LCD vs. PLASMA

Tuffbucker · Mar 7, 2008

Alright, the wifey has finally caved and is going to let me purchase a new flat screen TV for the house. I have been doing a little bit of research, but I still cant make my mind up. I am looking for something in the 46-52" range, and I would like to stay within the $2000-$3000 range.

Now here is the question...if it were you, which TV would you buy....LCD or Plasma...and which brand?? For those of you who have LCD's or Plasmas, tell me the pros and cons that you have seen...

This TV will be mostly for normal TV viewing, but I do watch a lot of sports, and occassionally I play video games....

Ok......GO!

DallanC · Mar 7, 2008

LCD by far. Plasma doesnt have near the longevity LCD has and it burns HOT. Hot enough it will discolor the wall behind it. IMO prices are droping so fast, and features increasing so fast... I'd wait 1 year before purchasing.

-DallanC

MortgageMan · Mar 7, 2008

I'd go with LCD. When a Plasma TV goes out the whole TV is junk. When an LCD goes out you can just buy a new bulb for a couple hundred. I like the LCD's because they are alot cooler too. They are both pretty comparable in price. Do some research and comparing and get one you like. Get a 60" LCD Sony 1080P and be done!!!

FamilyMan · Mar 7, 2008

The best thing to do is to go to the store and see what looks best to you. I did this numerous times and found that all except the most high-dollar LCD sets had an awful lot of pixel flicker which was not existent in the plasmas. I would definitely recommend the plasma, but again it is what looks best to you.

Bear in mind that unless you have a high-def source for your TV signal (HDTV) you will be very disappointed in the image quality at home. I have DirecTV with an HD receiver (have to pay extra every month for that) and the HD channels are out of this world, but the SD (standard definition) channels are not even as good as they are on a regular TV. Also, DVDs are not HD and do not look as good as HDTV. To get around that you can go with a BlueRay Disk Player, but those are expensive and, around here at least, you can't rent BlueRay disks at the local video store.

Just some things to bear in mind.

By the way, I went with a Panasonic which are considered to be among the best brands. Can't go wrong with a Sony either, but the Samsung sets seemed to be priced way over their quality level.

Good luck.
Mark

FamilyMan · Mar 7, 2008

One other thing I forgot to mention. You will need cables to connect your TV source (cable box or satalite box, and dvd player assuming you have one) to the new TV. There are a couple of ways to go, but HDMI cables are your best bet. Just don't get suckered into buying the $100 plus Monster Cables. Lot's of independent test have been done that show that $8 dollar cables provide the same digital signal, and therefore the same picture quality, as the Monster Cables.

Mark

kilowatt · Mar 7, 2008

LCD without a doubt over the Plasma. Now brand name is another thing, some good choices out there and Sony is in the top too. Best to look at all available and then make the pick. I just bought a Vizio it is nice and clear and was rated by Consumers as a Best Buy. Mine is a 42" though.

Brian

NMRaptor · Mar 7, 2008

I'd go with LCD. I have a Phillips 42" and a Samsung 57" at home and IMO the Phillips has a sharper image. Also phillips as better outa the box warranties.
-Raptor

ktc · Mar 7, 2008

TuffB,

I just went through this myself (musta got a good refund!;-)).

LCD is the way to go. Hands down. Plasma has problems every 4 or 5 years? Something to do with the picture. Expendsive to run also.

The brands I found to have the best ratings was; Sony, Philips, Samsung, or Sharp.

I bought the Sony LCD at Costco. They give an additional year of warranty for 2 years free. They were also lower in price than Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart.

HD is AWESOME! Especially Cathouse on HBO.;-)

kilowatt · Mar 7, 2008

ktc,

Is Cathouse still on HBO? I use to watch it each weekend but now I spend my time on this computer talking with some other loose ends on the Chatline. LOL

Brian

Wiszard · Mar 7, 2008

LCD....duh!!

Head to the nearest Costco and you'll have your choice of about 8 different sizes. I bought a 32" Vizio today for $599.00 to replace the humongous 26", 15 year old tube TV in our bedroom. I love flat screens!!

Steve

jodog · Mar 7, 2008

LCD ...do your self a favor and check out the AQUOS D64 series tv's by SHARP I have the 46 DU64U and that thing is magic.

MrKrabs · Mar 8, 2008

Read this: http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,239035250,339273215,00.htm

I have a plasma which I bought because the picture looks better than an LCD. Note this from the article:

"A general rule of thumb is that plasmas deliver better home theatre performance than LCDs. Our video guru, David Katzmaier, says the difference is due mostly to the fact that backlighting-based LCD TVs typically can't display black as well as plasmas; it ends up closer to dark grey. That shortcoming decreases the amount of detail you can see in the shadows and ultimately leaves the picture looking -- as videophiles would say -- less three-dimensional."

The lifespan of plasma and lcd are the same as well so I wouldn't let that be a mitigating factor in my purchase. Go the store several times and just pick the one with the picture that uits you best whether it be LCD or plasma.

Jingow · Mar 8, 2008

Extended warranty on those TV's 2 cases that I have seen is that if it breaks it's going to cost you near 3000 dollars to fix them. There screens are week also. If they are bumped the could break pretty easy and that is not covered by any warranty. I'll stick to my tube until they make them more durable and better warranty.

MrKrabs · Mar 8, 2008

I haven't heard of it costing $3000 to fix a plasma or lcd, but all electronics and appliances are almost throw away items when they break. The screens will not break if you bump into them unless you bump into them with a bulldozer. I also feel extended warranties are a waste of money, but that's just my opinion.

ktc · Mar 8, 2008

Is Cathouse still on HBO? What kind of question is that! Ha!

Yes, it is still going strong. Pretty fun show I have to admit.

elkantlers · Mar 8, 2008

I just bought a 42" Poloroid LCD flatscreen at Wallyworld. Excellent picture and <$1000.
I have also heard that the Plasmas won't last.

325wsm · Mar 8, 2008

Go with the LCD, and keep in mind if you live in a higher altitude area the plasma wont last long at all, most of them are not recommended to be used over 3000ft above see level.

kingfish · Mar 8, 2008

Took the LCD back to Costco and bought a Panasonic plasma from video only. The plasma has a much better picture but will have to see how long it lasts....

Wiszard · Mar 8, 2008

Another good thing about Costco....they'll take anything back!! I worked there for 6 years just out of high school. I wish I would have held on to the stock I had bought over that 6 years. It has split about 4 times since then.

Steve

Tuffbucker · Mar 8, 2008

Thanks for all the responses guys. I finally made my decision and purchased a 46" Sony LCD. It will be delivered with the new entertainment center on Monday or tuesday.

Thanks again!

TUFF!

Wiszard · Mar 8, 2008

Congrats!! There's nothing better than watching a hunting show on a great big, clear flat screen.....except watching porn on a great big, clear flat screen!!

Steve