Splitting "Flat-Panel TVs" forum

[zip2play]

Flat Panel TVs has the most threads of any category, over 12,000, and might benefit by being split into LCD TV's and PLASMA TV's. That way we wouldn't have the same old argument made over and over that PLASMAS are better when one is seeking information about LCD's and vice-versa.

Perhaps it might present a tedious task if one tried to separate the old threads, but could they be archived while the two new sub-sets went on from here?

It would seem a very natural split between the two technologies, each with its strong adherents.

Thanks for your consideration, webmaster. You provide a very useful service for which I am grateful.

[rbinck]

Actually I think you will still get plasma enthusiasts still making the same comments. They just can't help themselves but to try to save people from LCDs. It is almost like the format war II.

[kamspy]

Originally Posted by rbinck

Actually I think you will still get plasma enthusiasts still making the same comments. They just can't help themselves but to try to save people from LCDs. It is almost like the format war II.

Agreed. The way it is now, plasma vs LCD talk can be had, and there are no worries of "plamsa people trolling the LCD forum" etc.

[PFC5]

Originally Posted by rbinck

Actually I think you will still get plasma enthusiasts still making the same comments. They just can't help themselves but to try to save people from LCDs. It is almost like the format war II.

Guilty as charged.

To be honest though the reason I do this is because I just want people to know the truth (pros/cons) about both techs so they can make an informed decision. I believe that is what forums are for, and with all the misinformation still being stated today both in forums & by salesmen about the pros/cons of both techs I think it is important that we provide this.

I know some LCD fans do not like this comparison being done, because usually (IMO) the LCD comes up short in most application uses when they are compared, but why do some feel like I just insulted their kid or something?

I know there is a certain amount of pride in what we choose, but as long as the truth is posted why worry if what you choose is not the "best" choice? I know I bought two LCDs before I got my plasma and was disappointed with the black levels and viewing angles even compared to my DLP. I use to worry about the myths with plasma (i.e. burn-in, more power, shorter life span, etc) that are nearly completely false with the last couple of years plasmas, but decided to try one based on how much I was reading about the improved PQ.

I am glad I did now and i know withe my own use and my brand of plasma those past issues & myths about plasma are false. Do yu need to adjust the picture settings to be more accurate as part of mostly making burn in a thing of the past? Yes, but that is a good thing IMO so that people have an added incentive to try to get an accurate picture.

I think it would be nearly impossible to sort though all the threads to decide which goes where, but putting the current threads in "archive" to avoid this work would basically remove years of great advice, fixes, info, etc. and make it look like there is not much info here on these two techs. It seems large a very large price to pay because some do not want to see comparisons IMO.

As always, if someone thinks that incorrect info is being posted, then they should feel free to post this and back it up with facts WHY it is wrong. I feel if the truth bothers some and they want to avoid such comparisons then they should simply stop reading the thread if it bothers them.

Why should we stop posting info that dispells myths and old but now false info about either tech just because someone chose the other tech and wants to remain happy about their choice? Doing that would do a disservice IMO to those who come here for facts to base a decision on what may likely be a display they will need to watch for many years to come.

[Loves2Watch]

Originally Posted by PFC5

Guilty as charged.

To be honest though the reason I do this is because I just want people to know the truth (pros/cons) about both techs so they can make an informed decision. I believe that is what forums are for, and with all the misinformation still being stated today both in forums & by salesmen about the pros/cons of both techs I think it is important that we provide this.

I know some LCD fans do not like this comparison being done, because usually (IMO) the LCD comes up short in most application uses when they are compared, but why do some feel like I just insulted their kid or something?

I know there is a certain amount of pride in what we choose, but as long as the truth is posted why worry if what you choose is not the "best" choice? I know I bought two LCDs before I got my plasma and was disappointed with the black levels and viewing angles even compared to my DLP. I use to worry about the myths with plasma (i.e. burn-in, more power, shorter life span, etc) that are nearly completely false with the last couple of years plasmas, but decided to try one based on how much I was reading about the improved PQ.

