasonic PX77 for example has a anti-reflective coating that pretty much eliminates the reflection problems. Many new LCD's have switched from matte to glossy plastic and have the same reflection problem as Plasma.
I went into Best Buy the other day and checked out the latest Plasma and LCD screens with a friend who was looking to buy one.
If you watch them with dark material or with the screen off, you will see that both have some reflection issues. Same withe the new Brightview, some Sony and similar laptop LCD screens, they are highly reflective.
Most people tend to do majority of their viewing in the evenings when it is dark and reflections are a moot point. If the reflections bother you, get a matte LCD or anti-reflective plasma screen, or buy some curtains.
plasma vs LCD: both have a good and a bad side
by Xandi - 11/15/07 5:01 AM In reply to: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies by gabereyesOk, let's not get carried away. Both Plasma and LCD are well known devices, using technology available for many years, that now are good enough (and cheap enough) for mass market adoption. In summary, from my subjective tests (and some very objective tests, since I'm a gadget freak with an MS.EE and a PhD in Comp. Eng), Plasma have better contrast, images are more vivid, there are no ghosting effects. LCDs are very bright, have great resolution, but suffer a bit from ghosting, but consume a bit less power (and cost less). Both will make any consumer VERY happy, specially if he buys a 1080p model and has HD sources available (cable, HD-DVD player, etc.). My point: go out and get a big flat screen TV, Plasma or LCD, you will just love it!
Point of information On Plasma vs LCD
by asc2078 - 11/15/07 5:30 AM In reply to: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies by gabereyesI did not read every response on this thread so please excuse me if this was mentioned before. In their November 2007 issue, Consumer Reports Magazine published an excellent product comparison article on plasma and LCD televisions. I would recommend you get a copy of it if you want the unbiased facts on this subject.
I' own both so here are the facts and the new stuff...
by Gatorelf - 11/15/07 5:46 AM In reply to: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies by gabereyesThis is really a good discussion to have because of the confusion and the changing technology.. My Uncle and I had a heated argument in which I just said ok and left it at that. A salesman had told him that "the only TV that doesn't have a bulb in it was a Plasma TV. I was trying to get him to get an LCD for his next big purchase.. Well the confusion comes in the advertising.. LCD HDTV vs. LCD DLP HDTV .. (DLP Digital Light projection) just means a thicker TV with that bulb for the projection.. very nice but bigger.
About ten years ago I remember walking around in Best Buy doing what I always do when its time to buy a TV..Ignore the hype, Ignore the salesman just buy the TV with the best picture... Hmmmm simple enough, after all that's what I want in a TV.. well this very little set 15" caught my eye...omg what a picture and to be so thin..Yeah it was the Sharp Aquos wow...got to have that one day. Well in 2004 I bought the biggest they had at the time and the best picture. 30" for $3,400 lol...man lot of dough.. The good news is I still have it, never had a moment of trouble with it. Still looks as good as any of the others accept one I will mention later. I play games on it constantly. Finest Tv I ve ever owned. Now to the Plasma, there was a sale on a Hitachi 42" that I just couldn't pass up. 2k TV for $1,400 so I got it. Hmmm well, just never seems to be as sharp a picture even though both the same resolution and on top of that ghost images.
Not to be confused with 'Burn In' a ghost image is a reflection in-between the layers of glass. most noticeable from those irritating station icons in the lower right corner. OK so on to the differences that matter..
LCD 1080p 2" thick.. not to be confused with the cheaper LCD DLP's 4" thick plus
less thickness = less weight for moving it around etc. as large as 42 " you can still move this TV by yourself 
Less power consumption than a plasma
No ghost or Burn in images
Plasma 1080p 2" thick also
Slightly cheaper per inch of screen
still smaller than the LCD DLP but the same as LCD
Uses up to 50% more power than LCD = more heat more energy bill.
slower speed rate while playing games and possible ghost images.. I see them on my model every day, this may be worked out a bit with the latest models..and I mean last three months.
Ok here is by far the TV in a class by itself
Samsung 46" LCD 1080p 120 Hz
The 120 Hz model leads the pack now leaving the 80 Hz TV's in the dust. Sony has a model out to now the last couple months.
well hope I was clear on some of this I felt like I could talk about it since I have both to see all the time..
jonny
I HAVE BOTH AS WELL, MY OPINION..........
by tbagr - 11/15/07 6:17 AM In reply to: I' own both so here are the facts and the new stuff... by GatorelfWell, I too have both technologies in my house. My first was a Sharp Aquos 15" LCD, then a 42" Hitachi Ultravision Plasma for my bedroom, then a 26" Sony Wega for kitch, then a 40" Sony LCD for TV room and most recently a 58" Panasonic Plasma for theatre room. I believe both are reliable technologies and each have their place. My TV room is filled with windows (glare) and therefore I chose the 40" Sony LCD and my theatre room is dark. I also have to admit the cost of larger LCD's pursuaded me to purchase the 58" plasma vs. the Sony 52" LCD.
