LCDs and Plasmas

[zed0118]

Just to throw my own two cents worth into this discussion...

My son and I spent about 3 hours at BB last Saturday looking at the various HDTV's. We brought our own Blu copies of Pirates 3 and Superman Returns. The first set we saw was the Panasonic 65" plasma set (TH-65PZ750U). This set blew me away with its PQ. The Blu player attached to it was a combo player - not the best. The price on this was about $8k, which put it out of my range ... but made for nice picture comparisons.

We next put that same player on the Sony LCD (KDL-46XB). I must say that this was one fine set indeed. But, the PQ just wasn't quite as good as that on the Panasonic set.

The Pioneer Elite plasma (PRO-150FD) was a nice set as well. As with the Panasonic above, the price was too steep for me, but made for nice picture comparisons.

We looked at many other sets as well (Mitsubishi 73" DLP, Samsung LCD's, etc). From my impressions looking at all of the LCD's, DLP's, and Plasma's, the best picture, hands down, was on the Plasma.

I think the set that most impressed me (both price & PQ) was the Panasonic 58" plasma set (TH-58PZ700U). This is the set that I'm going to buy in just a couple of weeks.

Anyway, before you buy a set, just spend some time checking out the sets at your local BB or CC (or whatever) and see what looks good to you.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by zed0118

I think the set that most impressed me (both price & PQ) was the Panasonic 58" plasma set (TH-58PZ700U). This is the set that I'm going to buy in just a couple of weeks.

The Panny is a great set and bang for the buck as well. Enjoy!

[Rabidhunter]

Yey! I have the 4th ranked TV at 32" I'm happy about that. I actually love my Sammy. It sits upon it's altar nicely (jk).

[ManUtd]

Originally Posted by zed0118

I think the set that most impressed me (both price & PQ) was the Panasonic 58" plasma set (TH-58PZ700U). This is the set that I'm going to buy in just a couple of weeks.

My friend has this tv since early last year and he's been happy with it. I also started my search for a plasma tv with this model. At this price point, it is hard to beat. I'm sure you'll be satisfied with it.

[209Mason]

Originally Posted by CassilineKnight

I'm just curious how many people on this board are currently shopping around for an HDTV or plan on buying one in the future.

Personally I'm all set to buy an HDTV but I want to have the latest and most technologically advanced HDTV thats within my price range. I'm willing to spend around $2,000 to $2,700 on an LCD HDTV. Now normally I'd say thats way too much to spend on a tv but quality is whats most important to me and more often than not the more money you spend = the better the product. Thats my personal opinion and its been my experience so far when it comes to electronics.

Anyways I'm really excited about my future HDTV whatever it ends up being and I can't wait to watch my first Bluray movie on it! I'm interested in hearing your thoughts regarding your future HDTV purchase.

I'm planning on buying my first HDTV around November. I've been to BestBuy MANY times, and to my eyes, the Samsung Plasma's are hard to beat. I am considering a 42" or 50" and probably close to the $1500 range.

Here are the 3 big questions I'm considering:

1. LCD or Plasma (leaning towards Plasma)
2. Samsung, Panasonic, or Sony
3. 42" 1080p or 720p or a 50" 720p

As of right now, i was leaning towards the 42" 1080p Samsung Plasma.... but I've read lots of places that 1080p vs 720p doesn't really matter in anything less than a 50+ inch screen. My livingroom has a lot of light in it, so one thing I have to take into account is the amount of glare.

Any thoughts/criticizm gladly accepted!

[Blu Jacket]

Originally Posted by 209Mason

I'm planning on buying my first HDTV around November. I've been to BestBuy MANY times, and to my eyes, the Samsung Plasma's are hard to beat. I am considering a 42" or 50" and probably close to the $1500 range.

Here are the 3 big questions I'm considering:

1. LCD or Plasma (leaning towards Plasma)
2. Samsung, Panasonic, or Sony
3. 42" 1080p or 720p or a 50" 720p

As of right now, i was leaning towards the 42" 1080p Samsung Plasma.... but I've read lots of places that 1080p vs 720p doesn't really matter in anything less than a 50+ inch screen. My livingroom has a lot of light in it, so one thing I have to take into account is the amount of glare.

Any thoughts/criticizm gladly accepted!

Most people here would probably tell you to go Plasma. I myself prefer LCD after seeing them side by side years ago. My XBR has quite simply the best picture I have ever seen.

Any of those manufacturers would be a good choice. I tend to prefer Sony, but that is just personal choice.

The 720p would certainly be more affordable. Once again, my own personal opinion would be to go for the 1080p just to make the TV more future proof.

[PLASMA-1080P-FULLHD]

Originally Posted by 209Mason

I'm planning on buying my first HDTV around November. I've been to BestBuy MANY times, and to my eyes, the Samsung Plasma's are hard to beat. I am considering a 42" or 50" and probably close to the $1500 range.

