Anyone own a 1080p plasma or LCD TV?

[bull]

My wife and I are thinking about getting a 50" plasma TV and now that the 1080p sets are out the 720p sets seem to be getting cheaper but according to the latest Consumer Reports it seems there's not that much difference between the two to the naked eye. If you own a 1080p set would you agree with that? I saw a few of them side by side in the store and I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference.

Also, do you prefer LCD or plasma? I tend to like plasma myself except for the glare and I don't like how the LCD sets look when you're sitting off to the side. The difference between plasma and LCD seems to be similar to the difference between matte and glossy pictures. In many respects they are identical and yet they both have their strengths and weaknesses. What's your opinion?

[TK73]

42" plasma.

I was looking at 42" 720 and 1080's in the store, I could tell a difference... 1080 mucho sharper.  Went with the 720 as that was my budget at the time and when I go bigger in a few years I'll do a 1080.

Plasma is recommended for darker rooms, LCD has brighter projection for lighter rooms (what I read).

Somebody (near Seattle) on this board just got a 42" 1080...

[Ponch ®]

Go with the 1080p. The reason that you can't tell the difference between the 720 and the 1080 at the store is that most HD channels are still broadcasting in 720p. The 720p will be just fine for now, but in year or two, when channels switch to 1080 and you get a BlueRay or HD DVD player, you're going to want the 1080 anyway.

I just bought a 42" Westinghouse 1080p about 2 months ago for $1100 @ Best Buy...

[Moparsky67]

My  , 
          Unless you just need or have to hang a flat panel (plasma or LCD) on a wall, I might suggest you check into a rear projection type DLP or JVC's version of DLP D-ILA or HD-ILA.
You will get larger screen size for your money. You did not mention your budget in your post,
but I just looked at a web vendor's web site at a 58" JVD HD-ILA, that's 1080P & is only
10.7 " deep for $2300 --sounds like a great deal. 
         Remember the closer you buy to the leading edge of the latest & greatest new  technology, you are also on the bleeding edge money wise. You get to help offset R & D expenses I guess. Here is a neat site for electronics (and no I do not work for them -- a buddy refered them to me). They have extensive details for their products. 

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/category/desc/96

[Forza]

If you get a Plasma, don't set it on it's back on the trip home! I'd have to say I like LCD's a little more than Plasma's. Mainly for the fact I still play my Xbox and Plasmas arent too friendly will non moving graphics like most games have. Hell even station logo's burn into the screen, they will fade over time but they are a pain in the ass when you watch a DVD. I bought a 50' Plasma last may and I think I'll get an LCD the next time I go in the market for a new TV.

[2Gunz]

The TV is only as good as its source material.

And with that...


Something that I have noticed in a few places that sell tv's.

The cheap TV's end up with a coax source.

The middle of the walk Tv's get S-video or component.

And the expensive TV's get HDMI.

So basically the Cheap TV could look as good or better than the high dollar ones.

But it has no chance because its being sent an inferior source.




I would go down to Costco and check this out.......

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11227805&whse=BC&Ne=5000001+4000000&eCat=BC|79|2341&N=4001374%204294908496&Mo=6&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I have haves little brother a 42" 1080p and its pretty damn nice.

And it has 3 HDMI inputs.


Anyway alot of TV buying is what YOU think looks good.

So get what ya like.

Good luck.

[bull]

Wouldn't they want the more expensive sets to look better?

[ramit]

We just bought a 50" panasonic 1080p plasma tv.  After researching it, I decided to go with the plasma over the LCD.  I think the plasma's have come along way in the last few years.  From what I have read, the image burn problem that they were notorious for is almost a non-issue nowadays.  My wife works for Best Buy and everyone that she works with suggested the plasma over the LCD.

[last426]

Wouldn't they want the more expensive sets to look better?

TV salespeople are famous for making the brand with the best spiff the best looking -- they do it all the time. I get 1080 broadcast here and it is far superior to 720, no comparison really.  Kim

[Ponch ®]

Wouldn't they want the more expensive sets to look better?

TV salespeople are famous for making the brand with the best spiff the best looking -- they do it all the time. I get 1080 broadcast here and it is far superior to 720, no comparison really.  Kim

1080i or 1080p?

[bull]

Great. So now we've entered a new era with TV sets (previously monopolized only by the computer industry) where you're forced to buy a new model every three years because the old models become outdated and basically unusable as the broadcast technology presses forward. So I guess by about 2011 the new 1450p sets will hit the stores and 1080p will be worthless.

There are days I wish I were Amish.

