Plasma or LCD television? (how much, weight, Arizona, California)

[Aylalou]

I welcome recommendations regarding purchase of a TV. I just want something lighter-weight, smaller-size - less than 32, and one that will bear many hours of watching. What type do you recommend? LCD or Plasma. Are they HD or is that another type? Sorry, but I am not current in this area. Thanking you in advance.

Sorry. Going to move to Technology Thread; probably more appropriate.

[McGowdog]

I gotta 32" LCD Samsung that I thought was better in price and decent enough quality compared to Plasma for that size and price.

Now the LCDs have gotten so good and the Plasmas have come down in price enough that I don't know what's better.

If I'm not mistaken, the LCDs are light as a feather and the Plasmas aren't so light.

Now they have a third, semi LCD tv that I know nothing about.

For your smaller than 32" size, the LCDs have got to be good enough. Yes, they are HD. You want 1080 or better, I would think... but the technology is changing fast, too. For example, what's the difference between 1080i and 1080p? And which have 120 hz and what makes that better? Is it a significant improvement to smaller sets too? How much better is 15,000:1 contrast than 4000:1 and is THAT significant for 32" and smaller?

We went with a 32" set because it's all that would fit in the the space we had for it. the 42" wasn't that much more expensive.

Add: improvements have been made in this area too I think, but what about plasmas humming at altitudes of 6000 ft. and above? Hmmm. Not an issue for most, but something to think about for people in Colorado, Utah, parts of Idaho, NM, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, California etc.

[tamiznluv]

When we were looking for a new tv I saw that plasama tv has glass for their screens and I saw lots of reflection in that screen. That made me go for an LCD tv and I just love it! I bought a Visio.

[Grizzmeister]

I believe LCD’s are out selling Plasmas at a pretty healthy pace nowadays. My suggestion is to go with a name brand like Sony, Panasonic or Samsung as they’re usually more reliable. Below 32” you’re probably going to get 720p as the native resolution and that should look great as long as you remember to use component cables between your cable box and TV.

Do you plan to play video games on your new set? If so then a LCD will again be better thanks to a generally brighter picture.