LCD vs PLASMA

[Scoopdogg]

I know there are other "Help me purchase a TV" threads out there, but I wanted to start a new one specifically to pit LCD's vs Plasma's.

What are the pros and cons of each technology?

I have limited knowledge of these tv's and wanted to see what CPer's like or dislike about there plasma or lcd.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Plasma as I've heard they have a better picture, plus I'm putting the TV in my basement so glare won't be an issue.

Let me know what you think.

[MickMcGeough]

I'm betting this thread will end up a lot like these ones:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=95397
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=94566
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=83460
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=56404

[mikey_the_redneck]

I find the plasmas have brighter, more vibrant colors than LCD.

I think plasma uses more power though.

[Pinner]

I would image burn a plasma by regularly pausing.

[Scoopdogg]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

I'm betting this thread will end up a lot like these ones:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=95397
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=94566
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=83460
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=56404

Oops, I guess I should learn to use the search feature better.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Pinner

I would image burn a plasma by regularly pausing.

Or just playing something with menus/HUDs.

I know there are a lot of people with the opinion that image burn is a thing of the past....but my experience of burning in the NHL 11 menus as short back as September would contradict these opinions.

I don't notice the difference between Plasma and LCD pictures. If you can get an LCD with LED technology it would be even more difficult to tell the difference. Refresh rate at a minimum of 120 Hz seems just fine....again didn't notice the difference on a Plasma 600 Hz subfield.

I prefer LCD/LED because I game, and I don't like sitting there all paranoid about image retention/image burn...both of which still exist on 2010 LG and Samsung models.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Scoopdogg

Oops, I guess I should learn to use the search feature better.

Yeah but I probably could have also included a quick opinion. Plasma, in general is going to give you a better picture, so in a basement, with no glare, I'd look at plasmas first.

But, don't get too wrapped up in locking yourself into a certain tech. Just get the TV that looks best to you.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Scoopdogg

Oops, I guess I should learn to use the search feature better.

Make sure you check the dates on some of those threads....you want to get as up to date experiences as possible.

Good luck, and I hope you get something you can really enjoy.

[Scoopdogg]

I've already purchased a 46" LCD Sony Bravia 1080p 120hz TV from Zellers on friday. They had them on sale for $800.

Then I was at Costco yesterday and saw a Samsung 50" 1080p 600hz Plasma for $800. I don't really want to spend more then $800 and I figured the Samsung is bigger, still has 1080p and refresh rate is faster, plus in my basement I won't have the glare issue.

I'm thinking I'll return the Sony and pick up the Samsung. I still need to look at the picture of both TV's again to compare, but as was stated in anothe thread the big box stores don't have the best displays to go by.

Thanks for the info so far!

[Ashartus]

Right now I think it depends a lot on the size of TV you want. Both technologies are pretty good these days, but at 50" and larger plasma tends to be way cheaper. For smaller TVs LCD/LED is competitive in price and I believe uses less energy (I'd probably choose LED over LCD unless price is your main criterion).

[Table 5]

Do yourself a favor, and don't go overboard and research the crap out of this for 6 months like I did.

Spend a couple days looking up the main features you need/want, consider the 4-5 top brands, and buy the one with the best price. I know it's easy to get into the minutiae of this stuff and start comparing every little detail, but at the end of the day when you're in your room watching a movie or playing a game, it won't matter one bit.

[jjbouma]

If all the features are similar and glare isn't an issue I'd probably go with the plasma. Plus I've had very good luck with Samsungs.

[Scoopdogg]

Yeah I'm not going to go crazy researching this. I've spent about a week on it. The only must have's for me at 1080p, at least 120hz refresh rate and minimum screen size of 42". Based on my budget it looks as though I'll be able to go with the 50" and still meet my other criteria.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Scoopdogg

I've already purchased a 46" LCD Sony Bravia 1080p 120hz TV from Zellers on friday. They had them on sale for $800.

Then I was at Costco yesterday and saw a Samsung 50" 1080p 600hz Plasma for $800. I don't really want to spend more then $800 and I figured the Samsung is bigger, still has 1080p and refresh rate is faster, plus in my basement I won't have the glare issue.

