LCD vs HDTV vs PLASMA

Anyone? I've posted before, and I can use some really specific advice here. Thanks!

Most plasmas and LCDs are HD, just a matter of technology differences between the two.

If you plan on (a lot of) gaming on the thing, I would probably lean towards an LCD. If not, plasmas tend to perform better in most aspects - they typically have better (deeper) black levels, better real-world contrast (don't buy in to contrast ratio specs - they're next to useless), yadda, yadda, yadda... in the end, images tend to look more believable. I use qualifiers like "tend to" and "typically" because some LCDs will outperform some plasmas.

Long and short - don't worry about the tech used, go with what looks better to your eyes. Customer service (from both the retailer and the manufacturer) is also something that I feel is very important with a purchase like this, so take that in to consideration.

I have one of each. All LCD and Plasma have HDTV compatibility--you just swap your regular cable/satellite box for one with an HDMI output. You want your TV to have at least 2 HDMI inputs--4 is better. The picture quality between LCD/plasma is about equal to the naked eye (or at least my naked eye). There used to be a blur problem with the old LCD sets that had a lower refresh rate, but the new sets are upgraded to eliminate that. Just DON'T buy those cheap-o brands like Sylvania. My friend has one, and it doesn't look nearly as good as my Toshiba or Hitachi ones. I picked mine out by reading a ton of reviews on Amazon. You'll start to get the idea which ones are good there.

WhyFi wrote:

If you plan on (a lot of) gaming on the thing, I would probably lean towards an LCD.

Good point. And some of the LCDs even have a "game" setting to adjust for video games.

My Sharp LCD is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen... no doubt Sonys, Samsungs and others are equally good, but I've been very happy with the Sharp.

I have a projection HD tv- and "they" say that that's the way to go. The plasmas eventually burn out. Projectors have bulbs, and they burn out as well, but you just have to buy a new bulb, not a whole new tv.

I have the last of the CRT HDTVs. A Sony XBR. Gorgeous! I think plasmas are being phased out because of the heat and life expectancy. I'd go with a Sony Bravia LCD or JVC LCD. Both have beautiful screens. Or you could wait for OLEDs to get bigger. I saw one in the Sony Center in Mid-Town. It has one of the best pictures I've ever seen.

We've got a Sony Bravia LCD. The picture is a-freaking-mazing. I agree with Idlewild that it seems as if plasmas are on their way out.

If you're going to go HDTV, just be sure to use HDMI cables to connect your components (HD cable box, DVD player, Playstation, etc)... they make a BIG difference compared to component cables. Also, if you don't feel like upgrading to a BluRay player, you can just spent $90 and upgrade to a progressive scan upconverting DVD player. We've been really happy with standard DVDs played on that player. From what I've read, BluRay isn't that dramatically different unless you're a big action/sfx fan. We're going to wait til the prices drop before we upgrade to BluRay.

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plasmas have the best picture and viewing angles, but have reflection issues. LCD's come in more sizes, do not reflect room light, but your viewing angles are more limited. Both are good.

I have a samsung LCD. It's awesome.

In my opionion, there are 2 main reasons to go with LCD over plasma.

1. No burnout with LCDs (not just games but stock tickers or network logos)

2. You can hook up your computer to an LCD (ie, watch netflix or any other online stuff via TV). We watch Lost on streaming HD for free. you CAN'T do that on a plasma.

When we purchased our plasma (which is the daughter I never had ) the reason we went with the plasma (as opposed with the LCD) was the size. At the largest LCD you could get was 36 in.

kosherdave wrote:
1. No burnout with LCDs (not just games but stock tickers or network logos)

Burn *in*, but correct.

kosherdave wrote: 2. You can hook up your computer to an LCD (ie, watch netflix or any other online stuff via TV). We watch Lost on streaming HD for free. you CAN'T do that on a plasma.

Not true. There are several ways to connect'er up. Most computers either have a DVI or VGA output.

With a DVI output, you simply need a DVI input on the plasma OR an HDMI input and a DVI-to-HDMI cable (pin-for-pin, DVI and HDMI are identical, with the exception of audio - HDMI has the capability, DVI does not) - the only thing that you would need to keep in mind - HDCP on either end, but not both, could lay down a lil speedbump.

With a VGA output, you can get a breakout cable and use either component video (Y Pr Pb) or RGBHV.

simple rule of thumb. if you want 40 inches or lower, go LCD, 50 inches or more, go plasma. anything in between, depends on your needs.

burn-in really isn't an issue with plasmas these days unless you plan to leave on cnn for weeks on end or do alot of gaming with static elements (life bars, scores etc). i personally find plasma's image quality to be much better, better contrast, more natural color reproduction. if you put a decent plasma next to a decent LCD, the blacks on the LCD will look grayish. and i'm convinced motion blur is still a problem with LCD. an LED LCD with 120 Hz refresh rate will alleviate these problems, but they are more expensive.

and unlike others on the thread, i'm not a big fan of HDMI. HDCP is scary.

jasonliu wrote: and i'm convinced motion blur is still a problem with LCD.

Yeah, this is still a problem. Typically with LCD, you can have fast (no ghosting) or you can have better image quality... but not both.

