42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

So far I am leaning towards the plasma from what I've read, but I'd like to hear other peoples' opinions.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

For a 42" I'd go plasma. I recently picked up a 32" LCD and it is the bomb! I bought a Samsung @ best buy.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

From everything I am reading it sounds like plasma is the way to go in the 42"+ size. Cheaper compared to similarly sized LCD, better "home theater" experience, no trail on fast moving objects, it can go true black (LCD can just go dark gray), and more lifelike image. The drawbacks are shorter life (20,000 hrs compared to 50,000 hrs) and burn-in potential. The burn-in shouldn't be that big of a deal though since it won't be used for video games or as a computer display.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is better by far. We have Plasmas here at the Casino and they are ok but we also have Slot Machines that use LCD and they have far better graphic quality and there is one thing even better. There is absolutely no glare from light so you can be looking at it from any angle and there will be no glare.

Go to Best Buy or Circuit City and have them show you the difference between LCD and Plasma and also have them show you the difference between HD and regular TV. Its crazy.

So yeah Hughes, get a LCD. There are the bomb, I will have one at my place on Saturday if you want to come down and check it out.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Do plasmas get a lot of glare?

Plasmas have a wider viewing angle which is also important.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I've never noticed a problem with the viewing angle on my LCD TV. I have a 32" in my bedroom, at the foot of the bed. The room is very long, with the bed at one end (sideways, so the tv is against the wall about 3-4' from the foot of the bed) and I can clearly see the tv from my closet at the other end of the room. Do you have a best buy reward zone card or a best buy CC? I got a killer deal on mine, just sweet talk the salesmen, bargain a little.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Wait? you can bargin at Best Buy?

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I sure as hell did! Even on black friday the TV that I bought 3 months ago was advertised as $150 more than I paid for it!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

^Damn! How much did you bargain off their asking price?

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

BB you can bargain a little, if you buy their extended warranty.
I did the same with their washer and dryer.

BB had a 50 inch toshiba plasma for 1,699 on Black Friday. I got mine after the store stock was sold out. They let me ordered it and pick it up at the distribution center in bloomington.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

LCD! Mine is a 42" LCD Chris. Viewing angle isn't a problem. As far as trails, well that has been extremely minnimized with todays technology versus the older LCD TV's. Same thing with blacks. LCD's can do pretty dark blacks now a days. LCD's do not experience burn in. You might have a bulb burn out in a couple years, but the service plan covers that. How much is the 42" plasma you're looking at? I bet you can find a LCD for probably cheaper. The one I have is like 1500 bucks now.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Looking at a Sanyo 42" plasma for under $1400. I like your TV B, its really nice!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

LCD is what you are going to want. Whenever a Plasma TV goes out, you have to throw it away. You can't fix them basically once the picture goes out on them. LCD on the other hand uses a bulb and when that goes out, you buy like a $100 bulb and put it in and it will be as good as the day you bought it. My dad owns a business selling electronics such as TV's, sounds systems, etc. so I have been around it most of my life.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Westinghouse LVM-42W2 42" LCD Monitor 16:9 1920X1080 1000:1 HDTV for $1285 @ http://www.digital1234.com/product.jsp?x=LVM42W2

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...32573916702498

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

LCD when they get that big aren't quite as fast as the plasma's. Plasma's usually only go to 720p. Is there a reason you only want to go 42"? DLP rear projection is the best bang for the buck right now. There is a kick ass 60" Sony SXRD for $1,900 right now, I have been drooling!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Allan, I would never get a Westinghouse, but that Sanyo you linked to is the exact one I've been looking at. Looks like Wal-Mart dropped the price even further since last time I checked!

JET, I have to do some measuring today and figure out exactly what size will fit. From what I've read it sounds like DLP has the shortest life span and the replacement bulbs are $4-500/each.

