Kor Qel Droma Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I'm seriously considering getting a new TV. There comes a time in every mans' life where a choice must be made: LCD or Plasma? I'm not looking to buy one of those monster 55 inch models either, just something slightly larger than the current 32 inch old school spine adjuster I have now. Anyone have any advice? Of course I'll be using it for gaming, although I've read that screen burn isn't really that much of an issue anymore. Jaguars4ever is still alive. No word of a lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyCrimson Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 If you can afford it I'd go w/plasma. I find their picture brighter and prettier and...just better. Not that I've bought one and taken it home. Just what I see in the stores all the time as I browse, dreaming....and from Consumer Reports reviews. I love Consumer Reports... Plasma supposedly has a minor caveat of eventually losing about 30-50% of it's original 'brightness' over the course of some years...I don't remember, maybe 3-5? If that's not a concern...then plasma. I don't know if it's better for gaming tho. “Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.” – Alan Watts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I'm not sure if this affects you Kor - but I have heard that plasmas have issues at higher altitude ... The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bokishi Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 (edited) I'd go for a rear projection DLP, but go massive. I got my eyes on a 70 inch Samsung myself.. Edited August 30, 2006 by Bokishi Current 3DMark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surreptishus Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I think the rule (or guideline) is Plasma for the super massive TVs and LCD for the smaller TVs. You can get a 36" LCD but once you start going 40 and above plasma is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 You can get a 36" LCD but once you start going 40 and above plasma is the way to go. Is that from experience? That's a helpful demarcation regardless, it would be good to know why that is so, if you have time? The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bokishi Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Yeah that's a general rule for those TVs. Something about larger LCDs getting expensive to make. Sony is all LCD, which is why they charge a premium for their large TVs. Current 3DMark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyCrimson Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Is the difference here just the price factor tho, or something else? “Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.” – Alan Watts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanschu Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I have heard that the lifespan of the plasma is not as long, but it's all hearsay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metadigital Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 LCD uses full power to create black (twist the crystals into a perpendicular aspect and prevent the backlight from penetrating); also the specs for LCD seem to suggest that they are much better than plasma, which is patently not the case (brightness, refresh, etc). Plasma has a MUCH better viewing angle, too. If you can afford it, go plasma: it is the best option (for large screens). Not as sure about the exact threshold between plasma and LCD ... certainly the smaller size is the domain of the cheaper LCD. Rear-projection is a nice option and also overhead projection (if you have a dedicated entertainment room) ... but the plasma will give you the brightest screen. More technology is on the way (in the next five years, etc), too, like OLCD (Organic LCD), which allows for flexible surfaces ... so a PDA will have a roll-out screen (Philips have text models now). Best advice: spend a few dollars and buy a few "Large TV" / "Home Cinema" magazines and read their advice. Best to invest a few dollars before you spend a few thousand. OBSCVRVM PER OBSCVRIVS ET IGNOTVM PER IGNOTIVS OPVS ARTIFICEM PROBAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I don't know how true this is, but I decided against one of these big TVs for gaming. You need a mahoosive graphics thingy to get decent resolution. "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surreptishus Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Best advice: spend a few dollars and buy a few "Large TV" / "Home Cinema" magazines and read their advice. Best to invest a few dollars before you spend a few thousand. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also arrange demonstrations if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Hades Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Man, I haven't used my television for almost a year now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taks Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I'm not sure if this affects you Kor - but I have heard that plasmas have issues at higher altitude ... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> big time. there are only a few that are designed for above a few thousand feet. NEC is one that i know of, and i think it's guaranteed to 9000 ft. i live at 6850 feet (work at 7000), and i can go into best buy and listen to the plasmas hum. some worse than others. the reason, if anyone is curious, is that the cells of the screen are pressurized, and the ambient pressure effects the efficiency of these cells. at high elevations/altitudes, more power is required to have a given brightness. that causes the hum (and they get hot, real hot). at least, that's the way it was explained to me! oh, and there is a myth running around that plasma tvs need to be "recharged." it is a myth. the cells are sealed. taks comrade taks... just because. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taks Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I'd go for a rear projection DLP, but go massive. I got my eyes on a 70 inch Samsung myself.. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> when i went in to Ultimate Electronics eyeing DLP tvs, the one that had been returned the most was the 50 inch samsung. apparently they have major issues with the optical lens (which spins at something like 20k rpm). you can hear it spinning, too. also, the DLP tvs have a strange rainbow effect that some, but not all, can see. i do not see it, so it is not a bother, but those that can see it claim it is terribly annoying. personally, i'm looking at the sony SXRD tvs. in particular, this one at best buy. it is an LCD projection, and has the best contrast and clearest picture i've ever seen. keep in mind, i'm a big-time sony fan and have been for years. i have a 32" trinitron that is as clear today as it was 11 years ago when i got it. taks comrade taks... just because. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angshuman Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 You might want to visit these forums: http://www.avsforum.com Here's what I've heard about rear-projection systems (these are also applicable to front-projectors): DLP systems tend to suffer from a so-called "Rainbow-effect", while LCD systems suffer from a "Screen-Door effect". Among flat panels, Plasma TVs have burn-in issues (if you continually watch 4:3 content on a 16:9 TV, your screen's going to get baked), while I don't LCDs have any disadvantages apart from being prohibitively expensive at such sizes. When you're at a store comparing TVs, the units you are comparing should have exactly the same input being fed into them, and via exactly the same interface (DVI, HDMI, whatever). Fiddle with the brightness, contrast, color and filter settings on all units you are testing. Some units may have bad default settings, but could potentially offer better picture quality when tweaked. Sometimes stores will intentionally use sub-par settings on some units in order to sell their favored brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taks Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Here's what I've heard about rear-projection systems (these are also applicable to front-projectors): DLP systems tend to suffer from a so-called "Rainbow-effect", yup, but not everyone is bothered by it. why, i don't know, however. while LCD systems suffer from a "Screen-Door effect". the SXRD is pretty good in this respect. this is a result of the screen they use, btw, on the tv face. Among flat panels, Plasma TVs have burn-in issues (if you continually watch 4:3 content on a 16:9 TV, your screen's going to get baked), i've read this, too, though i have heard differing opinions on how long this takes. while I don't LCDs have any disadvantages apart from being prohibitively expensive at such sizes. they'll come down in price, eventually. unfortunately, i don't think their response time is as fast as the projection LCDs, so sports programs (and other fast moving vids) may suffer. When you're at a store comparing TVs, the units you are comparing should have exactly the same input being fed into them, and via exactly the same interface (DVI, HDMI, whatever). Fiddle with the brightness, contrast, color and filter settings on all units you are testing. Some units may have bad default settings, but could potentially offer better picture quality when tweaked. Sometimes stores will intentionally use sub-par settings on some units in order to sell their favored brand. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> excellent advice. i hadn't thought about that. the sub-par setting thing, however, is pretty easy to uncover, and i have noticed it. taks comrade taks... just because. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kor Qel Droma Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 I'm not sure if this affects you Kor - but I have heard that plasmas have issues at higher altitude ... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Heh, I thought Fio was making a funny. My bad. So far I've been really looking into this bad boy here. When I first saw the name 'Digimate' I had a chuckle, but one of the techheads at work has the same tv and says it works quite well. I could upgrade to a 37' for about another 600 dollars, but keeping it under a grand really suits my budget ( or lack thereof). Jaguars4ever is still alive. No word of a lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaftan Barlast Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 (edited) PLASMA: + Its just the best technology for large-screen TV rigt now - expensive LCD: + Cheap - Will only display crisp images at its native resolution, which means most things will look like crap since neither DVD's or HDTV is 1366 x 768 which is a common LCD n-res. - Viewing angle