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Plasma vs LCD

As you guys know the prices of flat panels are dropping like crazy. I've been holding off and I've found a couple of good deals. Problem is I couldn't decide if I want a plasma or a LCD

I'm looking @ 2 TVs now and they are both around $1500 out the door

First it's the Samsung LNS4051, a 40in LCD



or

Hitachi 42HDS69, a 42in Plasma



They both have at least 2 HDMI input but the Hitachi have "low" 1080i resolution

If you guys want to see the full specs. I can post it also

Let me know what you guys thing

I would go for LCD, Mainly cause Plasma screens are proned to getting burn ins on there screens.

this has the potential of being a monumental thread, discussion, and debate from which 90% of the contents would be based on personal opinion and brand loyalty.

So I'll start it off....

I went Sony because I'm loyal to Sony
I went LCD because I believe LCD has a longer life than plasma, plasma is said to show burn-in after 2-3 years, where as LCD is approximately 5-10years.

I purchased my LCD about a year ago for $2800, Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1, at the time it went for $3500MSRP and I paid 28 cash and walked with it.

The prices on LCD HDTVs have gone down and they are way cheaper then Plasma TVs.

I recently picked up an LCD TV, the Polaroid FLM3232, for 899. I picked it because of the price of course, but also because of the unit's design which is very sleek. It had all the inputs I wanted including HDMI. The picture leaves nothing to be desired and honestly when I saw it sitting next to similar models that were 500+, the picture was not that different and I'm a picky son of a bitch. If I were you, I'd go with the 40" Samsung LCD. I would have loved to have bought that instead but I didn't want to pay the extra $$$.

So which better? I too am deciding between the Sharp Aquos 40 and the Sony Bravia 40s2010 or XBR 40?

quote:

Originally posted by yujie__ So which better? I too am deciding between the Sharp Aquos 40 and the Sony Bravia 40s2010 or XBR 40?

you want an opinion from a sony brand whore? sharp sets are nice but the only other LCD that I'd even dare venture away from Sony for is Samsung

I too was having a hard time deciding on whether to get plasma or projection. I recently heard that after awhile the Sony projection TV starts to get this green effect on the screen. Cross that one out.

I then thought about a plasma TV but just found out that is uses quite a bit of electrical juice.

So... yesterday, I finally made up my mind and decided to get the TV that I've wanted ever since I started checking out all the new LCDs. It will be my birthday & Christmas gift to ME!!!!

*drum roll*

Samsung 50" DLP� HDTV (HL-S5087W)



50" DLP� HDTV: At the heart of Samsung�s Digital Light processing (DLP) projection TV technology is the Cinema Smooth� 1080p Light Engine. The light engine produces a superb picture that has no readily visible pixels (screen dots). No pixel visibility means the TV picture is incredibly smooth and sharp�like film.

DLP� benefits: DLP is an award-winning (micro-mirror) projection TV technology used by many commercial movie theaters. DLP cost-effectively offers a big, clear HD picture�yet DLP TVs are much slimmer than most other projection TVs. Plus, with DLP, you don't have to worry about screen burn-in or convergence errors.

Highest resolution available: Featuring an HD resolution of 1080p, the Samsung HL-S5087W offers the highest definition screen currently available. Plus, the HD tuner is built-in, so there is no need to buy an extra component.

Innovative design: The TV has a streamlined, clean design that complements any room d�cor, including a �hidden� speaker with a slanted bevel edge that tucks under the screen.

Picture optimization: Samsung's DNIe� technology boosts the quality of the TV images for pictures that have greater depth and more accurate colors. A great contrast ratio (up to 10,000:1) means the TV picture is always vibrant, not washed out.

Quality sound: SRS TruSurround XT fills your room with powerful, true-to-life sound.

Great features: This TV is fully loaded with a host of great features, including adjustable color temperatures, game mode (a setting tailored for video gaming), an auto volume leveler (to prevent sudden sound bursts during commercials), previous channel, a V-chip, and more.

Full range of A/V inputs: Includes HDMI, component video, S-video, composite video, PC and USB connections

I wouldn't go for the DLP. The reason cause? Well at some point, The bulb would go out and you have to replace the bulb itself. They cost about 200 bucks to replace.

quote:

