Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Help Please!! LCD, Plasma, or DLP decision maker

Aug 29, 2005 10:32AM PDT

So, this is the predicament I'm in. I've done a lot of research and have come down to 3 choices, ironically enough being all 3 different technologies.

1) Samsung DLP 5087 (the pedestal)
2) Panasonic 42PX50U Plasma
3) Sharp LC-37D7U

I basically come up with wanting the plama, however, I have a Playstation 2 and I play games every now and then, but I'm not a "gamer." I don't play hours into the night, it's just an occasional thing every now and then. Maybe 10 hours a week, if that. So, if I worry about the burn-in potentials, I swing over to the Sharp LCD. Seems really nice, but movie viewing wise it falls short because of the contrast ratio and price. Quality seems pretty close to the Panasonic Plasma (after viewing side by side in a store). So, does that mean the DLP is the end result? Well, I'm worried about the size and weight. I'm in a high rise apartment, and I seem to be moving every year, so lugging that thing around would be a real pain. That and I'm not completely convinced that it's as sharp as the Plasma or LCD. So....based on the above, any thoughts? If I didn't play games at all, I'd do the plasma. But I'm worried that even the little I play will take it's toll. Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the input.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Funny, I have almost come to the same choices
Aug 29, 2005 11:18AM PDT

But my choices are the Panasonic 42" HD Plasma or the 40" Samsung LCD (LN-408D). I also have a mid to smallish townhouse, so I don't want something bulky, even though the Samsung 50" DLP with pedestal is nice. Plasma and LCD are much better than DLP or 3LCD (Sony 3LCD looks horrible compared with DLP and then Plamsa or LCD, IMHO) pound for pound. I think I am going with the Samsung 40" b/c for me the tie-breaker is that the Samsung LCD has picture-in-picture and the Panasonic plasma doesn't. They are both at about the same pricing point -- $2500-3000, so it came down to the wire. I am going to buy in October - I have until then to think about other options.

- Collapse -
Stick With Plasma....
Aug 29, 2005 11:36AM PDT

..I've watched LCD and there's just not something natural about the picture. DLP has been huge disappointment. To me they still look like those old projection tv's. Nowhere near as sharp or vibrant as a plasma. Go anywhere off axiz with an LCD or especially DLP and it looks like someone turned off the unit of cut your voltage in half. I don't know about you, but I like to have friends and family over to watch movies and sporting events and I expect thet they should be able to see a picture as good as what I'm seeing from anywhere in the room. Plasma allows for this. DLP and LCD have only one "sweet spot"....right in front of the tv. to me this is unacceptable.

If you decide to go with a plasma, check out the Sony KDE-42XS955. I got mine from www.Vanns.com for $3,495, no tax or shipping. Nice folks out in Montana. Reputable, an authorized Sony dealership. None of the horror stories from dealing with those rip off shops in Brooklyn (NEVER, EVER, buy from those places, to a one, they're all crooks).

I, too live in a high rise co-op in NYC. Plasmas are heavy! The Sony is 130 lbs. So if frequent moves are in your future this could be a problem.

- Collapse -
Nice artlice 2 posts above this one
Aug 29, 2005 11:14PM PDT

Someone posted an article two posts above this one about how Plasmas seem to be the way to go based on disproving the myths out there. It comes from a Pioneer website. Pioneer doesn't make DLP's or LCD's do they? Happy

- Collapse -
What I saw at Costco
Sep 2, 2005 8:08PM PDT

Today my wife and I went to Costco and I saw a beautiful Pioneer Plasma which hands down beat all the rest I saw. Great color and compostion; great clarity; be sure to check it out.

jtmj

- Collapse -
I disagree
Sep 1, 2005 10:11PM PDT

I've had a Samsung 43 in DLP for over a year now and have quite enjoyed it. HD channels look great, as do DVD's (even without a prog scan player!). Since I have digital cable, even regular broadcasts (non-HD) look pretty good. Although the vertical viewing angle is limited, there is almost no reasonable limit to horizontal position - the image stays bright. Check it out in the shops. There is also NO possibility of image burn-in with DLP - not so with LCD or plasma. The one problem some people notice is the rainbow effect when turing one's head rapidly away from a bright spot on the screen. I notice it mainly when tired. Apparently this is less of a problem with newer models that have 7 segment or greater color wheels.

- Collapse -
try this
Aug 30, 2005 12:31AM PDT

the new 1080P Toshiba DLP $3199 or the new Sony SXRD 1080P LCoS tv 50" for $3999 you can pick up both within the next month

- Collapse -
Thanks for the input....but....
Aug 30, 2005 3:07AM PDT

I think I'm really leaning towards the Plasma now. Plus, I'd like to stay under 3g's if possible. When you add up all the shipping and tax (depending on where I buy it), it gets pretty expensive in the end.

- Collapse -
just don't
Aug 31, 2005 6:30AM PDT

get ripped by what you think is a good deal on a plasma when in reality it may not be quite as good as you think. Look at the resolutions, inputs, and built in tuner to make sure you are getting a good deal.

