Plasma or LCD TV?

Hypnodisc · 26-06-2008, 15:01

Hey guys,

I'm after a new TV (40 or 42') but I'm not sure whether to get a Plasma or LCD...!!!

On the one hand I'm told LCD's have longer lives and have no screen burn, BUT I've also heard that these things aren't really a problem with Plasmas any more!!

Very confused!

I know it's starting up a can of worms like PC Vs Mac but I just wondered what people thought...

RAINBOWGIRL22 · 26-06-2008, 15:02

Lcd...

PamelaL · 26-06-2008, 15:03

Trust me, if you go into here...

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/f...splay.php?f=19

....and do a serch on Plasma vs LCD you will find a hundred threads and about 50 knock down, drag out arguments all of which could help you in your decision making.

Hypnodisc · 26-06-2008, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by PamelaL

Trust me, if you go into here...

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/f...splay.php?f=19

....and do a serch on Plasma vs LCD you will find a hundred threads and about 50 knock down, drag out arguments all of which could help you in your decision making.

Oops. didn't see that forum section

MAW · 26-06-2008, 15:09

Ha, just got back from CEDIA at Excel. This argument has raged for years. What is more important these days than the panel technology, (for general home use) is the quality of the display and whether the spec fits your needs. LCD used to be rubbish, really really rubbish, until quite recently, when it's started to perform much better. If you want a cinema reference display, you'll need plasma, there are no even vaguely affordable LCDs with that kind of colour accuracy, but does this matter to you? Or do you just want a telly to watch Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and a bit of GTA on your console? Also of course, you can't find a plasma under 42" these days, have you got the room and funds for that? 95% of installation professionals have plasmas, cos of the colour thing (mine is ISF calibrated) but 80% of flat TVs are LCDs, because they are more suited to the home, ie smaller sizes and good enough for most people.

555 · 26-06-2008, 15:14

You will be hard pushed to beat one of these with any LCD. http://www.fujitsu-general.co.uk/pro...s_p42XHA58.htm

Alt-F4 · 26-06-2008, 15:15

Both.

Histeria · 26-06-2008, 15:18

Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD?

555 · 26-06-2008, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Histeria

Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD?

Yes.
..

MAW · 26-06-2008, 15:23

LCD power consumption is steady, so the rated power is what it uses. Plasma power is brightness dependent, ie all controls maxed out, displaying an all white screen. They are not far apart in the real world, size for size. Most plasmas are larger than most LCDs of course.

d'@ve · 26-06-2008, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAW

LCD power consumption is steady, so the rated power is what it uses. Plasma power is brightness dependent, ie all controls maxed out, displaying an all white screen. They are not far apart in the real world, size for size. Most plasmas are larger than most LCDs of course.

Correct, there's not much in it for power consumption in real world use (for same size screens). Many people run their plasmas on low brightness and contrast anyway as they consider that to be a more realistic picture (in typical low-light living rooms), which uses less power.

LCDs need to be run at a higher brightness than plasmas to get a similar contrast, because they don't show blacks so well and need the extra brightness (of the bright bits) to compensate. Looks impressive in showrooms and at first but it can get tiring on the eyes after a while. Plasmas are more relaxing on the eyes if not set too bright.

stillrockin · 26-06-2008, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAW

Ha, just got back from CEDIA at Excel. This argument has raged for years. What is more important these days than the panel technology, (for general home use) is the quality of the display and whether the spec fits your needs. LCD used to be rubbish, really really rubbish, until quite recently, when it's started to perform much better. If you want a cinema reference display, you'll need plasma, there are no even vaguely affordable LCDs with that kind of colour accuracy, but does this matter to you? Or do you just want a telly to watch Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and a bit of GTA on your console? Also of course, you can't find a plasma under 42" these days, have you got the room and funds for that? 95% of installation professionals have plasmas, cos of the colour thing (mine is ISF calibrated) but 80% of flat TVs are LCDs, because they are more suited to the home, ie smaller sizes and good enough for most people.

Panasonic actually do make a 37" plasma and I'm extremely pleased with that having bought one a few months ago.

AmjidS · 26-06-2008, 15:54

Plasma is the way to go.