Here are the 3 big questions I'm considering:

1. LCD or Plasma (leaning towards Plasma)
2. Samsung, Panasonic, or Sony
3. 42" 1080p or 720p or a 50" 720p

As of right now, i was leaning towards the 42" 1080p Samsung Plasma.... but I've read lots of places that 1080p vs 720p doesn't really matter in anything less than a 50+ inch screen. My livingroom has a lot of light in it, so one thing I have to take into account is the amount of glare.

Any thoughts/criticizm gladly accepted!

1.Plasma FTW. Its no brainer. PLASMA> LCD thats the cold heart truth.

2. Panny for the value and quality. Pioneer for the best when there is no budget issue. Samsung is fine but not the best IMO.

3. 42" 1080p IMO. Trust me, u can see the difference between 720 and 1080. The best would be 50" 1080p if u are willing to spend lttle more money



Panny has the ANTI-GLAIRE models on their plasma and it should work fine in ur living room. Again 1080p dose make difference for 42"

[PLASMA-1080P-FULLHD]

Originally Posted by Blu Jacket

Most people here would probably tell you to go Plasma. I myself prefer LCD after seeing them side by side years ago. My XBR has quite simply the best picture I have ever seen.

Any of those manufacturers would be a good choice. I tend to prefer Sony, but that is just personal choice.

The 720p would certainly be more affordable. Once again, my own personal opinion would be to go for the 1080p just to make the TV more future proof.

XBR is nice but again u still have to deal with LCD's back light issues and black levels. Most annoying issues is the motion blurr. I cant stand that at all when I looking at it. LCD has been improve alot as far as the technology but still behind plasma at this point. I do not belive it will ever surpass or equal plasma in the future. Again, any HDTV picture will make u go WOW

[209Mason]

Originally Posted by PLASMA-1080P-FULLHD

1.Plasma FTW. Its no brainer. PLASMA> LCD thats the cold heart truth.

2. Panny for the value and quality. Pioneer for the best when there is no budget issue. Samsung is fine but not the best IMO.

3. 42" 1080p IMO. Trust me, u can see the difference between 720 and 1080. The best would be 50" 1080p if u are willing to spend lttle more money



Panny has the ANTI-GLAIRE models on their plasma and it should work fine in ur living room. Again 1080p dose make difference for 42"

Thanks for the advice/info.
Yeah... after seeing all the new stuff coming out I'm SERIOUSLY considering the 50" Plasma Panasonic or Samsung 1080p. The anti-glare is something we'll need to look at too... our livingroom has WAY too many windows, lol... Now if I can just talk the fiance into it too!

As for the motion blur... yuck... I can't stand it and therefore, won't be looking at LCD... I was at BBuy on Friday, and they had Pirates of the Carribean on a Sammy 42" LCD on Blu-Ray... and I couldn't watch it... It was just painful... even my Fiance was like... what's wrong with that? lol.

[Duelce]

i watch movies
i play pc games

should i go with plasma or lcd?
the budget is 2300
i know the differences of both types but don't have actual experience with them.

to u experts out there, why should i choose one over the other?

[209Mason]

I'm in the same spot... same budget roughly (if I play my cards right lol)...

I'm kind of leaning towards Samsung and Panasonic. From what I've read/seen, they tend to get consistently good ratings. Sounds like Pioneer is the top of the line, but costs more (as you would expect). Seem to be a lot of people who like the Sony sets too....

As for me, I think I'm on the Plasma bandwagon now. I'm by no means an expert, but I do watch a lot of sports, so that plays a bit of a role as I don't want to experience any "motion blur" that is supposedly existent in LCDs. If you read my post above, I saw a Sammy LCD that was running Pirates at Best Buy and it was like I was on an acid trip... I don't know if they had the settings wront, or what... but it was hard to watch...

For what it's worth... I've been looking at the new 50" Samsung and Panasonic Plasma sets that just came out this month. I'm trying to pick between them...

Panny:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

Sammy:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...PN50A450P1DXZA

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...PN50A550S1FXZA

Pioneer: (same price gets you a 720p)
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...DP-5080HD.Kuro

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by 209Mason

I'm in the same spot... same budget roughly (if I play my cards right lol)...

I'm kind of leaning towards Samsung and Panasonic. From what I've read/seen, they tend to get consistently good ratings. Sounds like Pioneer is the top of the line, but costs more (as you would expect). Seem to be a lot of people who like the Sony sets too....

As for me, I think I'm on the Plasma bandwagon now. I'm by no means an expert, but I do watch a lot of sports, so that plays a bit of a role as I don't want to experience any "motion blur" that is supposedly existent in LCDs. If you read my post above, I saw a Sammy LCD that was running Pirates at Best Buy and it was like I was on an acid trip... I don't know if they had the settings wront, or what... but it was hard to watch...

