Upgrade to Main TV

J

justin_newlands

Carbonite Member
Hi Guys, I've had the go ahead to buy a 50 inch Television. (what a partner!)
Trouble is I don't know whether to buy a LCD or a Plasma?
Has anyone got any strong views? I was thinking of Plasma.
Thanks in anticipation
 
Plasma , i think, is a Dying technology. Its way to expensive just for the contrast ratio it has and lack of any response time at all. But the leaps and bounds made by the LCD techonolgy has rapidly caught up to Plasma, and your blacks will be black even with a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

If the TV doesnt need to be portable, id suggest a DLP personally. 1080p 50inch + can be found for under 1500 bucks now adays. Where a plasma 1080p will run around 3 to 4k atleast. 1080p LCD at 37" is around 1000-1600 depending on brand. But ya, if anything the choice is between LCD Flat Panel , DLP and LCD Projection.
 
but DLP's have that viewing angle issue. I HATE that. i wish the LCD Tv's dididnt look so ...... plastic? i cant think of the rightwords. they just make thigns mushy. DLP's look great but you have to be DIRECTLY centered in front of it.
 
Thanks for the comments guys. What is a factor here in the UK, is that we pay almost double for purchases! I think I need to hold fire and not rush into deciding.
Thanks again
 
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Timur, its not that exxagerated, even newer crummy CRT Projection HDTV's arent that bad with the viewing angles.
 
or you could always go the projector route. I have a Panasonic AE-900U HD projector on a custom made (2.35:1) 110" screen. Even during daylight hours with a slightly shadowy room the projector looks great, and it's super portable and takes up less room than a 13" TV. After watching movies on that it's really hard to watch DVD's even on a "Big screen" Plasma or LCD.
 
First off, Plasma TV's are NOT dying. They are contstantly improving. I had a Sony 36" flat screen (reg. TV) which looked great and I was very happy with. until a few months back.

I bought a Hitachi 55" plasma, high definition TV. After 6 months I still comment on how amazing this TV looks. The clarity is truely unbelievable. You'd swear at sporting events you could reach out and touch the players. Colors are extremely vibrant.

A few points you need to be aware of:
1. High Definition depends on who your provider is and how many channels are available. I have Cox here in Las Vegas, NV. They offer about 15 channels, all the major networks, plus a HD version of HBO, Showtime, Stars, etc. The most amazing one constantly is "Discovery HD".
2. The regurlar channels aren't in HD so you will see less quality. It's a trade off that in my opinion is definetly worth it.
3. DVD's: I bought a DVD player from Samsung that up-rezes the quality of my regular DVD's to look very respectable on my HD plasma. The unit cost $100.00 US.
4. I had the opportunity to A/B several TV's side by side and the plasma screen blew everything else away.
5. Make sure you don't get the lower version plasma monitor. These are used quite a bit in casino sports books, libraries, etc. and you'll be somewhat disappointed in the end.
6. If offered, buy the extended warranty. I did and for an extra $500.00 the plasma is guarenteed for 5 years. If they can't fix it, I get a new one. Period!

I paid around $4K for mine after sales discounts etc. Well worth the investment.
In addition, I splurged for a surround sound system equalling the amount of my plasma. Yeah, I spent a pretty penny but I'll tell you, watching anything with this setup is truely amazing now.

Good luck and do your homework.

Mark Dalzell / AudioScapes
Las Vegas, Nv
 
Thanks Mark for your comments. I think that I will go down the Plasma route, but am not in a great hurry.
I'm buying a HD Camera, when I decide which one!! and of course would watch Films. I think the ONLY supplier of HD is SKY here in the UK. I don't watch much Broadcast TV, so I'm not too worried about that.

I'm so pleased that I found DVXuser, most people are really friendly and really try to help.
 
Cynic821 said:
Timur, its not that exxagerated, even newer crummy CRT Projection HDTV's arent that bad with the viewing angles.
Click to expand...


they are better than, the old projection TV's, but it still exists. but i will most likely go with a 60" DLP anyway. best cost/performance value. Also they are 1080P with every port known to man.
 
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