Plasma/LCD/LED

[tommy_ed]

I currently have an LG 42" LCD and want to upgrade to something bigger (probably somewhere around 56-60")

What are the pros/cons of each?

It seems like plasmas are always way cheaper, what's the reason for this?
And is it true that the only real difference between LCD and LED is the thinness of the TV?

 

[SaleenFiend]

I'm not really sure on the pros/cons of each but I love my plasma. It seems like there is just soo much more definition espescially on dark pictures. When I watch blue rays on plasma it's amazing. I have used LCD never LED and seem to like Plasma's... everytime I go into Best Buy or what not I always findmy self oogling over a Plasma without knowing it.

 

[momoceio]

You'll probably get a wide array of responses...some well informed and some not. I'll give you my opinion on the matter.

Plasma - The best picture on the market, deepest blacks, best "bang for the buck" (besides DLP)...in my opinion it's THE best choice for anything between 42" - 65". The biggest draw back is the energy consumption, heat generated and they aren't as thin as LED-LCDs

LED-LCD - You CAN get a very nice picture, however the blacks tend to be more gray and you often get areas of the screen that are brighter than others unless you get a local dimming set (the LEDs are directly behind the screen in arrays that allow them to be shut off completely for dark blacks). Most LED sets are edge-lit which isn't ideal.

The difference between old school LCD and the newer LED sets is the light source. Traditional LCD sets use CFL lighting (like those energy efficient lamp bulbs you buy). Traditional LCD sets have bulbs running the entire length of the screen so they aren't just edge-lit but you don't get the dark blacks because you can't shut the light source off. A plasma set allows for deep blacks because every pixel is lit individually unlike any other TV technology on the market. This is my objective opinion...many hours of research. Please ask any questions and I'll answer if I can.

 

[lunatic59]

I currently have an LG 42" LCD and want to upgrade to something bigger (probably somewhere around 56-60")

What are the pros/cons of each?

It seems like plasmas are always way cheaper, what's the reason for this?
And is it true that the only real difference between LCD and LED is the thinness of the TV?

The functional differences are, on LED and Plasma screens the pixels illuminate individually where an LCD screen needs some form of backlighting, making for the possibility that an LCD will appear duller with poorer viewing angles.

Plasmas are older technology, consume a lot of power and generate quite a bit of heat. Plus they are considerably thicker and heavier than an LED screen of similar size.

LED screens do not need any backlighting so they can be very thin, and are very energy efficient but they also will be in the higher price range for a comparable model.

There are good models and bad models in each classification.

 

[gallandof]

the biggest draw back to plasmas is repairing them, with an LCD you can just replace your bulb when it blows and keep on going, plasma if the blacklighting goes your tv is essentially dead. although plasma I believe still has the best color and clarity. LED is really thin and minimal bezel, has slightly darker blacks than LCD, and great longevity since its LED's. cost is high I also believe plasma and LED can get bigger screen sizes. and have better viewing angles.


so basically plasma is great picture for the price, but high repair costs
LCD decent picture decent life, decent cost
LED really really thin, slightly better than LCD picture, great life, but high cost.


personally im waiting out for OLED tvs

 

[momoceio]

The functional differences are, on LED and Plasma screens the pixels illuminate individually where an LCD screen needs some form of backlighting, making for the possibility that an LCD will appear duller with poorer viewing angles.

Plasmas are older technology, consume a lot of power and generate quite a bit of heat. Plus they are considerably thicker and heavier than an LED screen of similar size.

LED screens do not need any backlighting so they can be very thin, and are very energy efficient but they also will be in the higher price range for a comparable model.

There are good models and bad models in each classification.

That is false information about the LED-LCD...LED sets DO need a backlight and DO NOT have individually lit pixels like Plasma does. The difference between LED-LCD and traditional LCD is the light source...one is LED and the other is CFL. Both LCD and Plasma have life times over over 100,000 hours and any purchase this big should have a squaretrade warranty or something similar to cover any repairs. Both are mature and reliable technologies.

 

[momoceio]

One more point to make...Plasma has superior viewing angles to LCD, LED-LCD or DLP. However, unless you get a nicer model with an anti-glare (often called True Black) filter, you can run into glare issues in rooms with a lot of windows. This isn't an issue if you have good curtains though.

