New TV or Not? HELP! - Blu-ray Forum

britbill4000 · 07-20-2011, 10:59 PM

Hey All,

So my Toshiba 72HM196 DLP needs a new Ballast and Lamp..it'll cost around $450 to get it repaired...debating if I should bother.

Right now I'm considering buying a new TV. I'm really out of touch with TV tech but have come across a couple of possibilities. Which of these 3 options would be better and why? I would use it for a equal mix of SD, HDTV, BD and PS3.

1) Sharp LCD - LC-60E78UN - $1300
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC...1201445&sr=8-1

2) Panassonic Plasma - TCP60S30 - $1600
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...1201967&sr=1-1

3) Repair my TV, hope to get another year out of it...and then buy something.

I would really appreciate any advice...

Mahatma · 07-20-2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

Hey All,

So my Toshiba 72HM196 DLP needs a new Ballast and Lamp..it'll cost around $450 to get it repaired...debating if I should bother.

Right now I'm considering buying a new TV. I'm really out of touch with TV tech but have come across a couple of possibilities. Which of these 3 options would be better and why? I would use it for a equal mix of SD, HDTV, BD and PS3.

1) Sharp LCD - LC-60E78UN - $1300
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC...1201445&sr=8-1

2) Panassonic Plasma - TCP60S30 - $1600
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...1201967&sr=1-1

3) Repair my TV, hope to get another year out of it...and then buy something.

I would really appreciate any advice...

If you have the money,go with option 2.

britbill4000 · 07-20-2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahatma

If you have the money,go with option 2.

Thanks. Can you expand on why please?

Wingman1977 · 07-20-2011, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

Thanks. Can you expand on why please?

Because plasma is better. End of story.

punkguy03 · 07-20-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

Because plasma is better. End of story.

Plasmas are not just better. That is an opinion. There are pluses and minuses to both, don't be so cut and dry.

britbill4000 · 07-20-2011, 11:31 PM

The room I will be using it in has alot of light (stupid modern open concept design!)...I thought LCD would be slightly better for this..Or does it not make much of a difference now with the new Plasmas?

My_Two_Cents · 07-20-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkguy03

Plasmas are not just better. That is an opinion. There are pluses and minuses to both, don't be so cut and dry.

In terms of overall picture quality, they absolutely are. They're also better for gaming due to extremely fast response times and little-to-no input lag. As for motion resolution, they display a full 1080 lines without adding false frames (and artifacts) associated with motion interpolation.

But....for the OP's use in a brightly lit room, he may be better off going with an LCD, as a plasma may wash-out too much during the day, which is about the only 'negative' there is with plasma.

punkguy03 · 07-20-2011, 11:58 PM

I would still disagree, it depends on the models and such. Saying plasmas are better then lcd's is not so cut and dry. I have a sony xbr4, is a cheap plasma going to be better then my tv? I don't think so. In the case with the OP, I do think the plasma is probably better. Don't forget about burn in tho, it is rare, but he said he was out of touch with tv tech, so make sure you know about that.

I would go check out your options at a store somewhere, so you can see them in person and mess with the settings yourself and see what your preference is. I did this when I bought my tv and I'm glad I didn't just go the route that everyone told me to.

britbill4000 · 07-20-2011, 11:58 PM

I'm also eyeing the P60ST30 which I can get for $2000. The majority of my personal use would be Blurays with the lights off and HDTV & PS3 gaming only during the day...so for me personally Plasma would be better? The rest of the household would watch TV during the day...so in terms of the $300 or $700 difference between the LCD and the Plasma...is it really worth the jump in price for overall PQ?

PQ is my only concern...Onlyo and PS3 can take care of all the network and sound bells & whistles..

My_Two_Cents · 07-21-2011, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

I'm also eyeing the P60ST30 which I can get for $2000. The majority of my personal use would be Blurays with the lights off and HDTV & PS3 gaming only during the day...so for me personally Plasma would be better? The rest of the household would watch TV during the day...so in terms of the $300 or $700 difference between the LCD and the Plasma...is it really worth the jump in price for overall PQ?

PQ is my only concern...Onlyo and PS3 can take care of all the network and sound bells & whistles..