I have not has ANY problems with either technology, including screen burn in. The Hitachi in my bedroom probably gets the most use and has performed flawlessly.
HD reception, whether it be satellite or off air antenna looks amazing on both. The color on my 40" Sony is amazingly vivid.
Pros and cons, well, do what others have stated, do your research, look around, compare features, and cost. Don't worry about screen burn in or life of TV, the TV will more than likely outlast you or future technologies. Oh yeah, if you do burn out a plasma you are watching WAY TOO MUCH TV!!!
LOOK WHO IS TALKING!!!
by sobishop - 11/15/07 7:14 AM In reply to: I HAVE BOTH AS WELL, MY OPINION.......... by tbagr"Oh yeah, if you do burn out a plasma you are watching WAY TOO MUCH TV!!!"
Dude you have 5 TVs in your house. Apparently your watching WAY TOO MUCH TV.
to much tv
by Gatorelf - 11/15/07 7:17 AM In reply to: LOOK WHO IS TALKING!!! by sobishopLMAO, that was funny... anywayz im saving up for that 120Hz LCD ...i think 46" is as big as I want till I can afford a house with a theater room 
love the post here today on this, all good input
BE PATIENT!!!
by sobishop - 11/15/07 7:22 AM In reply to: to much tv by GatorelfIn all honesty, you need to wait till they combine the 120hrz technology with the LED screens for LCD flat panels. 120hrz eliminates judder and LED eliminates motion blur.
LCD vs plasma
by Gatorelf - 11/15/07 7:43 AM In reply to: BE PATIENT!!! by sobishopbut but but LED sounds interesting but I have Zero blur with this 4 yr old LCD...and Ive been dying to get a larger up 46" for my living room and loocking at these 120 Hz models looks even better than real life lol... my mom has the 1 yr old 42" plasma now.. i will read up on the LED TV's today .. thanks for that input.
and yes its true whoever posted it... the 1080p Plasma vs 1080p LCD is pretty much moot. they both look great... but the 120Hz LCD is the new kid on the block to beat. honestly cant imagian them getting better than that.. only lower in cost..its like $2,990 at best latley..only been out two months..
To each their own
by 10e - 11/15/07 7:27 AM In reply to: LOOK WHO IS TALKING!!! by sobishopWhat an interesting discussion.
There are myths, lies, and truth in everything.
Comparing an LCD vs. a plasma is as much about personal taste than anything. Initially, plasmas were expensive IMHO, and they still are to an extent.
But to say one is inherently better is misrepresentation.
LCDs are not sharper than plasmas at the same resolution. With the advent of full 1080p plasmas the sharpness debate is moot.
I use a 37" LG LCD at full 1920x1080 resolution as a computer monitor, 360, PS3, and video display and it is phenomenal. The viewing angles are incredible, the sharpness is great, and the black levels are decent, and black level DETAIL (far more important to me) is wonderful. I have no input lag, and motion blur is nicely contained.
Alternately, to have purchased an equivalent plasma with fullHD resolution the price would have been triple, but I would have gotten a better black level, no perceptible blur, and a wider gamut display.
Once the 1080p Plasmas lower in price to around the same level, I would say this debate, again falls to personal choice.
All in all though, it comes down to YOU the individual to find the TV with the features and picture YOU desire, in the price range you want to afford, and go from there.
In all technologies, there are good and not-so-good brands, and even good and not-so-good models within the brand.
Regards.
Re:To each their own
by Pannylover4ever - 11/18/07 9:20 PM In reply to: To each their own by 10eNice post, completely agree with most of what you said. I am however not aware of any plasma screens in the 37" size that have full 1080P, so I am not sure what you refer to when you say you can get one at triple the price.
As far as the price, when comparing name brands, the top plasma screens in 50" and above appear to be less than top LCD screens in that size.
As far as quality, LCD and Plasma are getting to be close enough, that telling them apart is getting a little bit harder every day.
After months of research - I finally bought a plasma TV =o)
by mynx626 - 11/15/07 7:20 AM In reply to: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies by gabereyesInitially I purchased a Toshiba 42HP66 Plasma TV. After 5 months of ownership, the panel produced a colorful display of "dots and lines" that indicated the panel had failed. I called Toshiba who referred me to a service center in my area. Two weeks later someone comes out to fix the panel (they had to order some parts and wait for them, etc.) only to be told that the parts they ordered wouldn't fix the problem. They took my TV back to their repair center where I waited a month for them to get in the new parts and install them in the TV. They delivered my fixed television and tested it out - everything was fine so they left. An hour later - the panel goes out again. I call them back, they order more parts, and again it does not fix the TV. Thoroughly frustrated I contact Toshiba who offers to replace my TV with an LCD. I politely decline - I already have an LCD TV, now I want a Plasma. They inform me they no longer make plasma TV's - I wonder why...... =O) 8 weeks later I receive a check for a full refund.
