Why shouldn't I buy a plasma instead of LCD?

AceSXE

AceSXE

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So in a blog post I acknowledged that my LCD TV of only a year and a half broke. The warranty company recently contacted me and told me that it would not be economical for them to fix the TV and they did not have any of the model in stock to replace it. So they are sending me a check for the amount plus tax that I paid (all I lose is the 70 bucks I paid for the ext. warranty, so I basically rented it for a year and a half for 70 bucks, and I can live with that.) Anyways, my TV was 1080 pixels, 120 hz, 42 inch LCD. I get the check around the end of this week, beginning of next week.

Originally I was going to buy a Plasma television because I prefer the glass paneling to the the LCD style screen. I decided not to go with Plasma because I heard that burn in was really bad on them. I recently read that that problem is almost all but gone at this point. So I was wondering, is there any other reason I should avoid getting a Plasma instead of an LCD? Just trying to do my homework here.

I am sure this has been brought up before and I have read some articles online but I wanted this great communities opinions on the matter, I prefer regular people to writers for websites anyhow.

Thanks in advance cheapasses, all help is appreciated!
 
No reason, really. Blacks and colors are better on plasma, less ghosting, and burn-in is not a problem. You might get image retention if you leave a game sitting still for a while (or play a game with a persistent HUD all day), but that goes away quickly.
 
I really don't have much to add, but in comparing my girlfriends 42" Plasma to my friends 40" LCD, I noticed the Plasma has much more vibrancy. I've always thought burn-in issues were something that Plasma manufacturers had rectified.

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what brand was your TV that broke?
 
Nowadays burn in problems are extremely minimal especially if you are conscious of not leaving your plasma on for 20+ hours with the same static image. And even then after you have passed the "careful stage" (around 200 hours) burn in is not really a problem.

I've heard that plasmas have a more "warm, natural" feel to them than lcds, but also lcds have a lot better energy consumption.

People also say that plasmas are better for movies while lcds are better for gaming but I've been gaming on my plasma for about a year and I love the way it looks.
 
Glad to get some positive confirmation. I guess the reason I am asking is because LCD has become the norm and Plasma is hardly regarded anymore. Or so it seems.
 
Get an OLED tv they are top of the line, super thin, and no plasma or LCD offers a better picture. I would look at Samsung models they're usually top notch, I own 2 Samsung tvs and they've lasted me both a good amount of time, at least 3 or 4 years. But if you're dead set on getting an LCD or Plasma you're more than likely going to get a better picture with the LCD especially if its going to be used for gaming, movies, pc input, etc. Plasma only if you plan on watching more TV overall I've found that the colors in plasma tv's are usually brighter and more colorful as compared to an LCD, plus plasmas are usually cheaper. But OLED tv's are the future, I mean have you seen the picture on these things? Its incredible, they use less energy they are proven to last longer than any other type of display and they're razor thin, they are starting to become more affordable now, you may pay a little more but you're getting an incredible deal.


Source: OLED engineer 12 years.
 
Another thing to consider is that plasmas' glass screens are more vulnerable to glare, which can be a problem in bright rooms.
 
[quote name='salty tbone']Another thing to consider is that plasmas' glass screens are more vulnerable to glare, which can be a problem in bright rooms.[/QUOTE]

one of the reasons i held back on a plasma. If i had a basement then i would totally get one. i heard that plasma generate some serious heat which is not good if you going to get a 40in in a bedroom
 
The AVR forums said it best, the best way to get over the fear of plasma tvs is to own one. You can't really compare an entry level 1080p LCD set to any 1080p plasma set. Mid level plasmas are gorgeous, it takes a high end LCD set to even come close and even then they still fall short under stress. Find a place that will let you load up a blu-ray like Spiderman 3 and compare any LCDs to a plasma, the Sandman fight scene in particular is a good stress test.

The only issues I have with my plasma are relatively simple. The heat generated is a fair amount in the summer time, but I solve that by turning on my AC or opening a window. It's only really an issue in the summer time for me, since it's already hot. Power consumption is a little more than I'd like but I'm comfortable with that since LCDs butcher picture quality just to run a light bulb cheaper. Glare? I don't know how bright your rooms are lit, but I personally don't position my tv in a spot where it's going to get a lot of glare, if you are getting glare from the lights, install a dimmer. You'll spend more time enjoying the picture quality than you will bitching about having to change from 120 watt bulbs to something normal human beings would use.
 
[quote name='incubustable']Get an OLED tv they are top of the line, super thin, and no plasma or LCD offers a better picture. I would look at Samsung models they're usually top notch, I own 2 Samsung tvs and they've lasted me both a good amount of time, at least 3 or 4 years. But if you're dead set on getting an LCD or Plasma you're more than likely going to get a better picture with the LCD especially if its going to be used for gaming, movies, pc input, etc. Plasma only if you plan on watching more TV overall I've found that the colors in plasma tv's are usually brighter and more colorful as compared to an LCD, plus plasmas are usually cheaper. But OLED tv's are the future, I mean have you seen the picture on these things? Its incredible, they use less energy they are proven to last longer than any other type of display and they're razor thin, they are starting to become more affordable now, you may pay a little more but you're getting an incredible deal.


Source: OLED engineer 12 years.[/QUOTE]
I think this guy is getting OLED tv's confused with LED-backlit tv's. OLEDs are the future in tv's, but the tech is still relatively new and therefore still extremely expensive. To put it into perspective, LG just came out with an 15" OLED tv that retails for $2500.

Anyways, one thing about plasmas is the power consumption. They always consume more than LCDs. And the gap between the two is even wider if you compare the LED-backlit LCDs to them. Aside from that, the general rule of thumb is if the room you're planning on using is bright, then get an LCD. If its dark, then get a plasma. And like the other said, don't worry about the burn ins. They haven't been a problem in plasmas for years now.
 
[quote name='salty tbone']Another thing to consider is that plasmas' glass screens are more vulnerable to glare, which can be a problem in bright rooms.[/QUOTE]
I don't understand why that should be considered. It is a problem I suppose, but it can't be any worse than what we've dealt with for years with CRTs.

Besides, a lot of the higher-end LCDs have glass screens, and high amounts of ambient light are going to be a problem for matte screens as well.
 
[quote name='Allnatural']I don't understand why that should be considered. It is a problem I suppose, but it can't be any worse than what we've dealt with for years with CRTs.

Besides, a lot of the higher-end LCDs have glass screens, and high amounts of ambient light are going to be a problem for matte screens as well.[/QUOTE]

I'm only going from experience. I have an LCD monitor and a plasma TV in the same room and the glare is extremely noticeable on the plasma.

True, CRTs are glass, but they're not 50" of glass ready to catch the sun's warm glowing warmth. I didn't know some LCDs have glass screens, though, so thanks for pointing that out.

And for anyone else that considers me a crackpot, go to a Target and stand at an angle while looking at plasmas vs. LCDs and you'll notice the difference. Whether it's a problem is up to you, but I think it's worth consideration.
 
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Well all the windows in the room are covered by blinds. So glare shouldnt be a huge issue, usually when I am watching a movie the light is off anyways.
 
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