LCD vs. Plasma (sets, review, Wal-mart, deals)

[CA central coast]

I've done a bit of reaserch, but I'm still confused. I saw a 50" Plasma Samsung at Wal-Mart for under $1000. Some of the other HDTV's that were LCD and smaller where more expensive. What is the real danger of images being burned in? I'm guessing it would also be worth it to get on consumer reports since it's a big ticket item. Any advice?

[bblaine]

i have always been against plasma, too many go bad too soon.

[Mike from back east]

Consumer Reports just did a major article on Plasma and LCD TV's. People need to read that stuff, go see many types and styles, talk to the salesmen, make up their own minds.

[Dd714]

Yes but be careful of consumer reports. I don't like how the grading system works sometimes. Lots of times there final grade may be based on something you as a consumer can care less about - the remote controller, the location of the off switch, etc. However CR gives a good summary of the differences between LCD and Plasma.

Also be careful of the salesmen at places like BestBuy. Most of those kids know nothing about HDTV's. You can get informed from other areas on the internet - like the popular AVS forum.

I have an LCD set. But I would say the danger of burn-in on Plasma sets is overstated, at least for today's sets and a good set. Really I went with LCD for other reasons - the screens are less reflective and work better in my sunlit living room, and also they run cooler.

I wouldn't trust a TV from Walmart, but Samsung makes good sets. Really you need to buy one with the features you want. That Samsung set may be an outdated model, which might be OK for your needs, or you may want the latest 1080p set with 4 HDMI inputs and internet capability. Just be informed.

[CA central coast]

Light reflexion isn't going to be an issue. I'd like a tv with quality viewing angles, considering where I'm placing it in my living room. I already have home theatre system installed in the home, so I'd be hooking it up to that.

[titaniummd]

I have 2 Plasmas and 2 LCDs. None have this fabled burn in that people speak about. I notice a wider viewing angle with Plasmas over LCDs.

Overall, both are good.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by CA central coast

Light reflexion isn't going to be an issue. I'd like a tv with quality viewing angles, considering where I'm placing it in my living room. I already have home theatre system installed in the home, so I'd be hooking it up to that.

Is weight a consideration? Plasma is much heavier than LCD.

We bought a Samsung 46" and have been very happy with it.

Edit: Watch for blurring. We sat in American when we were trying to decide and watched an Indy race on a Sony. We noticed that a man being interviewed had a beard and when he turned his head to watch the action (quick movement) his beard blurred. I went over to the Samsung we were looking at (the one we bought) and there was no blur. We were close enough together that she would call out "Blur" whe she saw it on the Sony and I didn't see it on the Samsung.

That is what decided us on the Samsung.

[Mike from back east]

For those who can tolerate lots of tech talk, there is a good piece in CNET News today about HDTV's and upcoming CES. Link:
- CES 2009 preview: HDTV | CES 2009 - CNET Blogs

[f_m]

Honestly, it depends on the model. The lower end models tend to be "value" models and have less features, and may not be as good. Although, I will say that I think plasma is a better buy because a comparable LCD, in terms of picture (mainly black levels), costs more. I'm looking at Panasonic Z series plasmas, which are pretty good deals, and the comparable (as far as features I'm looking at) Sony LCD (Z series also) is $400-500 more.

However, Plasma weighs more and uses more power. Make sure your table/stand is enough.

Also, I personally wouldn't buy a 720p set at that price/size level anyway. 1080p is the way to go.

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by f_m

Also, I personally wouldn't buy a 720p set at that price/size level anyway. 1080p is the way to go.

I would only recommend 1080p when we are speaking about TVs 46" or greater.