So here I am 3 months later and I've done a TON of research online. I did find some "questionable" information out there, but there is also a lot of really good information out there too. I did finally purchase a Panasonic TH-42PX75U (it was a tie between this and the Samsung HP-T4264). It was the customer feedback I found on various websites like Newegg.com and Amazon.com that helped me confirm my decision. I also considered Pioneer, but they tended to be more expensive in general for nearly the same features. The set so far has been fantastic and if/when I move to another house that has a larger space to hang a larger set - I will definitely consider Panasonic again (as well as Samsung - I've had great success with this brand in computer monitors as well). Below are some of the links I used during my research that I found very helpful. What I also came to realize is that it's not just the BRAND of TV - It's the MODEL NUMBER that matters as well. For example, Panasonic sells a plasma tv at Costco that is getting some terrible feedback/reviews on. Samsung's earlier model (the T4254) also had some known problems that were corrected in the T4264. The best advice I can give anyone looking to purchase a Plasma or LCD tv is this - do your homework before you go to the store (or purchase online) and don't get distracted by the salesman or popups for "special prices" for other brands/models. Have a clear idea of what you are going to buy BEFORE you purchase it. I allowed myself to be talked out of purchasing the Panasonic for the better deal of the Toshiba during my first purchase and you can see how well THAT worked out!
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/
http://www.beststuff.com/audiovideo/read-this-before-buying-a-plasma-or-lcd-tv.html
http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,240036500,00.htm
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/electronics/plasma-tv/
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/electronics/lcd-tv/
Plasmas are crap!!!
by sobishop - 11/15/07 7:31 AM In reply to: After months of research - I finally bought a plasma TV =o) by mynx626People you can't base your decision solely on reviews. Reviews are done after an item has been used for several hours. If I am gonna spend several thousands of dollars, I want to get the most out of my money and then some. As far as long term is concerned, Plasmas are crap. This technology will fade away, I guarantee you.
Plasma vs Lcd or is it Myths vs Lies
by mountaineer - 11/15/07 7:26 AM In reply to: Plasma vs. LCD or is it Myths vs Lies by gabereyesHello: Basically I have the same feelings toward the plasma/LCD discussion: There is more "posturing and posting" of misinformation on C-net than could be imaginable.Personally I have both a Pioneer PDP-6010FD and a Sony CRT 36 in. television installed and running. Each television is installed in an adjacent room to facilitate making as good of a 1/1 comparison as possible.
(1) Picture Quality and Detail: The CRT wins hand down: Please keep in mind that this Pioneer is considered by most of the rating media as the VERY BEST in flat screens and is what I based my purchase on. In viewing various C-net inputs I was led to believe just the opposite: That CRT's were the worst.Talk about a lot of misinformation.... I strongly suspect that the negative comments were originated by dealers trying to promote flat screen TV sales. The CRT (especially Sony) is noticaably superior.
(2) Aspect Ratio: It is in this attribute that the flat panels have the advantage and this is quite an advantage in my opinion. So flat panel's win this aspect of the rating wars. This is the attribute that will promote flat screens.
(2) Other Attributes: My 36" Sony (CRT) has performed without any problem(s) for at least six(6)years and it has been left on for many nights and I would hate to guess as to the number of hours this TV has been in use. So I continue to ask myself the question as to why the CRT is being phased out. I suspect that the real reasons are that the manufacturing cost(?) would be prohibitive in making a 9:16 CRT and/or the TV manufacturers desire to create a "new technology" that would promote increased sales.The latter is, I suspect, the real reason: Change the format in order to justify the significently larger prices tossed onto the buying public. Business would be in the pits if the turnover was in six or more year increments.
I do not think that the difference in energy use, if any, is any influence in considering a flat panel over a CRT but I do plan on making a amperage study on these TV's in the near future.
In conclusion, color wise and in picture detail, the best of CRT's are noticeably superior to flat panels if one can disregard the aspect ratio difference. Also just keep in mind that CRT's have been manufactured for 50+ years with numerous technological advances made. Is there any reason to expect anything different with plasma's/ LCD?
CRTs aren't even debatable!
by sobishop - 11/15/07 7:37 AM In reply to: Plasma vs Lcd or is it Myths vs Lies by mountaineerCRT is not on trial here. The absolute only reason we are getting away from CRTs is because they are way to bulky and way to heavy especially when you start getting into 30" or higher. Otherwise it dominates any new tech we currently have on the market today.
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