PDA

View Full Version : HDTV Flat Panel, LCD Plasma

adios
10-13-2004, 10:04 AM
I'm thinking about getting one, probably less than 50" and greater than 30" soon. Any thoughts on the best quality, value, etc. I realize that there is a wide range of TVs between 30" and 50" but I'm definitely interested in something of the LCD or plasma variety.
Neil Stevens
10-13-2004, 10:20 AM
As I understand it, plasma screens will start to lose their color in a few years. If that bothers you, don't buy one.
astroglide
10-13-2004, 11:42 AM
when you say lcd, are you meaning flat-panel lcd or are you entertaining the idea of rear projection (about 18" deep)?
ThaSaltCracka
10-13-2004, 11:47 AM
I have heard that Panasonic makes real good plasma TV's.

here is a link to CNET's editors choice's for Plasma TV's.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6482_7-5448639.html?tag=promo2
stoxtrader
10-13-2004, 12:08 PM
I would assume that quality will continue to improve and prices will continue to come down, so that said, the longer you can wait the better off you are.

Given the current mkt, if you are talking "flat" panel only, I think LCDs are the way to go as plasma has problems with both burn-in and picture (pixel?) degradation over time that I think LCDS do not have...
astroglide
10-13-2004, 12:11 PM
plasmas also have high radio interference, power use, and heat. some fplcds are hot too. but in general lcds compare unfavorably in the cost department once you get over 30". the 32-40 zone is really a "bad spot" for flat panels in general. lcds dominate 30 and below, plasmas dominate 42 and up. in the middle you mostly have expensive lcds and a few (mostly crap) plasmas. who wants 37"? /images/graemlins/smile.gif
ThaSaltCracka
10-13-2004, 12:19 PM
yeah does it have to LCD or plasma? They make a lot of fantastic rear projection HD TV's.
TheRake
10-13-2004, 12:31 PM
[ QUOTE ]
They make a lot of fantastic rear projection HD TV's.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just bought a Toshiba 57" widescreen rear projection HDTV about 2 months ago. It is fantastic. HDTV rules, but there is not much programming yet and I have to pay extra for the signal from the cable company. It has been worth it just for MNF and the baseball playoffs in hi-def IMO. The picture is amazing.

They have also really cut down the size of the cabinets with some of the new technology. I think my cabinet is only ~24" deep. Very nice at a fraction of the cost. I am very pleased.

TheRake
adios
10-13-2004, 02:24 PM
xxx
astroglide
10-13-2004, 02:45 PM
burn-in is the biggest factor on plasmas. they take a long time to drop their brightness, and by then you'll want a new set anyway (1080p should be standard by then etc). if you don't play video games a lot and don't mind watching 4x3 content in stretched modes it should be fine and i'd recommend a 42" HDTV (not EDTV) plasma. you may or may not care about having an integrated over-the-air HDTV (ATSC) tuner, but you should look for at least 1 (hopefully 2) HDMI ports.
ericd
10-13-2004, 03:46 PM
I agree. I've had the same results with Hitachi.
wacki
10-13-2004, 05:29 PM
Astroglide, you sure do know alot about Plasma's. Where do you get your information avsforum?
astroglide
10-13-2004, 05:39 PM
i glance at avsforum when i'm evaluating purchases or doing research for a friend. i tend to keep up on tv stuff in general.

fwiw, i just bought http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=hsyUdFnJhPGUexitwYeefxbGgsSBX5nmeis=?Pro ductSKU=KDF60XS955&Dept=tv&CategoryName=tv_Project ionTVs_RearProjection_55to70TVs