Originally posted by TSG I too was having a hard time deciding on whether to get plasma or projection. I recently heard that after awhile the Sony projection TV starts to get this green effect on the screen. Cross that one out. I then thought about a plasma TV but just found out that is uses quite a bit of electrical juice. So... yesterday, I finally made up my mind and decided to get the TV that I've wanted ever since I started checking out all the new LCDs. It will be my birthday & Christmas gift to ME!!!! *drum roll* Samsung 50" DLP� HDTV (HL-S5087W) 50" DLP� HDTV: At the heart of Samsung�s Digital Light processing (DLP) projection TV technology is the Cinema Smooth� 1080p Light Engine. The light engine produces a superb picture that has no readily visible pixels (screen dots). No pixel visibility means the TV picture is incredibly smooth and sharp�like film. DLP� benefits: DLP is an award-winning (micro-mirror) projection TV technology used by many commercial movie theaters. DLP cost-effectively offers a big, clear HD picture�yet DLP TVs are much slimmer than most other projection TVs. Plus, with DLP, you don't have to worry about screen burn-in or convergence errors. Highest resolution available: Featuring an HD resolution of 1080p, the Samsung HL-S5087W offers the highest definition screen currently available. Plus, the HD tuner is built-in, so there is no need to buy an extra component. Innovative design: The TV has a streamlined, clean design that complements any room d�cor, including a �hidden� speaker with a slanted bevel edge that tucks under the screen. Picture optimization: Samsung's DNIe� technology boosts the quality of the TV images for pictures that have greater depth and more accurate colors. A great contrast ratio (up to 10,000:1) means the TV picture is always vibrant, not washed out. Quality sound: SRS TruSurround XT fills your room with powerful, true-to-life sound. Great features: This TV is fully loaded with a host of great features, including adjustable color temperatures, game mode (a setting tailored for video gaming), an auto volume leveler (to prevent sudden sound bursts during commercials), previous channel, a V-chip, and more. Full range of A/V inputs: Includes HDMI, component video, S-video, composite video, PC and USB connections

I was actually looking into getting a new TV and also had my eyes on this exact one.

Can you give me a quick little review? Pro's and Cons? how much did you end up spending for it?..in a non-nosey way.

DLP > all others


and if you get a good enough warranty, you dont have to worry about bulb burn outs for a long time. Plus you will never get color fading like you do with lcd.


I have a 56" mitsubishi DLP and it is amazing. ima very happy.

to the thread starter,

I have been working at Best Buy for a looooooong time (home theater)
and from the 2 that you are about to choose I would have to say go with Samsung.That tv is truly amazing.

LCD: will last about 60,000 hours,very bright,good contrast ratio,and very afortable.The quality of LCD doesnt change by time.barnd I recommend: Samsung,Sharp Aquas,Sony

PLASMA: you will get the best picture quilty,will last about 40-50,000 hours.actually the new generation of plasmas suppose to last 60,000.when it comes to details and sharpness plasma wins again.
downside I would have to say that they are expensive to repair and the quality of the picture could change by time since Plasma is gas and as that the gus runs out the quality could change too.I would recommend names such as Pioneer (best one out there imo) and panasonic or HP


DLP: I like them alot actually,if you have the room for it and dont have a very bright room then go for it,and yes you do have to change the light bulb after 20-30000 hours but thats just how the tv works and once you get new bulbs it becomes a new tv.I love samsungs DLPS alot.


conclusion: with any one of these tvs you should really go with a HD source,analogue connection will look like shit on all those tvs.
and so get better cables please,it is not a waste of money I assure you that.

Hope this helped some of you out.

when you spend a couple of thousand dollars on a tv, $200 for a new bulb in a few years is not something I would really consider much.
I went for a samsung 42" hd plasma 4-5 months ago, picture quality is as good as all but the top end, and things like pioneer cost a lot more than the rest of the pack. I liked the black finish, grey looks like a cheap computer monitor.
Worst thing on plasma, and something that would make me say go LCD is the buzz from the power unit and the fan. If you are watching at low volumes late at night, the noise from the unit is often louder than the speaker. Plasmas are less efficient, and require more cooling, hence the noise. It gets worse on brighter pictures.
I reported this as a defect, and no questions they sent someone to replace the fan and the power supply, but i've accepted it's something you have to live with for plasma.
burn in is visible when the screen is black (ie no picture displayed), even though it's still quite new. most of the shows on cable are still narrow screens, and you can see the letterbox effects on the side. It's not visible when there's a picture, but might become an issue in time. Also I don't play games on that set, and they can really cause burn in with static pictures.

the downside of cheaper lcd's (though it gets less of an issue with every new release) is refresh rates, they just cannot keep up with fast action. tis not as much a problem these days, but make sure you watch something similar to what you would at home when demoing sets.

last thing to look for is the tuner. If it doesn't have an integrated tuner, that's a few hundred dollars you'll have to spend. factor that in when comparing sets with and without a tuner. Without an HD tuner, why bother with an HD set?

as hardcore trancer noted, if you have external sources, pay attention to the cables. We sent out cable tv box back cos the picture sucked with RCA connections, significant improvement with component leads. HDMI is by far the best, though we only have standard definition cable service in aus, so component is as good as we get there, though the HD on free to air stations is a big improvement. Whatever you do though, don't buy monster cables. If you want to waste money on an overpriced, average product, give it to a charity instead. The markup on those products is stupendous, push for decent leads to be thrown in to secure the sale.

quote:

Originally posted by tubby when you spend a couple of thousand dollars on a tv, $200 for a new bulb in a few years is not something I would really consider much. I went for a samsung 42" hd plasma 4-5 months ago, picture quality is as good as all but the top end, and things like pioneer cost a lot more than the rest of the pack. I liked the black finish, grey looks like a cheap computer monitor. Worst thing on plasma, and something that would make me say go LCD is the buzz from the power unit and the fan. If you are watching at low volumes late at night, the noise from the unit is often louder than the speaker. Plasmas are less efficient, and require more cooling, hence the noise. It gets worse on brighter pictures. I reported this as a defect, and no questions they sent someone to replace the fan and the power supply, but i've accepted it's something you have to live with for plasma. burn in is visible when the screen is black (ie no picture displayed), even though it's still quite new. most of the shows on cable are still narrow screens, and you can see the letterbox effects on the side. It's not visible when there's a picture, but might become an issue in time. Also I don't play games on that set, and they can really cause burn in with static pictures. the downside of cheaper lcd's (though it gets less of an issue with every new release) is refresh rates, they just cannot keep up with fast action. tis not as much a problem these days, but make sure you watch something similar to what you would at home when demoing sets. last thing to look for is the tuner. If it doesn't have an integrated tuner, that's a few hundred dollars you'll have to spend. factor that in when comparing sets with and without a tuner. Without an HD tuner, why bother with an HD set? as hardcore trancer noted, if you have external sources, pay attention to the cables. We sent out cable tv box back cos the picture sucked with RCA connections, significant improvement with component leads. HDMI is by far the best, though we only have standard definition cable service in aus, so component is as good as we get there, though the HD on free to air stations is a big improvement. Whatever you do though, don't buy monster cables. If you want to waste money on an overpriced, average product, give it to a charity instead. The markup on those products is stupendous, push for decent leads to be thrown in to secure the sale.

Also take into account that the new Series 3 Tivos will fully support HDTV via cable card and such. Many of new HDTVs have built in cable card support, But not all cable tv providers have them.

i think an over looked fact of this discussion is that whatever set you choose, in order for you to fully benefit from your investment you have to be in an area that offers a wide range of High-Definition channels. If you don't then I think it's kind of pointless to invest in a HD set only for HD up converted movies.

Truth be told, I find myself on the HD channels [via time warner] more often than the regular analog channels, the only time i'd venture to an analog channel is to watch programming that sparks my interest.

quote:

Originally posted by kid nyce i think an over looked fact of this discussion is that whatever set you choose, in order for you to fully benefit from your investment you have to be in an area that offers a wide range of High-Definition channels. If you don't then I think it's kind of pointless to invest in a HD set only for HD up converted movies. Truth be told, I find myself on the HD channels [via time warner] more often than the regular analog channels, the only time i'd venture to an analog channel is to watch programming that sparks my interest.

There is always getting the XBox 360 or the PS3 to play games in HD quality. PS3 uses HDMI cables which most HDTVs have and the 360 uses component cables.

quote:

Originally posted by Viol8tor I was actually looking into getting a new TV and also had my eyes on this exact one. Can you give me a quick little review? Pro's and Cons? how much did you end up spending for it?..in a non-nosey way.

You're not being nosey. Well I haven't bought it yet but I am going to get it soon. I have to decide now between the 50" Samsung HL-S5087W (it's 2089.99 right now at Circuit City) or the 56" Samsung HL-S5687W ($2199.99 also at Circuit City) I now have a little delima though.
A couple of months ago a bought this TV stand with 2 matching component stands.

At that time, I hadn't planned on getting a new TV larger than 46" and so I bought those stands. The 2 Samsung TVs I have in mind are alittle larger in width. The TV stand's width is 43" where as the 56" Samsung is 50.9" wide. The TV would be over-lapping alitte over 3" on each. So I'm wondering if it would look too odd? I really like the stands and want to keep them plus I think the Samsung TV, being black, would look great on that stand.
What do you guys think?

Oh and in case you're all wondering, I'm a girl.

quote:

Originally posted by TSG Oh and in case you're all wondering, I'm a girl.

must resist...

quote:

Originally posted by Boomer187 must resist...

hahahaha.... don't hold back chicken!

How about a Laser TV for 1/2 the price, 75% less power and more colors?

...as if the market wasn't confusing enough...

Oh please no more! It was hard enough with what's out there right now.

OK... just got back from Best Buy. I had to stop there after work to check out the 56" Samsung and my decision is made!



...pssst, where's that laser TV? hahahaha... just kiddin.

Is it advisable to get the extended warranty/protection plan?

quote:

Originally posted by TSG Is it advisable to get the extended warranty/protection plan?

Manufacturer's warranty should be enough unless you're lazy and just want to take it back from where you got it...

quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r Manufacturer's warranty should be enough unless you're lazy and just want to take it back from where you got it...

manufacturer's warranty is onsite support where as retail would probably require you to lug your TV back to the store. I don't prefer to unmount my tv from the wall and drive with it to a store and have it carried back and forth.

I think I'm going to hold off on that Samsung purchase for now. Hellz, if it's on sale now, it will be on sale again later on.

Samsung 56" DLP� HDTV (HL-S5687W)
SAM HLS5687W Price was: $2599.99
You save: -$400.00

You pay: $2199.99

Yesterday that same TV was $1999.99, the savings was $600.00!

Guess I missed that extra $200.00 Oh well.

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