If you will be predominantly watching the set at night in a light-controlled environment, then the ST30 would be the best choice. It's probably the best bang-for-your-buck plasma (if not overall TV) on the market right now. If you have lots of direct light from windows shining on your screen, you won't like the picture. I've got a plasma in my living room that doesn't get used much, but at certain times during the day (particularly if it's sunny), you really can't watch it due to the sun shining directly on the screen. That set came with us from our previous house, and will be replaced by an LCD whenever the time comes.

Don't let the talk of "burn-in" scare you, either. It's a thing of the past unless you seriously abuse your set (e.g., leave a computer desktop on it for weeks on end). You may experience very slight IR (image retention), but even that is nearly non-existent on today's sets, and it goes away as soon as fresh content is displayed.

BTW, the 60ST30 is currently $1640 on Amazon. The panys have been bouncing around in price for over a month now. I bought my 60GT30 when the price dipped to $1945 including a free 3D starter kit. It was down to $1745 yesterday for a couple hours, though no 3D is currently part of the deal. If you are really interested in the 60ST30, put it in your cart and check it several times a day to get the feel for how the price is changing. I would guess it will drop to <$1500 sometime in the next week, at which time you should buy! Good luck.

Edit: Sorry, I see you're from up north. Not sure of the pricing for you guys.

britbill4000 · 07-21-2011, 12:33 AM

lol..thanks for the info..ya it really sucks to be up in Canada..the prices I can get are cost at one of the retailers here so it probably wont get any better than that even during the boxing day sales. My sister just bought the S30 a couple of weeks ago so I'll spend some time there this weekend testing out my Blu rays, PS3 and Sat receiver in different lighting conditions.

My_Two_Cents · 07-21-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

lol..thanks for the info..ya it really sucks to be up in Canada..the prices I can get are cost at one of the retailers here so it probably wont get any better than that even during the boxing day sales. My sister just bought the S30 a couple of weeks ago so I'll spend some time there this weekend testing out my Blu rays, PS3 and Sat receiver in different lighting conditions.

The ST30 is a significant upgrade over the S30, just so you are aware.

Sonny · 07-21-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkguy03

Plasmas are not just better. That is an opinion. There are pluses and minuses to both, don't be so cut and dry.

Really they are. We used to say they both have their pros and cons, but that shite was just to be nice. I'm tired of this beating around the bush bull. Gloves off, back up or get put out of your misery ...

britbill4000 · 07-21-2011, 02:09 AM

Ok after doing some more reading / research....I've elimiated the LCD and S30....so now it's down to repair my TV for $450 and enjoy the final few months or however long the Toshiba gives and whenever it dies worry about a new TV at that point.....or pony up around $2600 for the ST30 + stand right now...so $2150 extra right now...or $450 now...and hopefully pick up the ST30 or better with stand for around $2000 later.....

worst case scenario is the Toshiba dies in 3 months...and I'm out the $450 coz there's nothing better/cheaper available

Best case scenario...Toshiba ends up lasting over a year after repair by which time 4K display have entered the market and prices for everything else come crashing down...

Or just go nuts and buy the ST30 now..throw out the Toshiba...and when 4K displays come out buy one and move the panny to the bedroom...

My_Two_Cents · 07-21-2011, 02:36 AM

4K is a long way off, so I wouldn't even factor something like that into the equation. It's a shame to just throw-out your set for a simple bulb/ballast replacement. I assume the $450 is for a shop to repair it for you? How much for just the parts, and is it something you can do yourself (maybe with an online tutorial or something)?

britbill4000 · 07-21-2011, 02:48 AM

The parts alone here in Canada..I'm looking at about $300...Online in the US I could probably get them for a total of $200 but then there's the issue of not receiving genuine Toshiba parts or getting sent used parts.The replacement by myself for the Ballast looks like it will take about 90 minutes and is "fairly" straightforward but I don't really wanna go that route as I wouldn't get any warranty on the Ballast...The $450 includes taxes/labour and a 90 day warranty on the repair/lamp/ballast.

Dwayne · 07-21-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

The parts alone here in Canada..I'm looking at about $300...Online in the US I could probably get them for a total of $200 but then there's the issue of not receiving genuine Toshiba parts or getting sent used parts.The replacement by myself for the Ballast looks like it will take about 90 minutes and is "fairly" straightforward but I don't really wanna go that route as I wouldn't get any warranty on the Ballast...The $450 includes taxes/labour and a 90 day warranty on the repair/lamp/ballast.

