Plasma or LCD?

[wvrevy]

We're looking to get a new HDTV...something in the 42 inch range and less than $2000. I know the best things about having plasma, as well as the potential drawbacks. What I can't seem to figure out is the advantage that LCD would have, particularly for the extra money (a 42" LCD tend to run at least a few hundred dollars more expensive than the plasma). We won't be wall-mounting the tv, so weight isn't a real issue either way.

So...if you have bought or will be buying an HDTV, which did / would you choose, and why?

 

[hiwaygal]

DH is the TV expert here (go figure ) and he researched all that stuff before buying the one he did.

He actually bought a rear projection because he likes the pic better, and 2 years ago (when we bought it) LCD and Plasma were still out of our price range.

He says, for the money, DLP LCD is the better option because of longer life, better tuner, sharper picture.

 

[jekajekalynn]

We have a 42 inch Magnavox LCD we got ourselves for Xmas from Walmart. It was on sale for under 1.8 k, and my dh says that LCD's have a lot better (and cheaper too) picture then plasmas.

I don't think I could go back to a regular tv after having this one.. lol POTC2 looks ALOT better on this tv.

 

[Pig Pen]

My DH is the pro on this as well. We don't have one yet, but he is obsessed with them and has done a bunch of research for when we CAN get one, and insists LCD is the way to go. Something about shadows and imprinted images and such...

He also says to get the "1080" (not the 740 something...).

 

[wvrevy]

My DH is the pro on this as well. We don't have one yet, but he is obsessed with them and has done a bunch of research for when we CAN get one, and insists LCD is the way to go. Something about shadows and imprinted images and such...

He also says to get the "1080" (not the 740 something...).

1080 refers to the number of pixels that are on the screen....higher number=higher resolution. However, the 'i' or 'p' that follows that also makes a difference (i=interlaced, p=progressive...and progressive is definitely better than interlaced). The problem is, you can either get 1080i or 720p...unless you want to shell out some pretty serious cash for 1080p technology that won't even be fully utilized for at least the next few years (very few networks broadcasting at that level, and DVD's aren't any better on that than on 720p).

I just can't see it (LCD over Plasma, I mean). There is really no comparison in the picture between a plasma and an LCD...the plasma wins, hands down (contrast ratios are MUCH better, and the colors seem to be richer). Plus, the "burn-in" danger is mostly just a myth on newer sets. After the first 100 hours of usage, the danger of that just about disappears.

Hmmm....still thinking about it, but I'm definitely leaning towards the Plasma.

 

[dcentity2000]

Plasmas are better on average than LCD screens when it comes to movement; a top end LCD, though, can be better than a top end plasma.



Rich::

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I just can't see it (LCD over Plasma, I mean). There is really no comparison in the picture between a plasma and an LCD...the plasma wins, hands down (contrast ratios are MUCH better, and the colors seem to be richer). Plus, the "burn-in" danger is mostly just a myth on newer sets. After the first 100 hours of usage, the danger of that just about disappears.

See, and we found the exact opposite, and after our research we bought an LCD. Compared side-by-side in Best Buy, the LCD's picture was much richer and sharper than the Plasma's.

We were told that Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba have the best ratings for LCD's. We went with a 42" Toshiba, because we're moving in a couple of years and probably will end up selling it with the house, since we hung it over our fireplace.

We also got the HD dish through Dishnetwork and the HD channels are awesome to watch. I catch my husband watching sports, just so he can see the grass.

 

[Anewman]

Most of your "budget" plasmas are not 1080p or even 720(for the real low priced), where as LCD panels have gone down in prices. If you compare a comprable size 1080p plasma vs LCD, the LCD is probably lower in price.

And while burn-in is not as big an issue as it was 2 years ago, it will still happen quiker on a plasma than any other type of modern tv.

 

[ariel & eric]

Just bought an LCD yesterday. We were asked at the store if the room we were putting it in had a lot of sunlight or not. I guess plasma can have glare and LCD does not. Our TV is between two windows so we went with the LCD.

Paid about $1000 for a 42 inch 720. We only watch TV on it - no games, dvd, vcr. We didn't need all the extras.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Looks like you have done your homework! You know more then the average comsumer on the subject.

We went with plasma. Two of them actually. Pioneer Elite for both (43" for the living room, 60" for the movie room). Those, of course, are going to be out of the price range you are looking at. But, I must say they have a beautiful picture.

 

[hipporina]

We bought a 42'' plasma about a month ago. It is an LG and I love it. The picture is awesome! We paid $1399 for ours on sale. One of the main reasons I went with the one we did is that LG comes with a 2 year factory warranty and has a reputation for great customer service. Most TV's only have a 1 year warranty. Anyway, we were happier with the picture on the plasma than on the comparable LCD's.

 

[DawnCt1]

We LOVE our Pioneer 50 inch Plasma. Great picture, great contrast. Its in a bright room and very little reflection. We have no regrets.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I have an LCD and love it. Don't know much about the plasmas though.

 

[sugarpie]

I have no idea why but we have an LCD. DH picked it out. I really don't care about televisions.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Plasma, or LCD - you guys got some great deals!

My 42" LCD cost me around $2k! I don't know if that makes me stupid, or the owner of a really good LCD.

 

[tae1218]

We just purchased a LCD 46 inch Sony about 2 weeks ago. DH did a lot of research on both LCD and Plasma before we made the purchase. So far I really like it. It is great for watching movies!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Our "regular" TV went out days before the Super Bowl.... convenient, no?
DH went out and bought a Sony Bravia 42" LCD for $1800. He's in heaven. I could care less.

 

[Micca]

One thing you might do is compare some standard definition programs on both sets. I am beginning to think that hi-def looks good or great on just about everything. However you might find that one of the formats does better with standard definition(and you will watch some standard def programming for a few years--consider your DVDs, any old VHS tapes, family video). After years of waiting and comparing, we went with a Sony SXRD which is their version of LCoS. It was one of the few tvs out there available in the 70 inch size

 

[The_Horned_King]

Honestly ...for the money this is one of the best tv's out there....Go check the reviews. It's actually a Sony Grand Wega SXRD (cross between LCD and Rear Projection) Quite possibly the best picture out there. I did some research and everyone that has this TV loves it and swears by it over both Plasma and LCD.

The link is to the 50" but it goes up to 70"

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDS50A2000&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_Full_HD_1080_Rear_Projection

 

[wdw4us2]

When I researched this last year, I believe the concensus was if the TV was 32" or smaller, LCD was better. If it was over 32", plasma is the way to go.