Plasma vs. LCD

Gwen Habenicht · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:19 pm

Thinking about going to HDTV. I’ve been reading about plasma and LCD. What I’ve discerned so far basically is that plasma screens start in larger sizes, which is fine since we’ll be replacing a large screen set. Price sounds about equal. It sounds as though plasma can be seen at a greater angle than LCD, and perhaps has slightly sharper display. I’d be interested in hearing opinions on both. I’m sure we’re like the last “family on the block” to go HD.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:25 pm

Gwen Baake wrote:

Thinking about going to HDTV. I’ve been reading about plasma and LCD. What I’ve discerned so far basically is that plasma screens start in larger sizes, which is fine since we’ll be replacing a large screen set. Price sounds about equal. It sounds as though plasma can be seen at a greater angle than LCD, and perhaps has slightly sharper display. I’d be interested in hearing opinions on both. I’m sure we’re like the last “family on the block” to go HD.

I have both, and the plasma is better than the LCD. Put them side by side (at the store) and look at the 'blacks'. On a LCD they will be a dark grey vs. a true black. Both are still darn good, but IMO the plasma is just a bit better. Besides, in the larger 50"+ sizes the plasma is (or it was last year) cheaper.

Either way, unless you are blind, HD is just plain awesome.

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:26 pm

When I was looking 2 yrs ago, an equivalently priced LCD didn't have nearly the picture quality (especially during action shots) of the Plasma.

I don't know how that has changed in the past two years, but the best advice I can give is to try to find a store that has equivalent models on display.

Frank Catena · **Joined:** Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:08 pm **Posts:** 418

Good advice above. The most affordable large screen HD sets are rear projection but those have issues too (notably off axis viewing). Plasma is a power hog, I think California is discussing outlawing them ...

Another consideration is that you really need not buy more resolution (spend more $$$) than your eyes can see. This is a function of screen size, viewing distance and resolution. Helpful chart here:

http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

Also remember that all broadcast sources today are 1080i or 720p. BluRay and some movie channels support 1080p.

Frank

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:07 pm

If you're buying under 40" screen size, don't get caught in the 120/240Mhz stats. You can even almost forget about 1080 vs 720, as the pixel size is so small the incremental benefit may not be worth the cost...Ditto on the eyesight statement. My dad has terrible eyesight and enjoys guffawing about how that "newfangled TV" doesn't look any better than his 20-year old Sylvania at his house.....

Plasma is a power hungry technology, but it's getting better.

LCD technology has significantly improved in the last 2-3 years. Better blacks than before, approaching plasma, for generally less money. The LED backlit screens allow for a truer black, since those pixels are actually "off" when the screen registers black, but you may pay a price premium for that currently.

Consider your input sources as well. Most cable HD stuff is moving to 1080i, some is still 720p. I have a 46" Sony XBR8 and can't tell the difference. BUT, HDTV will bring out every iota of craptacular noise and graininess that is in standard def signals, but it's still tolerable. True 1080p is on a few HD channels, I thin, and in BluRay format...a good cheap upscaling DVD player will take a 420p DVD signal and make it look pretty darn good as well.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Plasmas typically use more electricity than LCDs and will run a bit hotter. So there are some energy considerations. Also Plasmas will tend to temporarily "ghost" an image if left too long on the screen -- not typically permanent and you barely notice.

I have 2 bargain 720p plasmas and see no reason personally to spend more money on a TV. The 42" Vizio was $799 about 3 years ago and the 50" Samsung was $799 about 1 year ago. They are both great and I wouldn't hesitate to buy the same again.

Frank Catena · **Joined:** Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:08 pm **Posts:** 418

Just my humble opinion but 240Hz is more of a marketing point than anything else. 120Hz does help with judder as different sources have different frame rates (either 24 frames per second or 30 frames per second). 120Hz is significant in that it can support either frame rate by simply repeating frames. I think most folks will notice (at least when prompted) the judder reduction afforded by 120Hz.

Frank

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:21 pm

I second Vizio as a good brand. IIRC they use Samsung panels which are quality. For everyday viewing in medium or brightly lit rooms, that pricepoint is the sweetspot.

RobLupella · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 5:09 pm

Gwen Baake wrote:

I’m sure we’re like the last “family on the block” to go HD.

2nd to last. Still don't have HD :-)

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 5:10 pm

RobLupella wrote:

Gwen Baake wrote:

I’m sure we’re like the last “family on the block” to go HD.

2nd to last. Still don't have HD :-)

same here....

Brian.Sweeney · **Joined:** Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:11 pm **Posts:** 12

When shopping for an LCD, make sure to look for "light bleed." To see it, get a solid black image while the tv is on and look for spots that are a bit more towards white than other parts. It typically happens around the edges and is a good indication of lesser build quality. I think it has to do with how well the LCD is sealed around the edges and blocks light from the backlight.

And just for extra confusion's sake, we have 2 Samsung DLP tvs at my house and love them. They are INCREDIBLY light. I don't know how expensive they are, and they are rear-projection, so you have to replace bulbs every 2-4 years, but we got 'em off craigslist and haven't had a problem.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:36 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

RobLupella wrote:

Gwen Baake wrote:

I’m sure we’re like the last “family on the block” to go HD.

2nd to last. Still don't have HD :-)

same here....

Our idea of "flat screen" is a 24 inch Sony with a "flat" (relatively) front CRT. Our other TV is a 20 inch CRT.

Dick

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:39 pm

Brian.Sweeney wrote:

When shopping for an LCD, make sure to look for "light bleed." To see it, get a solid black image while the tv is on and look for spots that are a bit more towards white than other parts. It typically happens around the edges and is a good indication of lesser build quality. I think it has to do with how well the LCD is sealed around the edges and blocks light from the backlight.

And just for extra confusion's sake, we have 2 Samsung DLP tvs at my house and love them. They are INCREDIBLY light. I don't know how expensive they are, and they are rear-projection, so you have to replace bulbs every 2-4 years, but we got 'em off craigslist and haven't had a problem.

One of my coworkers shopped really hard before also buying a DLP. He considered it to be the best overall tradeoff. I think his only disappointment is actually sound quality from the on sale unit.

Carl Fisher · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:25 pm

Brian.Sweeney wrote:

And just for extra confusion's sake, we have 2 Samsung DLP tvs at my house and love them. They are INCREDIBLY light. I don't know how expensive they are, and they are rear-projection, so you have to replace bulbs every 2-4 years, but we got 'em off craigslist and haven't had a problem.

We have a Samsung DLP with LED light sources instead of white light and color wheel. LED = Long life, bright colors and low energy use. No color wheel = no rainbow effect (for those who see it). Ours has a very thin bezel (frame) so it's almost all picture, which we like.

I know you asked about plasma vs LCD, but we like ours a lot.

Michael Westerfield · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:35 pm

Although plasma uses more power you should look at the costs. Most people pay about 10 cents per kWh. At 50", I think power consumption is about 250w vs 500w. So, every 4 hours you watch would cost you about 10 cents cents more. Hardly a budget buster. That being said I own a mustang, plasma, and club baby seals when I find the time.

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