Though both samsung and panasonic dropped their reg prices on their 42" HD plasmas this week to $2999 and I'm sure you could get one on sale for around 2700 and both seem to be pretty good tv's.

- Collapse -
Hey Sears TV guy
Aug 31, 2005 7:13AM PDT

I live in Hawaii - I know they don't do the price match for on-line deals. I am at a huge disadvantage b/c everything else local is very expensive. I want that 42" Panasonic Plasma - consumer model - they don't seem to have the industrial model, which I heard had a better picture, and which I really want. Any suggestions on approach? The 42" Panasonic consumer model is $2,999 right now. I would buy it at $2,600 -- but I might have to go online for that price.

- Collapse -
Panasonic 42PX50U for $2499
Aug 31, 2005 7:50AM PDT

I've been looking at DTVCity for the last couple of weeks now, and they just dropped the price of a Panasonic Plasma 42" 42PX50U to $2499. With their service, warranty options, etc, this seems like the best bet. Any suggestions?

- Collapse -
Hawaii
Sep 1, 2005 9:38PM PDT

Hihi

Watch out for /huge/ delivery charges to Hawaii if ordering online, they tend to charge extra and if it says free delivery, don't count on it

--
Adam

- Collapse -
Panasonic plasma
Sep 1, 2005 10:49PM PDT

I too recently went through all the research and comparisons and decided upon the Panasonic plasma...only due to space limits i had to go with the 37" unit which lsts at $3000 and i got it w/sh for about $2200....be careful about DVT etc as some are not wuite reputable..look fo rsites w/ good vendor ratings and be sure to get a HDMI cable....Ram Electronics has good prices

- Collapse -
Check out this plasma.
Aug 31, 2005 7:55AM PDT
- Collapse -
Samsung DLP
Sep 1, 2005 11:01PM PDT

I have a new Samsung HLR6178W DLP and it is fantastic. I recommend it as a cheaper alternative to Plasma and superior to LCD's. It is 60 pounds lighter then the 36 inch CRT that it replaced.

- Collapse -
Help Please
Sep 2, 2005 1:23AM PDT

After much extended research I would select the DLP. Plasma has burn in, LCD has what I see as major distortion when watching fast moving sports. I am waiting for the lastest DLP from Samsung - either the HLR-5668W or HLR-6168W (less than 100 pounds) The new DLP has the absolute highest resolution and technology available - 1080P! The prices have dropped and should continue to do so - I am hoping the last quarter of this year will provide an excellent buying opportunity. I have seen only 3 reviews thus far on the HLR-6168W on CNET.
I hope this helps.

- Collapse -
1080P?
Sep 5, 2005 11:33AM PDT
- Collapse -
I chose dlp
Sep 2, 2005 2:42AM PDT

I saw that part of your concern was the weight. Actually, the plasma will weigh twice as much for the same screen size. It will also consume twice as much power and cost twice as much. I have a 50" Samsung, and it is amazing how light it is. If it weren't for the size, one person could lift it. It's just awkward. Also, when you are comparing make sure you count all the variables. that is: having similar resolution, whether it has a tuner or no, etc. there are many plasmas that are being sold for a nice price, but they are usually a lower resolution. Also the dlp doesn't have any burn-in problems.

- Collapse -
Nothing but troubles with DLP
Sep 2, 2005 2:45AM PDT

I had two Ssmsung DLP TV's in the last 18 months, both 50" screen size. The first one had problems with the audio not being synched with the video (not all the time, no pattern) and this was replaced with a new model, same screen size. It had trouble with audio synch and also video (dmd engine). The complete insides were replaced, only to have the dmd engine to fail again (to varying degrees, really strange). I would certainly stay away from the DLP technology.

I was totally fed up with this, so I bought a 70" Sony Grand Wega LCD rear projection. After three months, I am very satisfied with it.

Keep in mind that none of the three technologies you are considering have true blacks and not anywhere near the contrast ratio you will get with a CRT.

I did not get a plasma or direct view LCD because of the price.

I purchased all of my TV's from Circuit City and also purchased their extended warranty. All problems and replacements were done quickly with no problems. This would have not been the case had I not purchased the extended warranty - I highly recommend it. Note also that I did not want a third DLP after the first two failed. CC gave me full credit on the Samsung DLP (even though the price had come down considerably) and also full credit on my ATSC tuner (which I did not need anymore since the Sony has a built-in tuner).

-Bob

- Collapse -
100's Of Moving Parts Equal Reliability Nightmare For DLP
Sep 2, 2005 2:54AM PDT

That and the lack of off axis viewing clarity render it an unuseable solution for me. Plasma all the way!

- Collapse -
Rear projection vs front projection vs direct view
Sep 3, 2005 3:20PM PDT

It is unfair to compare (LCD or DLP) rear projection systems to direct view sets (like CRTs or Plasmas). Direct view displays (including direct view LCDs) and front projection systems are always going to have a wider sit-anywhere range than any rear-projection system (whether CRT, LCD or DLP).