LCDs have got a lot better over the last year or so, so not a big a gap as there used to be.

scoot70 · 26-06-2008, 16:04

LCD upto 37", anything over then go for plasma

clivedown · 26-06-2008, 17:10

I had an early 42" plasma for 6 years but it developed a sound problem which nobody was prepared to fix. I then changed to a 42" LCD a few months ago and I can tell you there is no comparison between them. The plasma had a far better picture. If you go for one, Pioneer is the best brand.

Smiley433 · 26-06-2008, 17:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Histeria

Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD?

Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W.

rufnek2k6 · 26-06-2008, 17:17

Whichever is best depends on your personal needs, they both have different strengths and weaknesses so its best to consider what you want from your telly rather than looking at what they offer.

i.e. If you have a very open living room and the telly is in the middle, you may have an issue with the viewing angles on LCDs (try looking at an lcd from the side if you dont understand what I mean) in that case, it would be best for a plasma, however if it was a small room or seating was roughly directly in front of telly, it wouldnt be a problem

d'@ve · 26-06-2008, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiley433

Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W.

50+ inch LCDs a drain a lot power too.

To compare, you have to work out the watts per square inch and CNET gives the following figure:

Quote:

LCD: 0.29 watt per square inch
Plasma: 0.35 watt per square inch

So that's (only) 20% more for plasma - but many people run plasmas at low brightness and contrast especially in the evenings (because that's all you need then) and there, you save on power consumption compared to (say) plasma display models in shops and LCDs.

ItJustMyOpinion · 26-06-2008, 17:54

The parliamentary commons committee on the digital switch over has noticed half the people buying televisions are still buying analogue ones.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7473807.stm

I know this may be a stupid question but why don't they just ban them from being sold. Are they really so much more cheaper than a digital television?

stvn758 · 26-06-2008, 18:41

LCD, Plasmas still have several screen burn technologies installed which doesn't fill me with confidence with every channel having endless on screen graphics.

I just want to watch a TV not take care of it.

stvn758 · 26-06-2008, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItJustMyOpinion

The parliamentary commons committee on the digital switch over has noticed half the people buying televisions are still buying analogue ones.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7473807.stm

I know this may be a stupid question but why don't they just ban them from being sold. Are they really so much more cheaper than a digital television?

That's odd as I haven't seen a big box TV for ages, all flat panels these days.

lumpbottom · 26-06-2008, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by stvn758

That's odd as I haven't seen a big box TV for ages, all flat panels these days.

You get flat panels that aren't digital. Cheap as chips,

MAW · 26-06-2008, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiley433

Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W.

I expect that was either a no name brand, or possibly an older model. A 'typical' 50", a Panasonic TH50PZ80, TSP about £1350, is 0.4w standby, peak 550w, typical consumtion about 320w given that most of you run yuour TVs way too bright. Mine is below 1/2 brightness and contrast after calibration.

UltraViolet · 26-06-2008, 18:59

Haven't they banned analogue television from sale in France? sure I read that today.

We had an analogue television until just before Christmas last year, then moved onto an LCD digital one. I know a lot of my family still have the old televisions.

Quote:

LCD upto 37", anything over then go for plasma

That was what I was told in most shops when I was shopping for televisions. We have 32" ones at the moment, so LCD is fine and dandy.

Smiley433 · 26-06-2008, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by d'@ve

50+ inch LCDs a drain a lot power too.

Sure, it was just one I happened to notice. Saying that, I've not come across any LCDs at over 50in but I'm not saying they don't exist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAW

I expect that was either a no name brand, or possibly an older model. A 'typical' 50", a Panasonic TH50PZ80, TSP about £1350, is 0.4w standby, peak 550w, typical consumtion about 320w given that most of you run yuour TVs way too bright. Mine is below 1/2 brightness and contrast after calibration.

No, this was a current model. Don't remember the manufacturer specifically but it was badged with a well-known brand.

26-06-2008, 15:01	#1
Hypnodisc Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21,375	Plasma or LCD TV? Hey guys, I'm after a new TV (40 or 42') but I'm not sure whether to get a Plasma or LCD...!!! On the one hand I'm told LCD's have longer lives and have no screen burn, BUT I've also heard that these things aren't really a problem with Plasmas any more!! Very confused! I know it's starting up a can of worms like PC Vs Mac but I just wondered what people thought...

26-06-2008, 15:02	#2
RAINBOWGIRL22 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 23,261	Lcd...