PLEASE DO NOT REPAIR THE TV. Invest in the new technology "you will be glad that you did" if you do. As far as plasma or LCD/LED you have already seen that the plasma owners are dedicated. I have owned all except DLPs and let me just say that IMHO Blu-rays and games do look better on plasmas but only in a controlled darker environment. If you are faced with alot of light and even with lamps or overhead lighting at night then you will probably be better suited to go with a LED full array backlit HDTV over an LCD. Overall they all will look great and what matters the most is what you think. It is a big investment so study up and shop around and dont let these people scare you with the what they think. There is pros and cons to all HDTVs but there are some things that do need to be considered. The price of plasmas have gone down alot so you can get a larger plasma HDTV for what you would pay for the full array backlit HDTV. Anyway if you do decide to go with a plasma please go with Panasonic as the black levels are slightly better than others.

britbill4000 · 07-21-2011, 07:26 PM

Thanks for the replies all. Unfortunately I suffer from upgraditis. Based on all your replies and the research I've done in the last few days I've decided that I want a Plasma. I think the Panny ST series would be the minimum but in reality I won't be satisfied unless I get the VT series. When I factor in a new stand and taxes I'm now looking at a cost of $2600 - $4500. This is considerably more than the $1600 for the LCD route. I have decided based on this to go ahead with the repair which will give me a little time to say goodbye to my Toshiba and also possibly give me an oppourtunity to pounce on any Boxing Day deals....anything over 3 months usage is going to be a bonus!

Mahatma · 07-22-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbill4000

Thanks for the replies all. Unfortunately I suffer from upgraditis. Based on all your replies and the research I've done in the last few days I've decided that I want a Plasma. I think the Panny ST series would be the minimum but in reality I won't be satisfied unless I get the VT series. When I factor in a new stand and taxes I'm now looking at a cost of $2600 - $4500. This is considerably more than the $1600 for the LCD route. I have decided based on this to go ahead with the repair which will give me a little time to say goodbye to my Toshiba and also possibly give me an oppourtunity to pounce on any Boxing Day deals....anything over 3 months usage is going to be a bonus!

You dodged the upgraditis bullet,and went the sensible route.Wise decision

britbill4000 · 07-23-2011, 12:57 AM

So the TV has gone in for repairs. I will find out in a couple of days if the Ballast is all that is wrong. Fingers crossed...

I did stop by a couple of places to have a look at some new TVs. I have to say that yes the Plasmas, LCD & LEDs are slimmer and have a bright and glossy picture compared to mine...but in terms of quality they don't come close to DLP. I checked a variety of brands and one simple test was to check the satellite guide. The text is so bad...especially the letters N, W, C, S etc...so Jagged even with the sharpness turned down to 0. TV logos looked very pixelated and the picture up close was really ghosty...Some were connected via component and some via HDMI all running 1080i. The SD picture was terrible on all. I know I'll get a little better picture once calibrated and going through the service menus and with the help of Qdeo/Onkyo but am I right in thinking that DLP has better picture quality for TV (HD & SD)??

07-20-2011, 10:59 PM	#1
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	New TV or Not? HELP! Hey All, So my Toshiba 72HM196 DLP needs a new Ballast and Lamp..it'll cost around $450 to get it repaired...debating if I should bother. Right now I'm considering buying a new TV. I'm really out of touch with TV tech but have come across a couple of possibilities. Which of these 3 options would be better and why? I would use it for a equal mix of SD, HDTV, BD and PS3. 1) Sharp LCD - LC-60E78UN - $1300 http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC...1201445&sr=8-1 2) Panassonic Plasma - TCP60S30 - $1600 http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...1201967&sr=1-1 3) Repair my TV, hope to get another year out of it...and then buy something. I would really appreciate any advice...

