i agree with subseeker....i would only buy @ costco...best prices....lots of brand models to chose from....if youre not happy with it....within 6 month....bring it back....no questions asked....money back !!
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Plasma or LCD, then Which Brand?
- Thread starter rangie
- Start date
BurgerFlaggen
Renowned Member
I have a Mitsubishi DLP which I use for my theatre upstairs, and a Sony XBR2 for TV during meals and entertaining guests. I wanted the XBR3, but the extra $200 for the shiny black color put me off, just on principle :roll: Sony does have arguably the best LCD refresh rate and they incorporate many of their own electronics inside where others will buy components from the same 3rd party maker as their competition does. This is partly evident by the color saturation you see when comparing against other LCD brands.
BTW, you can buy "bezel" kits including black ones for the XBR, but the black kit is matte and they go for $299.
I am very happy with both TVs, although the DLP will anchor the theatre.
BTW, you can buy "bezel" kits including black ones for the XBR, but the black kit is matte and they go for $299.
I am very happy with both TVs, although the DLP will anchor the theatre.
mumum
Renowned Member
- 18/1/07
- 559
- 104
- 43
jburton said:
I am a member there, arguably the site for AV talk. After much resaerch I got myself the plasma. If you want size and best price, mostly watch movies, tv, then get a plasma. The best imo, are Panasonic and pioneer. Read up on AVSforum, you will understand.
snielsen said:
It's actually the opposite. LCD's black levels are genrally not as good as plasmas although they are getting better... I would go with a Panny or Pio plasma...
And resolution doesnt always matter. It depends how close you sit to the TV. If you sit 10 feet away it will be usless getting 1080p on a 42" because you will never see that resolution,,,
I have a 26" LCD in my office that I bought a year ago. Some of the fast action movies make a trail.
Lately I bought couple of Hyunday LCD screens for the office and they've been great. So when I saw last Christmas a sale on a 1366X768 Hyunday 42" plasma for $1399, I threw my body on one of the last boxes. I am very happy with the purchase.
Lately I bought couple of Hyunday LCD screens for the office and they've been great. So when I saw last Christmas a sale on a 1366X768 Hyunday 42" plasma for $1399, I threw my body on one of the last boxes. I am very happy with the purchase.
Fact people don't know
I am glad you asked this question. It is my line of business. I am in advertising and I get in touch with all brand names and I attend all of their press conferences and launches. Plasma is of no use anymore, and this is why more companies are discontinuing plasma models. You want to go LCD. To do that you should know that there are only 2 brands that can claim superiority. One is Sony Brava and the second is Samsung H7 32 or 42 inches. Very few people know that Sony is actually using samsung technology with the LCD, so basically if you open a Bravia you would find inside an LCD panel pertaining to Samsung. Samsung is the way to go with their new models they are great and at a very good price. while all LCDs have a 15 million colors capability, Samsung has 16 BILLION colors.... go figure.
http://product.samsung.com/lcdemo/Samsung_LCD.html
I am glad you asked this question. It is my line of business. I am in advertising and I get in touch with all brand names and I attend all of their press conferences and launches. Plasma is of no use anymore, and this is why more companies are discontinuing plasma models. You want to go LCD. To do that you should know that there are only 2 brands that can claim superiority. One is Sony Brava and the second is Samsung H7 32 or 42 inches. Very few people know that Sony is actually using samsung technology with the LCD, so basically if you open a Bravia you would find inside an LCD panel pertaining to Samsung. Samsung is the way to go with their new models they are great and at a very good price. while all LCDs have a 15 million colors capability, Samsung has 16 BILLION colors.... go figure.
http://product.samsung.com/lcdemo/Samsung_LCD.html
rangie said:
okay.....
Let me just say I am the expert when it comes to HT (home theater)
The BEst you can get IS plasma, namely Pioneer Elite 1080p Plasma. It is around 7grand.
Fujitsu is next on the list of Plasmas.
Followed by Panasonic.
