Plasma or LCD ?

[4x12]

New Bedroom Setup.


Hey Guys,

I sold off my HK AVR-520 today and got $350 for it, not too bad I think. And now time for a flatscreen in the bedroom!! Right now I have a CRT Toshiba 32" Cinema Series (in gallery) 32AFX54 but the damn thing is huge and soooooo heavy! Its listed online and a few people coming over to check it out.

I want to something within a 32" to 42" max. Don't think we need any bigger than 32 in there... that room is mostly used for other business! So a few questions come up...

1) Should I go Full HD ? : I'm mostly going to have my regular STB and MAYBE a 2nd PS3 (most likely, a reg DVD or BD). So would I need 1080 or will a 720p do a good job ? And I most likely wont install the whole 5.1 in here. Wife would flip!

2) LCD or Plasma ? : I don't want to spend a crazy amount on this... at the most $500 to $600 MAX!!

Cheap being the main thing here.... So all help and suggestions welcomed!

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by 4x12

I want to something within a 26" to 32" max. Don't need any bigger than 32 in there... that room is mostly used for other business!

If that's the case, then LCD is your only option.

/thread

[SlmShdy1]

Like he said, your main option is LCD. Plasmas start at 37" and go up from there. You could always go the OLED route and get an 11" screen for a few thousand .

For 32" TV's, I know they have models out there with 1080p and 120Hz, but I don't see it as a necessity on such a small TV. However, if you were to use it as a computer monitor sometimes, you'd want to get as much resolution as possible, which would be a 1080p set.

And by the way, I'd stay away from LG. Focus on Samsung or Sony. Also, look at it this way: if you get a Sony and a new PS3 Slim, you can take advantage of the Bravia Sync... if that matters to you.

[maygit]

Vizio makes a 32" Plasma, looks like crap . Like they said, all you'll focus on in that size is LCD. Although 1080p is unnecessary at that screen size, contrast and other bells and whistles are not. Typically in higher end models, like the 1080p's, you'll get a better contrast ratio, color engine, and other things so it may be worth the upgrade.

[milwtom]

I really don't understand why people ask LCD or Plasma. The people who have Lcd's are going to say Lcd's, the people that have plasma's are going to say Plasma. Just buy the one that looks good to you and enjoy it no matter what other people say about it.

[mjbethancourt]

Let's not do this.

[TL OWNS U]

Originally Posted by maygit

Vizio makes a 32" Plasma, looks like crap

I own a Vizio 32" Plasma and they look great you liar

[SlmShdy1]

Originally Posted by milwtom

I really don't understand why people ask LCD or Plasma. The people who have Lcd's are going to say Lcd's, the people that have plasma's are going to say Plasma. Just buy the one that looks good to you and enjoy it no matter what other people say about it.

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

Let's not do this.

This isn't a LCD VS. Plasma debate. The OP is just asking for a recommendation.

Just because I have a LCD doesn't automatically mean I'm going to suggest a LCD. In most cases, I push plasma because it's better. Depending on the room environment and what the person is looking for, that's how you should come up with a suggestion. In all reality, I would tell the OP to go with a widescreen 32" CRT HDTV, but he's already said his current 32" CRT weighs too much. That and the fact that they're really hard to find nowadays.

[Pondosinatra]

I'm a plasma person, but at that price and that size, go with LCD.

[4x12]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

This isn't a LCD VS. Plasma debate. The OP is just asking for a recommendation.

Just because I have a LCD doesn't automatically mean I'm going to suggest a LCD. In most cases, I push plasma because it's better. Depending on the room environment and what the person is looking for, that's how you should come up with a suggestion. In all reality, I would tell the OP to go with a widescreen 32" CRT HDTV, but he's already said his current 32" CRT weighs too much. That and the fact that they're really hard to find nowadays.

Like Shady mentioned, I aint doing a whats better between this or that... I already own a 50" plasma Panny... What i'm asking is within the "needs" that I posted in my original post, whats the better purchase and what brand should I go for!

Slim, The CRT I currently own looks great and is built damn tough... but the damn thing comes in at 147lbs and thats NOT including the stand!! Plus, it takes up a lot of room.

What about the Insignia brand ? any feedback on those? and why keep away from LG?

