Useless Facts/Chit Chat Thread

[heatair]

Plasma vs LCD?

...but I know basiclly NOTHING about LCD except that they look pretty nice.
Now, finally, I get to the point: Whats the difference between the two? Does LCD have benefits that Plasma doesnt. Should I try an LCD, or stick to what I know is tried and true? Ive done some web research, but cant really find anything more than "I LOVE THIS TV BECAUSE...", but then you come to find out that the moron has only owned it for a month or so, and ya really dont know how good a product is till after a year or more. Do any of you have any experience with LCD? Any opinions? Any personal reviews?

I'm not that smart on the new type of TV's. We did a bit of research into TV's and I stopped when I found out that LCD TV's are the best application if there is a lot of glare from windows and light fixtures. Our TV is in the den that has 2 medium size and 1 large window that faces South, so there's nearly always sunlight coming in during the day.

Personally, I watch an average of 4 hours of TV a week. I'll sit there and surf while the bride watches something and that doesn't count...

 

[heatair]

Double post

 

[LarryJ]

Plasma vs LCD?

Ive had a 42" Panasonic plasma tv for over 4 years and it has been great despite the critics at the time saying they wouldn't last more than 10,000 hours or some junk. We hardly EVER turn it off...I only work 3 nights a week so its on at least 4 nights, the kids watch it during the day....it literally hardly ever gets turned off and still has a razor sharp picture.
Ive gotten my kids one of these WII game things for xmas, and its suposed to be very physically interactive which I think is GREAT since it will get there lazy butts up and make them excercise something more than just their thumbs. So, they will need room to move around and the only room in the house that has enough space to accomodate something like this is the formal living room...which NEVER gets used CUZ WE AINT THE FORMAL TYPE!!!! So I need another TV to put in there. Plasmas and LCDs are very close in price and size...but I know basiclly NOTHING about LCD except that they look pretty nice.
Now, finally, I get to the point: Whats the difference between the two? Does LCD have benefits that Plasma doesnt. Should I try an LCD, or stick to what I know is tried and true? Ive done some web research, but cant really find anything more than "I LOVE THIS TV BECAUSE...", but then you come to find out that the moron has only owned it for a month or so, and ya really dont know how good a product is till after a year or more. Do any of you have any experience with LCD? Any opinions? Any personal reviews?

We just purchased a Vizio 26" TV from WW for only about $450 for the trailer and really like it. It has also gotten good reviews and below is the link to it.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5623471&povid=cat3996-env8145-module130469-rLink1

What we really like about it is that even with the standard winegard bat wing antenna we have gotten HD channels everywhere and get like 18 analog and 32 digital channels here at FW.

Larry

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Vizio's have some GREAT reviews out there. I think it was CNN that said they are the leading source in flat panels due to the quality, price, and being USA made. And they make it a point to be at least a few dollars less than any other brand in their sizes, so if I go LCD...it will DEFINATELY be a vizio. Hows the sound? Does it get loud enough, or will it have to be hooked up to a surround system?

 

[DebbieT11]

BigDaddy - according to TheBigGuy here, (TBG) we've had/have both plasma and LCD. In our experience, the first LCD we got was on (not necessarily *watched*) around 5 hours a day. The resolution was not good, and neither was the picture. After about 2 years, it faded... it was a Magnavox something about 4 years ago. Dang thing was so hard to see, it was like looking through a fog. *shrug*

Got a plasma now.... the biggest advantage is darker blacks, making the picture look REALLY good.

Got an LCD now.... the biggest advantage is versatility of mounting (can tilt) and a LOT less power consumption. And it doesn't generate as much heat.

OK, that's what TBG said about that.

Back to hauling stuff out of the MoHo...... we're just back from the fort. I miss it already.

 

[des1954]

Plasma vs LCD?