THE BEST LCD you can get Arguably is NOT the sharp.
It is the Sony with better contrasts than most Plasmas out there. I have tested every good brand out there.
I don't buy entry level stuff...
If you want value, PQ will suffer.
Vizio's new 1080p LCD is decent for the price.....
Let me know if you need anything further...
Don't ever get a HT in a box too. They suck unless you are tone deaf!
42 inch Panny TH-42PH9UK
http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma ... TH-42PH9UK
visual apex is a certified dealer so you have a warranty.
$1059 can't be beat.
It's not always about resolution - 1080p? how many sources can do 1080p? not a lot.
Also remember, you will be watching a LOT of standard def, so you want something that looks good there and has a lot of options for how the screen is filled.
The panny I pointed you at is just a monitor, you need a reciever, speakers, etc.
Another thing I like about this model is you can pick and choose your inputs - if you want 3 X HDMI, go for it, whatever you want, just buy the adapter.
the 50 inch is http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/plasma ... TH-50PH9UK
$1713
I have the 42 and sometimes I wish I'd gone 50....
oh yah, get an OPPO upscaling DVD player too, Ooooo yah.
http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma ... TH-42PH9UK
visual apex is a certified dealer so you have a warranty.
$1059 can't be beat.
It's not always about resolution - 1080p? how many sources can do 1080p? not a lot.
Also remember, you will be watching a LOT of standard def, so you want something that looks good there and has a lot of options for how the screen is filled.
The panny I pointed you at is just a monitor, you need a reciever, speakers, etc.
Another thing I like about this model is you can pick and choose your inputs - if you want 3 X HDMI, go for it, whatever you want, just buy the adapter.
the 50 inch is http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/plasma ... TH-50PH9UK
$1713
I have the 42 and sometimes I wish I'd gone 50....
oh yah, get an OPPO upscaling DVD player too, Ooooo yah.
horologie_unitas said:
costco is changing their return policy. Check it out, it isn't as liberal as it once was
zetterdawg said:
Thats a great point,
and one that most sales people could do with learning. There are many high definition screens out there that are rubbish with standard definition.
If you play video games, DO NOT buy the plasma. It will have burn in issues that LCD and DLP do not have.
I have Samsung 50" DLP.......I chose it over both LCD and plasma......plasma is being phased out in favour of LCD......however...I wanted mine as the basis of a home theater....plasma and LCD are artificially bright......plus they haven't solved the problem of smearing.....10ms...10millischmeconds......that's hooey.....just numbers.....go look at a fast action movie on LCD / PL.....the smearing is dreadful.....the benefit for me in DLP was the more accurate reflection of a genuine cinema screen.......no screaming garish colours......plus the Samsung has 1080P progressive scan....HDMI input.....so when HD DVD's start popping.....it'll be ready for them.....in the meantime....DVD's running thru RGB inputs on progressive scan are absolutely excellent......TV less so....it'll do me until I switch over to HD...and then I'll run with a 1080P projector.....!
If you watch a lot of TV / Low Def then go for LCD.......cooler running.....less power consumption.....newer technology...!
If I can sell enough Chopards tho'......I might be tempted to go for Pioneers 107' inch plasma.....
If you watch a lot of TV / Low Def then go for LCD.......cooler running.....less power consumption.....newer technology...!
If I can sell enough Chopards tho'......I might be tempted to go for Pioneers 107' inch plasma.....
get the new 60" vizio plasma for 2700 bones at costco.... it is double the size of my 42, really it looks twice the size.
TTK said:I have Samsung 50" DLP.......I chose it over both LCD and plasma......plasma is being phased out in favour of LCD......however...I wanted mine as the basis of a home theater....plasma and LCD are artificially bright......plus they haven't solved the problem of smearing.....10ms...10millischmeconds......that's hooey.....just numbers.....go look at a fast action movie on LCD / PL.....the smearing is dreadful.....the benefit for me in DLP was the more accurate reflection of a genuine cinema screen.......no screaming garish colours......plus the Samsung has 1080P progressive scan....HDMI input.....so when HD DVD's start popping.....it'll be ready for them.....in the meantime....DVD's running thru RGB inputs on progressive scan are absolutely excellent......TV less so....it'll do me until I switch over to HD...and then I'll run with a 1080P projector.....!
