Home audio & video: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am:
- 11/14/07 3:04 PM
Plasma TV
by jkc84 - 11/18/07 7:31 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I own and love my 42" Plasma TV that I bought (On Black Friday 2006). I picked this one 100% on the recomendations on Cnet (THANKS for being there for us non techies). My only minor complaints are the reflection of objects in the room on the screen and the heat it produces in the summer. The PS is 340 or 375 watts - that's like having 3 100 watt and a 75 watt bulb on. So much for saving the enviroment w/ my compact flourescent (sp) bulbs. When the grandkids are over and watch the TV for exended periods (They're 2 and do play outside) in the summer - the family room gets up to 79 degrees or more while the rest of the house is 74. Great in the winter but not efficent heat. Jim
Plasma heat
by fishwealth - 11/18/07 7:38 AM In reply to: Plasma TV by jkc84I don't have a plasma but I have several LCD monitors. I think this amount of heat would be an issue in my decision as we try to cut down on power usage and recycle to relieve green house gases.
Forget about the Toshiba
by sylvainqc - 12/27/07 10:42 AM In reply to: Plasma TV by jkc84Few people (except may be reviewers) seem to have noticed that Rear and also Front projectors' technology has gone a long way lately, compared to first projectors. So much that no plasma can compete with projectors right now. And of course, projectors go from cheap and awful (RCA tvs..) to magical and wonderful (Sony, JVC, Panasonic and others)
SXRD (Sony) problems of the begining have been corrected, and Sony even offer an extra 3 year warranty to those who bought the problematic first KDS serie RProjectors. (prior to 2006)
Funny how different experiences can go.. My best friend just bought a Toshiba rptv in the last year and he swears he would trade it for a Sony anytime.. and regrets he hasn't seen Sony first.. and I agree with him each time we watch a film at his place. Very dull tv.
My only advice to you is: go to a huge specialised store and see for yourself. Samsung and JVC also have surprisingly looking good rptv. My next buy is either the 70" SXRD for my living room, or a front projector to go over 100".. and it's not a matter of cost vs plasma. Just the extra excitement provided by sheer vibrant images..
Sylvain
Would probably buy neither
by robert76512 - 11/18/07 4:36 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I already have a Pioneer rear projection set that is awesome, even though it is 6 years old!
I would probably buy a DLP, which, by the way, I read will be the projection system of the future in theatres.
I like the picture of LCD better than plasma because I can see the annoying pixels when I get anywhere near a plasma, but as I said, if I got another projection set it would be DLP.
DLP in theaters
by ksawatzk - 11/18/07 5:44 PM In reply to: Would probably buy neither by robert76512I saw the Transformers movie twice. First was at a theater w/ a DLP projector, second at a theater with a standard movie projector. The difference was UNBELIEVABLY in favor of the DLP.
OK - how did you know
by RichardThornton - 11/19/07 7:45 AM In reply to: DLP in theaters by ksawatzkOK, I am not the brightest bulb in the package - other than the significant difference you mention in the visual acuity of the film, how did you know the theatre was using DLP? Did you ask or is there somewhere one can go to obtain this information? Anyone know the projection method of the IMAX theatres? Is it something similar or in a class of its own?
One more question for all - which brand of HDTV (1080p of course) DLP has the best picture? Service record? Anyone have their finger on what pricing will do for this weekends sales?
Dumber than a box of rocks in Texas.
It was obvious!
by ksawatzk - 12/27/07 11:03 AM In reply to: OK - how did you know by RichardThornton...only because of the fact that they had a sign entering the theater saying it was a DLP projector and then ran a big DLP splash screen before the movie started.
why doesnt sony offer DLP
by mach1219 - 12/27/07 1:44 PM In reply to: DLP in theaters by ksawatzkDoes anybody know? One of the best names in the game, yet they ignore the best technology?
I chose Sony SXRD and it's fantastic!
by sylvainqc - 11/20/07 10:17 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
While shopping, and having on my mind to buy a Panasonice Plasma, one salesman convinced me to give a "try" to a Sony SXRD (Silicone cristal reflective display) retro projection tv and then, if I was not satisfied.. just take it back to the store, a month later. I always thought that "projection tv" was big screen display for the el cheapo non discriminating guy..