FYI: This TV is for my dad. I don't watch anywhere near enough TV to justify the cost for myself!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

If you are going to get anything get a DLP, they are cheaper and better but can't be hung on a wall. I can show you a reliable and cheap spot online to buy from. About same prices as TVs and eBay and thousands less than at the stores.

Make sure the TV you end up buying has a great NATIVE RESOLUTION. Because what good is it when its a 1080i or 1080p tv that only has native resolution of 720p... Yea it can accept the 1080i and 1080p signals but it will down convert them to 720p. I learned this the hard way when I bought my plasma.

I really recommend samsung, they are by far ahead of every other company in the high definition game.

Also keep in mind with plasma TVs you constintaly have to worry about "burn-ins" basically if you leave a still image for a period of time it will burn in and be there forever.

Basically from the 2 years of research I've done, it is DLPS > PLASMA > LCDS

let me know if you need any more information or help finding the right tv!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

This is what I'm about to buy only 1,600 less than 2,000 shipped.

HL-S5687W 56-IN Widescreen DLP HDTV with 1080p Resolution

Featuring "hidden speaker" thin bezel design that fits where others won’t™, Samsung's 56" Widescreen DLP® TV delivers the ultimate HDTV experience in true 1920 x 1080p resolution. You'll enjoy life-like, razor-sharp pictures in stunning color, contrast and clarity, thanks to the ultra-fast DLP and Brilliant Color™ technology and the DLP chip from Texas Instruments. A contrast ratio of upto 10,000:1 captures blacker blacks, crisper whites and images that burst into life. And the unparalleled speed of the DLP chip, with millions of tiny mirrors that switch on & off over15,000 times per second, delivers a precise,razor-sharp picture making the HL-S5687W ideal for sports, fast-action video and gaming.Unleashing the HL-S5687W's powerful multimedia functionality are an optimized game mode, PC input, and two HDMI™ inputs.

Key Features
Cinema Smooth 1080p Light Engine
Samsung's Cinema Smooth 1080p light engine is the culmination of years of industry-leading research and development. It releases the maximum power of the new generation of DMD microdisplays for the most film-like picture. It creates an image with no visible pixel structure and accurate shading and better low-light detail.




Faster Color Wheel
Samsung's 2.2" color wheel spins at 14,400 rpm for smooth fast motion video, and has five color segments for more accurate colors. It achieves film-like transitions without pixel breakup found in slower color wheel designs and slower switching LCD microdisplays. Air Bearing technology also makes it whisper quiet.




Next Generation DLP Chips from Texas Instrument
DLP TV by Samsung employs a Texas Instruments DLP chip that is comprised of millions of microscopic mirrors. The DLP chip is faster than any HDTV technology, with the mirrors switching on & off 15,000 times a second to deliver a razor-sharp picture for fast moving images When combined with Samsung’s new Cinema Smooth light engine, the result is a crisp, bright picture with deep, rich colors that's closer to film.




Samsung's DNIe™ - Digital Natural Image Engine
Samsung's exclusive Digital Natural Image engine makes the sharpest and clearest images possible, regardless of the profile of input signals. Five image processors and a six-times density enhancer ensure the best picture from any source. Now in its fourth generation, DNIe™ guarantees the truest colors and highest contrast, while virtually eliminating digital artifacts.




Cinema Mode
Samsung's Cinema Mode lets you see colors the way the director intended, by matching them more closely to production standards. This creates more accurate colors and natural skin tones when viewing Hollywood movies on your TV-the perfect setting when enjoying movies with the lights off.




My Color Control
You can get the pink tones, the green of the grass and the blue of the sky just the way you like, without affecting the other colors on the screen. The three major colors can be adjusted to perfectly fit your taste. Self expression meets display perfection.




