plasma tv

isudoc03 · 08-01-2007, 12:04 AM

Anyone have any opinions on plasma tvs? Any brand better than another? Things to look for when buying? TIA

wheels686 · 08-01-2007, 12:06 AM

yeah, dont buy a plasma, buy an LCD, the LCD will last 2-3 more times longer and produces alot less heat. Sony, RCA, and samsung are really good brands

Bader · 08-01-2007, 12:10 AM

wheels definitely has it right, that and Plasma's have a bad habit of burning images into the screen. I bought a 37" Sharp Aquos in May and absolutely love it. 2 HDMI inputs, and it has an over the air tuner that picks up HD channels out of the DSM area

keepngoal · 08-01-2007, 10:23 AM

Badar did it smart. Be sure it has an HD tuner built in your HDTV for OTA signals (and buy the rooftop antenna!!). one HDMI input is enough.. as you can install a switch and minimize cables to the TV if hung on a wall.

And wheels is right too.. go LCD. and if they don't make LCD big enough for your need... go projection (hung from the ceiling). I watched the UofI vs. OSU game last year on a 8 foot x 4 foot 'screen' in a friends basement. I sat 8 feet away and was completely impressed. Movies are to die for in that format... oh and it is all HD.

PM me for details on the projection setup if you need. otherwise stay away from Plasma for now.

- keep.

ISUFan22 · 08-01-2007, 10:33 AM

Keep in mind, if you are going to go front projection, you'll want to do so in a darker room. It need not be pitch black, yet doing front projection in a bright room (lots of windows) won't yield you a great picture.

jdoggivjc · 08-01-2007, 10:42 AM

I'd go with a Samsung. Every time I walk into the store and see one of the Samsung HDTVs my jaw just drops at how amazing the picture is (well, any Samsung TV for that matter). I'm also quite a bit of a Sony homer so I like their stuff as well.

brianhos · 08-01-2007, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by wheels686

yeah, dont buy a plasma, buy an LCD, the LCD will last 2-3 more times longer and produces alot less heat. Sony, RCA, and samsung are really good brands

Except a plasma has a much sharper picture and is much better in bright rooms. I have every major tv technology in my house. I have a 50" Plasma, a 60" SXRD LCOS, a 32" LCD in the bedroom, and a 40" CRT for the living room.

The CRT has the best picture, but it weighs 300 lbs, the Plasma is #2, but it weighs more than a CRT and consumes more energy. The LCD is the worst picutre I have, but it is good in dark rooms, and consumes the leasy energy. If you get a lcd, make sure it is a very fast refresh, or you will get motion blur when watching sports. And that is REALLY annoying.

bostinelosd · 08-01-2007, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Except a plasma has a much sharper picture and is much better in bright rooms. I have every major tv technology in my house. I have a 50" Plasma, a 60" SXRD LCOS, a 32" LCD in the bedroom, and a 40" CRT for the living room.

The CRT has the best picture, but it weighs 300 lbs, the Plasma is #2, but it weighs more than a CRT and consumes more energy. The LCD is the worst picutre I have, but it is good in dark rooms, and consumes the leasy energy. If you get a lcd, make sure it is a very fast refresh, or you will get motion blur when watching sports. And that is REALLY annoying.

Gimme your wallet now.

CloneAggie · 08-01-2007, 11:16 AM

I've been happy with my Samsung DLP. No worries about burn in with it either.

rosco · 08-01-2007, 11:20 AM

I also have a samsung LCD tv love the picture and it pretty light to move if needed.

BigDISU1 · 08-01-2007, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by isudoc03

Anyone have any opinions on plasma tvs? Any brand better than another? Things to look for when buying? TIA

Don't be turned off to the idea of plasma, because there definitely are benefits to both types of televisions. I bought a Panasonic 42" plasma. I researched this for months back in Nov-Dec. I would reccomend Panasonic, it was near the top in most reviews and it was the best bang for the buck I could find. Pioneer is very good too, but expensive.

For larger sets (42" and above) plasma is generally cheaper than LCD, but not always. Plasma has much darker blacks and can typically be seen more clearly from a wider angle and in bright rooms or rooms with lots of outside light. Lifespans are comparable from what I have researched.

LCD doesn't run as hot, are typically lighter (by weight) and LCD has virtually no chance of burn in, but the chances of burn in on a plasma tv are very small on the latest models when watching television, especially if you take the proper precautions. (Substituting a plasma television as a computer monitor is a different story due to the static nature of a computer screen)

You really cant go wrong either way. Just evaluate your priorities and choose the type that fits best. Here some reading if you are interested.

Plasma vs LCD: Which is right for you? - TVs

Plasma vs. LCD: Six things you need to know - TVs

Plasma vs LCD TV - a detailed comparative guide to flat-panel TV technology

SpokaneCY · 08-01-2007, 11:53 AM

I would give my left nut for one of the Pioneer plasmas however I bought a Sony 50" LCD.

Plus - doesn't get washed out by light, less expensive and beautiful picture on HD channels.

Minus - view angles are way less than a plasma, and the Pioneer picture was beyond incredible.

If you're upgrading from an old TV, you can't go wrong with any of the new technologies. All will amaze you.

jdoggivjc · 08-01-2007, 11:54 AM

Actually, just about ANY Samsung TV is a really good TV. I bought a Samsung 23" flatscreen a year ago and it has a wonderful picture. Too bad my couch is 25' away from the TV. It's an awfully nice SMALL picture! Unfortunately my wife insisted at the time that we use her entertainment center and I had to buy a TV that fit into that small space. Fortunately when we move into our new place next year she's letting that requirement go.

brianhos · 08-01-2007, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Gimme your wallet now.

Tv's are cheap nowadays..

jbhtexas · 08-01-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

Actually, just about ANY Samsung TV is a really good TV. I bought a Samsung 23" flatscreen a year ago and it has a wonderful picture. Too bad my couch is 25' away from the TV. It's an awfully nice SMALL picture! Unfortunately my wife insisted at the time that we use her entertainment center and I had to buy a TV that fit into that small space. Fortunately when we move into our new place next year she's letting that requirement go.

Time to man up, Brother!! The fairer sex should not be allowed to make decisions about or otherwise deal with the entertainment center. Haven't you seen this commercial?
Link: Our Ads - Property | Nationwide.com

I have a 50" plasma, and so far so good. It does well in a wide variety of lighting conditions and viewing angles. I have an older one, and it does "burn in" a little bit when used as a computer monitor. So far, it has always cleared up after a few minutes back in TV mode.

Yes, plasmas do throw some heat, but I just consider it to be supplemental heating for 1/2 of the year...