should i buy a LCD,LED or Plasma TV?

[Dancing Fire]

pros and cons? what do you own? what brand(s)? size?

Lunchtime!!

 

[elrohwen]

How big? I generally think you'll get a better deal on a <40" tv if you get an LCD. For something larger than 42", LCDs get very expensive and plasma is probably your better option.

I own a 50" Panasonic plasma and I love it. I'm not really up on what brands are the best, but I'm sure others can help out with that.

And then there are always the new OLEDs. I know nothing about those.

ETA: Bigger is better! I would get one size up from what you think you want. We were between a 42" and a 50" and so glad we went with the bigger size. The only reason to not get a bigger size is if you have a very narrow and tiny living room and you would be sitting right in front of the tv.

 

[D&T]

I was in the same predicament five years ago. We ended up with a 42" flat screen LCD Sony. Love the size, just perfect for us and not super huge!. The only problem I can't stand with ours is it has this bulb and acts like a projection TV almost (as it takes a little while to turn on) but I'm sure they fixed issues like this with new versions The other Con (well not a problem yet for us) is the replacement bulb is about $200-$300 (five years ago, maybe less now) to replace and the sales person said that the average lifespan of the bulb was about 2 and half years. We're in our fifth year and it hasn't shut down on us yet, if it breaks down, we'll probably opt for another TV. One of the problems I read and asked about the Plasma was the gas on the screen (while it gives this awesome picture) it will eventually fall down, and skews the picture quality (again this was five years ago). I also asked about LED screen, and was told and saw with my own eyes what could potentially happen, is the screen is full of these microdots that illuminates, and just like some christmas lights, those little microdots on your screen can go out, but not all of them will so that itty bitty area will be dark.... Again this was all five years ago and what I could remember. But technology is sooo advance now that they could have corrected all this now...lol

 

[elrohwen]

D&T, that missing pixel thing used to be a problem with plasmas as well. I had a friend who went through at least 3 tvs in 2006 until he found one that didn''t have a missing pixel. And we were sure to look ours over carefully the first few days. I have heard with plasmas that the pixels go out due to damage, so they shouldn''t happen if your tv just sits in one place for years, but I haven''t had our tv long enough to find out. It''s definitely something to look over very very carefully when you get your new tv home, whichever kind you pick - better to find out about it early and return it for another one.

I''ve also read recently that the newest plasmas and LCDs should last 10+ years. Initially there were so many fears about them dying quickly (and especially with plasmas getting picture burn-in - people said not to play video games on them) but apparently that really isn''t an issue anymore unless you leave your tv on for long periods of time with a paused screen (and our tv turns itself off if you do that after a few minutes anyway).

Our tv is only 2 years old, so I can''t say much for the lifespan, but I hope to have it for many years!

 

[D&T]

Date: 12/8/2009 3:48:19 PM
Author: elrohwen
D&T, that missing pixel thing used to be a problem with plasmas as well. I had a friend who went through at least 3 tvs in 2006 until he found one that didn''t have a missing pixel. And we were sure to look ours over carefully the first few days. I have heard with plasmas that the pixels go out due to damage, so they shouldn''t happen if your tv just sits in one place for years, but I haven''t had our tv long enough to find out. It''s definitely something to look over very very carefully when you get your new tv home, whichever kind you pick - better to find out about it early and return it for another one.

I''ve also read recently that the newest plasmas and LCDs should last 10+ years. Initially there were so many fears about them dying quickly (and especially with plasmas getting picture burn-in - people said not to play video games on them) but apparently that really isn''t an issue anymore unless you leave your tv on for long periods of time with a paused screen (and our tv turns itself off if you do that after a few minutes anyway).

Our tv is only 2 years old, so I can''t say much for the lifespan, but I hope to have it for many years!

ahh, Pixel (I had a loss for words...lol microdots...lol) There are so many TVs now available and for cheap too!! the TV we bought cost over $1700 now, you can find them for like $600

DH wants at least a 50" next time

 

[Haven]

We have a 50" Samsung LCD HD television. Frankly, they all look the same to me, but I can tell you that my husband over-researches everything, and after months of researching and a few purchases and returns of other TVs, he chose this one.