I am glad I did now and i know withe my own use and my brand of plasma those past issues & myths about plasma are false. Do yu need to adjust the picture settings to be more accurate as part of mostly making burn in a thing of the past? Yes, but that is a good thing IMO so that people have an added incentive to try to get an accurate picture.

I think it would be nearly impossible to sort though all the threads to decide which goes where, but putting the current threads in "archive" to avoid this work would basically remove years of great advice, fixes, info, etc. and make it look like there is not much info here on these two techs. It seems large a very large price to pay because some do not want to see comparisons IMO.

As always, if someone thinks that incorrect info is being posted, then they should feel free to post this and back it up with facts WHY it is wrong. I feel if the truth bothers some and they want to avoid such comparisons then they should simply stop reading the thread if it bothers them.

Why should we stop posting info that dispells myths and old but now false info about either tech just because someone chose the other tech and wants to remain happy about their choice? Doing that would do a disservice IMO to those who come here for facts to base a decision on what may likely be a display they will need to watch for many years to come.

To prove your point, just yesterday I was in a store listening to the tail end of a conversation between a salesman and customer. I added my thoughts on the benefits of plasma and the customer told me he didn't want to have to recharge the gas in the plasma, the salesman agreed. I then had to discuss that and other myths and false information so they both had a better understanding of plasma (My God, where do those ideas come from, recharging the plasma gas). But surprisingly enough they both preferred the picture on the Panasonic plasma above anything else in the store...

[PFC5]

And that is EXACTLY what forums like this are good for. To dispel false info and provide correct info so that people can make INFORMED choices.

I love how sites like Cnet provide further fuel to the power myth with plasmas when they did that power comparison without allowing for how the different techs work and just used the torch mode settings from the factory on plasmas to show they use more power. Plasma use more power with brighter screens and LCD use more with darker screens, so comparing a plasma in torch mode is not a fair comparison.

If someone casually looks at that they will believe it, but in actuality if they analyze what is there (and read the footnotes about how they "test" that most do not even read), they will see that the Panasonic 800/850 series actually have LOWER power consumption compared to even smaller LCD screens because they are set to the THX mode instead of VIVID (torch) mode from the factory.

[rbinck]

See? Yet more reasons for not splitting the sub-forum.

[Lee Stewart]

Too late!

Should have been done years ago.

[zip2play]

See, even in a post pleading for separation, there's no respite from the Plasma People. Even if LCD's outsell plasma 8 to 1 these "evangelists" must still save the world from LCD...do they think the 7/8 of the population are dimwits needing salvation?

My decision was made long ago but I cannot get any LCD information that I am seeeking without being tortured by the same Plasma People arguments that I have long ago weighed and found wanting.

I mean really, when one asks "what is the best LCD," does anyone really think that the sought-out answer is "Plasma, Plasma, and Plasma?" It borders on trolling a board.

But if splitting the forum cannot be done, it cannot be done. <sigh>

[Lee Stewart]

Originally Posted by zip2play

See, even in a post pleading for separation, there's no respite from the Plasma People. Even if LCD's outsell plasma 8 to 1 these "evangelists" must still save the world from LCD...do they think the 7/8 of the population are dimwits needing salvation?

My decision was made long ago but I cannot get any LCD information that I am seeeking without being tortured by the same Plasma People arguments that I have long ago weighed and found wanting.

I mean really, when one asks "what is the best LCD," does anyone really think that the sought-out answer is "Plasma, Plasma, and Plasma?" It borders on trolling a board.

But if splitting the forum cannot be done, it cannot be done. <sigh>

Maybe the answer is how you post the thread - what you you say in the OP:

Thread Title: What is the best LCD?

OP: Looking for opinions on what is the best LCD for XX inches. And please - don't try to sell me a Plasma - I am only interested in an LCD. Thanks.

[awol]

Originally Posted by zip2play

See, even in a post pleading for separation, there's no respite from the Plasma People. Even if LCD's outsell plasma 8 to 1 these "evangelists" must still save the world from LCD...do they think the 7/8 of the population are dimwits needing salvation?