I'm thinking I'll return the Sony and pick up the Samsung. I still need to look at the picture of both TV's again to compare, but as was stated in anothe thread the big box stores don't have the best displays to go by.

Thanks for the info so far!

I had that 50" Samsung Plasma (one of the many I tried in the past while, it's a long story), also bought from Costco. It is a beautiful set, except it had a dead pixel and some serious image retention problems. I broke the set in for 200 hours using slides, and the IR was just as bad as it was when I first set it up. I had it set on its 'Media Play' menu for 5 minutes, and it took well over an hour for the ghosted images to disappear. It also had a strange directional buzz when you sat eye level and in the middle of the set, from any distance.

In my TV buying escapades this year I also tried two 46" Samsung LCD's (series 6) from Costco. One had another dead pixel, and the next had vertical banding. From these 3 sets I have decided against buying a Samsung again.

Of course this is all personal experience, and maybe yours will be better. At the very worst if you find any of these problems (or other ones) Costco has a 90 day return policy...so you might want to give it a try.

[jjbouma]

Originally Posted by Yamer

I had that 50" Samsung Plasma (one of the many I tried in the past while, it's a long story), also bought from Costco. It is a beautiful set, except it had a dead pixel and some serious image retention problems. I broke the set in for 200 hours using slides, and the IR was just as bad as it was when I first set it up. I had it set on its 'Media Play' menu for 5 minutes, and it took well over an hour for the ghosted images to disappear. It also had a strange directional buzz when you sat eye level and in the middle of the set, from any distance.

In my TV buying escapades this year I also tried two 46" Samsung LCD's (series 6) from Costco. One had another dead pixel, and the next had vertical banding. From these 3 sets I have decided against buying a Samsung again.

Of course this is all personal experience, and maybe yours will be better. At the very worst if you find any of these problems (or other ones) Costco has a 90 day return policy...so you might want to give it a try.

That's too bad, I've had 3 Samsung LCD's and never had any issues. Maybe I just haven't used them enough to find out!

[Scoopdogg]

The 90 day return policy and 2 year warranty is another reason why I'm leaning towards the Samsun from Costco.

Zellers has 30 day return and 1 year manufacturer warranty on the Sony.

[jjbouma]

That 90 day return policy is definitely worth it. For that reason alone I'd probably buy from Costco.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by jjbouma

That's too bad, I've had 3 Samsung LCD's and never had any issues. Maybe I just haven't used them enough to find out!

Nah, I think you're good.

I was fortunate enough to find out the defects in mine right away. Sounds like you have a positive contradictory experience, and that is good to hear. I just think the Red Deer Costco got a bad batch of panels, or I have incredibly bad luck. 3 Samsungs in a row, and all defective? Yakety Sax should have been playing in the background when I was returning TV after TV.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Scoopdogg

The 90 day return policy and 2 year warranty is another reason why I'm leaning towards the Samsun from Costco.

Zellers has 30 day return and 1 year manufacturer warranty on the Sony.

Originally Posted by jjbouma

That 90 day return policy is definitely worth it. For that reason alone I'd probably buy from Costco.

It is a great bonus, that is for sure. Competitive prices with a free extended warranty and return policy. The only thing I find is that Costco can have a limited choice. When I finally decided to shop elsewhere it was like an overload of decision. 5 sets in my price range at Costco, as opposed to 20 between other big name stores.

[MaDMaN_26]

Originally Posted by Scoopdogg

I've already purchased a 46" LCD Sony Bravia 1080p 120hz TV from Zellers on friday. They had them on sale for $800.

Then I was at Costco yesterday and saw a Samsung 50" 1080p 600hz Plasma for $800. I don't really want to spend more then $800 and I figured the Samsung is bigger, still has 1080p and refresh rate is faster, plus in my basement I won't have the glare issue.

I'm thinking I'll return the Sony and pick up the Samsung. I still need to look at the picture of both TV's again to compare, but as was stated in anothe thread the big box stores don't have the best displays to go by.

Thanks for the info so far!

I own the KDL-46Z4100 from Sony, I love3 it... You will never hate that purchase... not sure about the non Z models though... be sure to update the firmware (very easy, stick a thumb drive in the side of the TV and walk away.)