So I have finally saved enough to replace my tv that blew out about 6 months ago. I have been living on a 10 year old 24 inch tv since then so I am eager to get a new one. I had decided that I was going to get an LCD 32 incher and had picked it out. Now that the time has come to make a purchase, I am hesitant. I need some guidance. Is an LCD better than a standard television? I watch DVDs, play a lot of 360, and mostly watch sports on actual television. Which is better for me? I've heard a lot about "black levels" being a problem on LCDs. Is this something that only the critical viewer would notice?
I've read that the LCD's are better than plasmas, but that's about the extent of my knowledge on the subject.
www.avsforum.com Answer to all your needs and questions. Theres more knowledge on there than I can explain
We first went to Circuit City, then to Best Buy. I told the workers at Best Buy we found the exact same one at Circuit City for $700 less, and if they beat that by $100, I would buy from them. Well it worked, they didn't even call Circuit City....and it's a good thing! Pugs
I am forever in debt to you my new found friend! Outstanding link. If a mod wants to lock this up, feel free!
I've done a lot of research on this recently because I'll be getting a new tv shortly (once I move into my new house). Here are my conclusions as a consumer, NOT an expert: 1) Plasma is better. Burn-in problems still exist, but nowhere to the extent once thought, and with the right inputs, plasma will give you best options - excellent picture, slimmest design, etc. 2) Plasma is most expensive. Rear-projection is less expensive. 3) 1080p is the newest, and best, resolution/input technology. The seem to come out with something new every week, but I've read some who think 1080p may be around without another significant resolution improvement for a while. To make the most out of the new HD DVD technologies, 1080p is the best. 4) On plasma, 1080p's are only just starting to come out on 47-50 inch. Not on anything smaller yet. I am not extremely anal about picture quality, though I do want it to be good. I've been convinced, I think, that if I am buying a nice new tv today, it might as well have 1080p technology. So, I've decided to go rear-projection. The tv I'm thinking about is a 55 inch rear-projection Samsung with 1080p technology for $2750 or so.
My parents have a 42'' Plasma we bought from Gateway that we've had for a few years now. The picture, once outstanding, has faded a great deal. I have calibrated the picture as best as possible and still the picture is dissapointing. It looks better watching it 20 feet away in the kitchen. And it dosen't help that my dad will leave the TV on when he's not watching it. Plasma's only have so many hours on them before they die. If we could do it again, we would get an LCD for sure. I'd rather have a projector more than anything, but theres only so many models to choose from.
I wouldnt worry about the hours on plasma tvs before they die. i think many are like 60,000 hours. you could leave your tv on for like 7 or 8 hours a day and it would still end up lasting a good 15-20 years
Really? Are rear-projectors really that much better? One thing I have heard consistently is that Plasma is trash, fade is gay. LCD so far I have heard is good. But I keep hearing more about this Rear projector stuff now. Is it really that much better?
It says it lasts 60,000 hours before it goes out. But it starts fading from day 1. Something which you wont really find in LCD.
Wow, I just bought a 37" HD-LCD last week when my wife's old floor console died. The picture and sound quality are simply amazing. I too avoided the plasma because of the alleged burn-in problem. Turns out however that some of the pixels on LCDs can burn out completely leaving black or white dots on the screen (I also heard this about plasma). If I can get 5 years at its present quality it would be worth it in my book. Perhaps by that time carbon tvs would have really penetrated the market.
Yah man I got the same model- awesome picture lightweight for a rear-projection and the price continues to go down. I found mine at a Best Buy in Conroe for $1999.99 around Christmas time last year.
I got mine in March 05...was about $2100. It stills looks brilliant today. All you do is replace a bulb once every few years and the TV should last forever. No plasma liquid and no worry about a tube going out on you!
I think my rear projection tv is finally giving out...Its a toshiba that doesn't come on unless I un-plug and re-plug, which is every other day...It doesn't turn on, only a red flashing light... I think I'll be leaning toward the DLP as it'll probably be about $400 - $500 to repair and I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of money on a 8 year old set...
