Hi Def TV Question

RodgerH · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron61

Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going to have to spend so much to replace my whole darn satellite system that I don't want to get something that isn't going to last at least a reasonable time and the fact that some channel leave their logo on down in the corner all the time had me wondering about the burn in thing.

Ron

We have HD digital cable and recently purchased a 58" Panasonic 1080p HD plasma for the rec room. It is absolutely amazing. We think the images and colors are noticeably brighter and sharper compared to the LCDs.

I spent some time researching the image burn in issue and learned that several years ago the higher end plasma manufacturers went to a technology where the image actually moves around slightly, only a few pixels. You don't even notice it (I can't even see it) but it greatly minimizes - or even eliminates - the burn in of stationary images like logos. You can read about it on many of the AV forums.

Rodger

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 08:44 AM

Roger,

Thanks for the feedback. That is much larger than I could use in my small room but the same principals should apply to a smaller screen. It sounds as if the Plasmas have made some big improvements in the past few months.

Ron

clayfoushee · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerH

We have HD digital cable and recently purchased a 58" Panasonic 1080p HD plasma for the rec room. It is absolutely amazing. We think the images and colors are noticeably brighter and sharper compared to the LCDs.

I spent some time researching the image burn in issue and learned that several years ago the higher end plasma manufacturers went to a technology where the image actually moves around slightly, only a few pixels. You don't even notice it (I can't even see it) but it greatly minimizes - or even eliminates - the burn in of stationary images like logos. You can read about it on many of the AV forums.

Rodger

I disagree that plasma is brighter and sharper. Actually, my eyes tell me the opposite. In a side-by-side comparison, at a high-end store viewing both fed by the same source, I think plasma is a bit fuzzier and duller.................see what I mean? Some people think plasma is more realistic because LCD is so sharp and bright, but it's TOTALLY subjective.

There is no consensus, prices are pretty close to the same now, and LCDs are now outselling plasma. That in and of itself speaks volumes.

However, and again, it's best to buy what looks best to you. Don't you have stores like Best Buy or Circuit City, Ron? Tell Dish Network you're switching to Direct TV. You'll then get it free from either.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:53 AM

An LCD with a big block FE in it is unquestionably superior to a Plasma with a small block in it...

and besides, the LCD image is REAL, the Plasma image is but a replica of the true image....

427sharpe · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 10:13 AM

I bought a Phillips plasma, love it. 6 year in house parts and labor warranty included. No burn in problems. Only b*tch is that it (and all plasmas I have seen) get H_O_T! Ours is on most of the day and when I get home I think I could fry an egg on it.

1ntCobra · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 11:13 AM

Consumer reports compared LCDs and Plasmas recently. Check it out at your local library.

One thing I think they said was that Plasmas have better blacks, but are not as bright as LCDs. So LCDs will do better in a bright room. I only vaguely remember the article as I don't plan on replacing my antique 1080i 34 inch widescreen CRT HDTV anytime soon. I don't think anyone even makes CRT HD TVs anymore.

Ron61 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 12:06 PM

Thanks guys,

Cobra, I already knew about the Blu Ray not being able to play on a standard DVD.I was just waiting until the war was over to see which format won out. I will keep my pretty new VCR/DVD for the movies I have on the old DVDs and get the Blu Ray and just plug it into the TV for future movies that will now come in that format. As for recording I don't use the VCR as I do that on the satellite DVD. The VCR/DVD player I got just to play movies on. As for satellites I get 110 and 119. They told me the dish would have to be changed but that the new one would be just a little larger than this one, but not noticeable from the ground as mine is mounter on the roof. But since I am in no hurry and am just starting to take a serious look at this now that the DVD format war is over, I can talk to them about what options they might make available.

Ron

Ronbo · #8 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 12:47 PM

There's one big difference that put plasmas way out in front.

Blacks are the most black on a plasma, I spent the extra and bought the elite, just like I spent the money and got the Kirkham. No regrets.

My old Pioneer big screen died after 15 great years of trouble-free fantastic viewing. So I bought another.

The only plasmas I saw burn in were the same as CRT's, sitting in the lobby of a business displaying the same image for months.

Samsung and Sony are a close second and Pioneer is #1. Has been for 20yrs.

Joe Wicked · #9 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008, 06:15 AM

Ron,
A BluRay player can play a standard DVD, so long as the BluRay player has the DVD decoder software built into it. A DVD player does not have the Blue Laser and cannot play the BluRay at all. I have a Playstation 3, they are BluRay. Playstation 2 is DVD, The PS3 that had the 80GB hard drive included the software for DVD, so it can play PS2 games as well. You can also use it for a DVD and BluRay player.