[Troy]

I've been looking as well since our big screen TV was stolen... last March. I am having difficulty paying $1,600-2,400 for something that I need about once a month. I did most of my research on 42" screens and the Samsung 720p and 1080p models seemed like good deals. All of the reviews I read raved about the picture quality - which I care more about than the size of the screen. The prices are reasonable and I believe Costco has them on sale fairly often. In larger models the DLP screens are supposed to be the best but they have a limited viewing angle. One thing I learned rather quickly is that, like computers, there are only a couple of manufacturers making the screens. This means that most brands only change the outer package and the "features" (menus, controls, and inputs/outputs). The main differences are software. The higher priced sets have better color controls so that probably helps to "tune" the set to your environment and preferences. I just learned about the "glare" issues with plasma last weekend but I'm not sure how much it affects me - all tube TVs I've had since I was born have suffered from glare but, generally, if I'm watching anything it's dark.

I don't care so much about buying the 1080p set vs 720p or 1080i but I'm really irked about HD DVD vs BlueRay. First of all, you need an $80 HDMI cable to hook anything up. Then, some movies are made in one format, others are made in the opposite format, and a few are made in both. Regular TV and regular DVDs don't look so great on an HDTV set. I really only watch football games and movies so I wish they'd settle on a DVD standard (yes, I know about upconverters). I found one player that works with both formats but it's $1,300.

Troy

[bull]

Few questions about your post, Troy:

What is 1080i vs. 1080p?
What is DLP, some sort of projection model?
What is BlueRay?

This is really starting to shape up into a big pain in the arse.

[Ponch ®]

I don't care so much about buying the 1080p set vs 720p or 1080i but I'm really irked about HD DVD vs BlueRay. First of all, you need an $80 HDMI cable to hook anything up. Then, some movies are made in one format, others are made in the opposite format, and a few are made in both. Regular TV and regular DVDs don't look so great on an HDTV set. I really only watch football games and movies so I wish they'd settle on a DVD standard (yes, I know about upconverters). I found one player that works with both formats but it's $1,300.

Troy

Yeah...I wish they'd settle the HD vs. Blu Ray deal once and for all. Its like Beta vs. VHS all over again....not that I can even remember that though.

I got an upconvert DVD player from Costco..it was $70 with an HDMI cable included.

[Silver R/T]

Plasmas overheat too much and break often. I'd go LCD

[DukesofHoward]

I bought a 42" Toshiba plasma (1080p) around Christmas 2004 and have not had a problem with it (knock on wood, I probably just jinxed it!).

Got a Sony PS3 and have watched some BluRay DVDs and it is amazing.

[Musicman]

You know... if you just take a little time and initiative, you can go on-line, do a little research, and learn the facts concerning both LCD and Plasma screen TV's... then you can make your own educated decision as to which you would rather own.

[bull]

You know... if you just take a little time and initiative, you can go on-line, do a little research, and learn the facts concerning both LCD and Plasma screen TV's... then you can make your own educated decision as to which you would rather own.

You know, come to think of it we could all do that with every thread on this website but that kind of defeats the purpose of having a forum designed to discuss various topics, don't you think?

[Musicman]

No offense intended lad.. just seems to me that opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. So posting something like this here will most likely lead you to more confusion rather than help. If you want my opinion I'll gladly give it to you... I did some research, went to the store and it was Plasma... hands down. Mostly because with plasma you get blacker blacks, and with plasma moving objects don't blurr as much as they do with LCD. I think whites are brighter on an LCD, but you'll never notice once you have it home.
I was just trying to encourage you to do a little reasearch on your own. At least that way when you do walk into the store, you'll know when your being fed a bunch of crap by some salesman.

[ramit]

 

[bull]

No offense intended lad.. just seems to me that opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. So posting something like this here will most likely lead you to more confusion rather than help. If you want my opinion I'll gladly give it to you... I did some research, went to the store and it was Plasma... hands down. Mostly because with plasma you get blacker blacks, and with plasma moving objects don't blurr as much as they do with LCD. I think whites are brighter on an LCD, but you'll never notice once you have it home.
I was just trying to encourage you to do a little reasearch on your own. At least that way when you do walk into the store, you'll know when your being fed a bunch of crap by some salesman.

It is confusing but I don't think my thought process or method of gathering information is the problem. It's confusing because the industry has created yet another convoluted product line and the consumer is forced to wade through it all in what appears to be futile endeavor to spend his/her money wisely. That is why I like to gather "man-on-the-street" information, so I will be armed with some lucid questions when I do decide to talk to a salesman who, as you say, will most likely try to feed me a bunch of crap. This is one among several ways this "lad" likes to "do a little reasearch" on his own.