26-06-2008, 15:03	#3
PamelaL Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Worcestershire Posts: 59,800	Trust me, if you go into here... http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/f...splay.php?f=19 ....and do a serch on Plasma vs LCD you will find a hundred threads and about 50 knock down, drag out arguments all of which could help you in your decision making.

26-06-2008, 15:06	#4
Hypnodisc Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21,375	Quote: Originally Posted by PamelaL Trust me, if you go into here... http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/f...splay.php?f=19 ....and do a serch on Plasma vs LCD you will find a hundred threads and about 50 knock down, drag out arguments all of which could help you in your decision making. Oops. didn't see that forum section

26-06-2008, 15:09	#5
MAW Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 28,577	Ha, just got back from CEDIA at Excel. This argument has raged for years. What is more important these days than the panel technology, (for general home use) is the quality of the display and whether the spec fits your needs. LCD used to be rubbish, really really rubbish, until quite recently, when it's started to perform much better. If you want a cinema reference display, you'll need plasma, there are no even vaguely affordable LCDs with that kind of colour accuracy, but does this matter to you? Or do you just want a telly to watch Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and a bit of GTA on your console? Also of course, you can't find a plasma under 42" these days, have you got the room and funds for that? 95% of installation professionals have plasmas, cos of the colour thing (mine is ISF calibrated) but 80% of flat TVs are LCDs, because they are more suited to the home, ie smaller sizes and good enough for most people.

26-06-2008, 15:14	#6
555 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 4,249	You will be hard pushed to beat one of these with any LCD. http://www.fujitsu-general.co.uk/pro...s_p42XHA58.htm

26-06-2008, 15:15	#7
Alt-F4 Inactive Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 10,128	Both.

26-06-2008, 15:18	#8
Histeria Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 11,843	Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD?

26-06-2008, 15:22	#9
555 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by Histeria Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD? Yes. ..

26-06-2008, 15:23	#10
MAW Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 28,577	LCD power consumption is steady, so the rated power is what it uses. Plasma power is brightness dependent, ie all controls maxed out, displaying an all white screen. They are not far apart in the real world, size for size. Most plasmas are larger than most LCDs of course.

26-06-2008, 15:30	#11
d'@ve Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Darn Sarf Posts: 28,743	Quote: Originally Posted by MAW LCD power consumption is steady, so the rated power is what it uses. Plasma power is brightness dependent, ie all controls maxed out, displaying an all white screen. They are not far apart in the real world, size for size. Most plasmas are larger than most LCDs of course. Correct, there's not much in it for power consumption in real world use (for same size screens). Many people run their plasmas on low brightness and contrast anyway as they consider that to be a more realistic picture (in typical low-light living rooms), which uses less power. LCDs need to be run at a higher brightness than plasmas to get a similar contrast, because they don't show blacks so well and need the extra brightness (of the bright bits) to compensate. Looks impressive in showrooms and at first but it can get tiring on the eyes after a while. Plasmas are more relaxing on the eyes if not set too bright.

26-06-2008, 15:47	#12
stillrockin Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Kent Posts: 4,300	Quote: Originally Posted by MAW Ha, just got back from CEDIA at Excel. This argument has raged for years. What is more important these days than the panel technology, (for general home use) is the quality of the display and whether the spec fits your needs. LCD used to be rubbish, really really rubbish, until quite recently, when it's started to perform much better. If you want a cinema reference display, you'll need plasma, there are no even vaguely affordable LCDs with that kind of colour accuracy, but does this matter to you? Or do you just want a telly to watch Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and a bit of GTA on your console? Also of course, you can't find a plasma under 42" these days, have you got the room and funds for that? 95% of installation professionals have plasmas, cos of the colour thing (mine is ISF calibrated) but 80% of flat TVs are LCDs, because they are more suited to the home, ie smaller sizes and good enough for most people. Panasonic actually do make a 37" plasma and I'm extremely pleased with that having bought one a few months ago.

26-06-2008, 15:54	#13
AmjidS Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London Posts: 5,312	Plasma is the way to go. LCDs have got a lot better over the last year or so, so not a big a gap as there used to be.

26-06-2008, 16:04	#14
scoot70 Inactive Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dundee Posts: 1,175	LCD upto 37", anything over then go for plasma

26-06-2008, 17:10	#15
clivedown Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 60	I had an early 42" plasma for 6 years but it developed a sound problem which nobody was prepared to fix. I then changed to a 42" LCD a few months ago and I can tell you there is no comparison between them. The plasma had a far better picture. If you go for one, Pioneer is the best brand.