[SlmShdy1]

Yup, I remember lugging around 30" CRT HDTV's at work when they were still available. Not only were the boxes awkward to carry, but they weighed a ton.

I only say that about LG because, from personal experience, their picture quality isn't all that great. The black levels aren't that dark and their plasmas have constant problems with image retention. One cool thing about the LG's is that they have invisible speakers. Like you said, you probably won't be using a 5.1 setup in the bedroom and the invisible speakers on the LG give it a sleek look. There are pros and cons, but the PQ kills it for me.

[Kryptonic]

You can get a Panasonic 42 inch plasma for $600. Better picture, viewing angles, blacks, colors, more reliable. Go for it. I bought a 32 inch Panasonic LCD for the bedroom, but man was it small. Took it back and went for the Panasonic X14 for $598, only $169 more than the 32 inch LCD. Couldn't be happier.

[mjbethancourt]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

This isn't a LCD VS. Plasma debate. The OP is just asking for a recommendation.

...yeah, but the odds of it becoming one are probably better than 90%.

[4x12]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

...yeah, but the odds of it becoming one are probably better than 90%.

Dude, if you want to share anything helpfull, please do so! On another note, I know where your getting at but it seems clear to everyone else who posted in here that this isnt a "Plasma Vs LCD " debate! I'm just looking for suggestions, new ideas on what I should drop my cash on.

So just in case someone thinks this is a "VS" issue IT ISNT! .

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

You can get a Panasonic 42 inch plasma for $600. Better picture, viewing angles, blacks, colors, more reliable. Go for it. I bought a 32 inch Panasonic LCD for the bedroom, but man was it small. Took it back and went for the Panasonic X14 for $598, only $169 more than the 32 inch LCD. Couldn't be happier.

Dude, I haven't seen ANY plasmas at $600! If I did, I most likely would nab one even if its bigger than I want/need. For $100 more i'd be nuts to settle so something lower.

But after giving it more thought, I might go for an LCD over plasma. Since this is mostly for TV watching, and theres good chances we (wife and I) might fall a sleep in front of it, I rather not worry about burn in issues. So LCD is up a point on this one... Plus, the room during the day is very bright so plasma might cause issues... then again, most of the play time on this set would be done during the evening. So I guess the burn in might be the main issue.

There is one question I forgot to ask regarding the LCD, is there a big difference between 60Hz or 120Hz for regular TV watching ? Should I really worry about that ?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Dude, if you want to share anything helpfull, please do so! On another note, I know where your getting at but it seems clear to everyone else who posted in here that this isnt a "Plasma Vs LCD " debate! I'm just looking for suggestions, new ideas on what I should drop my cash on.

So just in case someone thinks this is a "VS" issue IT ISNT! .



Dude, I haven't seen ANY plasmas at $600! If I did, I most likely would nab one even if its bigger than I want/need. For $100 more i'd be nuts to settle so something lower.

But after giving it more thought, I might go for an LCD over plasma. Since this is mostly for TV watching, and theres good chances we (wife and I) might fall a sleep in front of it, I rather not worry about burn in issues. So LCD is up a point on this one... Plus, the room during the day is very bright so plasma might cause issues... then again, most of the play time on this set would be done during the evening. So I guess the burn in might be the main issue.

There is one question I forgot to ask regarding the LCD, is there a big difference between 60Hz or 120Hz for regular TV watching ? Should I really worry about that ?

I didn't think there was a real signifcant change in PQ in going from a 60hz to 120Hz LCD. I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but some people like having the Motion Enhancer option, which makes everything look like a soap opera. Some like, some don't. I use it sometimes for regular TV programming, but not too often for sports, as it will "blur" the image or cause "steaks" for lack of a better word for it. For sports, you would really want a Plasma because of their response times IMO.

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Dude, I haven't seen ANY plasmas at $600! If I did, I most likely would nab one even if its bigger than I want/need. For $100 more i'd be nuts to settle so something lower.

But after giving it more thought, I might go for an LCD over plasma. Since this is mostly for TV watching, and theres good chances we (wife and I) might fall a sleep in front of it, I rather not worry about burn in issues. So LCD is up a point on this one... Plus, the room during the day is very bright so plasma might cause issues... then again, most of the play time on this set would be done during the evening. So I guess the burn in might be the main issue.

