need a tv :(

[hunt]

The main question is what is better, LCD or Plasma. I think we're leaning twords LCD because its generally more power saving. But i wanted some opinions. My other question is, what are some good brands, we previously had a vizio but that broke, hence the title. So what are your opinions/expiriences

 

[bionicarm]

I was channel surfing early this morning, and I think I saw a QVC ad where they had an 82" Mitsubishi LCD 1080P 3-D TV for $3000.
 
There was a thread about a month ago on this exact same topic. Plasma seems to have better blacks and colors over LCD, but can cost a little more. I have a Sony that has an awesome picture, but I also looked at Samsung's when I was looking for a new TV. I really wouldn't mess with the 3-D stuff as of yet. There's limited movies and media out there to watch, and you also have to shell out $125 or more for each pair of the glasses. There's also no 'standard' defined yet.
 
Just figure out how much you want to spend, and how big a screen you want. Head over to Best Buy for the widest selections. I wouldn't get anything less than 1080P with a scan rate of 120Hz. Get 240Hz to avoid the pixelation you might see with slower scan rates watching action shows like sporting events.

 

[reefraff]

If you have a brightly lit room with fairly straight on viewing LCD. If you need to see the picture from an angle and the room isn't too bright Plasma.

 

[aquaknight]

Yep, gonna need more detail. It's sort of like asking 'what fish for my tank' without giving any preferences or tank size...
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///forum/thread/380196/need-a-tv#post_3308436
 
Just figure out how much you want to spend, and how big a screen you want. Head over to Best Buy for the widest selections. I wouldn't get anything less than 1080P with a scan rate of 120Hz. Get 240Hz to avoid the pixelation you might see with slower scan rates watching action shows like sporting events.
Think I give a little spiel in that other thread you mentioned about the refresh ratings, and how it's only effective to compare the rates of LCDs to LCD's and Plasmas to plasmas, not LCD to plasma. They are measured differently.

 

[mrdc]

Don't forget LED tvs.

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaKnight http:///forum/thread/380196/need-a-tv#post_3308511
Yep, gonna need more detail. It's sort of like asking 'what fish for my tank' without giving any preferences or tank size...
 
Think I give a little spiel in that other thread you mentioned about the refresh ratings, and how it's only effective to compare the rates of LCDs to LCD's and Plasmas to plasmas, not LCD to plasma. They are measured differently.
Yes, you are correct that those specs only apply to the specific screen type. There's a multitude of articles on the web that go into great detail what the pro's and con's are between Plasma and LCD. Bottom line, you pick the screen type that appeals the most to your preferences. You could have 10 people standing there looking at a Plasma screen, and half of them will tell you the picture sucks over an LCD, and vice versa. Like Reef said, it really depends on the environment of the room where you're going to watch TV as to which type of TV best suits your needs. Don't forget the options available on the new TV's. You want as many HDMI ports as you can get. That's pretty much where the industry is heading in regards to connecting external devices to a TV. If you want the easiest and best connection for your Cable Box, PS3, Blue-Ray Disc Player, and I believe Xbox 360 (Don't own one), you'll want to use HDMI.

 

[al mc]

My totally unscientific answer.....I have both and prefer the plasma over the LCD. It does appear to me to have better contrast/more vivid color. But as American muscle cars go..I like Mustangs and you might prefer Camaros....both are nice cars.....

 

[dragonzim]

One question that no one seems to ask.... Do you have kids? Plasma screens have a glass panel in front of them whereas LCD does not, so the Plasma can stand up to having things thrown at it a little better than an LCD.
 
Also as mentioned, Plasmas have darker blacks and can be viewed from a much wider viewing angle than LCD. Plasma is also a bit cheaper for comparable sized screens. I also wouldnt get anything less than 1080i at this point and have no interest in a 3D TV yet. Maybe for my next one when there is a lot more content and the prices come down.
 
I picked up a 50" Samsung Plasma from Best Buy about a month ago for $999. Been VERY happy with it so far.

 

[fishtaco]

The secret to a long lasting TV is to get one you don't really like. We have a 32 inch flatscreen that we have had for many years and probably weighs 200lbs and is huge. Oh yeah, it is also a APEX that we bought at Circuit City for about 350 bucks which was really cheap for that size back in the day. I have no doubt it will be more than a few years before I will be shopping for a flatscreen since I won't buy one till this TV breaks.
 
Fishtaco

 

[saxman]

We just replaced our Samsung 46" LCD with a Samsung 65" LED. The 46" LCD is still a great TV, nothing wrong with it, we just got ourselves a "present" and moved the 46" to our BR. I can tell you that the HD pic on the LED TV really "pops". If you watch HD programming a lot, the LED's are pretty sweet, plus it's < 1" thick, so we put it right on the wall.