LCD vs Plasma

[Zeuslax]

I actually purchased last month's Consumer Report mag because it had their LCD and Plasma reviews. There was a ton of information about a lot things mentioned on here. They sell issues or access online and you can do a one time fee or a one month subscription. Definitely recommended.

[laxative]

I've got a 50" Vizio plasma and a 42" Vizio LCD. Both have incredible pictures for great prices. I have a hard time seeing a difference between the 2.

[whitcd]

I have a 50" Samsung Real Projection TV. At the time at got it, the 1080 was about 600 more. I have 720p. I didnt have an HD home theatre system that could support that resolution. I did my research when I got it over a year ago. The people were shocked when I walked into Best Buy and told them exactly what I wanted. Local TV here in Mankato broadcasts in HD over the air and it looks great. I had charter HD in the past, only thing I really miss is Discovery HD Theatre.

[ZagGrad]

I picked up a 42" Panasonic Plasma 1080p at Best Buy. 2 people I work with got the same thing except 720p and they look great. I only went with 1080p since it was only $100 more than the 720 and with it being on sale for $500 off.

My next question is who should I get HD service through? Currently, I have Comcast, but I'm wondering if Direct TV would be a better route? They tout 70 HD channels now with "100 by year end." Anybody with Dish Network? Suggestions? Thanks.

[Beta]

I currently have a 55" Plasma with 1080i with Comcast HD. It's pretty nice, I'll take a screen shot and post it here later on today.

The whole plasma "image burn" in the screen is only an issue if you leave your TV on for hours at a time with a movie/video-game/etc paused.

[onpoint]

My parents have Dish Network and they love it. Comcast is okay, but I get the feeling like I'm not getting all of my money's worth for HDTV. DirecTV seems to be in the middle of those two to me. I don't know about anyone else, but I definitely find myself watching crappier shows just because they are in HD over shows I might like more that aren't.

[tamu33]

I don't know about anyone else, but I definitely find myself watching crappier shows just because they are in HD over shows I might like more that aren't.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I have direct TV for one and only one reason.... SUNDAY NFL TICKET.

I am very spoiled with HD Sports.

[Kyle Berggren]

This actually used to be my area of expertise, as I was in high end electronics sales. IMO, the best advice on here was from Will I believe, take a look at it. I wouldn't necessarily reset it to factory defaults, as you wouldn't do that at home, but take a look. Keep in mind that at the same store, 2 tv's side by side are usually splitting a signal. 1 could have a terribly degraded signal sent to it for any number or reasons. Places like CNET can help you sort that out, as can seeing the same TV at multiple stores.

For the same price, I'd take a Plasma over an LCD. Burn in is essentially eliminated, & off access viewing (bad angle) is much better. There's also a lot less washout with a typical plasma.

Today, the best value I've seen plasma wise is in Samsung. I was always a big fan on the Pioneer Elite TV's, but you can get 95% of the performance now for less than half the cost.... & the cost is falling.

I love the idea of consumer reports, but wow they're hit or miss. I remember an article (a long time ago) that said a certain cell phone was the best ever. Reception everywhere... blah... blah... blah... Well, besides the fact they were six months behind the technology, the carrier was the difference, not the phone. They're not experts on much. Good Luck!

[Tim Gray]

Thanks for all of the advice. I think we're going with a Sharp LCD.

[ZagGrad]

Thanks for all the advice fellas...I appreciate it too.

Yet another question though: Any other advice/word on DVD HD upconverters? Looking at a few yesterday and I'm curious to what people are using and/or would suggest. Worth the money or just wait until HD DVD players come down? Just browsing around, looks like they are around $100. Worth it? Thanks again...

[Zeuslax]

I love the idea of consumer reports, but wow they're hit or miss. I remember an article (a long time ago) that said a certain cell phone was the best ever. Reception everywhere... blah... blah... blah... Well, besides the fact they were six months behind the technology, the carrier was the difference, not the phone. They're not experts on much. Good Luck!

I have to 99% disagree. I've had nothing but great experiences with their ratings and the information they supply. Some testing is definitely more in depth and some results are a result of their readers, but in my case it has been spot on - from anticipated car repairs to electronics to house hold goods. Most recently we purchased a nice vacuum cleaner.....which isn't that fun, you don't have to tell me.

Thanks to those with the info on TV's definitely good info. Also, it helps to prove to the wife that the "Lax Forum" isn't just a waste of time.