Well, a month later, I went to the store.. and couldn't get myself to choose any Plasma or LCD I saw on display.. and live without my Sony SXRD.. it's just to good, and all the time. I love this TV and look forward to be able affording another one.. a 70" this time.
Sylvain
HDTV - The BIG Ripoff
by Just4fun - 11/23/07 8:20 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First there was HDTV. with higher resolution. Then the FCC and the Government in an effort to get the TV spectrum for business created the "FAKE HDTV". More affordable and digital but really NO BETTER than the old TV resolution. Just 4 times more expensive!
We used to get FREE TV over the air waves, but slowly that is being eliminated and everyone will have to BUY their TV signals. And will we be commercial free, Ha Ha.. No way!
Then there is the "Digital is better argument". NUTS! Have you ever had a VHS tape STOP dead? Have you ever not gotten any signal form an analog station? Digital is great - when it works... Hey Analog was great when it worked also. And a lot less expensive!
Plus, there was ONE Standard. You did not have to pay royalties to 50 different companies for some piece of code that you may never use. Or for code that limits your ability to do what you want with the material you just paid for.
I think there should be a law that every time the digital signal drops out the supplier pays a fine. DVDs, Players, and TVs should be required to be certified to be compatible to a standard. They should be required to be clearly labeled as COMPATIBLE or NON-COMPLIANT.
And the choice is ...
by jspeedo - 11/23/07 1:49 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to buying a plasma or LCD TV, I am: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Sorry for the long post but trying to draw others into discussion - just when I make up my mind I find some other data to mull over. I have learned much but as a wise man once said - there is no limit to what I do not know.
A month or more of intense reading and researching via reviews on CNet, Cunsumer Reports, AVSForum, HDTVGuru and others, magazines, BB, CC, I now have all the info I need right? Well let's just say I still have not made up my mind. Am I in the paralysis by analysis of too much data now? Most definitely. That all said though the seeking of the knowledge is fun but the discarding of FUD can be challenging.
For me it all started with worrying about bright sunlight washing out the TV screen from a second story great room window that is not likely to ever see curtains if I want to stay happily married to my Lovely Bride. But after finding that there are high-tech low-cost solutions like sunlight blocking films for windows available that have other virtuous qualities as well (save heating/cooling $$$, block harmful UV etc.) I have now lowered if not removed that priority for my decision factors.
My conclusions based on repeated comments from the more technical respondees that seem backed up by the Cnet reviewers, and other technical websites are:
1. Plasma - Pro's: Best pictue overall in lower light rooms with deeper blacks, better contrast, and wider viewing angle. Cons: Drawbacks include reflective screens, get dimmer as more of the screen area lights up, and slightly higher power consumption. FUD: life span issues, burn-in (it exists but being aware with newer technology you can prevent it - remember CRTs that we've used for years were very susceptible as well).
2. LCD - Pros: Generally the brightest pictures with least relective screen giving a better performance with better contrast in well lit rooms. Great for gamers and best if connecting a PC. Drawbacks: Cost is highest, several reviewers note that picture can be harsh - less natural. FUD: Motion Blur - the latests LCDs have vitually eliminated this - not totally as with plasma but most people will not motice on the high sets. But that will cost you mucho $$$$. I almost bought the Sony LCD 52XBR5 until I lowered the ambient high light concern from my criteria.
3. RPTV - New to my purchase options. Generally seems to be love 'em or hate 'em. By far the most screen for the dollar. Manufacturer's appear to be leaning toward the flat panels (LCD and Plasma).
Pros: excellent picture in large sizes for both contrast and color reproduction. Great contrasting with newer LCos technology with the dynamic Iris providing deep blacks. Based on realistic sitting arrangements (who sits only 5-7 feet from their TV) will deliver best detailed picture in HD broadcast and 1080P DVD playback. Most screen for fewer $$. Con - DLP types can suffer from color separation giving a rainbow effect - some people very sensitive to - others not. FUD: Lamp Replacement will break the bank - for those that need it cost to replace which is much longer now will never equal cost to buy a plasma or LCD in this screen size. Heavier and bulky. Not true - a 60" Sony less than 100# whereas a 52" Sony XBR is 120# and a 57" Panny plasma weighs in at a hefty 165#. Depth of newer RPTVs runs around 16" - when you add a mount to any LCD or Plasma guesswhat - you are at least 12 - 14" if not more.
