LCD or PLasma

[KathyWoolfe]

We're thinking of getting one of those fancy flat TV's in the new year but we can't decide whether to go for a plasma screen or an LCD screen.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

[Flubster]

If you want a BIG screen, go plasma. If you want a smaller screen, go for LCD.

[where did my id go?]

Are you going to be watching HD or SD?

I find that a lot of LCD screens look great when you have HD content, but are poor on older SD content. Plasma seems to handle SD better - while still having a great pic on HD. Better blacks as well I think.

so, Plasma.

Or at least make sure you see the screen you are after in use, and not just with a great HD DVD. See what its like with what you actually watch.

[ratewhore]

LCD is more power efficient apparently. Cheaper bills...

[jo99]

LCD's have better quality picture - and now you can get some v big ones - so not sure why you would go for plasma. Bought one last year Sony Bravia - been v happy with it...

[Clippy]

If it's 42" and above then plasma all the way.

The Pioneer Kuro range is tops.

[oraclesmith]

Kuro ; I got me one !!

[BoredBloke]

When I bought ours about 6 months ago I picked 2 LCD screens. A 32 inch one for the bedroom (quite a big room) and a 42 inch one for downstairs. I'd say that picture quality between good LCD and good plasma screens is about the same.

LCD screens tend to use less power than a plasma and generate less heat. They also tend to me much lighter which is something to remember if your sticking them on a wall. However a plasma can do much better black on the screen than the LCD. This is because the LCD uses a big lamp to generate the images, so black bits get made brighter. On a plasma this isn't the case and so black is black. Also plasma can update quicker than a LCD which is important on really big screens. I have not noticed this on our 42 inch one though and I watch quite a bit of football on mine - which looks good in HD.

[~Craig~]

When I bought ours about 6 months ago I picked 2 LCD screens. A 32 inch one for the bedroom (quite a big room) and a 42 inch one for downstairs. I'd say that picture quality between good LCD and good plasma screens is about the same.

LCD screens tend to use less power than a plasma and generate less heat. They also tend to me much lighter which is something to remember if your sticking them on a wall. However a plasma can do much better black on the screen than the LCD. This is because the LCD uses a big lamp to generate the images, so black bits get made brighter. On a plasma this isn't the case and so black is black. Also plasma can update quicker than a LCD which is important on really big screens. I have not noticed this on our 42 inch one though and I watch quite a bit of football on mine - which looks good in HD.

yep if you watch a lot of sport you might be better off getting a plasma as you can get blurring on LCD. This is from bits 'n pieces i've read on t'internet not my own experience.

[BoredBloke]

The blurring happens if you get one with a really rubbish refresh rate, like you got with LCD monitors when they first came out. On a good TV that should be sorted. Mine is fine for sport. Also, when looking at the TV in the shop, stand back from it as you don't watch them close up. Often the blurring in only noticable when you are on top of the tv but your eyes don't pick it up when you are futher away.

Also get the assistant to plug in a standard def feed as they will probably be showing a HD one to show the TV in its best light.