|
Plasma vs LCD (pg. 2)
|
View this Thread in Original format
| 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. |
|
|
| TigerClaw |
| 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. |
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
| TigerClaw |
| 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. |
|
|
| TSG |
| 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.:tongue2 |
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. ;) |
|
|
| Boomer187 |
| quote: | Originally posted by TSG
Oh and in case you're all wondering, I'm a girl. ;) |
must resist...
:clown: |
|
|
| TSG |
| quote: | Originally posted by Boomer187
must resist...
:clown: |
hahahaha.... don't hold back chicken! :stongue: |
|
|
| Fir3start3r |
How about a Laser TV for 1/2 the price, 75% less power and more colors? :nervous:
...as if the market wasn't confusing enough... |
|
|
| TSG |
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! :D
...pssst, where's that laser TV? hahahaha... just kiddin. |
|
|
| TSG |
| Is it advisable to get the extended warranty/protection plan? |
|
|
| Fir3start3r |
| 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... |
|
|
| kid nyce |
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