Ive had a 42" Panasonic plasma tv for over 4 years and it has been great despite the critics at the time saying they wouldn't last more than 10,000 hours or some junk. We hardly EVER turn it off...I only work 3 nights a week so its on at least 4 nights, the kids watch it during the day....it literally hardly ever gets turned off and still has a razor sharp picture.
Ive gotten my kids one of these WII game things for xmas, and its suposed to be very physically interactive which I think is GREAT since it will get there lazy butts up and make them excercise something more than just their thumbs. So, they will need room to move around and the only room in the house that has enough space to accomodate something like this is the formal living room...which NEVER gets used CUZ WE AINT THE FORMAL TYPE!!!! So I need another TV to put in there. Plasmas and LCDs are very close in price and size...but I know basiclly NOTHING about LCD except that they look pretty nice.
Now, finally, I get to the point: Whats the difference between the two? Does LCD have benefits that Plasma doesnt. Should I try an LCD, or stick to what I know is tried and true? Ive done some web research, but cant really find anything more than "I LOVE THIS TV BECAUSE...", but then you come to find out that the moron has only owned it for a month or so, and ya really dont know how good a product is till after a year or more. Do any of you have any experience with LCD? Any opinions? Any personal reviews?

Hi, Rog!!!

I have had both. (Okay,,,, my plasma is only 4 months old - so the verdict is still out). We bought an LCD set in April 04 and it crapped out this past August - just in time for football season. We originally paid $2300 for the LCD set, so that works out to what.... $770.00/year??? Pretty pricy TV watching if you ask me. The color generator went out & it was going to cost $1200 to replace. Couple that with the fact that the bulb (another $500) was getting old & could go out at any time... I told Rick to watch the Best Buy/Circuit City ads for a 50" plasma. We subscribe to Consumer Report & one month after we bought the plasma TV, they came out with an article regarding Plasma vs. LCD & plasma edged out the LCD. Unknowningly, we bought the brand & model that C.R. gave the highest rating to. I like the plasma better because I can see it while working at the kitchen sink and I could not do that with the LCD because you have to be looking at the LCD straight on. Also - the plasma really seems to get a much crisper picture - especially on the HD channels. Did you know Keira Knightly has acne??? (TMI!!!) So, dollar for dollar, I'd say go for the plasma!



Deb

 

[Rhonda]

So, our 25th anniversary is coming up in March, and I'm thinking of buying DH a new TV. But when I look at them, the prices are all over the place and I'm so confused.

Should I get LCD or Plasma? I'm thinking around a 42". What are your opinions?

And, I'm looking at the ones they have at Costco, because it seems they have good prices. But somebody just told me that the TVs at Costco are more cheaply-made, even though the brand name is the same as other stores. Have you ever heard that?

 

[daddyscooltv]

Not sure if any of you all know this but if you are in a preferred site and using the Forts cable you can get the digital channel in HD through their cable. The channels start around 72.1,72.2,72.3......and so on. I noticed that the fort did not list these channels in there channel listing not sure if they even know they are there. It's great being able to watch the football games in true HD while sitting out under the awning. NOTHING else is better!!!!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

I like the plasma better because I can see it while working at the kitchen sink and I could not do that with the LCD because you have to be looking at the LCD straight on.

Deb

Now, THIS, I did NOT know......but now that you mention it...my computer screen is lcd and I CANT see it from just any angle!!!! This is the kinda info I need....Deb, you're the best!!

More testimomials is more info for me...how's YOUR tv treatin ya?

Welcome back Rhonda...man, I envy you and all your traveling and cruising and your beautiful good looks and witty personality, and (I know....shameless buttkissing will get me nowhere, but it cant hurt)

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Not sure if any of you all know this but if you are in a preferred site and using the Forts cable you can get the digital channel in HD through their cable. The channels start around 72.1,72.2,72.3......and so on. I noticed that the fort did not list these channels in there channel listing not sure if they even know they are there. It's great being able to watch the football games in true HD while sitting out under the awning. NOTHING else is better!!!!