Specifications
Hidden speaker thin bezel
Built-in analog/digital tuner
Up to 10,000:1 contrast ratio
1920 x 1080 digital format converter
3:2 pull down
No burn in
New Photo Viewer Interface
2 HDMI inputs
Game mode
Display Device: Single digital micro mirror device
Pixel Count: 1920 horizontal x 1080 vertical
5 Segment Color Wheel: 14,400 RPM
Audio Power: 10W x 2
AV in 2 rear/ 1 side
S-Video In 2 rear
RF In 1 rear
Monitor and Sound Out 1 rear
Component Video Input (Y/Pb/Pr) 2 rear
HDMI input 2 rear
PC audio input 1 rear
USB 1 side
Product Dimensions: 50.9"(W) x 35.7"(H) x 16.3"(D)
Product Weight: 68.4 Lbs.


NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING TOUCHES SAMSUNGS DLPS TVS, THEY HAVE COMPITION WHEN IT COMES TO PLASMAS BUT NONE WHEN IT COMES TO A DLP!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I'm with DSM_420 on this one, DLP's are superior. The only downfall is they don't fit on the wall.

I have a nice projector with a 106" screen and that works really well too, but if I were going to get a TV it would be a DLP, I've done a lot of research on these lately for friends buying TV's and pretty much everything DSM_420 said is right on.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Ooooh a projector, those are super nice but can cost quite a bit unless you find a deal on a reliable used one.

If money wasn't an option, a projector for the win!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

There are a lot of different options for DLP/LCoS. The new JVC's and Sony's are pretty kick ass. The Sony doesn't have an old school color wheel like the Samsung either. The new XBR2 is awesome, but more than what you are looking at spenging probably. They do have a 70" though! :D

Since it is for your dad and he isn't the one doing the research, he probably isn't into HD anyway, so a plasma would be fine as long as the doesn't burn anything into it. I am going with LCoS or DLP, unless something better comes out soon. Probably buying in the spring.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

What is the average life expectency of a DLP?

Not being able to hang it on the wall is fine, the plan is to put it on a stand anyways.

Thanks DSM_420 for all that info!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Where do you buy your TVs?

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

plasmabay.com

don't tell anyone it is my little secret!!!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Average life span of a DLP TV is based on its lamp life, which usually on average will last all of 20,000 hours.

So like 26 years if it is on 6 hours a day lol.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Find me a good 42" :)

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I was either buying my 42" LCD, or a 42" DLP. They were side by side, and the LCD was tremendously better. The DLP was 100 bucks cheaper, but the difference was pretty noticable. The DLP looked like it constantly was had this speckle effect.

Looks like they aren't selling my TV, but here is mine in a 46" version...

http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/OID/...d/addToCart.do

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Thanks B, I was really impressed with your TV.

Why did you decide against plasma?

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Here is a nice DLP, Sears has a nice sale going on right now.

Samsung 42" DLP for $1200 and 50" is $1500.

A top notch LCD will be a bit higher and a plasma will be similar to the DLP price.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Thanks to you too JET!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Are these widescreen HDTV's measured the same way conventional TV's are (diagonal corner-to-corner)?

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

yep, but they are widescreen so they are wider in dimension than your standard tube would be for same screen size.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Not sure if that's the same one, but it was a Samsung DLP I compared my LCD to, and like I said, it was a pretty noticable difference. My LCD was way better. I actually went to the store looking to get a DLP since I had heard it was superior. But after seeing the difference, my and my buddy both agreed that the LCD had a better picture, and was worth the extra few bucks more. When spending that much money, i figured just make sure it's what I like. So I went with LCD, and I love mine. LCoS seems like it'll be real good too, just seems like it's not as available as the others.

Chris, Plasma was never even an option for me. It can get burn in like CRT TV's can, every one I've ever put my hands on are noticably heavier then my LCD, also like someone menioned, if they go bad, they go bad. You can't replace a bulb, nothing, they are done. Also, I guess I just didn't like the picture. Like with DLP, it seemed like pixels were always moving slightly in the Plasma's I was looking at in my price range. I searched lots of HDTV forums, and it seemed that the general population wasn't all that impressed with Plasma's. I'm very happy with my LCD. I'd say just go to the store, and find what you think looks best, and use what everyones told you about advantages and disadvantages. They all have theirs. Good luck man!

