Plasma Screen or LCD?

[El Nino]

Hey, I need to get a bigger and better television for viewing of playoff hockey, baseball, DVDs etc... I am sick of squinting at a 25' screen! I wanT to get anybody's opinion here who wants to chime in. What should I buy, a plasma screen or LCD? What are the pros and cons?? Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks friends

[Darren]

First a question, which is appropriate both for this board, and for the TV (wait, let's call it a television. Don't want to confuse people on here): What size are you looking for?

They each have advantages/disadvantages. What type of room is it going to be in, what will you be watching, what's your budget?

Oh shit, my inner geek's coming out! Someone stop me!!!

[El Nino]

I would say 36 to 42" and up to about $1,200.
And this is a "general discussion" isn't it? Jesus..

[Darren]

That size, that price, I'd say go with the LCD. Plasma can cost a little more, and the quality difference isn't that much for that size.

Just a suggestion, make sure you get one that's 1080p resolution. That way you're planning ahead, and don't need to worry about the whole 720P/1080i debate, etc. May as well get the latest and greatest, right?

[Oli]

If your going to stay under 42", LCD is the way. Got a nice LG 32LB9 two weeks ago for my home office. Great contrast, blacks are exceptional. It's a 768p, but it will never be hooked to Blu-Ray, so 1080 wasn't a big thing.

Got a Samsung 52" Plasma full 1080p for home theater. Really love the picture and technology. PS3 works great with it.

Darren has it right, you need to answer some questions. Try reading this:
http://www.cnet.com/hdtv-world/?tag=ms, it may help with your decision.

[El Nino]

Thanks for the info guys.

[justatransgirl]

I don't know about plasma, but we have a 50" LCD - some off brand from Costco - and I haven't seen anything with a markedly better picture. We got it about 18 months ago - I think it was $1,400. It seemed like a good deal.

It's just what you need for showing porn to your friends and family...

Giggle,
TS Jamie

[Wino the SuperHero]

LCD LCD LCD! I love the plasma but the LCD is just better in my opinion. Do a little searching though. Plasma TVs are starting to drop in price, cause they don't sell like the LCD.

[HotRats]

Both have pluses and minuses

Plasma: Most like CRT, smooth movement, subtle colours. Logos or matte bars can burn into the screen if displayed for too long, need treating with care during the first 200 hours, more expensive, heavier, only available in large sizes (37" or bigger), reflective screen finish doesn't suit people who watch TV in strong daylight. Best for home cinema. Recommended brands Pioneer or Panasonic.

LCD. Cheap, lightweight, improving all the time. No image burn so ideal for gamers or watching channels with logos. Can't track fast movement easily leaving trails and smears. Picture looks artificial and cartoon like with limited subtlety, pixels can die or stick on one colour. Backlight can bleed in corners. Blacks do not have the range and detail of plasmas. Best for general TV watching in daylight and gaming. Recommended makes Panasonic, Planar, Samsung. Look for models with an LED backlight instead of cold cathode

Both should be surpassed by OLED but these won't be affordable for 3-4 years at the earliest.

Full HD or HD Ready? Most people can't tell the difference at less than 40" but if you're going to buy Blu Ray discs or watch HDTV try to get a Full HD screen (1920x1080 pixels)

[kingkohl]

For sports and hig action pictures I'd say go for Plasma.