Nascar would be better but I have to wait till February.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

I think as time goes by the newer LCD's are getting better. Only time will tell. I needed a new TV a few months ago because my old TV gave up after only 24 years (what a piece of junk ).
My new one is a Sceptre 42" Komodo, which is an off-brand I guess, but I have had no problem with their LCD - PC monitor which I've had a couple of years now. It has a 170 degree viewing angle and a 2000 to 1 contrast ratio for better blacks. It also is listed as having a 50,000 hour backlight life which at 8 hours a day gives you about 17 years. It's only a 720P, but I can't see much better than that anyway, and for $899 it was a great buy and it was within my budget at the time (under $1000). Only time will tell if I made a good choice.

 

[Rhonda]

My new one is a Sceptre 42" Komodo, which is an off-brand I guess, but I have had no problem with their LCD - PC monitor which I've had a couple of years now. It has a 170 degree viewing angle and a 2000 to 1 contrast ratio for better blacks. It also is listed as having a 50,000 hour backlight life which at 8 hours a day gives you about 17 years. It's only a 720P, but I can't see much better than that anyway, and for $899 it was a great buy and it was within my budget at the time (under $1000). Only time will tell if I made a good choice.

Ok - so do you think LCD screens are better than they used to be?

 

[LarryJ]

Hi, Rog!!!

I like the plasma better because I can see it while working at the kitchen sink and I could not do that with the LCD because you have to be looking at the LCD straight on. Also - the plasma really seems to get a much crisper picture - especially on the HD channels. Did you know Keira Knightly has acne??? (TMI!!!) So, dollar for dollar, I'd say go for the plasma!



Deb

Well that might have been true back in 2004, but it not true for all LCD's. The one I have I can see from any angle w/o picture degradation. Also, I look at the plasma vs. LCD quality and the new LCDs are IMHO just as good as any of the plasmas I looked at in the 32" and under size.

Larry

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I have a Panasonic 42" LCD I bought 2 years ago. Picture is great and I don't know where anyone got the idea you can't see it unless you are looking straight on. I can see mine beautifully from any angle. Now projection TV's are a different story and need to be viewed straight on.

My reason for getting LCD over plasma - my buddy the techno geek who works at Best Buy told me this - if you're only interested in a TV that lasts a couple of years and you don't watch much anyway, get a plasma. If you want something that you can watch a lot and have it last a long time, get LCD. Think about your computer screen - how long it's on and how long it lasts. I have a laptop that has great resolution and no degradation of screen image after over 5 years of daily hard use.

 

[ntsammy5]

Also, I look at the plasma vs. LCD quality and the new LCDs are IMHO just as good as any of the plasmas I looked at in the 32" and under size.

Yeah, I've been looking for a while and all the reviews are mixed. I can't justify a new TV since our current 36" Panasonic has a great picture and still works fine. The only reason we would get one is for sports -- NFL & NHL -- and my wife doesn't watch sports.

My Son-In-Law (notice I didn't say daughter but she didn't object) just got a 42" LCD and they love it. They looked at Plasma too but decided on the LCD. IMO just get what looks good to you, they're all good now.



EDIT: YEAH. What FWG said.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Ok - so do you think LCD screens are better than they used to be?

Yes, I think the engineers have really been working on the LCD screens to improve them, make them bigger, etc. I just havn't seen much in the way of new developments on the plasma screens. It makes me wonder sometimes if the plasma is going the way of the betamax - started off better, but development just sort of stopped.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Wow...I was hoping this would be a blow out of one over the other...but its like neck and neck...should I just flip a coin???

 

[BigDaddyRog]

The peacocks are indeed STILL at Fort Wilderness, they've simply gone undercover as turkeys to reduce any suspicions of their involvement in any illegal activities, such as grand theft golf cart, otter bashing, and illegal rentals of beer tap coolers, as well as the underground distribution of a controlled substance known as kungaloosh. Here is a surveillance photo of one of the head peacocks in the process of disguising himself as a turkey...obviously this is a complex process that is performed in numerous steps.

 

[Gatordad]

That peacock looks like a red x, i would have never known.

 

[AuburnJen92]

He looks good enough to eat!