If you watch a lot of TV / Low Def then go for LCD.......cooler running.....less power consumption.....newer technology...!
If I can sell enough Chopards tho'......I might be tempted to go for Pioneers 107' inch plasma.....
well - I'm not sure if Plasma is really being phased out, that's a neat little rumour, but there really isn't much truth to it.
If SED lives up to the hype then I can see Plasma and LCD being gone
as for fast action, I watch Hockey (arguably the fastest sport out there) and lots of movies on my panny plasma with no issue.
cheers,
Z
Well...doesn't work for me.....regardless of which make I've looked at....I always see smearing.......my eyes are used to judging resolution..( go figure )...and the DLP is for me the best option......I'm not fooled by all the bright artificial colours.....sorry...!
TTK said:
To each his own. I have seen a number of nice Samsung DLP TV's that I wouldn't mind. They do have nice color preproduction and they've worked out most of the bugs with the rainbow effects.
Certainly the DLP boxes are much more cost effective.
One more thing to consider - what is your service? I am using Direct TV and while it's ok, I find the signal is quite compressed. When I compare it to uncompressed OTA (over the air) it's not great. I'm thinking of going to a cable based system in the future.
Hey - TTK, why don't you post a picture of the crown on that new Chopard.....
z
Service...... :lol: LMAO.......Service you say.......I live in Thailand.....with Sophon cable TV.....they buy their copy DVD's for transmission from the same guy I do..... :lol:
The rainbow effects have been well sorted on DLP.....and believe me....the picture quality is superb......if youu look at films such as Immortal......Ultraviolet......you get great colours....well defined shadows with graduated blacks.....then if you look at movies like The Illusionist....Prestige etc.....you get great almost sepia tones.....fitting with the period films......no bright or garish colours.....it does look more like a cinema film....that's what I love about it.....I'm also thinking of buying a new 71"....and consigning the 50" as the bedroom portable.....
As for the Chopard crown.....if I post a photo of the crown.....are you gonna buy one.....if not.....why do I need to....they're all sold now.....
The rainbow effects have been well sorted on DLP.....and believe me....the picture quality is superb......if youu look at films such as Immortal......Ultraviolet......you get great colours....well defined shadows with graduated blacks.....then if you look at movies like The Illusionist....Prestige etc.....you get great almost sepia tones.....fitting with the period films......no bright or garish colours.....it does look more like a cinema film....that's what I love about it.....I'm also thinking of buying a new 71"....and consigning the 50" as the bedroom portable.....
As for the Chopard crown.....if I post a photo of the crown.....are you gonna buy one.....if not.....why do I need to....they're all sold now.....
let's all agree - this is going to rock!
http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/sed_tvs.htm
like a million little CRT's.
fastest refresh, best color repro, darkest blacks, it's the silver bullet!
Now if they could just release a product......
http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/sed_tvs.htm
like a million little CRT's.
fastest refresh, best color repro, darkest blacks, it's the silver bullet!
Now if they could just release a product......
LCD = Higher Resolution and more Light Output and are not affected by high altitude.
Plasma = Currently, overall better black levels with over 10:000:1 contrast ratio common. However, there are ery few options in true HD (High Definition) 1920x1080. (Pioneer and Panasonic being the only two brands to date selling true resolution. Most Plasma TV's scale 1080i and 720p resolutions using a 1366x768 panel or a 1280x1024...etc. You get the idea.
