Am I the only one who dislikes Plasma

j3wb0y · 06-29-2007, 08:05 AM

Hey the title may sound like I am bashing Plasma sets but in fact I am not. I work at WalMart and have been there for a little over a month. Our TV display is very nice and since I know a lot about LCD and Plasma they tend to stick me at the TV wall. From me watching the sets pretty much all day I do not see that WOW picture from the plasmas over the LCD. The plasma is supposedly supposed to have a better all around picture but I do not see that. All of the displays are using the same cables so I can rule that out. For one the plasma from a distance is A LOT dimmer than the 1080p LCD next to them. Even the picture does not match the opinions of most of the people that the plasma gives an all around better picture. I notice more motion blur in the plasmas than I do the LCD. The one thing I will give the plasma are the colors since the colors on them are pretty darn good. I would like other people's input on this.

robox4 · 06-29-2007, 08:25 AM

I don't hate Plasmas, but am sick of all the LCD bashing enmasse, that goes on in forums all over the internet. Personally I have found that most motion blur is a result of lesser quality HD broadcasting as opposed to the different technologies. Go into any BB or CC and see the displays side by side, while displaying the same feed. If they are showing a lesser quality sports broadcast there will be just as much motion blur on the Plasmas as there is on the LCD's. My 42" Toshiba 1080p Flat Panel LCD has virtually no motion blur when I'm watching a high quality sports feed.

Two of the biggest knocks against LCD are motion blur, and a tag for being the absolute worst for diplaying Standard Definition programming. I find both of these to be greatly exaggerated. They are also bashed for the lack of black levels and off-angle viewing. LCD is closing the gap so quickly on these issues it is almost a non-issue now. I was in BB the other day and was looking at a Samsung Flat Panel LCD. I actually went up and touched the screen, thinking it was mis-labeled because the blacks were so deep.

-robox

iserum · 06-29-2007, 08:31 AM

plasmas have better viewing angles and better PQ in SD as compare to LCD, problem is Walmart have mostly low end plasmas where manufacturer cyt cost using low end processors on these sets, even though panle is capable of better PQ the processing of picture is low end. not all 1080p LCDs are good I would say only SAMMY and SONY have best Lcd sets

Bigloww · 06-29-2007, 08:31 AM

Yep, you are the only 1..

Dimmer, more motion blur

.. Hmm, Well we are talking Walmart, so anything goes..

GLOW · 06-29-2007, 08:41 AM

jewboy,

I don't think you should compare plasmas and LCDs in a WalMart. They probably haven't been calibrated the same way, so the dimness, color, and overall PQ comparisons can't be 100% accurate.

Personally, I'm not interested in buying a plasma because the elements in the pixels fade over time. IMO, plasmas have overall better PQ than LCD's, but that is changing. LCD is the most rapidly developing tech in TV manufacturing, one of the reasons why I will probably be buying a new one later this year. Can't wait to see the new Sonys LCD's.

BamaPanda · 06-29-2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW

jewboy,

I don't think you should compare plasmas and LCDs in a WalMart. They probably haven't been calibrated the same way, so the dimness, color, and overall PQ comparisons can't be 100% accurate.

Personally, I'm not interested in buying a plasma because the elements in the pixels fade over time. IMO, plasmas have overall better PQ than LCD's, but that is changing. LCD is the most rapidly developing tech in TV manufacturing, one of the reasons why I will probably be buying a new one later this year. Can't wait to see the new Sonys LCD's.

PDP panels, the good ones anyway - have a 60,000 hour life expectancy to HALF brightness (about 20 years or more). Most of the panels start with 10,000:1 ratio - now 15,000 to one.
You call that a fast fading element? This is just part of the wives tale mentality that many try to place on the PDP plate!

macmarkus · 06-29-2007, 08:57 AM

It's a funny post if nothing else lol

! Thank you, comparing hi tech video displays at Walmart ? Could you do a review of audio equipment there too

? lol

!