Wow! Who knew this board could be so helpful too! SO, Sony, Sharp and Samsung are good--and are there any I should stay away from? I figure I"m gonna go to PC Richards, for the convenience. Do they and Best Buy stock the same stuff? THANKS Y'ALL! Now back to our regularly scheduled stroller bashing.

I'm going to keep an eye on this thread...if I end up moving into the apartment im applying for Im going to need one of these fancy flat TVs since its about 150 sq ft haha.

If you're going plasma, go with a Panasonic. They're consistently rated as tops in every area (picture, contrast, black levels, dependibility).

FourthStreeter wrote: If you're going plasma, go with a Panasonic. They're consistently rated as tops in every area (picture, contrast, black levels, dependibility).

...unless you have Runco dollars...

pioneer makes great plasmas, although a little more expensive than panasonics

I thought the LCD Plasma thing was also determined by the size screen you get all the smaller sets are LCD and the larger ones Plasma with maybe some overlap. In all the sizes I've looked at to replace my standard 20" 4:3 TV everything is LCD I haven't seen a Plasma

I frequent and contribute a lot to Audioholics.com, so forgive me for the long post...I love this type of stuff . While their name implies "audio", there's actually tons of useful information there on all things home theater. I found this link, which discusses the different formats and technologies at length...if you're into reading all that. I love it, so I do. Towards the bottom of all of the "vs" links, there's another that reads "so which technology is best?" You can skip to that one if you just want to cut to the chase:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/display-technologies-guide-lcd-plasma-dlp-lcos-d-ila-crt

Also, mentioned earlier was the need for HDMI/HDMI inputs, and that HDMI delivers a better signal than component (don't confuse component with the yellow/red/white analog cables). That's not 100% accurate as you can transmit an HD signal over component cable as well, and depending on your display and source, could (but not necessarily) render a better picture than HDMI. Unfortunately, it's trial and error. HDMI is a convenience, and a digital signal, but by no means the only way to carry an HD signal and not the "silver bullet" for the best picture quality. Component cable can do the same. HDMI Is a convenience b/c it also carries a digital audio signal, so it's an all-in-one solution for digital video and audio. You can, however, send HD over component cables and use a digital audio out to the audio in on your tv or to a receiver, which is how I have my HD cable box set up at home. More here:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/09/13/hdmi-vs-component/

on the HDMI cables. Using any other cables between the tv and TWC HD box gave a nasty hiss to the sound and made for bad sound in general. Getting the HDMI cable removed all that annoyance.

OK, dumb question here...but are HDMI cables for hooking up your Wii? Yeah, I'm putting that tax $ to good use!

The Chipster wrote: OK, dumb question here...but are HDMI cables for hooking up your Wii? Yeah, I'm putting that tax $ to good use!

No, unfortunately. I have a Wii too, and hoped and prayed for that to no avail. The best upgrade is one of these (or a generic version of it):

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Wii-Component-Video-Cable/dp/B000JJRV90/

Its better than the one that comes with the system, at least.

The Chipster wrote: Wow! Who knew this board could be so helpful too! SO, Sony, Sharp and Samsung are good--and are there any I should stay away from? I figure I"m gonna go to PC Richards, for the convenience. Do they and Best Buy stock the same stuff? THANKS Y'ALL! Now back to our regularly scheduled stroller bashing.

We bought our Bravia from Amazon. Cheaper than any bricks-and-mortar store and free shipping!

Yeah, I got my Samsung (which I love) online too. I generally do a lot of research online, then go to some brick-and-mortar stores to check things out in person and sometimes (depending on how good they are) to take advantage of the salesperson's expertise. Then I check CNET to find out which online merchant has the item for cheapest and order from them.

One should go to the Sony Center's basement where the video department is. It's a visual candy store.

I got my Sharp via an online Sharp "friends and family" promotion. One of my kids received an email from a friend of a friend of a friend who works for Sharp, and forwarded it to me. I was able to buy the latest model at a price far lower than even Amazon could offer. The only downside was that I had to wait about three weeks for delivery.

8thandPrez wrote:
We bought our Bravia from Amazon. Cheaper than any bricks-and-mortar store and free shipping!

I got my Toshiba lcd from Amazon too. It was at least $100-$200 less than Circuit City/Best Buy.

caaahyoko wrote: [quote=8thandPrez]
We bought our Bravia from Amazon. Cheaper than any bricks-and-mortar store and free shipping!

I got my Toshiba lcd from Amazon too. It was at least $100-$200 less than Circuit City/Best Buy.
Plus you don't have to schlep it home or pay for delivery.

caaahyoko wrote: [quote=The Chipster]OK, dumb question here...but are HDMI cables for hooking up your Wii? Yeah, I'm putting that tax $ to good use!

No, unfortunately. I have a Wii too, and hoped and prayed for that to no avail. The best upgrade is one of these (or a generic version of it):

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Wii-Component-Video-Cable/dp/B000JJRV90/

Its better than the one that comes with the system, at least.

Yeah, wii is fairly low resolution device compared to other gaming systems...only 480p with the "enhanced definition" output.

Here's a link to the generic cable...only $5...I haven't ordered one yet, but i've gotten lots of other home audio/video stuff from monoprice and it all seems to work well. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10830&cs_id=1083001&p_id=3566&seq=1&format=2