I appreciate your concern for my method of gathering information but I've been me for forty years and I know how I work.

[Musicman]

 

[Charger-Bodie]

My wife and I are thinking about getting a 50" plasma TV and now that the 1080p sets are out the 720p sets seem to be getting cheaper but according to the latest Consumer Reports it seems there's not that much difference between the two to the naked eye. If you own a 1080p set would you agree with that? I saw a few of them side by side in the store and I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference.

Also, do you prefer LCD or plasma? I tend to like plasma myself except for the glare and I don't like how the LCD sets look when you're sitting off to the side. The difference between plasma and LCD seems to be similar to the difference between matte and glossy pictures. In many respects they are identical and yet they both have their strengths and weaknesses. What's your opinion?

forget the big TV !! use the money for charger parts!!

[bull]

My wife and I are thinking about getting a 50" plasma TV and now that the 1080p sets are out the 720p sets seem to be getting cheaper but according to the latest Consumer Reports it seems there's not that much difference between the two to the naked eye. If you own a 1080p set would you agree with that? I saw a few of them side by side in the store and I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference.

Also, do you prefer LCD or plasma? I tend to like plasma myself except for the glare and I don't like how the LCD sets look when you're sitting off to the side. The difference between plasma and LCD seems to be similar to the difference between matte and glossy pictures. In many respects they are identical and yet they both have their strengths and weaknesses. What's your opinion?

forget the big TV !! use the money for charger parts!!

I know, I know. Actually only 1/3 of the money (hopefully around $400) will be purged from the Charger account for this purchase if it happens. It's supposed to be mine and my wife's Christmas present to each other.

[Musicman]

Your not alone... Same thing happened to me... had to use some of the Charger money for the Plasma screen to keep momma happy.

[2Gunz]

Few questions about your post, Troy:

What is 1080i vs. 1080p?
What is DLP, some sort of projection model?
What is BlueRay?

This is really starting to shape up into a big pain in the arse.

1080i and 1080p are different HD formats. Of which 1080p is the better one.

DLP = Digital Light Processing  and yes is used for projectors.

BluRay = is one of the emerging HD digital formats.

[Orange_Crush]

No offense intended lad.. just seems to me that opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. So posting something like this here will most likely lead you to more confusion rather than help. If you want my opinion I'll gladly give it to you... I did some research, went to the store and it was Plasma... hands down. Mostly because with plasma you get blacker blacks, and with plasma moving objects don't blurr as much as they do with LCD. I think whites are brighter on an LCD, but you'll never notice once you have it home.
I was just trying to encourage you to do a little reasearch on your own. At least that way when you do walk into the store, you'll know when your being fed a bunch of crap by some salesman.

It is confusing but I don't think my thought process or method of gathering information is the problem. It's confusing because the industry has created yet another convoluted product line and the consumer is forced to wade through it all in what appears to be futile endeavor to spend his/her money wisely. That is why I like to gather "man-on-the-street" information, so I will be armed with some lucid questions when I do decide to talk to a salesman who, as you say, will most likely try to feed me a bunch of crap. This is one among several ways this "lad" likes to "do a little reasearch" on his own.

I appreciate your concern for my method of gathering information but I've been me for forty years and I know how I work.

Bull, its actually pretty simple when it comes to TVs.

You have several choices.

Flat screen, projection, or CRT (tube-type)

Within those classifications, you have Flat screen Plasma or flat screen LCD.  Projection LCD or projection DLP OR projection CRT (which unfortunately, no one really sells anymore)

Now, HD has several "types" too.   For all practical purposes, they are 720p, 1080i, and 1080p

The "P" stands for progressive and the "i" stands for interlacing.

Right now, the way to go is 1080p.  That's the highest resolution you're gonna find and, in fact, its high enough that very few sources broadcast in 1080p...but more will before long.

Plasma or LCD is a matter of personal choice.  Plasma had a better picture and was better at showing motion without pixellation while there used to be problems with pixellation on LCD TVs.  That's really not the case anymore.  LCD TVs have made HUGE leaps forward.  Now, with projection TVs, DLP seems to have really caught on more than LCD. 

Hope this helps.

[bull]

Yes it does. Thanks all.

[miller]

i have a 32 inch lcd tv and i must say i love it, I prefer the lcd because the image doesn't get burn in when we play halo on it, or gran turismo, my parents have a 37 inch Plasma in the living room and, while it looks better, its already had to be replaced once, my sister watched a movie and forgot to turn the TV off, when the movie got done it went back to the title menu, 4 hours of season 10 of friends main screen doesn't do a plasma too well!