BTW, where all just playin' here,

it's supposed to be fun AND informative. Just alot of entry level geeks here. Hell I'd consider myself

entry level compared to most of the veterens

on this forum, but stick around, you could learn something if you can take the tongue in cheek and sarcasm !

macmarkus · 06-29-2007, 09:01 AM

Opperative word being the "good" ones. He said walmart

! I know what you're saying though, and I agree, from what I know

!

GLOW · 06-29-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaPanda

PDP panels, the good ones anyway - have a 60,000 hour life expectancy to HALF brightness (about 20 years or more). Most of the panels start with 10,000:1 ratio - now 15,000 to one.
You call that a fast fading element? This is just part of the wives tale mentality that many try to place on the PDP plate!

Good info, thanks. Btw, I didn't say "fast", I said "over time".

IMpoor · 06-29-2007, 09:20 AM

I think LCD is better as well. I do like plasmas also but LCD just seems like its better for the way I like a TV. I think thats what it comes down to honestly. Viewing angle is fine for me. Sure there is some degradation but on my LCD even extreme angles are still good.

robox4: I had the exact same thing happen to me with the new samsungs. I am a sony LCD guy but I was blown away at the quality black levels of the new samsung LCD models. I could not believe how good it looked. Those TVs would give any plasma a run for its money in the black level category.

The motion blur is an issue, minor these days, but still something the plasma camp might be able to argue. But from what I have seen half the time somebody tries to point out blur its the signal not the TV. Poor HD or SD signal is the cause of alot of what people say is blur.

Both Plasma and LCD offer great TVs if you buy a good quality brand and many of the complaints are not as valid as they used to be with either TV. I am wondering if there is a bigger difference in the bargain brands which many times is what walrmart sells.

inazsully · 06-29-2007, 09:53 AM

The biggest drawback to LCD is that the HT market (main family room display) is moving rapidly towards the 50"+ market and LCD has little to offer in that range and nothing to offer in a price close to plasma. The 720p big plasmas lose little or nothing in PQ compared to 1080p LCD's at normal (10ft+) viewing distances. It will be interesting to see how Sony's arrangement with Walmart and Target effect the LCD market in the next 90 days.

BamaPanda · 06-29-2007, 10:04 AM

This is almost like the Beta VHS wars of old. The Beta was superior all the way, but VHS won out. Why? Well - maybe part of it was media, and mis-information..can't recall exactly. LCD's will win out in the long run as the best quality does not always win - ease of use does.
The best PDP has the inherent attribute of being able to give the best blacks, thus the most accurate colors. LCD's are getting close to being able to give those deep blacks, but at a price.

robox4 · 06-29-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inazsully

The biggest drawback to LCD is that the HT market (main family room display) is moving rapidly towards the 50"+ market and LCD has little to offer in that range and nothing to offer in a price close to plasma. The 720p big plasmas lose little or nothing in PQ compared to 1080p LCD's at normal (10ft+) viewing distances. It will be interesting to see how Sony's arrangement with Walmart and Target effect the LCD market in the next 90 days.

Sony admitted as much (50"+ being the future) in the article posted in a separate thread in this forum. It looks as if they are moving rapidly in that direction, since there are now numerous 47" LCD models to choose from.

Besides if you have an extra 30 grand laying around, you can pick yourself up the 70" XBR. 3

s2mikey · 06-29-2007, 12:23 PM

No you're not the only one. many people just dont "see it". Thats fine. For many flat-panel buyers, its really about the coolness factor which explains the rather high rate of people with HDTVs that do NOT feed an HD source to the TV! Its more prevalent than you'd think.

That tells me that PQ is secondary and its really just hanging wall art for the Yuppies.

IMO, the biggest drawback to LCD is the black level issue. On high contrast images they just dont have the depth that plasma has. Movies are HUGE with me and many of my favorites are Sci-Fi films, like the The Matrix. Plasma simply does a better job with dark scenes and contrast. This is measurable and understood by most video hobby people. LCDs have strenghts too, but for us plasma follks, the LCD strengths get out-done by their weaknesses.