LCD - Most look terrible at night in a theater environment. They have a symptom called torch mode. If you've ever sat in front of your computer in a dark room using an LCD panel to watch a movie, you'll understand what I mean. If you decide to go LCD, Look for a brand like SONY Bravia that uses an adjustable backlight (a MUST have, in my opinion). If you are viewing at night, you will want the ability to turn the backlight down. The fatigue coming from an LCD panel in torch mode in a home theater with controlled lighting is the biggest reason for people not liking LCD.
Plasma and Burn in. A mis-understood issue for the most part. If you walk into Best Buy, some sales dweeb will tell you that Plasmas have burn-in. It is caused by low persistance in the panels ability to respond to light and dark levels. Watching 4:3 images on a widescreen set were the most common reason for burn-in. However, this issue has been solved by the leading companies and Burn In no longer exists on 2007 leading models (like Panasonic and Pioneer) for the most part.
Recommendation:
Money no object / Controlled lighting : Pioneer PROHD (wait till April for the new 1080p 1920x1080 set). The PRO FHD1 is by far the best looking flat panel on the market and can be had over the internet (with careful shopping) for less than $5K.
Money no object / difficult lighting: Sony Bravia LCD or SONY SXRD Rear Projection. The issue with rear projection is bulb cost and you WILL have to replace the bulb in a DLP or SXRD set. Enter this figure as part of your purchase budget. Bulb cost can be higher than $700 installed...and bulb life can be less than 3 years.
On a Budget / Controlled Lighting: Panasonic Plasma. I read the comments above and for the most part agree with the assessment made by other members. However, Plasma is not dead. Unless you can purchase an LCD at a reasonable cost with adjustable backlight, I would pass on LCD. Sony is signficantly higher than other brands. I would expect new models of Toshiba and Mits. to have adjustable backlights by summer.
On a Budget / difficult Lighting: Toshiba 1080p LCD.
Hope this helps.
Plasma = Currently, overall better black levels with over 10:000:1 contrast ratio common. However, there are ery few options in true HD (High Definition) 1920x1080. (Pioneer and Panasonic being the only two brands to date selling true resolution. Most Plasma TV's scale 1080i and 720p resolutions using a 1366x768 panel or a 1280x1024...etc. You get the idea.
LCD - Most look terrible at night in a theater environment. They have a symptom called torch mode. If you've ever sat in front of your computer in a dark room using an LCD panel to watch a movie, you'll understand what I mean. If you decide to go LCD, Look for a brand like SONY Bravia that uses an adjustable backlight (a MUST have, in my opinion). If you are viewing at night, you will want the ability to turn the backlight down. The fatigue coming from an LCD panel in torch mode in a home theater with controlled lighting is the biggest reason for people not liking LCD.
Plasma and Burn in. A mis-understood issue for the most part. If you walk into Best Buy, some sales dweeb will tell you that Plasmas have burn-in. It is caused by low persistance in the panels ability to respond to light and dark levels. Watching 4:3 images on a widescreen set were the most common reason for burn-in. However, this issue has been solved by the leading companies and Burn In no longer exists on 2007 leading models (like Panasonic and Pioneer) for the most part.
Recommendation:
Money no object / Controlled lighting : Pioneer PROHD (wait till April for the new 1080p 1920x1080 set). The PRO FHD1 is by far the best looking flat panel on the market and can be had over the internet (with careful shopping) for less than $5K.
Money no object / difficult lighting: Sony Bravia LCD or SONY SXRD Rear Projection. The issue with rear projection is bulb cost and you WILL have to replace the bulb in a DLP or SXRD set. Enter this figure as part of your purchase budget. Bulb cost can be higher than $700 installed...and bulb life can be less than 3 years.
On a Budget / Controlled Lighting: Panasonic Plasma. I read the comments above and for the most part agree with the assessment made by other members. However, Plasma is not dead. Unless you can purchase an LCD at a reasonable cost with adjustable backlight, I would pass on LCD. Sony is signficantly higher than other brands. I would expect new models of Toshiba and Mits. to have adjustable backlights by summer.
On a Budget / difficult Lighting: Toshiba 1080p LCD.
Hope this helps.