[Ponch ®]

  4 hours of season 10 of friends main screen doesn't do a plasma too well!

that doesn't do ANYONE or ANYTHING too good.

[Lowprofile]

Damn......I guess its time to upgrade......

So, when exactly are all the broadcast signals, HDTV, etc....... supposed to take effect?

[bull]

That's the fun part. My guess is they'll give us no warning and do it whenever they feel like doing it.

[Moparsky67]

     A recent newspaper article stated the switch over date is Feb 19, 2009. This is for antenna reception, cable & satellite customers will not notice the change over, their providers will handle that. That article said nearly 20 million US households still get their TV signals over the air waves. The NAB (National Assoc of Broadcasters) says that 60% of TV viewers with analog TV's do not have any idea that come Feb 17, 2009, unless they have a converter box, their old analog TV will no longer receive TV signals from their rooftop antenna.
    Suposedly starting early next year converter boxes will be avalaible in electronics stores (cost
~ $60). At some point you will be able to apply to the US goverment for a coupon good for $40 off the converter's price & each consumer household may get two coupons. The article says details are being worked out for how we may get these coupons. SO, I guess we'll see how this unfolds as the days go by.
    Important when one is looking at a new TV to purchase, be sure it has a built in digital tuner.
     

[bull]

I just saw that same article in my Sunday paper. Hard to believe how much attention they're giving this issue, I guess we Americans take our entertainment very, very seriously. The coupon program alone is going to cost $1.5 billion.

[Moparsky67]

Hi Bull,
           I have been trying to find the web site for a week now, and the commercial aired again today on Fox TV, so now I have it to share with you and the others that read this thread. This web site has tons of great info regrading HDTV, Gee even the networks are not using the same type signal:    www.myfreehdtv.com

           Here is a link from the above site regarding the coming coupons, coupons can not be requested till after Jan 1, 2008. In the site below is a PDF file you can download or read about
the coupon.   
                  http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html

            Here is a web site that you can enter your home address & it will tell you what HD stations are broadcasting near you & what type of antenna you will need to receive that FREE signal.     
                  http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx


Hope some of this will be useful ?





         

[bull]

Yes! Thank you.

My question now is what happens if I buy a 720p set and I'm watching a show that's being broadcast in 1080p? Will it look like crap?

[2Gunz]

No it will down sample.


Anyway the whole thing is a mess.

No standards.... no real game plan.

I have around 40 or so HD channels and there appears to be no rhyme or reason to any of it.

My TV is forced to sync to every channel because the are all different formats.


Oh and they are working on 1440P ..... So ready to upgrade yet?

[bull]

Sounds about right. My guess at the beginning of this thread was 1450p by the year 2011.

[Orange_Crush]

No it will down sample.


Anyway the whole thing is a mess.

No standards.... no real game plan.

I have around 40 or so HD channels and there appears to be no rhyme or reason to any of it.

My TV is forced to sync to every channel because the are all different formats.


Oh and they are working on 1440P ..... So ready to upgrade yet?

1440 WILL BE GOOD FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS, BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO BE A GREYHOUND TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IT AND 1080P (OOPS, FORGOT ALL CAPS)

anyway...1440 will be good of a wall-sized tv or jumbotron, but a 1080p pic is as sharp as a photograph so, 1440 will be a nice thing to tell your friends...but that's about it.

[bull]

Ok, here's my point-blank question: should I bother buying a 720p set or not? Or does anyone know if it will still look decent at 1080p or 1440p broadcast?

[ramit]

just spend the extra money now and buy the 1080p and be done with it.  Just please don't come looking for me if you find out in the future that it wasn't worth it.

[Lord Warlock]

I've been researching the two technologies myself, as its time to upgrade from the 60 inch rear projection hdtv (1080 and 720p) that i got in 2000.  Back then the date for broadcast networks to be changeover was 2006...somehow its already slipped to 2009.  From what i've been hearing and reading, LCD's are the better choice for 55 inch and under sets, but for 55 and larger, plasma is recommended.   Since it isn't likely that i'll go smaller than 55 inches (already comfy with 60 inch) i have to look at the plasmas which tend to be more expensive.  At least plasma tv's are comparable in price to LCD's now, just a few years ago the plasmas were over 10k each. 

720p is fine for watching dvd's but it doesn't make sense to buy a tv that costs over 1000.00 and NOT get the best picture available.  A good tv will last you over 7 years, I almost hate to get rid of the old rear projection, but it takes up so much space compared to the new ones, and it can't be hung on a wall or set on the mantle.  I'm very happy with the 1080p picture, and yes it is noticably better than 720p.  I spent 3600.00 on the current rear projection 7 years ago, and it was one of the better investments considering you get to enjoy it every day.  (and when you're unemployed all day and sitting around watching tv, you really do appreciate going overboard that one time getting a good tv).