Direct view is nice, but I find their sizes far too small. The option is therefore a front projection system. Of the two digital front projection systems, DLP has a much higher contrast ratio (blacker blacks, and higher range of colours) than LCD.

During the day when it is hard to get the room completely black, I have the option to zoom the DLP front projection picture to it's smallest possible size, which increases it's brightness greatly. At night and for when I watch DVD movies or sports specials off my digital set-top box, I zoom out for a massive 200cm (80'') 16:9 display! No rear projection LCD/DLP or any direct view plasma can beat that!

Funny in that I've had two DLP projectors, and the rainbow effect has never bothered me. My first was a single speed wheel, but the second is triple speed and I see no difference. The amazing range of colours (especially human skin tone) from quality DVDs is the best part of it all though.

- Collapse -
Plasma
Sep 2, 2005 4:43AM PDT

Hi, I have had a large screen plasma for eight or nine
years,I had to watch for anything that was like frozen
and I did get a image left on the screen.so would I buy an other? well now I know what can happen I keep a look out and would buy an other as this one is still going and the image is or most of it has gone through the years ,so if you do get one keep an eye on it and it should be OK ,The picture is great
I would not like to go back to a 32" screen,and once you have had a large screen you will not go back neither.Regards Yohan129.

- Collapse -
ViewSonic LCD
Sep 2, 2005 10:20AM PDT

I must admit I am absolutely ignorant about LCD, Plasma or DLP. However I wanted a flat panel TV and I choose a ViewSonic LCD, Mod. N2750W.
It fits nicely into the spot allocated in my small living room, its stylish and gives great images. The view of the screen is perfect from any part of the living room. Check out www.viewsonic.com for their products. The price is very affordable, paid less than 1000 Can$ before taxes.

- Collapse -
RCA DLP 61"
Sep 2, 2005 2:34PM PDT

Purchased from Costco for around $2700 6 mos ago and has been perfect. HD is beautiful and receive via antenna in attic. Awkward to handle but not heavy.

- Collapse -
Help Please!! LCD, Plasma, or DLP decision maker

I do know that when plasma first came out, it was only rated to last for 2000 hours which isn't much of a life for a television. You may want to check into this and see what the rated lifespan is.

- Collapse -
Plasma lifetime
Sep 3, 2005 12:54AM PDT

Panasonic Plasma lifetime rated at 60,000 hours until it starts to lose half brightness.

Average TV viewing - that's about 10 years. Sounds alright to me.

- Collapse -
Wrong Math....It's WAY Longer Than that....
Sep 3, 2005 1:11AM PDT

...At 10 hours viewing a day it works out to about 17 years. Keeping in mind that most people don't run their TV anywhere near 10 hours/day, it's actually even longer than this. On the other hand, most plasmas I've seen seem to rate them at about 30,000-40,000 hours so about 10-12 years is probably not an unrealistic estimate. Believe me, in 12 years I know I'll be way overdue for another TV with the way technology is advancing.

- Collapse -
Plasma TV's
Sep 3, 2005 1:10AM PDT

I too am looking at the different TV systems. What bothers me about Plasma is when you read all the reports about how they perform after two or three years later. New they look great, but I have read too many reports about how their sharpness and color drop off in a few years. For me, if I am going to pay over 2K for a TV, I want it to perform like new for a lot longer than two or three years. Also take a look at the small print of some of the warantees as to when they will kick in to replace the Plasma. Some require 30% dead pixles before they will do anything.

- Collapse -
No Brainer...
Sep 4, 2005 6:03AM PDT

You said right off, you are a gamer and that is key. Plasma has an issue right off the bat with burn-in and LCD although not immune, has less of that being an issue. Video Game Consoles seem to have more of a static display, and are more prone to present this issue and why take a chance on that overpriced PLASMA DISPLAY, which secondly carrie the isssue that definitely has a much more of a limited longevity than LCD Monitors/TV's, etc. The display is not that much cleareer on either, I mean I will be attacked for saying this, but I have had both, and I prefer the more natural tones on LCD TV's than Plasma, and if it's cheaper and last longer and less prone to burn-in, hell...no brainer, go for LCD.

Also, make sure you get a LCD TV with with the DUAL HDMI INPUT, not that old school DVI, that is OVER. For all the newer Hif Def DVD Players or UP-Conversion DVD PLAYERs (Reg DVD's are played at 1080i instead of that measly 480i or 480p) that you will be buying, believe me, use these HDMI connections, which again is a single cable handling both Digital Video and Digital Audio connections. Awesome.

ENjoy...

- Collapse -
LCD goes pink after about4-5 years-DLP lasts longer
Sep 5, 2005 8:27AM PDT

I would recomend DLP. this is cause i have only had DLp, but i know someone that has LCD on his laptop, and the colour has run, and the screen has pink all over it. this has happened to 2 people i know that has had this done to thier computer screen.DLP