problems Rear-projection / Projector: + Large screen for little money - The image may be a bit blurry - The lamps are friggin EXPENSIVE!!!!! with daily viewing, youll have to change the lamp every 8months or so and they might cost more than $500 edit: I have an LCD tv btw, and although its easy to move around, the image of a plasma or regular tv kicks its flat ass. Edited August 30, 2006 by Kaftan Barlast DISCLAIMER: Do not take what I write seriously unless it is clearly and in no uncertain terms, declared by me to be meant in a serious and non-humoristic manner. If there is no clear indication, asume the post is written in jest. This notification is meant very seriously and its purpouse is to avoid misunderstandings and the consequences thereof. Furthermore; I can not be held accountable for anything I write on these forums since the idea of taking serious responsability for my unserious actions, is an oxymoron in itself. Important: as the following sentence contains many naughty words I warn you not to read it under any circumstances; botty, knickers, wee, erogenous zone, psychiatrist, clitoris, stockings, bosom, poetry reading, dentist, fellatio and the department of agriculture. "I suppose outright stupidity and complete lack of taste could also be considered points of view. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surreptishus Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Rear-projection / Projector: + Large screen for little money - The image may be a bit blurry - The lamps are friggin EXPENSIVE!!!!! with daily viewing, youll have to change the lamp every 8months or so and they might cost more than $500 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Is that with any rear projection TV or the newer HD models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkan Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 they'll come down in price, eventually. unfortunately, i don't think their response time is as fast as the projection LCDs, so sports programs (and other fast moving vids) may suffer.<{POST_SNAPBACK}> NFL in HD looks amazing on our 42" LCD "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger." - Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials "I have also been slowly coming to the realisation that knowledge and happiness are not necessarily coincident, and quite often mutually exclusive" - meta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taks Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 for similar sizes, kaftan, LCD is much more expensive than plasma. you can get 42" plasmas for $1600 in the states now. a 42" LCD, OTOH, is running $2300. taks comrade taks... just because. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaftan Barlast Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 Rear-projection / Projector: + Large screen for little money - The image may be a bit blurry - The lamps are friggin EXPENSIVE!!!!! with daily viewing, youll have to change the lamp every 8months or so and they might cost more than $500 <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Is that with any rear projection TV or the newer HD models? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Anything with a projector needs a big fat lamp which will burn out eventually. I know Ive heard of a rear-projection tv that uses LED light instead. But I would stay away from them anyway, bloody hassle. DISCLAIMER: Do not take what I write seriously unless it is clearly and in no uncertain terms, declared by me to be meant in a serious and non-humoristic manner. If there is no clear indication, asume the post is written in jest. This notification is meant very seriously and its purpouse is to avoid misunderstandings and the consequences thereof. Furthermore; I can not be held accountable for anything I write on these forums since the idea of taking serious responsability for my unserious actions, is an oxymoron in itself. Important: as the following sentence contains many naughty words I warn you not to read it under any circumstances; botty, knickers, wee, erogenous zone, psychiatrist, clitoris, stockings, bosom, poetry reading, dentist, fellatio and the department of agriculture. "I suppose outright stupidity and complete lack of taste could also be considered points of view. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surreptishus Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 To be honest I've never heard of the lamp problem with rear projection. Quite a few of my friends bought rear projection TVs around 2001/02 and they are still going strong. Acreen burn is an issue but the screens are relatively cheap to replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Drabek Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 I'm not sure if this affects you Kor - but I have heard that plasmas have issues at higher altitude ... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well I don't know if Kor lives in the mountains, but he might have problems with that nevertheless... I know he acknowledged the almost-joke, but I just couldn't resist. :cool: Anyway, I have a 27" non-flatscreen TV. It was about $100 a year or so ago when I bought it. At least it has some inputs so I can finally retire the RF adapter. baby, take off your beret everyone's a critic and most people are DJs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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