My decision was made long ago but I cannot get any LCD information that I am seeeking without being tortured by the same Plasma People arguments that I have long ago weighed and found wanting.

I mean really, when one asks "what is the best LCD," does anyone really think that the sought-out answer is "Plasma, Plasma, and Plasma?" It borders on trolling a board.

But if splitting the forum cannot be done, it cannot be done. <sigh>

First of all, I hardly think there's any religious fervor going on regarding plasmas. But you are in a forum of enthusiasts. And enthusiasts are enthusiastic about their preferences. There are lots of reasons to get an LCD. And there are lots of reasons to not get one. Most of the posts I've read and contributed to in that section were people looking to get the best value for the dollar. And all are welcome to chime in their opinions. Including yours that LCD is a better buy than plasma.

[PFC5]

Originally Posted by zip2play

See, even in a post pleading for separation, there's no respite from the Plasma People. Even if LCD's outsell plasma 8 to 1 these "evangelists" must still save the world from LCD...do they think the 7/8 of the population are dimwits needing salvation?

My decision was made long ago but I cannot get any LCD information that I am seeeking without being tortured by the same Plasma People arguments that I have long ago weighed and found wanting.

I mean really, when one asks "what is the best LCD," does anyone really think that the sought-out answer is "Plasma, Plasma, and Plasma?" It borders on trolling a board.

But if splitting the forum cannot be done, it cannot be done. <sigh>

I highlighted your melodramatics to show that YOU seem to be the one that takes things too far here. So you have been pleading for separation because you have been tortured by plasma people here because they want to save the world from LCD and are trolling. Got it!

In the future, you might do better to leave out the drama and overstating the problem if you want to be believed more as providing an accurate portrait of events.

Maybe the reason "plasma people" stayed involved in discussing the advantages of plasmas over LCD IS because YOU were making some of the same FALSE claims/myths about plasmas that we try to dispel around here.

We try to make sure that false myths about tech, regardless of what it is, are not left here without being corrected so when other people read it they do not think such myths are actually true. If you do not want to be "tortured" about plasma talk then simply state that you know the pros/cons about both and plasma doesn't work for you instead of claiming those false myths as the reason.

Should we just leave false claims about a tech to go unchallenged so that others who come here learn the false info? How are we "helping" people here if we allow false info to continue to be spread?

Did you read my first post (#4) in this thread? We post info about the true pros/cons of BOTH techs because there are a lot of false info being told out there and we want people to make INFORMED decisions. It really is as simple as that for the reason.

[zip2play]

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Maybe the answer is how you post the thread - what you you say in the OP:

Thread Title: What is the best LCD?

OP: Looking for opinions on what is the best LCD for XX inches. And please - don't try to sell me a Plasma - I am only interested in an LCD. Thanks.

My OP on the last instance of the attack of the plasma people was precisely this:

SONY Bravia KDL-46S5100

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This SONY KDL-46S5100 is the latest super-sale item at TARGET this week. I've been eyeing it for a while at $100 more.
Has anyone bought this model? Do you like it? Any pros or cons?

I know that SONY often uses a different model number for sets that go to big discount houses. Does anyone have any info on essentially the same model with a DIFFERENT model number.

That price of $1199 is hard to resist although it's a 50-50 crapshoot as to whether or not my local stores have it in stock. I often suspect "bait and switch" or just incompetence from my local Target.
In any case, they are very often out of electronic items and "no raincheck on that item!" Frustrating.

Any opinions on the set welcome!

Can anyone but a plasma evangelist read that as a plea to find out how good PLASMA is? But several DID and the same thing happens again and again and again...and again!
I cannot imagine a more pointed question about a particular set and CERTAINLY at the very LEAST about a particular technology.

I guess the only thing I could add to the post is "PLEASE don't tell me about PLASMA yet again?" But then some plasma drama queen would probably find that to be melodramatic, or worse, just ignore it and prattle on about plasma anyway.

