plasma or lcd tv, which do i buy?

Answer 1

I'm sure you'll get lots of answers to this question, because the answer I got 2 years ago is probably still true--it depends.

What you'll want to look at is "how bright is bright" (brightness) and "how black is black" (contrast)? I believe these are expressed as 1:X and X should be as high as you can afford.

This was often also a size and money question. Plasmas were only made in very large sizes and LCDs only up to a max size. These barriers have largely been broken, so if you are looking for 60" or bigger, you'll find only really plasmas in the mix. But under 50", you'll probably focus mostly on LCD.

Also consider the size of your room and how close you'll sit. You'll find that bigger isn't better. And the amount of light in the room will also influence you.

Also consider what you watch. LCD apparently doesn't perform as well for fast-moving objects like car racing and sports.

If you don't have an HD source, and aren't planning on getting HD by cable or satellite, or renting a lot of HD movies, it's probably not worth getting anything.

Also consider that brand is important, mostly for performance (see cnet.com for a lot of good reviews). Inexpensive models from lesser brands don't usually do well in the bright/black categories.

It's also a personal choice, consequently, the best advice is, go look at a few and then figure out which appeals most to you and is in your price range.

I'm sure there will be more scientific answers, but nothing beats putting your own eyes on a set.

(I've got a 42", rear-projection LCD from Sony and I like it a lot. But at the then price of $1,600, it was expensive and I just plunked another $500 on it for a repair.)

Answer 2

Plasma is much better and a I have both, I just bought a plasma for my living room and moved the lcd to my bedroom and the plasma is a much better picture in hdtv, however the cost is substantially more for the plasma and if I was going to get another tv i would save the money and get a good lcd hdtv and spend the difference on a nice home theatre by bang & olfsen. Both tvs i have are 42" and I hang them both on the wall and the plasma is lighter and thinner than the lcd.

Answer 3

Plasma if you want a great picture but it will go out in 5 years. Lcd will not have a realistic color picture but it will last you 10 years. Plasma can be made into very huge screens, while Lcd is limited in size. In my opinion go with LCD for the best of your money. Also they are currently researching Laser TV which uses red, green and blue laser diodes to form a picture. It is still being worked on, but I hear it is supposed to be the best tv out there.

Answer 4

Alot of the answers are excellent....ill describe pros and cons of both in there own sections:

Plasma:

Pros: Reacts well to fast moving objects, clearer picture, more realistic,

Cons: Burns out after a few years (5-7 years), VERY pricey, Available is larger sizes only, picture can burn into the screen.

LCD: i own one and pretty much love it but am not favoring one more than the other

Pros: Lasts longer, cheaper, better for small areas, clearer is bright light, usually more plug ins (for surround sound, gaming systems, etc) LCD can usually be doubled as a computer montor (very nice, i have a 32" LCD hooked up to this computer now and have a wireless keyboard and mouse...working from the comfort of the couch is nice), most of them have non permanent burn in guarantees.

cons: limited to smaller sizes (usually 42" and under), not as good a pic, doesn't react good to fast moving objects, not as realistic


Love the 32" LCD TV monitor here and the 42" LCD TV sittin in the armoire but if i had to do it over again I would go plasma since there probably be better tech. in the next 5 years so might as well go for a great picture until then.

Answer 5

There is another option called front projection TV.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyersguides/frontprojectors/
Mostly for home theater as it is pricey.
Otherwise plasma TV is the best picture
so why settle for LCD ?

Answer 6

LCD. I have reasonly gone through the selection process.

Switch off the Plasma and LCD at the showroom. you will be able to tell the difference from the reflection on the screen.

Answer 7

To get satisfying answer will be to purchase both types but you can decide which one by visiting friends and see what they have. Fair enough ?

Answer 8

plasma