46 in LCD HDTV or a 50 in Plasma HDTV. Same price. Which is a better choice?

Question

Viewing distance is about 10 feet max.

Answer 1

Even though Plasma HDTVs have a great picture at first, after a while the picture starts to dim and they have to be "re-gassed" by a qualified technician which costs around $350 and up according to brand/size. (That is why the "service contract" is so expensive for them). If and when I purchase another HDTV, it will be an LCD.

Answer 2

In most cases if you are looking for a TV for "home theater" and want a theater feel I recommend the biggest you can afford. A recent study group has said that the best size for that distance is about 65".That being said this is your home and you have your own considerations and there isn't that much difference between the sizes. I would probably recommend a reputable brand plasma as long as you don't mind taking some precautions to prevent "burn-in" which happens when you have non moving images for long periods. Those precautions include stretching out the image on programs that don't fill the screen, leaving the tv on an "orbiting mode" which is a kind of screensaver and using a "white wash" mode that can kind of erase mild burn-in if you notice a burn. It's not as big a danger as it used to be because the plasmas stay bright much longer than they used to but if you don't want to worry about it then go LCD.
There is no such thing as "re-gassing" a plasma TV. While a plasma TV does have Xenon and Neon gasses inside the 3,000,000+ microscopic chambers it is not the gasses that provide the light. It is the red, blue and green phosphors that that light up and unless you can open up 3 million chambers and recoat each cell there is no way to make a plasma brighter again. That being said most plasma TVs are rated for 60,000 hours of use before reaching half brightness (the same as most LCD TVs) which at 5 hours a day of use is about 30 years.

Answer 3

Both tv's have pros and cons, but if they're at the same price i would go with the plasma because it will you a much better picture. Both types of tv will last a long time so you should worry about it. LCD is just not good for sport or movies with fast motion because of the response time. They're improving though. The burn in problem that plasma tv seem to have is not really an issue with newer plasma. All you need to do is turn down the contrast on the tv and do not use the Vivid setting.

Answer 4

Plasma has the best picture quality out of any TV, though I would rank DLP second. They're also the most expensive to make, hence their cost. LCD is easily last place. If you have a high-end store near by check out a display room. They'll have a mix of TVs and all will have a decent calibration and most likely be in a light controlled room. This is where you will see the differences, not at Best Buy or Circut City. Now I'm not saying purchase at the high end store as their prices will be the highest. Whatever you buy, also purchase this to help you give your TV a basic calibration:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=avia+theater&hl=en&btnG=Search+Froogle

Answer 5

Plasma TVs have very sturdy reaction for instantaneous shifting stay action, for this reason they are stunning options for video clips and interest. At super exhibit sizes, over 100CM (40") plasma supplies a plenty clearer, smoother photograph. - Edit exhibit burn was a complication-loose undertaking with plasma TVs whether at the instant its incredibly not a controversy for many human beings, generally requiring hours to days of continuous use on the comparable fastened image to embed on exhibit. i would not complication approximately that throughout any respect. LCDs on the different hand, are very sturdy at exhibiting sluggish shifting action and, especially, animations. additionally, LCDs are slightly lighter, and much less skill ingesting than plasma, and look super at around 32" (81CM) exhibit sizes. in case you like interest, or choose a house theater device, decide for a plasma, in case you opt for a mattress room television or some thing smaller for the infants or to your interest console, decide for lcd. My own advice for a plasma could be a Panasonic, for lcd a Samsung or a Sony, the two provide super fee for money photos. I artwork at an electronics keep, and characteristic seen first hand the adjustments between them. till you watch a lot of television and take it heavily, and choose the suitable, finished HD, on an identical time because it seems outstanding, is likewise a trustworthy bite extra high priced and generally situations unnessicary. think of approximately it slightly and go searching at TVs earlier you purchase, decide for the only which you like the main.

Answer 6

4" isn't going to make a difference at that distance so don't worry about that. Are all the features the same too? You say price is, but I just wanted to make sure that you are really comparing apples for apples so to speak. If so, I'd go with the LCD. be sure to price them both out thoroughly though to make sure you are well informed. here;s some links that might help, good luck!

Answer 7

LCD for sure, later models have first class refresh rate.... ive seen some plasmas around which didnt look too flash at all, would rather watch movies on my 'old school' conventional tube.

Answer 8

i would look at LCD myself. they should start out being backed up for around 60,000 hrs and as long as the refresh rate is good and the viewing angle is as good as the plasma is id always lean to LCD. good luck happy HiDeffin

Answer 9

i've always been told that plasma tvs dont hold up long and tear up, i went with the lcd myself and am very happy with the choice..but mines only 37 in.

Answer 10

Plasma for better contrast and fast refresh rate( no drag).LCD's are good for small screens