07-21-2011, 02:09 AM	#14
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	Ok after doing some more reading / research....I've elimiated the LCD and S30....so now it's down to repair my TV for $450 and enjoy the final few months or however long the Toshiba gives and whenever it dies worry about a new TV at that point.....or pony up around $2600 for the ST30 + stand right now...so $2150 extra right now...or $450 now...and hopefully pick up the ST30 or better with stand for around $2000 later..... worst case scenario is the Toshiba dies in 3 months...and I'm out the $450 coz there's nothing better/cheaper available Best case scenario...Toshiba ends up lasting over a year after repair by which time 4K display have entered the market and prices for everything else come crashing down... Or just go nuts and buy the ST30 now..throw out the Toshiba...and when 4K displays come out buy one and move the panny to the bedroom... Last edited by britbill4000; 07-21-2011 at 02:11 AM.

07-20-2011, 11:31 PM	#6
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	The room I will be using it in has alot of light (stupid modern open concept design!)...I thought LCD would be slightly better for this..Or does it not make much of a difference now with the new Plasmas?

07-20-2011, 11:58 PM	#8
punkguy03 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2007 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:361 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews:13 Trading Score:10	I would still disagree, it depends on the models and such. Saying plasmas are better then lcd's is not so cut and dry. I have a sony xbr4, is a cheap plasma going to be better then my tv? I don't think so. In the case with the OP, I do think the plasma is probably better. Don't forget about burn in tho, it is rare, but he said he was out of touch with tv tech, so make sure you know about that. I would go check out your options at a store somewhere, so you can see them in person and mess with the settings yourself and see what your preference is. I did this when I bought my tv and I'm glad I didn't just go the route that everyone told me to.

07-21-2011, 12:33 AM	#11
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	lol..thanks for the info..ya it really sucks to be up in Canada..the prices I can get are cost at one of the retailers here so it probably wont get any better than that even during the boxing day sales. My sister just bought the S30 a couple of weeks ago so I'll spend some time there this weekend testing out my Blu rays, PS3 and Sat receiver in different lighting conditions.

07-21-2011, 02:36 AM	#15
My_Two_Cents Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Wherever I may roam.... Home Theater Gallery:40 4K collection:35 Blu-ray collection:507 DVD collection:19 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:4	4K is a long way off, so I wouldn't even factor something like that into the equation. It's a shame to just throw-out your set for a simple bulb/ballast replacement. I assume the $450 is for a shop to repair it for you? How much for just the parts, and is it something you can do yourself (maybe with an online tutorial or something)?

07-21-2011, 02:48 AM	#16
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	The parts alone here in Canada..I'm looking at about $300...Online in the US I could probably get them for a total of $200 but then there's the issue of not receiving genuine Toshiba parts or getting sent used parts.The replacement by myself for the Ballast looks like it will take about 90 minutes and is "fairly" straightforward but I don't really wanna go that route as I wouldn't get any warranty on the Ballast...The $450 includes taxes/labour and a 90 day warranty on the repair/lamp/ballast.

07-21-2011, 07:26 PM	#18
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	Thanks for the replies all. Unfortunately I suffer from upgraditis. Based on all your replies and the research I've done in the last few days I've decided that I want a Plasma. I think the Panny ST series would be the minimum but in reality I won't be satisfied unless I get the VT series. When I factor in a new stand and taxes I'm now looking at a cost of $2600 - $4500. This is considerably more than the $1600 for the LCD route. I have decided based on this to go ahead with the repair which will give me a little time to say goodbye to my Toshiba and also possibly give me an oppourtunity to pounce on any Boxing Day deals....anything over 3 months usage is going to be a bonus!

07-23-2011, 12:57 AM	#20
britbill4000 Active Member Member since:Aug 2010 Location:Canaduh Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:101	So the TV has gone in for repairs. I will find out in a couple of days if the Ballast is all that is wrong. Fingers crossed... I did stop by a couple of places to have a look at some new TVs. I have to say that yes the Plasmas, LCD & LEDs are slimmer and have a bright and glossy picture compared to mine...but in terms of quality they don't come close to DLP. I checked a variety of brands and one simple test was to check the satellite guide. The text is so bad...especially the letters N, W, C, S etc...so Jagged even with the sharpness turned down to 0. TV logos looked very pixelated and the picture up close was really ghosty...Some were connected via component and some via HDMI all running 1080i. The SD picture was terrible on all. I know I'll get a little better picture once calibrated and going through the service menus and with the help of Qdeo/Onkyo but am I right in thinking that DLP has better picture quality for TV (HD & SD)??

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