[Orange_Crush]

Bull, what is your budget and how big is your room?

[bull]

Bull, what is your budget and how big is your room?

I have just enough room for a 50" TV in the recessed alcove above my fireplace. I measured a 50" TV at the store and it will just fit in that spot, I think it was 48.5" or so. The room is 12'x14' and the alcove is at one end of the longest wall. I will be watching from about a 20-degree angle down and to the side of the screen.

I'd like to stay down around $1,500 and that's about what the 50" 720p sets are going for now.

[Ponch ®]

I'd like to stay down around $1,500 and that's about what the 50" 720p sets are going for now.

I have this one, and its 1080p. IIRC, the 47" version of the same TV is going for about $1300-1400 at Best Buy.

[Moparsky67]

     My VCR died this week and I ran across this info while snoping around the web for info on a nice DVD recorder / VHS combo to replace it.  Looks like the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK will fit the bill (has a good c/net rating of 7.7) for around $370 (saw one in a local Circuit City for $210, an open box buy).  By law the models released this year that have an analog tuner must also include a digital tuner as well. The trick is; that digital tuner does not output either a 1080P or 720P signal, but I believe they said in the article it is a 480P signal. Still will look better than the current off air analog signal. Saying all that; if I buy this recorder I will have one of my old TV's covered for the future & it will remain useful & stay out of the landfill.
     Saw a comment on a home theater web site; saying Blue Ray is outselling HD DVD by two to one & they felt the knock out blow will come when some company intros a HD recorder under $300 (their opinion of course).  Me, I'll sit on the side lines for a while longer before buying into the HD player wars, I remember the Beta vs VHS days. And by waiting, the prices will only come down over time. That has been the trend for big screen TV's as well.

[bull]

I'd like to stay down around $1,500 and that's about what the 50" 720p sets are going for now.

I have this one, and its 1080p. IIRC, the 47" version of the same TV is going for about $1300-1400 at Best Buy.

Sometimes I think it would be a good idea to just get a real nice new tube set for $800 until this all BS settles.

[Charger-Bodie]

I'd like to stay down around $1,500 and that's about what the 50" 720p sets are going for now.

I have this one, and its 1080p. IIRC, the 47" version of the same TV is going for about $1300-1400 at Best Buy.

Sometimes I think it would be a good idea to just get a real nice new tube set for $800 until this all BS settles.

..........and use the money you save to buy more Charger parts!!

[bull]

I'd like to stay down around $1,500 and that's about what the 50" 720p sets are going for now.

I have this one, and its 1080p. IIRC, the 47" version of the same TV is going for about $1300-1400 at Best Buy.

Sometimes I think it would be a good idea to just get a real nice new tube set for $800 until this all BS settles.

    ..........and use the money you save to buy more Charger parts!!

[Moparsky67]

Hi Bull,
         When you go to look at TV's at your local electronics store, take a favorite movie DVD & see if you like how it looks to you. Many newer DVD players will upsample regular DVD's to 1080p signal, won't look like the BlueRay or HD DVD version of the same film for sure. Kinda like you would shop for a stereo, take your favorite music & see waht thats sounds like. It is you & the wife that you need to please. Be sure & set a budget amount, your ouch point if you will. I am blown away by prices now, wish I had the coins to buy. Look at the prices from this Vann's place,
no sales tax (unless you live in their state) & no freight either.(no - I don't work there). This is where I will buy when the time comes, unless I stumble on an open box DLP in Circuit City.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/category/desc/96

[DodgeChargerNeeded]

I bought a Brand New 50" Plasma TV tonight at Sams Club. Here is a link to the same TV on a website http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/Philips-50PF7220A-37.htm  The TV was $1100 because it is last years model. But still brand new in the box. I love it so far.

[bull]

Hi Bull,
         When you go to look at TV's at your local electronics store, take a favorite movie DVD & see if you like how it looks to you. Many newer DVD players will upsample regular DVD's to 1080p signal, won't look like the BlueRay or HD DVD version of the same film for sure. Kinda like you would shop for a stereo, take your favorite music & see waht thats sounds like. It is you & the wife that you need to please. Be sure & set a budget amount, your ouch point if you will. I am blown away by prices now, wish I had the coins to buy. Look at the prices from this Vann's place,
no sales tax (unless you live in their state) & no freight either.(no - I don't work there). This is where I will buy when the time comes, unless I stumble on an open box DLP in Circuit City.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/category/desc/96

Thanks, I'll try that.