I Need help picking out a new TV

[speciale]

I need to buy a new tv and would love to get input from the lot of you on it.

Looking at a flat-screen (LCD or Plasma) and I am clueless on what is the best bang for the buck.

I am looking to spend about 1500-1600 on it for a space that can easily accomodate a 50" screen. So I am looking at 42" - 50"

Should I get an LCD or Plasma? Which is better for picture quality and long life?
What are some good models and brands that I should look for?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[hambino21]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I would recommend getting the LCD. The plasma is not going to be the big thing pretty soon. In case you have to move somewhere it's best to sell a plasma instead of trying to move they are kinda fragile. Lots of military folk have learned that lesson the hard way. Lcd screens are quickly becoming just as definitive as plasma, and they last longer. I know some techs who just went to this huge multimedia technology convetion ,and they said no one was even talking about plasma any more so, thats just my 2 cents.

[Miguel]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

just bought a lcd magnavox 32" (magnavox=phillips) , great resolution . if you want greater results i'd say you have to get a surround system , i like it loud

just got the HD direct tv box and got to say im hooked on sports channels and discovery ... worth every penny

lcd's are cheaper i believe... i spent $ 1000 on this one .. your looking at probably 15 to 1800 for a good one i think

[speciale]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

thanks

[toasty]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.

[Kamal]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.

The End

[speciale]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.

2 negatives I hear about plasmas are they are very delicate and easy to break when handling and the have a problem with screen burn. Are they that tough to take care of?

btw, nice post

[toasty]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

2 negatives I hear about plasmas are they are very delicate and easy to break when handling and the have a problem with screen burn. Are they that tough to take care of?

btw, nice post

I try to help.

Screen burn with plasmas is really a thing of the past, for a variety of reasons. Plasmas today will imperceptibly shift the image every so often to make sure it never happens in the first place. Add to that that programmers and equipment manufacturers are more aware of burn-in issues and therefore take steps to make sure it's not an issue -- for example, all of my DirecTV receivers and DVD players have built-in screen savers that kick in any time the same image is on the screen for 15 minutes, and most networks will intentionally have animated logos and will remove scroll bars every so often for just this reason. In the unlikely event you do have an image burn into the screen, though, modern plasmas will allow you to basically whitewash the screen and reset the pixels. The end result of all of this is that it really isn't a valid concern anymore.

The delicacy issue is more an issue with shipping than with day to day handling. For this reason, they cost significantly more to ship, so that's an added concern. Most people, though, mount it to the wall and don't move it around much after that, so assuming that's what you're planning to do, it shouldn't be a big deal, either. If you do intend to move it around pretty regularly, though, it might be enough of an issue to influence your decision -- they are bulky, awkward and heavy, and moving a 50" plasma is definitely a two person job.

[speciale]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

so I take it you are saying "Go with the plasma"

[toasty]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I'll put it this way -- I just went through the very same decision you're going through right now, and I ended up going with a 50" plasma after much deliberation. It's in my bedroom, though, which tends to not be overly bright, so glare and light weren't an issue. If it had been in a really bright room, I might have gone with a smaller LCD. You'll definitely be able to get a significantly larger plasma at the price point you're talking about. Not sure if you could get a 42"+ LCD TV that wasn't an off-brand for $1500.

The proof is really in the eye of the beholder, though. Go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City, whatever, and just look at them side by side. Even comparing plasmas to plasmas and LCDs to LCDs, there can be a very noticeable difference between sets -- especially when it comes to color richness and contrast. Narrow it down to a few in your price range, and let your eyes be your guide.

Best of luck -- no fun like picking up shiny new electronics, IMO.

[hambino21]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Just make sure when you're comparing them, to verify that the settings are set at a comparable level on all of the tv's. some department/ electronic stores are shady enough to turn the contrast/brightness/hue etc down on the less expensive tv's just so they can seal the deal on the more expensive ones. just a thought. good luck and have fun blowing money, it's definitely one of my favorite past times.

[speciale]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Just make sure when you're comparing them, to verify that the settings are set at a comparable level on all of the tv's. some department/ electronic stores are shady enough to turn the contrast/brightness/hue etc down on the less expensive tv's just so they can seal the deal on the more expensive ones. just a thought. good luck and have fun blowing money, it's definitely one of my favorite past times.

nice tip

yeah, the last sales guy basically said anything under 50" is shit and no good and you have to get an lcd cause plasma sucks. its like wtf are they thinking. i am surprised some of them even make a sale

[speciale]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

what about 720p vs 1080p? 1080p will be the standard, but from what I heard 720p is the highest plasma can go? Will I really suffer without the 1080p HD?

[Kamal]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

at the rate technology is progressing, you always want to buy the best grade out there because the 2nd / 3rd down the line will get outdated mighty quick. DEFO go with 1080p.

[Kamal]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

btw check this out

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-42-LCD-HDTV-42LB5D/sem/rpsm/oid/174195/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

pretty good deal and there's an ADDITIONAL $200 off