He''s had it for a couple years now and we''ve never had any issues with it.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/8/2009 3:58:50 PM
Author: D&T
ahh, Pixel (I had a loss for words...lol microdots...lol) There are so many TVs now available and for cheap too!! the TV we bought cost over $1700 now, you can find them for like $600

DH wants at least a 50'' next time

No kidding! Ours was $2500 with a significant company discount, and now you can buy the same thing for less than $1500

 

[elrohwen]

DF, another thing to look for -

LCD tend to have a problem displaying blacks - what should be pure black looks greyish. I know they''ve done a ton of work to fix this in recent years, but make sure you look at the tv you plan to buy and compare the picture with some other tvs (specifically a plasma). If the black parts don''t look pure black, keep moving.

I think LCD manufacturers have improved on this issue a lot in recent years, but you can definitely still find LCDs out there that displays blacks as greys.

 

[Haven]

Date: 12/8/2009 4:03:25 PM
Author: elrohwen
DF, another thing to look for -

LCD tend to have a problem displaying blacks - what should be pure black looks greyish. I know they''ve done a ton of work to fix this in recent years, but make sure you look at the tv you plan to buy and compare the picture with some other tvs (specifically a plasma). If the black parts don''t look pure black, keep moving.

I think LCD manufacturers have improved on this issue a lot in recent years, but you can definitely still find LCDs out there that displays blacks as greys.

I agree with this. DH returned a couple LCDs because the blacks weren''t displayed correctly.

The other big thing was that many of the stores don''t set up all the image settings correctly, so often the images in the store are not as good as they would be if the TV settings were done right. DH found a couple smaller stores that allowed his cousin to change all the settings so he could see what the image should really look like.

 

[mrssalvo]

my hubby just researched this. he ended up with a 52" plasma mostly b/c of the price. he got it at costco for $750 and just didn''t think the price jump for an LCD the same size was worth it..and like many of us feel about diamonds, he wanted the biggest he could get for his $. he did just also buy a 32'' LCD to use as a computer monitor though, got a great deal on it at target.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

We have a 47" LCD Sharp Aquos that we bought last December. I cannot remember what we paid, but it was under $1500 after the rebate. DH did a lot of research and we have been very happy with our purchase

 

[qtiekiki]

We have a 4 years old 46” Sony Bravia LCD, and we haven’t had any of the issues mentioned with it.  At that time, we opted for LCD because of the burn-in image issue with plasma.  We recently moved that to the dinning room, and got a 46” Samsung 240hz LED for our bedroom.  We got ours off Amazon when they were having a special offer for $1800 few months ago.  I have to tell you that I noticed a different in picture quality between a LCD and LED, and I was surprised because I usually don’t care about these things.  But when I first watched the LED, things look more 3D (which was really neat).  LED gives better contrasts and colors, and with the 240hz, you don’t get blurry imagine with motion/action scenes.  It uses 40% less energy.  I don’t know if it’s all LED tv, but DH says ours has web tv and a media player built in.  If you talk to DH, he has a lot more to say about it, but that’s about as much as I got from listening to him.  If you want more details, I can ask him.

So I say you should buy a LED tv, DF.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Who knows? Why not get one of each so you don''t feel you made a mistake? lol Right now we have both an LCD and a plasma. Dh likes the plasma more and that is why he bought a new one a few months back - it''s a Panasonic and our cable is HDTV. Looks good to me.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

We have a pretty new 50" Samsung Plasma, love it to death! We went for plasma just because we like the contrast it has along with it seeming more sturdy than lcd. It was just around 1k and it''s 1080p. The one thing that''s important, weather you get led lcd or plasma i if you go over 40" inches you should get 1080p, you will notice a quality difference if you watch at 50" in 720p or 1080p, especially if you watch blu ray. Pretty much all tv, even the hd broadcasts in 720 and dvds are 720 but when you have 1080 and your watching a bluray in 1080 it''s magical!

 

[Dancing Fire]

i'm thinking about a LG 37" LCD with 240hz at Amazon for $950. this TV is for my bedroom. i have a 19" samsung with the red frame on top of my desk now. i love the Samsung TOC style,wish they make a 37" 240hz.

 

[Elmorton]

I'm sitting in front of a 40" Samsung 1080P LCD (which is still way too big for this room in my opinion, but not in DH's - he's happy as a clam), and DH was all about researching it. And, since he listens to me talk about jewelry, I spent a looooot of time shopping and staring at TVs and listening to DH's "findings." Here's what I can remember -

Plasma vs. LCD
-Plasma is extremely difficult and expensive to fix
-Plasma takes a TON more energy - as much as your refrigerator, apparently

According to DH, Samsung has the best reviews for overall quality and presumed longevity, sharper black levels, sharper color, etc. And, from my non-researched opinion, I like the casing the best. It's nice and sleek. DH also really liked LG, but found a last-minute deal on a Samsung and went for it.