There is one question I forgot to ask regarding the LCD, is there a big difference between 60Hz or 120Hz for regular TV watching ? Should I really worry about that ?

You can get a 42 inch Panasonic X14 plasma for $598 at Sams Club and a 42 inch X1 (they're basically the same set) for around $600-$650 depending on the sale. It's tax free right now, so you'll save enough to buy a couple of BD's as well.

To actually burn-in a plasma, you would have to seriously abuse it for an extended period of time. You'll get image retention, but it goes away quickly. As long as you keep the pixel orbiter on and only play full-screen content for the first 50-100 hours, you'll be fine. I've watched three-hour plus letterbox films on my Panny and the image retention goes away after about 2 minutes of full screen content. It's nothing to worry about.

Also with plasma, there's no need for this 120hz business that LCD produces, making the image look like video instead of film. With plasma you get natural smooth motion, great blacks, and more colors than your eye can see. No LCD in this price range (or any really) will ever give you the size and quality of picture that a plasma provides.

[mjbethancourt]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Dude, if you want to share anything helpfull, please do so! On another note, I know where your getting at but it seems clear to everyone else who posted in here that this isnt a "Plasma Vs LCD " debate! I'm just looking for suggestions, new ideas on what I should drop my cash on.

OK... no need to get testy.

LG is not a good brand. The customer service and reliability of the product is fine, it's the performance that is pitiful. I think going with a high-performing brand like Sony is worth the extra cash.

There is one question I forgot to ask regarding the LCD, is there a big difference between 60Hz or 120Hz for regular TV watching ? Should I really worry about that ?

I think the people that say 120Hz is un-necessary are people that use plasma rather than LCD. High refresh rates are LCD's method of mitigating poor panel-response time and motion-resolution issues; also, a 60Hz set has to use some kind of "pulldown mode" to do 24p, so they are not ideal for watching blu-ray; a 120Hz set has no such issues. (But since your question was about regular TV watching, I guess the point is moot: HDTV is 60Hz). Also, full 1080p is preferable for similar reasons: it won't have to downscale blu-ray signals; and most of the top brands don't make 720p sets anymore... I believe somebody already mentioned that 1080p sets are more fully featured.

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

OK... no need to get testy.

LG is not a good brand. The customer service and reliability of the product is fine, it's the performance that is pitiful. I think going with a high-performing brand like Sony is worth the extra cash.



I think the people that say 120Hz is un-necessary are people that use plasma rather than LCD. High refresh rates are LCD's method of mitigating poor panel-response time and motion-resolution issues; also, a 60Hz set has to use some kind of "pulldown mode" to do 24p, so they are not ideal for watching blu-ray; a 120Hz set has no such issues. (But since your question was about regular TV watching, I guess the point is moot: HDTV is 60Hz). Also, full 1080p is preferable for similar reasons: it won't have to downscale blu-ray signals; and most of the top brands don't make 720p sets anymore... I believe somebody already mentioned that 1080p sets are more fully featured.

Unless you're getting a 50+ inch set, at normal viewing distances you won't be able to tell a difference between 720p and 1080p on a 42 inch or smaller. The 720p Panasonic plasmas all have 1080p image processors anyway, making the difference even less noticeable.

[TRIGON]

In your size range I think only LCD makes screens that small (typically)

Personally I would get Samsung or Sony. 1080p & 120hz are not going to add a whole lot at that size level. Especially since its a bedroom tv and I assume it will probably be across the room.

Try Fry's or Amazon for decent prices...

Good luck with your purchase!

[4x12]

Originally Posted by TRIGON

In your size range I think only LCD makes screens that small (typically)

Try Fry's or Amazon for decent prices...

Good luck with your purchase!

Hey Trig,

I'm located in Montreal and I want to avoid shipping one of these in from the States. I've had too many shitty issues with FedEx and UPS to take a chance on something like this... just doesn't sit right with me. I'd be rerally pist off to have it arrive in pieces. And if it screws up, its gonna be a pain to sent it back. So ill be keeping it local for this one... its shame becuse i've spotted ome killers deals on the web.