Plasma Flat Screen TVs (CostCo, Xbox, price, reviews)

[fester600]

So I was under the impression that LCD tv's were more energy efficient than plasma tvs, but come to find out this weekend that there are energy star plasma tvs also.

Are there some plasma TVs that are just as energy efficient?

If so, can you recommend any plasma TVs (50 inch flat screen) that are in and around $1600?

[SpeedyAZ]

There are plasma tv's that are energy efficient but none would be AS efficient as a comparable LCD. An LCD tv is going to consume less electricity than any plasma but I wouldn't base my purchase on energy efficiency as it'll only vary by a few cents each month.

There are plenty of 50" plasmas for around a $1600 price point so you have choices. If you want 1080P, you're going to pay quite a bit more than $1600 but if you can settle for 720P (which looks nearly identical to 1080P in my opinion), you'll be able to find some bargains. Any Samsung, Sony, or Hitachi is a good bet; I've heard mixed reviews of Pioneer and Panasonic although most problems seem minor.

[ProLogic]

Originally Posted by fester600

So I was under the impression that LCD tv's were more energy efficient than plasma tvs, but come to find out this weekend that there are energy star plasma tvs also.

Are there some plasma TVs that are just as energy efficient?

If so, can you recommend any plasma TVs (50 inch flat screen) that are in and around $1600?

We just got out 50'' Plasma Screen from Costco for $1300!!, its 720 P. Its a Panasonic VIETA or something like that. Its been pretty much awsome, I've been playing Halo 3 on XBOX 360 and its freaking SWEET!!!

[Redrover]

SpeedyAZ, the reason you can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080p is because no one is broadcasting in that higher resolution at this time. Buying the 1080p is an anticipatory purchase to be ready when the broadcasting is available.

[Drover]

I think more important than the 720 versus 1080 argument is the refresh rate. Maybe I have quick eyes or something, but the standard 60hz refresh rate gives me a headache. I can actually see individual frames at that rate. Ironically, interlacing as opposed to progressive scan works better for me in fast-action type stuff. What also works better for me is a 120hz refresh rate versus 60.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Redrover

SpeedyAZ, the reason you can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080p is because no one is broadcasting in that higher resolution at this time. Buying the 1080p is an anticipatory purchase to be ready when the broadcasting is available.

What about DVD, especially hi-def and Blu-Ray?

[GLS]

Originally Posted by Redrover

SpeedyAZ, the reason you can't tell the difference between 720 and 1080p is because no one is broadcasting in that higher resolution at this time. Buying the 1080p is an anticipatory purchase to be ready when the broadcasting is available.

Do you know when they will begin broadcasting in 1080p? Is it soon enough to pay the extra money for 1080p vs 720p now? Do you think the overall quality of a plasma is better than LCD in the 40 to 45 inch range? Thanks.

[Drover]

Buying at 1080p or 1080i isn't just anticipatory any more. DVD HD and Blu-Ray discs take full advantage of that resolution.