Home audio & video forum: TV power consumption/longevity

Oh, I know they're not getting away with $14-$17/year with how much tv they watch, regardless of which set they're using. It was more just that it seemed to be too low *compared to LCD sets*. For example, the LG 42CS560 listed as $22/year, or the Sharp LC-42SV50U at $18/year, are both LCDs, yet their normalized energy guide cost is higher than the plasmas of the same size? Is that accurate? I thought plasma typically used twice as much power as LCD or more.

I do see room for error though. YMMV.

Right, so while plasmas are using *less* power these days, it does look like the very low figures quoted by the energy guide stickers are often misleading (and I have no reason to believe these are an exception). From CNET's own Panasonic TC-P50U50 review:

"As usual its Standard picture mode is vanishingly dim, which accounts for the relatively low default power usage. That low default power use is also the reason this TV qualifies for Energy Star 5.3..."

And indeed the 125W default power usage is pretty close to what its energy guide suggests, but once calibrated it jumps to over 200W.

That said, it doesn't look like the LCDs in the price range (~$400ish) are really that much better, and quality-brand LEDs of this size are at least $100 extra. So I'll probably just go with the Samsung plasma anyway. Thanks everyone for your input!

Since you seemed to have ruled out the energy usage as a factor, which of the other two are you focused on? Just curious how you necessarily ended up with the Sammy over the Panny.

cheers

I can get them for the same price, and I doubt my 68 year old father on an old tube tv would even notice the difference in picture quality. Mainly I'm just going by the fact that if it breaks, Samsung will fix it on site, whereas according to the owner's manual Panasonic only does carry in service unless the TV is 46" or larger. I'm mildly paranoid since my own LG 42LV4400 has needed service twice so far in the 9 months I've owned it.

...then definitely go with the brand that would go the extra mile you might require.

OTOH, you might inquire whether or not the e-tailer or retailer offers a similar, in-home, repair option if needed. YMMV. Might be a nominal extra fee.

Are you of the opinion the Panasonic is worth the extra inquiry/cost? I haven't found any expert reviews on either, and as far as I can tell from specs and user reviews it seems like a wash in terms of features and picture quality.

But YMMV.