OH! And a couple weeks ago, I was asking about tvs and cats - Samsung has this down (I don't know if other brands do this) - there's this anchoring system with a line (think shoelace) that you attach to your entertainment center, so the thing can't tip. Brilliant!

 

[LtlFirecracker]

After doing my research I got a plasma.

I got a 42 inch Panasonic for less than $900, the picture quality is insane. The newer plasmas do not have the issue with burnout, and use a lot less energy than the older ones.

I used cnet and consumer reports to help me decide.

 

[lyra]

Plasma 42 inch because it is in a very bright (and small) room.

Don''t know anything about LED though...

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/8/2009 4:01:39 PM
Author: elrohwen

Date: 12/8/2009 3:58:50 PM
Author: D&T
ahh, Pixel (I had a loss for words...lol microdots...lol) There are so many TVs now available and for cheap too!! the TV we bought cost over $1700 now, you can find them for like $600

DH wants at least a 50'' next time

No kidding! Ours was $2500 with a significant company discount, and now you can buy the same thing for less than $1500

yea, no matter when you buy you know it''ll be cheaper 3 months down the road.

 

[noelwr]

we have the 52" Sharp Aquous plasma. it is beautiful and most people we know buy an Aquous (you often see it in tv shows or movies in the background). ours is already an older model.

I wouldn''t bother with the 3D ready. wait until the true 3D comes out.
(was the same thing when everyone bought HD ready and couldn''t get true HD on it.)

 

[pinkstars]

We just got a 42" Emerson Plasma on Black Friday.
From all the reading I did before buying it really seems like LCD and Plasma are pretty much on the same level under 37". Above 37" reviewers suggest going with Plasma.
And Costco seems to have the best pricing. So it seems like most everything is a good choice!

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

We have a Samsung LCD. 42" I think.

I work for an energy company, and I can tell you that plasma TVs are BIG energy hogs. Some companies aren''t even making plasma TVs anymore. I really want one of those LED LCD Samsungs. Maybe when the price comes down a little.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 12/8/2009 6:08:15 PM
Author: Asscherhalo_lover
We have a pretty new 50'' Samsung Plasma, love it to death! We went for plasma just because we like the contrast it has along with it seeming more sturdy than lcd. It was just around 1k and it''s 1080p. The one thing that''s important, weather you get led lcd or plasma i if you go over 40'' inches you should get 1080p, you will notice a quality difference if you watch at 50'' in 720p or 1080p, especially if you watch blu ray. Pretty much all tv, even the hd broadcasts in 720 and dvds are 720 but when you have 1080 and your watching a bluray in 1080 it''s magical!

When we bought our tv I believe it was the first one to come out with 1080p (as opposed to 1080i I think). We still don''t have a blueray and just watch everything in 720 anyway

Oh well! I''m still glad we bought it with more technology rather than less for when we actually do get a blueray.

 

[radiantquest]

When we went looking for TVs I did a little research. I had heard that plasmas didn''t last as long so I didn''t narrow in on them. They were so much cheaper though. I picked out a 42" Panasonic LCD that had a reasonable price. DH originally wanted a 46" or 47" and when I went to look at them I thought they were too big.

When I sent him out he finally agreed that it was too big and that 42" was good. For some reason he ended up coming home with a 37" Insignia. I have no idea about the quality of this TV. I also have no idea why he didn''t get what I told him to. I am pretty happy with the TV though. My blacks are black, but one thing that I notice is that when I change the channel it jumps a little bit. There is no problems when viewing though so he told me to let it go. The biggest difference that I noticed with this TV compared with our old regular TV is that it puts out a lot more light.

 

[Dancing Fire]

just bought a Sony 40" LCD 240 hz Bravia for $900.

 

[D&T]

Date: 12/11/2009 8:33:18 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
just bought a Sony 40'' LCD 240 hz Bravia for $900.

Congrats DF!!! love my Sony

 

[Abril]

Hate to break this to you. Sounds like you paid too much.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/11/2009 9:35:55 PM
Author: Abril
Hate to break this to you. Sounds like you paid too much.

for a 40" 240 hz ?

Sony KDL40Z5100 40" BRAVIA Z Series