Plasma or LCD
Looks like we’re in the market for a flat screen TV. So… plasma or LCD?
Tough call right now - plasmas have come down a lot in price and they look great - until you look at a 120Hz LCD.
I don’t think you can lose either way. Just get the biggest one that will fit in your room.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2227 hrs
Older post, but still useful, I think:
We pick the best HDTV for your Super Bowl Party
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/01/we_pick_the_bes.phpLCD
Prices are plummeting for LCDs, and they’re nice and bright — perfect for watching a game in a crowded room with the lights up full. You’ll be able to see every blade of grass with the latest 1080p sets, and when the game’s over, all those pixels will serve you even better when you’re watching Blu-ray movies.Plasma
For the best picture quality, plasma is the way to go, especially when watching the fast action of a football game. Gone are the old problems with images burning into the screen, and prices are getting more reasonable by the minute.Also discusses front- and rear-projection TVs
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2300 hrs
I’ll go outside the box and suggest a projector if you do not have one and the budget allows.
I got a Mitsubishi model that will do HD for a little over $1,000. I project it on a 108 inch white screen on the basement wall. I just plug the directTV box into it with an HDMI cable and run the sound output to my stereo.
The kids love it for movie night and it is outstanding for football games.
I’m far happier I did that 18-months ago than invest in the 42 or 50 inch flat screens or plasma’s.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2307 hrs
I’ll agree that projectors are nice, but you need to carefully consider the lighting in the area before you decide to go that route.
If you look at the power a plasma takes, you’ll be surprised. Typical plasma units take more than your refrigerator and can add 10% or more to your overall power bill. LCD units are at the other end of the spectrum, taking very little power to run.
I went LCD myself because I was putting the unit in an area that could get too much sun during football games for a projector.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2333 hrs
We’re also in the market for a new dryer…
Priorities….
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2342 hrs
I’d throw in with Plasma, especially for sports.
Posted by The Chad on September 20, 2008 at 2342 hrs
By the way, it’s funny how “I wonder how a flat screen would look on that wall” translates immediately to “we’re in the market for a flat screen TV.”
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 20, 2008 at 2348 hrs
I remember back in 2005 when Mark Belling talked at length about the eight plasma screens that the Muskego School District bought for the high school cafeteria. Ever since, I’ve been suspicious of plasma.
Posted by Josh Schroeder on September 21, 2008 at 0006 hrs
Ah, Wendy, surely you know by now it’s a lot like winking at the wrong time with these guys!
I have a kid that obsesses about these kinds of things. He insists that our late version tube is really the best for clarity and color. If he was to choose a thin wall-hanging version, he’d go lcd. He says the plasmas still have a burn in problem that would be exacerbated by my obsession with CNBC. The ticker at the bottom would eventually show up in the latest movie.
Posted by Cindy on September 21, 2008 at 0629 hrs
We just bought a 52” Sony XBR4 LCD
LOVE IT!!!!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 0706 hrs
I’ve got LCD and I’m thrilled. A 27” looks and feels like I’m at a theater (the fact that my nose is about 6” away may have something to do with it).
Wendy: Go for the front load combo. They’re all good, but I went Amana for the price. Big energy and detergent saver, biut many carry a premium that makes for no payback.
Posted by Steve on September 21, 2008 at 0721 hrs
I go LCD, but my research might be outdated
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 0819 hrs
Beware of reflections from nearly windows or other sources of light and images if you are thinking about plasma. I have two LCD’s and no problems with reflections. Plasma screens will pick up everything there is in the room - including sunlight shining on objects in the room - and let them share your viewing area.
Posted by Everyman on September 21, 2008 at 0820 hrs
Buy one of each.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 0826 hrs
Dryer first.
I’ve heard more negative about plasma than positive. Go with what is safe and WORKS, unless, of course, you can get the projector. That would be way cool…
Dryer? We got the front loader from Sears. Can do MEGA loads quickly, easier on the back, and kids can “help”!
Be sure to by the pedestals that raise them up to a workable level. We didn’t, and I have regretted it ever since!
Posted by GAMazy on September 21, 2008 at 0854 hrs
My tips would be:
1. Don’t buy a Samsung. They tout their “deep blacks” and contrast ratio, but if you compare a Samsung next to just about any other TV, you’ll see that the dark areas of the picture are completely black with no details.
2. Don’t buy a Sony unless you are absolutely sure it was made at one of their high end facilities. Sony typically puts out new TVs made at their top end facilities so they get reviewed off those TVs, then they switch to a lesser facility for production. Sony had major issues with clouding on their 40” LCD back in 2006.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779
I’ve got a Mitsubishi, and it’s great. My neighbor has a Hitachi with a great picture, and Toshiba and Sharp make great sets.
Check reviews at CNET.com.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 0929 hrs
I have a Sharp Aquos 42” in my 1st floor living room. It’s bright in that room, with a 6’ wide french door to the porch on one side and a 6’ double window on the other side. That’s why I went with LCD. I haven’t really checked out Plasma’s so I can’t pro/con the movement, but I don’t notice anything odd when I watch the Packers in HD. My PS3 is connected and games, BD movies, and even SD movies look great as well.
When I am ready for a TV in the basement family room, which is 15’ x 15’, I’ll likely be going for a HD Projector. There’s only one basement window on one wall, the only natural light source. I currently have a old projector that does something like 800x600, and we love it down there for movie night - so a HD projector will just be a natural progression. I wouldn’t want a projector to be my primary watching device, the bulbs are expensive.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1058 hrs
Either way, check out vanns.com for pricing. I had a 50” LCD delivered this March; outstanding price and experience. Best Buy and Circuit City were not even close on price (same model)
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1136 hrs
We just purchased a Toshiba 37” LCD for our family room. And while the Direct TV installers didn’t get the set up right, once I purchased an HDMI cable, the picture is absolutely fantastic. Best Buy had a huge selection, wide variety of quality and price points.
We also purchased a new Washer and Dryer as well. Check out Lowes and Appliance World.
But get the TV first. You won’t leave the house as much so won’t go through as many changes of clothing….
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1137 hrs
I agree with Jason and the others that you do need a dark room for a projector. Fortunately I’ve not had a major problem with the bulb for mine and we’ve used it a ton.
What I like about the projector is that it does bring about some quality family watching time. Yes I know family time shouldn’t be spent watching a movie or football game, but nonetheless, it does congregate everyone in the same room and again the kids love it.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1241 hrs
Don’t buy HDMI cables from any of the big stores unless you are desperate. I was, and I paid $40 for a HDMI cable when I got my TV.
www.handhelditems.com has cables for about $5.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1252 hrs
I use http://monoprice.com for all my accessory needs. My articulating wall mount, and all my cables are from there.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1358 hrs
I have bought a house this spring and it has a rear projection tv.
it is too cool watching football on the big screen
but i would check out consumerreports.com
they are helpfull.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1505 hrs
If it’s going in a basement with little natural light get a plasma. If it’s going in a room with windows get an LCD. The LCD screens have more of a matte finish and don’t show glare as much as a plasma.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 21, 2008 at 1611 hrs
I’ll make this simple: LCD
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 22, 2008 at 0950 hrs
Samsung LCD rated #1.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 22, 2008 at 1322 hrs
Why not give all that money you are spending to a poor black man who is running for president of these United States? (sarcasm intended)
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on September 22, 2008 at 1517 hrs
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