[PFC5]

Originally Posted by zip2play

My OP on the last instance of the attack of the plasma people was precisely this:

SONY Bravia KDL-46S5100

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This SONY KDL-46S5100 is the latest super-sale item at TARGET this week. I've been eyeing it for a while at $100 more.
Has anyone bought this model? Do you like it? Any pros or cons?

I know that SONY often uses a different model number for sets that go to big discount houses. Does anyone have any info on essentially the same model with a DIFFERENT model number.

That price of $1199 is hard to resist although it's a 50-50 crapshoot as to whether or not my local stores have it in stock. I often suspect "bait and switch" or just incompetence from my local Target.
In any case, they are very often out of electronic items and "no raincheck on that item!" Frustrating.

Any opinions on the set welcome!

Can anyone but a plasma evangelist read that as a plea to find out how good PLASMA is? But several DID and the same thing happens again and again and again...and again!
I cannot imagine a more pointed question about a particular set and CERTAINLY at the very LEAST about a particular technology.

I guess the only thing I could add to the post is "PLEASE don't tell me about PLASMA yet again?" But then some plasma drama queen would probably find that to be melodramatic, or worse, just ignore it and prattle on about plasma anyway.

Lets talk about "drama queens".

WHO is being "tortured" because someone states the benefits of a plasma?

Who is "pleading" to not allow LCD fans to look/read alternative choices because they want to keep people UNinformed about such alternatives simply because THEY chose LCD?

And WHO is calling people who are providing more info for members to make INFORMED decisions Trolls?

So tell me. Since you say you already know the pros/cons, but then state some myths that must be corrected and then cry about this discussion happening BECAUSE of that misinformation being posted. Why did you post such things IF you already KNEW the pros/cons?

Also, how do we know you already know the pros/cons of both if you do not tell us? Clearly you don't if you then spout off myths about one, and forget the truth cons about the other.

This a HT & HD help/learning site and part of that help comes from direct responses to requests for help., But likely (since the unregistered visitors outnumber the members who joined by about 10:1 most times) much more are just reading existing threads/posts to acquire the info and to learn.

So you are saying when you ALREADY KNOW that there is tons of misinformation/myths out there, that we should NOT provide the pros/cons, just because YOU feel offended that we said anything bad about LCD and good things about plasmas? BTW, nearly every pro review picks plasma over LCD every time. Why do you think that is?

These things are not opinion but rather fact, but you want us to help spread false info to help your beloved LCD or at the least not provide the correct info so others (at a 10:1 ratio) who never join to actually post but just read threads can be misinformed. I gotcha. Why do you defend LCD like it is your child? Why do you think it is fair or "right" to not correct false info and thereby propagate falsehoods when a primary mission of this site is to do the opposite?

After years of being here and reading so many questions/posts here, I find that most people who even SAY that they are aware of the pros/cons of both only know mostly myths and misinformation with regard to plasma. So those people should just continue to be kept with those false impressions and misinformation as what they "think" is fact? Just so YOU do not get "tortured" with hearing the word "plasma" ever?

Then to top it off, you want the whole site changed just for YOU because of this, and want the mods to do countless hours separating/sorting through the posts to go in these new sections just for YOU! Then you will likely complain if a thread that starts out as a request for LCD, but after learning the facts, the poster decides they prefer plasma and buys that and YOU have to read the word "plasma" in the LCD section. Where would such post go? Who will be responsible to read each thread all the way to the end just so you do not have to read the word "plasma"?

An easier way to NOT have to be "tortured" by seeing the word "plasma" typed in a post that seems to offend you so much, is to simply put anyone who posts the word "plasma" on ignore so YOU do not have to even see it.

That way, others who DO want ALL the info to make an INFORMED choice can get it and you are no longer "tortured' by seeing the word "plasma" in a post.

Does that sound like a good idea? it certainly sounds better to me.