For what it's worth... I've been looking at the new 50" Samsung and Panasonic Plasma sets that just came out this month. I'm trying to pick between them...

Panny:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

Sammy:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...PN50A450P1DXZA

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...PN50A550S1FXZA

Pioneer: (same price gets you a 720p)
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...DP-5080HD.Kuro

If you're going to get a new TV... get a new plasma... not the older models. The new 30,000:1 contrast ratio is good plus these TV's are 30lbs or more lighter too... can't beat that :-) Should be nice. Panasonic has been good for me.
JL

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by Duelce

i watch movies
i play pc games

should i go with plasma or lcd?
the budget is 2300
i know the differences of both types but don't have actual experience with them.

to u experts out there, why should i choose one over the other?

Plasma will give you the most accurate colors and make flesh tones appear real. No LCD problems, no motion problems. Plus the newer plasmas are lighter than ever... plus you get an extra 4" on average since they tend to be 50" rather than 46". Better contrast ratio... everything is better on a plasma. Even I am better now since I switched to plasma...haha. Anyways... you gotta get plasma or Santa will put u on his naughty list.

[Ben123]

Originally Posted by MaleManGuy

Plasma will give you the most accurate colors and make flesh tones appear real. No LCD problems, no motion problems. Plus the newer plasmas are lighter than ever... plus you get an extra 4" on average since they tend to be 50" rather than 46". Better contrast ratio... everything is better on a plasma. Even I am better now since I switched to plasma...haha. Anyways... you gotta get plasma or Santa will put u on his naughty list.

I heard so often that the plasma guys says LCD has motion-blur. I own a Samsung LCD and watch a lot of action movies and play games but have never seen any motion-blur myself. Must be my eyes are too "slow" :-P

But being a LCD owner that now also own a plasma, I totally agree that plasma picture wins hands down.

[dobyblue]

It's not something that most people will see and say "wow, look at that blurring!"

Most people are just blown away by HD on any screen. It's once you're accustomed to HD that you may start to notice each technologies weaknesses.

That said, not everyone will notice motion blurring and if you don't, don't look for it.

[Ben123]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

It's not something that most people will see and say "wow, look at that blurring!"

Most people are just blown away by HD on any screen. It's once you're accustomed to HD that you may start to notice each technologies weaknesses.

That said, not everyone will notice motion blurring and if you don't, don't look for it.

You arouse my curosity. I look closer to see if there really are.

[Duelce]

Originally Posted by MaleManGuy

Plasma will give you the most accurate colors and make flesh tones appear real. No LCD problems, no motion problems. Plus the newer plasmas are lighter than ever... plus you get an extra 4" on average since they tend to be 50" rather than 46". Better contrast ratio... everything is better on a plasma. Even I am better now since I switched to plasma...haha. Anyways... you gotta get plasma or Santa will put u on his naughty list.

we got the 52" toshiba regza @ costco for 2 grand. its lcd.
they had all the the lcd & plasma lined up so it was easy to see which was better

plasma is great tho. it seemed much more cloudy unlike lcd which was clear and crisp. but plasma does hav great color 2 bad for the motion thingy tho. lcd

it was a tough decision

[BirdManJr]

If your around the 2,300 range you can get a 52 inch samsung LCD at best buy

I paid 2,500...got the 4 year service plan.

[Kuraudo]

To say the Panasonic Plasma tvs are a bargain for High PQ is quite accurate, I see those 42" displays going as low as 1100 for 1080p at the store.
I'd bend over a bit and say it would be best to get that on a budget, a budget plasma being better than a budget LCD in this case. And since the XBr4 isn't available in a 60" flavor then the Plasma can be chosen there too, but read on why the Xbr4 is great as well.

But its quite inaccurate to say the XBR4 suffers from excessive motion blur.

PC
Using VLC media player set to Linear
then Having the cinemtion setting auto1
and motion enhancer on high i'm getting an outstanding 120FPS and can easily follow every movement in "on stage movement" quality.

Same settings on PS3 for blu ray, no motion blur.
I'd throw out my LCD out the window if motion blur was bad, I didn't bu LCD for along time cause of it. But to say the high end LCDs like the Xbr4 have it, thats not right.

Another thing is environment. I chose LCD due to my brighter in home settings, it doesn't get bothered by glare and has high white brightness settings to allow it to fight the light. Plasma looks its best in a dark setup. The LCD is good for overall lighting conditions.

Nice of you to hail plasmas as some holy grail but to piss on an excellent piece of work like XBR4 with lies based off of half truths and incorrect settings is beyond necessary. You fail to see the strengths and weaknesses of both sets.

[California93]

I have a 46" Sharp LCD off of their new D64 line.
Couldn't be happier with it.