Plasma or LCD?

[mjshira]

I am trying to decide which to get and what size. I have an average size living room. The couch would be about 6 feet from the wall where I plan to have the TV. I've got HD and had it for about three years. I presently have a Sony XBR36 which is a tube tv but has a great picture.

So what do you guys think? Sony?

I was thinking XBR5 52 inch.

[alf]

I have a XBR36 as well, it just pooped out...CRT does not always turn on. Got a 52 inch Sharp Aquos LCD on the way. Most of my friends that got Plasma are replacing them with LCDs.

[RickM]

If looking at the Sony KDL-52XBR5 52IN LCD 1080P Flat Screen ...Nice TV!

[equality72521]

Lcd!

[Mule]

Under $8K LCD (but not as good as DLP), over $8K Plasma.

[RickM]

From a recent post:

Check the links below...very informative and well regarded.

Top Plasmas: http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6531_7-6509127.html

Top LCDS: http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6531_7-...8.html?tag=txt

Overall HDTV top picks: http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6531_7-...5.html?tag=txt

[Chuck Moreland]

52 seems very large for a 6 foot viewing distance. Might be fine for movies, but for regular tv - too much.

I just bought an LCD and am very happy with it. However they do produce a lot of heat.

[RickM]

LCDs also use alot less energy.

However, I'm partial to plasma when oit comes down to bang for the buck.

[hytem]

I have a plasma being fixed, and am now watching an LCD. Both 32". The plasma has a board problem after 4 years (ghosts), and they are trying to track down the part. The LCD is a Sanyo HDTV, and it's picture is about as good as the plasma--except the view angle is more sensitive. I have been told the LCDs are more reliable. They do use less power. My LCD was 1/8 the cost of the plasma,but prices have come down a lot in 4 years.

Plasmas are cheaper for the larger screens--42-50". But at 32-37", I think the LCDs are cheaper and a better buy. A technician told me to avoid the no-name brands. Sometimes parts can be a problem. My plasma is a no-name, and the parts company in Japan for the set doesn't make TV boards anymore--just computer boards. The technician is still trying to hunt down the part. Stay with a name brand--plasma or LCD.

[Zef]

Got kids...?...get a plasma...!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Get another Sony, they're tough to beat. I have a Wega and an older Trinitron, both were struck by lightning and still work. Fried damn near everything else in the house.

[austin552]

LCD!!

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-52-LCD-HDTV-KDL-52W3000/sem/rpsm/oid/187121/catOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[JeremyD]

I have a samsung plasma 42" in the bedroom and a dlp 50" in the living room -

my daughter has a 26 lcd.

The plasma is a brighter picture (our house is light - lots of windows) the DLP is next - the lcd is next on the list =

[Mule]

I had a 50" Hitatchi Ultra vision that was due for replacement. My friend pointed out that a new 50' would have a much smaller pic than I was used to & that a 60' would be similar. When I looked at $1700 for a top notch DLP or $8500 or more for a plasma with only marginally (if at all) better picture, the dlp was the easy pic.

[72doug2,2S]

Plasma disadvantages

Shorter Life: Compared to other television technologies, Plasma TVs do generally have a shorter life span, and there is no option to repair a burnt out tube or backlight. Most Plasma TVs have a life span of 20,000-30,000 hours based on manufacturer's estimates. This life span is commonly referred to as the Plasma TV half-life, as it is the number of hours over which the Plasma TV will loose approximately half of it's brightness.

Of course, we should note that a Plasma TV with a 20,000 hour life would allow you to watch 4 hours of TV per day for approximately 13.7 years. Even at 8 hours per day, your Plasma TV should provide you with nearly 7 years of enjoyment. So, for most of us, this should not be an issue, and a Plasma TV is a worthy investment.

-Fragility: Plasma TVs are a very fragile technology, and the units are quite easy to damage. Extreme care must be used when moving them, as even laying the Plasma display on it's side can have adverse effects, possibly damaging the unit irreparably.

http://www.cheap-plasma-tv.com/disadvantages-of-plasma-tv.htm

[robs944]

I just went through the same thing, ended up with a 42" LCD from Samsung.
Seating is about 6-7 feet away, great HD picture. Do you have much ambient light in the room? I stayed away from plasma because of the glare you get.

Personally I think 52" would be too large for your seating distance, if you go with anything less than 50" don't worry about 1080p, you really won't be able to see the difference between that and 1080i.

When shopping find a place that offers DLP, LCD, and Plasma in the same size, find out what they are using as the video source and compare them side by side.

Each technology has is advantages and disadvantages it's just a matter of preference.

Good Luck
Rob

[72doug2,2S]

Can you watch 1080i on a 720p LCD?

[mjshira]

wow, thanks guys. lots of good info. I think the 46 Sony XBR5 is in my future.

[robs944]

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

Can you watch 1080i on a 720p LCD?

From my (limited) understanding yes you can, the TV has to be able to deinterlace the 1080i signal. Which most HD tv's do today.

[Red Baron]

I have a Mitsubishi Black Diamond 46'' 1080p LCD and two 42'' Plasma (Hitachi and JVC) and would pick the LCD over plasma everytime.

Less glare - more than double the resolution- way less image burn issues - more reliable - lighter weight - less heat generation - less power usage - overall better picture quality - brighter picture etc.

You'll pay a little more for a quality LCD than the same size run of the mill plasma, however imo cheaper is not always better.