Plasma lovers, LCD lovers, and RPTV lovers can all find things to add, defend, or overrate but it appears to me that there are a lot of great options and one thing I have heard from experts is to define your environment and viewing habits then decide.
For me:
Environment - two story greatroom lots of windows, sitting distances range from 9 feet to 13 feet with an average aroung 10-1/2'.
What we watch: Will be switching to Direct TV soon (currently Time Warner cable) HBO/Showtime for movies, occasional on demand, a DVD from netflix once a week, sports often, and a couple favorite TV shows - My guess is similar to a vast majority of us - in other words we watch a variety of TV shows and DVDs. No gaming but we are considering a Sony game system w/ BluRay and Internet capability.
All this said we are leaning to the Sony KDS-60A3000 - Great Price and good reviews. Was considering the Sony KDS-R60XBR2 SXRD but in the Home Theter Mag 2007 RPTV Face Off it did not impress much http://hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/207rptvface/index3.html
Does anyone have experience with either of these Sony's or comparable other brand RPTVs. Unless I am floored by a Plasma or LCD picture I am fairly certain I have decided on RPTV. With the amount of money I will save I can actually buy a 32" - 40" LCD for the sunroom now.
sony
by mach1219 - 11/23/07 2:50 PM In reply to: And the choice is ... by jspeedoBuy a Toshiba, and enjoy higher realiability, (less buld changes, my freind with a sony has changed his bulb three times and I have yet to change mine ever)better picture and much better value overall than sony RPTV
BRAVO!
by RichardThornton - 11/23/07 9:12 PM In reply to: And the choice is ... by jspeedoSuccinctly put! All very valid and (bless you) brief points. I must agree that for all the hype, the RPTVs have the edge at the moment and that is basically size for the buck. Picture is seemingly equal - all things considered. The 65" HP DLP HDTV (I need a few more acronyms in there) I had experienced many problems but when push came to shove I tried replacing it with 50" PioneerLCD (wow $$), a 52 or 54 (forgot) Sony Plasma (came real close) and a 52" Panny Plasma. (I have tried 5 or 6 all told) They were all similar in picture quality - all had their +'s and -'s but I think it is the $$ that will win out over all as the well spoken and concise poster above put it - I had money left from the buyback from HP to buy a Playstation 3 for my son and got 10 free - at the store (WalMart) Blu-ray DVD's + another 5 coming from Blu-ray. The 10 at the store were all current hits, Spidy3, LiveFree, GridIron, etc etc - not some 3 year old movies like the 5 disc freebies (deal starts in the AM 11/24 at WM, of course limited supply et al, YMMV etc). Yesiree Bob, it looks like male enhancement is going to be spelled RP for me. Thanks to ALL posters regardless of your preference. Every one of you presented in civil, very detailed language and content. No name calling or brand bashing. Not bad for 2007 on the Internet. Gee - the sharing of information, ideas and opinons on a widely available world wide network of people - what a concept! Wonder if it will catch on?
Bravo indeed
by jspeedo - 11/23/07 9:50 PM In reply to: BRAVO! by RichardThorntonIt takes a lot of time and effort to make an informed decision - more for some of us who are learning as we go here. Thanks - there is indeed so much FUD and BS out there - when I think about it anything will beat my 10 year old 36" JVC so just go buy something, but I really do want some bang for the buck. Elitism doesn't matter (wether a Plasma snob or LCD snob), I realized years ago our ears and eyes have limitations well below all the specs trotted out. Let's just keep it real with our own real life experiences - reviews help but too much tecjnical data on color perfect temps etc blow my mind. I just want quality, a very good picture and reliability. And I agree - some very good posters have helped me along a hearty Thank You and keep on postin' - I recognize your name, and others as well - I hope I do not butcher their names - Stuntman_Mike (very good!), gabereyes - funny, real, and almost grammarless (a word?) but informing for sure - thanks to all.
ps - I still have to decide darn it!
Picking a HDTV
by Just4fun - 11/27/07 5:18 AM In reply to: Bravo indeed by jspeedoDoes anyone know a website where comparison data are listed?
I'd like to know how many of what connectors sets have?
What is the backlight? LED or Florescent.
What is the warranty coverage?
How does the TV handle different video formats?
How accurate is the color compare to others?
How bright?
Viewing angles?
etc.
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