 

[jamor]

Plasma:
Not having to worry about motion lag (LCD 60hz) or ghosting & fake/unrealistic video/images (LCD 120hz). Great for gaming, sporting events, and HD movies.
Deeper blacks
richer, more natural colors (as momoceio noted, best on market)
burn-in if very careless
great viewing angles
not good in sunlight (will need blinds)

LCD:
Better in sunny rooms
less expensive (from my research)
poor viewing angles

LED:
very expensive
washed out blacks
still poor viewing angles
energy saver/very efficient

If you can close the blinds on a sunny day, I think Plasma is the best decision. The issue with easy burn ins and poor life span are a thing of the past (unless you are very careless and leave an image on for a very long period of time without a screen saver). If you want to save money and don't care about minor motion lag/juddering just get a cheaper LCD 60 hz.

Better plasmas will be more expensive then LCDs from what I've seen, but LEDs will be more expensive then both.

 

[shawn1224]

You guys are about to make my head explode. I was all set on LED and now I don't know what to do.

All I want is a clear, sharp picture with vibrant colors and something in a 56 inch range. Preferably mountable on a swivel stand as it's going into the living room (one big double window w/blinds)

BTW is this a good deal - Vizio 55" Class LCD 1080p 120Hz HDTV, E550VL for $998

 

[jamor]

You guys are about to make my head explode. I was all set on LED and now I don't know what to do.

All I want is a clear, sharp picture with vibrant colors and something in a 56 inch range. Preferably mountable on a swivel stand as it's going into the living room (one big double window w/blinds)

Welcome to my world. But I've done the research and LCD/LED seems like it still has a lot of kinks to work out - mostly with balancing out Lag vs Ghosting, poor viewing angles, and washed out colors. If not for the sunlight issue, plasma would probably hold a huge market share in my opinion. They fixed the poor lifespan and easy burn ins which is a huge step.

 

[momoceio]

Another thing to note...one of the big reasons people hop all over LED sets at the store is because they crank the contrast wayyy up and crank the blues wayyyy up so the picture pops. However, anyone that knows anything about a good picture will have you change those settings as soon as you get home. It's a bad sales technique that sells TVs to uninformed consumers. Don't pay attention the all those "fancy" dynamic contrast ratios...they mean squat.

 

[shawn1224]

Welcome to my world. But I've done the research and LCD/LED seems like it still has a lot of kinks to work out - mostly with balancing out Lag vs Ghosting, poor viewing angles, and washed out colors. If not for the sunlight issue, plasma would probably hold a huge market share in my opinion. They fixed the poor lifespan and easy burn ins which is a huge step.

I didn't realize plasma was so cheap. I found a 50 inch Plasma 1080p 600hz HDTV Panasonic for only $799.

Real world performance, what's really the big difference between that and LCD?

 

[jamor]

I didn't realize plasma was so cheap. I found a 50 inch Plasma 1080p 600hz HDTV Panasonic for only $799.

Real world performance, what's really the big difference between that and LCD?

Without sun it's going to have richer more natural colors/deeper blacks.

It's also going to be smoother for Movies, gaming, and sports - you won't have to worry about motion lag/juddering (60 hz LCD) or Ghosting/plastic like images (120 hz LCD).

The G25 is an amazing Plasma - I'm getting this in a couple weeks (42 inch $780 free shipping) which has infinite black and THX image certification and 3 HDMI ports:

Amazon.com: Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV: Electronics

 

[shawn1224]

Without sun it's going to have richer more natural colors/deeper blacks.

It's also going to be smoother for Movies, gaming, and sports - you won't have to worry about motion lag/juddering (60 hz LCD) or Ghosting/plastic like images (120 hz LCD).

The G25 is an amazing Plasma - I'm getting this in a couple weeks (42 inch $780 free shipping) which has infinite black and THX image certification and 3 HDMI ports:

Amazon.com: Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV: Electronics

So basically a good pair of curtains and you're set.

 

[jamor]

So basically a good pair of curtains and you're set.

