LCD or Plasma

  • Laker
  • 02-08-2011, 02:11 PM
I need help, which tech. is better for 42" or larger TV, LCD or Plasma? I am behind times and need to come into the 21st century! Thanks!
This comparison might be information overload: http://www.practical-home-theater-gu...vs-lcd-TV.html

I have a 55" Samsung LCD that I am very satisfied with.
Masarati's Avatar
I would go with a LED-LCD. Plasma can, have viewing angle issues. Im sure others will have various opinions. And you're in luck prices have fallen dramatically.

Be sure to get an extended warranty. A relative's TV broke after 3 years and the repair would have been 1/2 the cost of the tv. The extended warranty saved them. Also you may get a tv that acts up just beyond the store's 30 Day return policy or the standard warranty.
  • Laker
  • 02-08-2011, 02:37 PM
Thanks, The room it is going in is not too big approx 22' long by 14' wide, and the tv has to be mounted on a long wall, so it will definately be viewed from the side.
  • LynnT
  • 02-08-2011, 02:43 PM
LED or LCD. I think the LED is even better IMO. Just went TV shopping all the LED's looked sharp. The plasma eh. Some looked like a@@.

Got a 24in LED with a built in DVD for my bedroom and the picture is sweet.
These TVs all have stands and do not necessarily have to be wall-mounted. Also, for HDTV, don't use the old guidelines about viewing distance vs. size. You can sit much closer to a HDTV compared to a non-HD one.

I think LCDs are not as good as plasmas with large viewing angle.

A LED TV is just a LCD TV in which LEDs are used for the light source. I believe it's marginally better but also more expensive.
the apple store features pioneer plasmas on display ... im impressed with what i see !!
jokacz's Avatar
I'm pretty sure Pioneer quit the Plasma TV biz 3 years ago. I think only Panasonic makes plasma now with Samsung using their screens. May be like buying a Betamax.
NerdHerd's Avatar
LCD is better in Bright rooms, which is usually where most of us have it. If you are building a Media room in which you will make sure the room is really dark, Plasmas look gorgeous.

LED is definitely the newer way on LCD to go.

The best thing is to look side by side if you can. Take your favorite DVD with you and ask them to show you. See what you think.

When you get it home and set it up, make sure you take it off the Store or Display mode. Its named different things in different TV's but its essentially a mode in which they CRANK the brightness to make them look better in the store.

Good luck and enjoy!
roscoe14850's Avatar
NerdHerd, I ditto your sentiments. Plasmas have progressed quite a bit also and don't have the burn-in or cycle issues they used to have. One thing people tend to overlook is the finish on the screen. You will want to consider a screen with a matte finish over glossy if there is a tendency toward reflection in the room the TV will be in.
hittingcoach's Avatar
I have 2 plasmas and 2 LCD's. I like the plasmas better, but they are usually watched in darker rooms. The colors are pretty rich. The new LED/LCD tv's are ll pretty good for that now as well. Despite what they say, plasma can have some very minor issues with image retention if the settings are not correct.

My biggest piece of advice is pick the size you think you want and then go bigger. Once you get it home and on the wall, you will want a bigger one (I guess it's a guy thing!!). Also, if you are at all handy, hang it yourself and save the $200-300 you would pay the store to do it. Invest that $ into a better TV. You can find many websites on how to do it, or I can let you know. It's very simple to do and have it look professional.
  • LynnT
  • 02-09-2011, 08:57 AM
Dont know if there is an Ultimate store near you but the one here in the cuse had some really good sales. They are filing bankruptcy..

And the selection they had.. took hours to pick a TV. lol

You should be able to mount it yourself, these new TV's are sooo much lighter, even the large ones.

Now to pick up my own wall mount..
  • Laker
  • 02-10-2011, 02:55 PM
Thanks all will go shopping this weekend!! Need Big screen for Daytona 500 next week!!!
JOHNBALLS's Avatar
Thanks all will go shopping this weekend!! Need Big screen for Daytona 500 next week!!! Originally Posted by Laker
Love this time of year!! theres also the "BUD SHOOTOUT" tonight.. 8pm on fox....turn em loose boys!!
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Since you are asking this in a forum setting....I would recommend one for Flat Screens.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166

There is a lot of information and it can be overwhelming...do your homework....don't go cheap....buy once, cry once. At the very least, narrow your choice to a few models and then read up about the pro's and con's of each. No TV is perfect.

I would look for a LED backlight with local dimming for best Picture Quality....Sony is supposed to have some promising panels in 2011.

Good luck.