lcd or plasma ?

[dogs]

Time to get updated around the house, what is the difference?

I was told by some that plasmas need to be calibrated any truth?

thanks in advance

[LMITOUT]

This recent thread discussed this and might answer some of your questions: http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ub...rue#Post1179215

Plasmas, nor any TV whether it be LCD, Plasma or DLP, NEED to be calibrated, but they can benefit from a professional calibration which can be expensive.

[getdowndog]

Stop!!!! the laser's are about hit the market.

bigger brighter cheaper

[AaronM]

The laser TV's are still a thing of the future. If you do a search of "laser tv's" with your favorite search engine, the prices are in the air and the new technology doesn't have everyone sold. Your best bet is to find a good LCD or plasma and go from there. Good luck!

[LMITOUT]

Organic is the next thing. Thin displays too.

[lawman]

Plasmas have a great picture but they really are energy hogs as compared to DLP and LCD.

[BobT]

I found a site that did a comparison between the two. Some of the results were:

Plasma has more options when it comes to larger screen size (over 50"). LCD has the edge on screens smaller than 37".

This is mirrored when it comes to price. Plasma has the edge on larger (50"+) whereas LCD has the edge below 37". In between they are relatively close.

When it comes to picture quality, plasma typically can produce better contrast ratio so the difference between the darkest black to the brightest white is more significant, which can produce a much richer, crisper, clearer picture.

The gap in viewing angle has narrowed and the LCDs are now competing well with the plasmas.

LCD is not prone to screen burn but plasmas are closing this gap. LCD picture sticking is less of an issue as well. For both of these concerns, normal viewing shouldn't present much issue anyway.

LCDs have a higher potential for developing bad pixels than plasmas.

LCDs have the upper hand with power consumption. Typically they consume 30% - 40% less energy than comparable size plasmas.

Now, I just have to decide which way I'll go when the time comes.

Bob

[LMITOUT]

One thing to add on the contrast ratios is that LCD's have improved dramatically in just the past year or two, so that information above may be a bit outdated. Sure, a lot of your bargain basement LCD's don't have the best contrast ratio, but that's why they sell them at Walmart too. Some of the better LCD's have a contrast ratio of 15000:1 or greater now.

[BobT]

The date of the document I referenced was April, 2007. Technology grows way too fast.

But that was much of the information in the document as well. While there are differences in product quality, that difference is narrowing rapidly.

Bob

[Hookmaster]

When I bought my plasma the salesman said LCD consume less power than plasmas but plasmas consume less than tube tvs. The one thing that swung me to a plasma is they have a glass outer screen where LCDs are like a computer screen. I thought the glass would be better in the basement in case or when the kids hit it with something.

[fishinJohn]

I just bought a Samsung 46 inch LCD and it rocks. I think viewing angle is a problem on the expensive plasmas since at the store I had to stoop down to see the picture clearly for them. A big showroom with a lot of choices helps you see the difference for yourself. DLP's cost a grand more. Make sure to have the sales guy toss in the HDMI cables free since even the three foot length is $50. If you have Charter and the Moxi box switch to the new DVR so you can use HDMI and a better remote/menu system.

[sand_pike]

LCD

Pros

--better in bright environments

--use less electricity

--very little risk of image retention(burn in)

Cons

--Depending on screen refresh rate may suffer from

screen "jutter" or artifacting when viewing fast moving

sports (hockey)

--Will not diplay true black color (although I find this

difficult to detect)

--A bit more expensive than a comparable sized plasma.

Plasma

Pros

--Does a very good job with fast moving sports(hockey)

--Displays the best black levels

--Can be used as a space heater in the winter

--Better price points for larger screens

Cons

--Screen glare in bright rooms

--Potential image retention (burn in) concerns

--Higher power consumption

--Throws out alot of heat

I personally have a 42" plasma, it is in a pretty dark room, and I love it.

One additional note, don't get caught up in the 720P vs 1080P hype.

720P is more than adequate in almost all situations.

[Whoaru99]

 Originally Posted By: sand_pike

Cons

--Potential image retention (burn in) concerns

Just a minor comment. Image retention and burn in are two different things. Image retention is temporary, burn-in is permanent.

Image retention isn't terribly uncommon, true burn-in is pretty rare these days.

[dogs]

Thanks guys, your giving me some understanding of all this. I personally just need a stereo in the garage.

[BobT]

 Quote:

--Can be used as a space heater in the winter

I like that.

Bob