BTW with stores, I never shop at circuit city, but when I bought mine they had by far the cheapest prices out of them, best buy, and Ultimate. I also ended up buying a TV stand, and a Samsung upconverting DVD player while I was at it. And Circuit City had a 13month zero interest plan, so that helped too! Also HDMI ports were a good selling point too!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I bought a Sony LCD projection TV. It is a flat screen but is about 10 inches deep. I got it as a display from work so I got it for about half off but I am really happy with it. Perfect picture and you can look at it from any angle. It gets a little dark if you look at it from a top angle but not to bad.

I work with the parts and service guys a lot and everyone of them swears by the portection agreements no matter where you decide to buy a tv. With the cost of repairs on these things a 3 or 5 year protection plan can save you a lot of money.

It is the Sony Grand Wega like this.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...cemldffidfmg.0

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

Ju-on you must have been compairing your TV to a very low grade DLP. There are always multiple versions of the same size / model TV and you must have been compairing yours to the lowest grade of that model. That is usually what stores like Best Buy have laying around and displaying since the high end models barely sell.

Unless you buy it online your not gonna get anything special from a store like best buy for only 1,500 dollars you have to spend into the 4,000 dollar range which is a 1,800 dollar tv online.

I just don't see how it would be possible for your projection lcd to be better than a DLP unless it was a very low end model that is also 720p and has a bad contrast ratio. When thin panel LCDs, plasmas, and DLPs are all better technology. Plus most new DLPs these days are 1080p atleast the high end versions. 1080p is 4 times more clear than 1080i which is about 10 times more clear than your 720p tv.

I wish walking into a store and compairing what they looked like there worked, but it really doesn't, half the tvs arn't even hooked up right or arn't "tuned". Only way to get a good tv is to do research about each tv you are considering and than buy it from a reliable online site for dirt cheap and avoid sales tax.


edit - and about you being able to see the pixel on the DLP... on new high end samsungs DLPs pixels arn't visible from even 6 inches away.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

The only problem with an LCD is they can't react as fast as a projection or plasma, so you can get some jumpiness in fast scenes. The main thing about them is you do not get the 3D depth. CRT is best for that, then plasma, DLP/LCoS and lastly LCD.

Alway be wary of comparing models in a store. Any TV can look like the best, it depends on how they are set up in the store.

We are about a year or 2 out on getting new projection units that will have the best of LCoS and LCD. The new Sony XBR2's are a step in that direction.

No problem on the help Chris! I have been keeping an eye on this stuff for myself too.

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

I understand the nicer ones are 4000 dollars. But I was comparing 2 TV's, that were both in MY price range. Comparing my $1700 LCD TV to a $1600 DLP TV sounds fair to me. Comparing my 1700 LCD TV to a $4000 DLP, well then ya I'd sure hope the DLP one looks better. Chris, are you looking to buy a $4000 TV?

Jet, yes I totally understand what you are getting at. Especially when the stores setup nice slow nature scenes, to really show off that 1080i. Both these TV's were setup for 720p, and they both had an NFL game on, and we later switched it to Black Hawk Down. I think it was a very fair comparison. 2 TV's, damn near identical in price (my price range too, $4000 is not my price range), same size, same movies, side by side. The Sony LCD was better then the Samsung DLP by far.

Again, sure I bet there are some better DLP's out there then the one I was watching, but don't compare that to my LCD, compare it to something that is in the same league as it, like some of the new Mitsubishi LCD TV's.

Also, yes LCD's are known to react slower, and sometimes cause traces. But on mine, it's very negligable. I don't notice traces at all on mine. On my friends Panasonic 50", yes I could see traces on his, and it drove me nuts. On mine, nada!

GOod luck with it though Chris, I'm sure you'll end up with whatever works best for you!

Re: 42" HDTV: Plasma vs. LCD
 

that is what im saying, cant ever judge how they look in the store