Just my

iserum · 06-29-2007, 01:10 PM

the black levels for LCD is thing of past, check out SONY Bravia, BRAVIA XBR line and SAMSUNG LNT series, these two sets will beat any plasma out there and very close to Pioneer Pro 1080P set. with new SAMMY and SONY coming with 120HZ refresh rate motion blurr will be solved too, these sets will also have L.E.D lamps. Bright rooms cannot accomodate Plasmas reflection from screen, that is the biggest problem i see with plasmas, i had to get rid of my Hitachi plasma because of this, luckily a buddy of mine bought it from me.

06-29-2007, 08:05 AM	#1
j3wb0y A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 14	Am I the only one who dislikes Plasma Hey the title may sound like I am bashing Plasma sets but in fact I am not. I work at WalMart and have been there for a little over a month. Our TV display is very nice and since I know a lot about LCD and Plasma they tend to stick me at the TV wall. From me watching the sets pretty much all day I do not see that WOW picture from the plasmas over the LCD. The plasma is supposedly supposed to have a better all around picture but I do not see that. All of the displays are using the same cables so I can rule that out. For one the plasma from a distance is A LOT dimmer than the 1080p LCD next to them. Even the picture does not match the opinions of most of the people that the plasma gives an all around better picture. I notice more motion blur in the plasmas than I do the LCD. The one thing I will give the plasma are the colors since the colors on them are pretty darn good. I would like other people's input on this.

06-29-2007, 08:31 AM	#3
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,987	plasmas have better viewing angles and better PQ in SD as compare to LCD, problem is Walmart have mostly low end plasmas where manufacturer cyt cost using low end processors on these sets, even though panle is capable of better PQ the processing of picture is low end. not all 1080p LCDs are good I would say only SAMMY and SONY have best Lcd sets __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A, ISF Calibration DIRECTV HMC,Harmony Remote One Apple TV2, Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40 Panasonic TC-P46ST30/OPPO BDP-93 APPLE TV2,Harmony Remote One, Polk Audio Soundbar SDA. Belkin Power Conditioner

06-29-2007, 08:31 AM	#4
Bigloww "Shitter was Full" Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 8,319	Yep, you are the only 1.. Dimmer, more motion blur .. Hmm, Well we are talking Walmart, so anything goes.. __________________ Commit to the Indian.. "I don't get drunk, I get awesome".. Last edited by Bigloww; 06-29-2007 at 08:35 AM.

06-29-2007, 09:20 AM	#10
IMpoor High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 312	I think LCD is better as well. I do like plasmas also but LCD just seems like its better for the way I like a TV. I think thats what it comes down to honestly. Viewing angle is fine for me. Sure there is some degradation but on my LCD even extreme angles are still good. robox4: I had the exact same thing happen to me with the new samsungs. I am a sony LCD guy but I was blown away at the quality black levels of the new samsung LCD models. I could not believe how good it looked. Those TVs would give any plasma a run for its money in the black level category. The motion blur is an issue, minor these days, but still something the plasma camp might be able to argue. But from what I have seen half the time somebody tries to point out blur its the signal not the TV. Poor HD or SD signal is the cause of alot of what people say is blur. Both Plasma and LCD offer great TVs if you buy a good quality brand and many of the complaints are not as valid as they used to be with either TV. I am wondering if there is a bigger difference in the bargain brands which many times is what walrmart sells. Last edited by IMpoor; 06-29-2007 at 09:28 AM.

06-29-2007, 10:04 AM	#12
BamaPanda Something will come to me Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Talladega County, Alabama Posts: 1,178	This is almost like the Beta VHS wars of old. The Beta was superior all the way, but VHS won out. Why? Well - maybe part of it was media, and mis-information..can't recall exactly. LCD's will win out in the long run as the best quality does not always win - ease of use does. The best PDP has the inherent attribute of being able to give the best blacks, thus the most accurate colors. LCD's are getting close to being able to give those deep blacks, but at a price. __________________ Everyone is a fan!

