Plasma or LCD TV, which is the best?

Archrms · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 09:03 AM

I am thinking about purchasing a new flat screen in the 50" class, and am having difficulty trying to figure out which is better. What are the pros and cons of each?

cobra de capell · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 09:38 AM

Buy a current copy of Consumer Reports - they breakdown the pro and cons of both - the LCD is way more popular.

By the way, in the 50 inch (plasma) category, Samsung (PN50A550) wins (only $1,600) over some brands that cost up to $5,000. LTD's (52 inch) three models of Samsung with the top one LN52A650 @ $2,200.

Consumer Reports states that plasma is better for sports (unlimited viewing angle, ability to display fast motion without visible blurring) - LTD's have brighter screens and look better in daylight.

It would serve you well to buy the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports.

bdeutsch · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 09:42 AM

Something else to consider, in general Plasma sets are much heavier and have a significant heat signature as compared to LCDs...

427 S/O · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 11:49 AM

After shopping around and reading CU, I purchase a Panasonic from these guys....http://www.dtvcity.com/

Bugman · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 11:54 AM

I have a Samsung LCD in the living room and love it! I also have a Vizio LCD in the bedroom and while it s a fine set I for some reason like the Samsung better. It might be because when I'm laying in the bedroom I find myself thinking there are other things I'd rather be doing in here than watching TV with the wife!

Wayne Maybury · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 01:21 PM

I have heard that a Plasma screen has a rather limited life span of 5 to 8 years. I have no idea if that is accurate or not.

Wayne

427 S/O · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 01:48 PM

Many plasma manufacturers boast a life span of 60,000 hours, same thing I ask, and a guy told me all those plasma's you see in airports run 24/7, kinda hard to argue with that!.

Joe Wicked · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 02:39 PM

Most Airport Screens I have seen are LCDs not plasmas. I myself have a DLP and I love it. After 2 years I had to change the bulb, but the picture is outstanding and the cost savings sold me. I don't have to hang it on the wall as I have plenty of room for the TV stand, so that was part of the decision as well.

CobraEd · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 02:50 PM

LCD:

Brighter colors
Non glare screen !!!
Do not get hot
Will not burn images into the screen
more expensive

Plasma:

Blacker blacks for better contrast
cheaper
Glare on shiny screen !!!!

Do a Google search on differences. Lots of info.

I bought a 51" Sony LCD 1080 DPI about 4 years ago. It is awsome.

.

wtm442 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

It would serve you well to buy the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports.

At the same time, get the Jan 09 issue of PC World. Three great articles - lots of info and comparisons. About 15 pages. They called the articles the HDTV Superguide.

SP01715 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 04:37 PM

I looked around at different types of T.V.'s, and was really set on buying a plasma until I looked at the Samsung DLP. Side by side the DLP looked better to me. I ended up buying the 61" Samsung DLP and I am very happy with it. The best plasma I looked at was the Pioneer Elite. It is a very expensive T.V., but it was by far the best plasma I looked at. I would look at everything you can and then decide.

bomelia · #12 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archrms

I am thinking about purchasing a new flat screen in the 50" class, and am having difficulty trying to figure out which is better. What are the pros and cons of each?

Check out avsforum.com

Really an awsome place to learn about AV technology

PS: I do believe the LCDs will win. The plasmas are delicate. Don't throw your Wii Nunchuck at it.

Mike

J. T. Toad · #13 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Maybury

I have heard that a Plasma screen has a rather limited life span of 5 to 8 years. I have no idea if that is accurate or not.

Wayne

It's not.

Whatever you do, make sure it's a 1080P that's PEEEE... not 'I'.

Plasmas are better for fast action. Don't work above 3,000 feet. Glare used to be more of an issue. No pixels to wear out.

The best thing you can really do is.... get the TVs your interested in, get 2 samples of what you typically watch and critique a side by side comparison the same scene at the same moment, your eyes will guide you.... grasshoppah!

This is usually great at a Costco.

RodKnock · #14 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009, 10:15 AM

First, you should look at both side-by-side, because everyone's eyes are different. Opinions will vary.

The Pioneer Elite Pro Kuro is considered the best plasma TV. Panasonic is considered the 800 lb gorilla in the plasma portion of the market. They make the plasma glass for many manufacturers, and will be doing so for Pioneer when their next generation of plasmas come out (10th generation). You must also decide if you want separate speakers (monitor) or built-in.

I prefer plasma. Also, a good friend of mine who is a project manager for a very high-end home theater installation company in the SF Bay Area generally prefers plasmas for installs.

Not mentioned above is that LCD's have limits on the side angle view, Plasmas do not.

What is very trick is installing a plasma on the wall, like a piece of art work, possibly framed in and then having a motorized screen (80"-100") come down from the ceiling (covering the plasma due to it being thin) with a front projector for a really big screen.