26-06-2008, 17:11	#16
Smiley433 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Location: Location Posts: 4,215	Quote: Originally Posted by Histeria Am I right in thinking that Plasma tellies use much more power to run than LCD? Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W.

26-06-2008, 17:17	#17
rufnek2k6 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tardis, Kormacetocyplos Posts: 3,521	Whichever is best depends on your personal needs, they both have different strengths and weaknesses so its best to consider what you want from your telly rather than looking at what they offer. i.e. If you have a very open living room and the telly is in the middle, you may have an issue with the viewing angles on LCDs (try looking at an lcd from the side if you dont understand what I mean) in that case, it would be best for a plasma, however if it was a small room or seating was roughly directly in front of telly, it wouldnt be a problem

26-06-2008, 17:19	#18
d'@ve Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Darn Sarf Posts: 28,743	Quote: Originally Posted by Smiley433 Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W. 50+ inch LCDs a drain a lot power too. To compare, you have to work out the watts per square inch and CNET gives the following figure: Quote: LCD: 0.29 watt per square inch Plasma: 0.35 watt per square inch So that's (only) 20% more for plasma - but many people run plasmas at low brightness and contrast especially in the evenings (because that's all you need then) and there, you save on power consumption compared to (say) plasma display models in shops and LCDs.

26-06-2008, 17:54	#19
ItJustMyOpinion Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London Posts: 21,494	The parliamentary commons committee on the digital switch over has noticed half the people buying televisions are still buying analogue ones. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7473807.stm I know this may be a stupid question but why don't they just ban them from being sold. Are they really so much more cheaper than a digital television?

26-06-2008, 18:41	#20
stvn758 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 17,338	LCD, Plasmas still have several screen burn technologies installed which doesn't fill me with confidence with every channel having endless on screen graphics. I just want to watch a TV not take care of it.

26-06-2008, 18:42	#21
stvn758 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 17,338	Quote: Originally Posted by ItJustMyOpinion The parliamentary commons committee on the digital switch over has noticed half the people buying televisions are still buying analogue ones. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7473807.stm I know this may be a stupid question but why don't they just ban them from being sold. Are they really so much more cheaper than a digital television? That's odd as I haven't seen a big box TV for ages, all flat panels these days.

DS Forums

Plasma or LCD TV?

26-06-2008, 18:47	#22
lumpbottom Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: up a gumtree Posts: 18,284	Quote: Originally Posted by stvn758 That's odd as I haven't seen a big box TV for ages, all flat panels these days. You get flat panels that aren't digital. Cheap as chips,

26-06-2008, 18:50	#23
MAW Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 28,577	Quote: Originally Posted by Smiley433 Saw a >50in plasma in the local electrical outlet. It's power consumption when on standby was 7W, when in use it was over 600W. I expect that was either a no name brand, or possibly an older model. A 'typical' 50", a Panasonic TH50PZ80, TSP about £1350, is 0.4w standby, peak 550w, typical consumtion about 320w given that most of you run yuour TVs way too bright. Mine is below 1/2 brightness and contrast after calibration.

26-06-2008, 18:59	#24
UltraViolet Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: England Posts: 7,617	Haven't they banned analogue television from sale in France? sure I read that today. We had an analogue television until just before Christmas last year, then moved onto an LCD digital one. I know a lot of my family still have the old televisions. Quote: LCD upto 37", anything over then go for plasma That was what I was told in most shops when I was shopping for televisions. We have 32" ones at the moment, so LCD is fine and dandy.

26-06-2008, 19:06	#25
Smiley433 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Location: Location Posts: 4,215	Quote: Originally Posted by d'@ve 50+ inch LCDs a drain a lot power too. Sure, it was just one I happened to notice. Saying that, I've not come across any LCDs at over 50in but I'm not saying they don't exist. Quote: Originally Posted by MAW I expect that was either a no name brand, or possibly an older model. A 'typical' 50", a Panasonic TH50PZ80, TSP about £1350, is 0.4w standby, peak 550w, typical consumtion about 320w given that most of you run yuour TVs way too bright. Mine is below 1/2 brightness and contrast after calibration. No, this was a current model. Don't remember the manufacturer specifically but it was badged with a well-known brand.