LCD v Plasma

Kashkai

I'm just finishing off a major house extension and my new sitting room is 24 ft x 16ft so I want a large screen tv to watch my DVD's on (and some sci-fi on Sky).

I'm being blinded by science by guys in DID, Power City, Harvey Normans etc who all seem to have different opinions on which is better, i.e. LCD or Plasma (never mind the different makes). Some say the picture quality is best on LCD, where some others say that plasmas are better when you have large screen sizes.

So the question is, which tv would suit me, LCD or Plasma. It will be sited in a large room, with a surround sound system. I want the best quality picture on a 42in - 50in screen. Funds of up to €3,000 will be available (don't tell the wife:D )

Ciaran500

IMO plasma gives a much more natural picture. But that's only my opinion, you might feel differently. The best way to tell would be to go to a shop and look at a LCD and a plasma together running from a high quality source.

slave1

IMHO anything projection based will be better than either Plasma or LCD, as Ciaran pointed out you just need to view them all and decide yourself because we all have our own opinion here, but be wary of bright TV shops where you will not see the true potential of a projection system

speedfreak

just having recently been through this whole process I have purchased a 42" pioneer Plasma ( http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=325676 - €700 cheaper than Harvey norman and Currys!!) having initially intended purchasing a 40" Sony W series bravia LCD. IMO the plasma has a more natural picture quality and is more suited to larger screen sizes. I found the LCD synthetic and not at all impressive for 'normal' (ie not HD) transmissions. The particular model of Pioneer looks v. stylish even when off! I was also v. impressed with the Panasonic Viera series but wasnt keen on the silver surround. Thats what it came down to really. Btw AVforums are brilliant for info.

Ciaran500

slave1 wrote:

IMHO anything projection based will be better than either Plasma or LCD, as Ciaran pointed out you just need to view them all and decide yourself because we all have our own opinion here, but be wary of bright TV shops where you will not see the true potential of a projection system

I have to completely disagree. While projection systems offer great value for money for the size of the screen they can't touch the quality of a good LCD/Plasma.

Villain

I disagree Ciaran500, any of the modern HD projectors can match the best of LCD's or Plasma's and can be better value imo.

A 42" LCD seems very small to me now that I'm used to my projector projecting a 70" to 80" display.

But projection isn't for everyone, it depends on wall space and room design, plus some people prefer to have an LCD set as part of the furniture rather than a blank wall.

However I personally haven't been in a home entertainment room that imo is better than mine, which includes a Panny projector, Marantz amp and Mission speakers. Its all about personal opinion.

I notice the OP is in kildare, I'd suggest to have a look in Harvey Norman in Naas where you can see projectors and latest TV's first hand. But I'd purchase online for better value.

Villain

If you are thinking that projector might be an option have a read of http://www.homecinemacentral.com.au/panasonicax100.htm

Then have a look at it here http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=326377

Maxwell

I have an LCD, Plasma and Projectorso I hope I may be in a position to offer my opinion.

If you are not interested in the trouble of setting up the Projector and taking into account of the requirements for using it in near dark times of the day and bulb life (replacements after 2000-3000 hours costing approx €500) then I would recommend a good 42"-50" Plasma, expecially as they are great for Films (best blacks).

Plasma is more natural than the LCDs (but they are getting better) and for general TV use they win over the LCD's/ Although for certain Movies (animated) the LCD's shine.

I would recommend you a good Plasma for your requirements - but make sure you shop around and visit avforums.com first to get other peoples opinions first. Also - you should really cjeck into the prospect of importing one from Germany (you can save yourself a fortune.....I did this through katronics.de)

Projector - the best for movies
Plasma - Excellent for all round viewing
LCD - great for Animated movies and up to 40"

As you have a good room size there, I would recommend the 40-55" Plasma.


The projector is still the business though!!!!!!

Villain

Maxwell wrote:

If you are not interested in the trouble of setting up the Projector and taking into account of the requirements for using it in near dark times of the day and bulb life (replacements after 2000-3000 hours costing approx €500) then I would recommend a good 42"-50" Plasma, expecially as they are great for Films (best blacks).

Just to note the lighting issue doesn't really matter anymore if you buy a projector like the one I linked to (Panasonic Ax100) as it has 2000 lumens which will be brighter than some Plasma's.

Also if you order off the net you can bulbs for around €300. The AX100 should last 2500 to 3000 hours before needing a new bulb.

Kashkai

Thanks for the advice guys.

I think I'll probably go for the Plasma as the LCD tvs I've seen look a little washed out. My wife would freak if I put in a projection screen.

I've noticed that a lot of posters order from abroad or through Komplett. Is this a reliable method of getting a tv, i.e. any comeback or do you get hit by Vat etc

Ciaran500

Prosperous Dave wrote:

I've noticed that a lot of posters order from abroad or through Komplett. Is this a reliable method of getting a tv, i.e. any comeback or do you get hit by Vat etc

No VAT, its inside the EU. I got a TV off them yesterday (Thurs) after I ordered it on Monday night and I've never had a problem with them previously.

Sparky

Personally LCD looks at its very best on a HD transmission and on animated films like finding nemo, monsters inc etc, (ever wondered why these films are mostly played in currys etc?)
Plasma is indeed very good for the natural look when viewing SD content and again in HD content.
Plasma of course has a better response rate than LCD and contrast ratio.

Lcd's do have better colour, but in my experience, I had to set it up to the finest detail so that it was perfect for me.
If you use any EPG services like NTL or Sky, the guide will blend better on a plasma, but will look slightly block or sharper on an LCD.

In a few years time with more technology being added, we will wonder why we have this time and time again.

slave1

My wife would freak if I put in a projection screen.

Whhhhiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhh

My friend you need to manage the WAF

alxmorgan

Any thoughts on the 3LCD rear projection tvs from Sony ?

The Ritz

This is too old to resurect at this stage - recent posts moved to the existing Plasma vs. LCD thread here : http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055432706

Please use existing threads for discussion, always feel free to open a new thread for a new topic.

Thanks,

Ritz.