EDIT:

Just to add for anyone else who reads this. I own BOTH 2 LCD HDTVs (not counting several LCD monitors for PCs) and 1 plasma, and I KNOW that differences seen in home lighting which is much more in favorable PQ with plasma than in those bright stores where LCD shines. I am not defending a tech that I bought but rather just trying to give someone else the benefit of my experiences so they can make a informed choice and not regret it down the road. Many people will only buy ONE HDTV for at least the next few years and they should have the facts and experience of someone who has both to HELP in THEIR decision IMO.

[unotis]

Originally Posted by PFC5

Lets talk about "drama queens".

WHO is being "tortured" because someone states the benefits of a plasma?

Who is "pleading" to not allow LCD fans to look/read alternative choices because they want to keep people UNinformed about such alternatives simply because THEY chose LCD?

And WHO is calling people who are providing more info for members to make INFORMED decisions Trolls?

So tell me. Since you say you already know the pros/cons, but then state some myths that must be corrected and then cry about this discussion happening BECAUSE of that misinformation being posted. Why did you post such things IF you already KNEW the pros/cons?

Also, how do we know you already know the pros/cons of both if you do not tell us? Clearly you don't if you then spout off myths about one, and forget the truth cons about the other.

This a HT & HD help/learning site and part of that help comes from direct responses to requests for help., But likely (since the unregistered visitors outnumber the members who joined by about 10:1 most times) much more are just reading existing threads/posts to acquire the info and to learn.

So you are saying when you ALREADY KNOW that there is tons of misinformation/myths out there, that we should NOT provide the pros/cons, just because YOU feel offended that we said anything bad about LCD and good things about plasmas? BTW, nearly every pro review picks plasma over LCD every time. Why do you think that is?

These things are not opinion but rather fact, but you want us to help spread false info to help your beloved LCD or at the least not provide the correct info so others (at a 10:1 ratio) who never join to actually post but just read threads can be misinformed. I gotcha. Why do you defend LCD like it is your child? Why do you think it is fair or "right" to not correct false info and thereby propagate falsehoods when a primary mission of this site is to do the opposite?

After years of being here and reading so many questions/posts here, I find that most people who even SAY that they are aware of the pros/cons of both only know mostly myths and misinformation with regard to plasma. So those people should just continue to be kept with those false impressions and misinformation as what they "think" is fact? Just so YOU do not get "tortured" with hearing the word "plasma" ever?

Then to top it off, you want the whole site changed just for YOU because of this, and want the mods to do countless hours separating/sorting through the posts to go in these new sections just for YOU! Then you will likely complain if a thread that starts out as a request for LCD, but after learning the facts, the poster decides they prefer plasma and buys that and YOU have to read the word "plasma" in the LCD section. Where would such post go? Who will be responsible to read each thread all the way to the end just so you do not have to read the word "plasma"?

An easier way to NOT have to be "tortured" by seeing the word "plasma" typed in a post that seems to offend you so much, is to simply put anyone who posts the word "plasma" on ignore so YOU do not have to even see it.

That way, others who DO want ALL the info to make an INFORMED choice can get it and you are no longer "tortured' by seeing the word "plasma" in a post.

Does that sound like a good idea? it certainly sounds better to me.

EDIT:

Just to add for anyone else who reads this. I own BOTH 2 LCD HDTVs (not counting several LCD monitors for PCs) and 1 plasma, and I KNOW that differences seen in home lighting which is much more in favorable PQ with plasma than in those bright stores where LCD shines. I am not defending a tech that I bought but rather just trying to give someone else the benefit of my experiences so they can make a informed choice and not regret it down the road. Many people will only buy ONE HDTV for at least the next few years and they should have the facts and experience of someone who has both to HELP in THEIR decision IMO.

I personally understand his rage!

For years I was perfectly happy enjoying my LCD HDTVs and then one day out of the blue someone knocked on my front door, when I opened it to my extreme horror it was a group of "plasma evangelists", they proceeded to seize ME and then forced me to purchase a plasma HDTV, I tried to refuse but they ganged up on me and wore me down until I just couldn't help myself.

Every night I lay awake with the horror of having a (gasp) plasma HDTV in my home, IT'S IN MY BEDROOM!