06-29-2007, 08:25 AM	#2
robox4 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 430	I don't hate Plasmas, but am sick of all the LCD bashing enmasse, that goes on in forums all over the internet. Personally I have found that most motion blur is a result of lesser quality HD broadcasting as opposed to the different technologies. Go into any BB or CC and see the displays side by side, while displaying the same feed. If they are showing a lesser quality sports broadcast there will be just as much motion blur on the Plasmas as there is on the LCD's. My 42" Toshiba 1080p Flat Panel LCD has virtually no motion blur when I'm watching a high quality sports feed. Two of the biggest knocks against LCD are motion blur, and a tag for being the absolute worst for diplaying Standard Definition programming. I find both of these to be greatly exaggerated. They are also bashed for the lack of black levels and off-angle viewing. LCD is closing the gap so quickly on these issues it is almost a non-issue now. I was in BB the other day and was looking at a Samsung Flat Panel LCD. I actually went up and touched the screen, thinking it was mis-labeled because the blacks were so deep. -robox

06-29-2007, 08:41 AM	#5
GLOW High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Post-Empire America Posts: 10,015	jewboy, I don't think you should compare plasmas and LCDs in a WalMart. They probably haven't been calibrated the same way, so the dimness, color, and overall PQ comparisons can't be 100% accurate. Personally, I'm not interested in buying a plasma because the elements in the pixels fade over time. IMO, plasmas have overall better PQ than LCD's, but that is changing. LCD is the most rapidly developing tech in TV manufacturing, one of the reasons why I will probably be buying a new one later this year. Can't wait to see the new Sonys LCD's.

06-29-2007, 08:57 AM	#7
macmarkus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,146	It's a funny post if nothing else lol ! Thank you, comparing hi tech video displays at Walmart ? Could you do a review of audio equipment there too ? lol ! BTW, where all just playin' here, it's supposed to be fun AND informative. Just alot of entry level geeks here. Hell I'd consider myself entry level compared to most of the veterens on this forum, but stick around, you could learn something if you can take the tongue in cheek and sarcasm !

06-29-2007, 09:01 AM	#8
macmarkus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,146	Opperative word being the "good" ones. He said walmart ! I know what you're saying though, and I agree, from what I know !

06-29-2007, 09:53 AM	#11
inazsully High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 625	The biggest drawback to LCD is that the HT market (main family room display) is moving rapidly towards the 50"+ market and LCD has little to offer in that range and nothing to offer in a price close to plasma. The 720p big plasmas lose little or nothing in PQ compared to 1080p LCD's at normal (10ft+) viewing distances. It will be interesting to see how Sony's arrangement with Walmart and Target effect the LCD market in the next 90 days.

06-29-2007, 12:23 PM	#14
s2mikey Flat Panel Luvr Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 1,415	No you're not the only one. many people just dont "see it". Thats fine. For many flat-panel buyers, its really about the coolness factor which explains the rather high rate of people with HDTVs that do NOT feed an HD source to the TV! Its more prevalent than you'd think. That tells me that PQ is secondary and its really just hanging wall art for the Yuppies. IMO, the biggest drawback to LCD is the black level issue. On high contrast images they just dont have the depth that plasma has. Movies are HUGE with me and many of my favorites are Sci-Fi films, like the The Matrix. Plasma simply does a better job with dark scenes and contrast. This is measurable and understood by most video hobby people. LCDs have strenghts too, but for us plasma follks, the LCD strengths get out-done by their weaknesses. Just my __________________ Pioneer KURO 5080HD Sharp LC32D4U LG BD-570, Sony BDP-S360, PS3 120GB Toshiba A30 & A2 Sony STRDG810/All Polk Speakers Harmony 510 remote Antennas Direct DB4

06-29-2007, 01:10 PM	#15
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,987	the black levels for LCD is thing of past, check out SONY Bravia, BRAVIA XBR line and SAMSUNG LNT series, these two sets will beat any plasma out there and very close to Pioneer Pro 1080P set. with new SAMMY and SONY coming with 120HZ refresh rate motion blurr will be solved too, these sets will also have L.E.D lamps. Bright rooms cannot accomodate Plasmas reflection from screen, that is the biggest problem i see with plasmas, i had to get rid of my Hitachi plasma because of this, luckily a buddy of mine bought it from me. __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A, ISF Calibration DIRECTV HMC,Harmony Remote One Apple TV2, Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40 Panasonic TC-P46ST30/OPPO BDP-93 APPLE TV2,Harmony Remote One, Polk Audio Soundbar SDA. Belkin Power Conditioner

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