Yea basically. I'm never home during the day because I'm a 9 to 5er and my room is easily dimmable so I don't have an issue with Plasma.

If I had to put it in a sun room or if I was primarily a day watcher, I might have decided to go LCD.

 

[lordofthereef]

Just thought I would chime in and say that, unless you are looking at an LCD at a very wide angle, you just aren't going to have a problem. Our 47" LG LCD is viewed from straight on as well as from a bit of an angle (maybe 45 degrees in the recliner - more from the kitchen) and we don't notice a difference. I suppose if you are watching from extreme angles I can see this being an issue, but who is going to be practically sitting next to the tv when they watch it? Regardless of the set, I wouldn't fin it enjoyable to watch at extreme angles anyway. FWIW I still desire to pull the curtains if there is any glare. It may be BETTER than plasma with glare, but still not a great viewing experience having the sun shining on the screen.

 

[tommy_ed]

thanks for all the informative responses guys!

I think I'll probably go with plasma, I work 10-7 so I'm usually viewing in the evenings, and I have good curtains anyway! I've always thought the picture looked better on plasmas but shyed away after hearing about short lifespan. Glad to hear that issue has been resolved.

Now I just need to find a good brand 60 inch model with plenty of HDMI ports!

Thanks again!

 

[SaleenFiend]

I didn't realize plasma was so cheap. I found a 50 inch Plasma 1080p 600hz HDTV Panasonic for only $799.

Real world performance, what's really the big difference between that and LCD?

Panasonics are some of the best Plasmas too.

 

[330D]

Panasonics are some of the best Plasmas too.

I will second this, if you look at all the reviews, panasonics always rank way high. I love mine, and it is just a cheaper model from a few years ago. People come to my house and are amazed at the picture from it. I have always owned panasonic TVs and NEVER have had an issue. You will not be disappointed with a panasonic plasma tv.

 

[graff_king]

I have worked in the a/v industry for the past 9 years and have seen it from when the 1st plasma dropped and cost $12000, without even having speakers or a tuner built into the set.
Personally, plasma is my favorite type of panel. Many reasons have been stated above but I will add one thing. They DO NOT consume all that much more power than lcds do. When they first came on the market they did but they have resolved that. They do create a small amount more heat but not a huge issue. Mounting on a stand or the wall is easily accomplished with all 3 technologies.
LCD is a nice technology but is my least fave of the 3 types. The colors are more 'washed out' looking. LED is the 'latest and greatest'.
If you go plasma I'd say look at panasonic, lcd would be samsung/lg, led would be samsung. Just my 2 cents tho

 

[momoceio]

One thing to be aware of with some of the latest Panasonics...namely the G1 series is the issue of the blacks fading towards gray after less than a year of usage. The newest LG sets are actually quite nice and if you pay an ISF certified calibrator (well worth the cost) then you can get a really really nice picture out of them for the price. You can get a 60" plasma for about $1200 if you look at the right places. Samsung also has some nice sets, but pay attention to reviews. You can find a lot of very good information from avsforum.com...I highly recommend you check it out before you purchase a set. I was looking at the LG 60pk950 set before I decided to go with an 82" DLP (yeah...I said 82") LG also just came out with the 60px950 set which is 3d capable. Panasonic purchased Pioneers plasma tech when Pioneer stopped producing plasmas. So...all that technology that went into the famous Pioneer Kuro sets is now owned by Panasonic. However, no one has made a plasma set that touches the Kuro's...they were/are that good! Whatever you decide to get...I highly recommend that you have an ISF certified calibrator setup your TV. You don't know what you're missing if you don't get it calibrated professionally.

 

[Fonseca]

Nothing can match a plasma for color clarity and blacks. Burn in isn't really a worry anymore

 

[Vihzel]

I love plasma TVs. I'd recommend Panasonic or Samsung. My family has had many different Samsung plasmas and have never been disappointed.

 

[NYCHitman1]

+1 to Jamor for stealing all the info I gave him on gtalk and posting it here

 

[jamor]

+1 to Jamor for stealing all the info I gave him on gtalk and posting it here

I was waiting for that!

I must credit NYCHitman and he found that Panasonic Plasma that I linked above for me too lol