I'm a novice who is looking to buy plasma or LCD (42" or 50 or 52"). I've done some preliminary research (reading, viewing screens and speaking to salespeople) and am getting mixed signals. From what I've read, the LCD's provide a better pix, but salespeople have said that Plasmas provide better picture and that LCD's are not good for fast moving sports. IS THIS TRUE OR ARE THEY JUST TRYING TO UNLOAD THEIR STOCK OF PLASMAS. In terms of brands, I've looked at the following plasmas: Pioneer, Samsung, LG and Panasonic - I thought the Pioneer and Samsung had the best picture; the Panasonic seemed to have a darkness overlaid on the picture. Also, is Sony even in the game on this? I've tried to find some to view and no store seems to carry them. I may have a hook up that can get me a Sony at a discount but I don't even know what to ask for. I'd appreciate any advice or even some good articles to read. Many Thanks,J
bobccity
Unregistered guest
Posted on
First of all, Sony is overpriced crap compared to the rest of the plasma market.
Consumer reports says that the panasonic th50px50u is the best selling and the best plasma.
LCD's are brighter and a little better picture than plasma. They also tend to be a little more expensive than plasma believe it or not.
Lcd's handle fast moving scenes just fine.
50% of all plasmas 50 inches and above in peoples homes are pioneer. Great tv.
Don't base your decision merely upon what you've read. Go into several stores that sell a variety of models & see the displays for yourself. Just keep in mind that if a display doesn't look particularly attractive in the store, that doesn't mean it will look equally unattractive in your home. What I try to do is get ahold of the remote for the unit I am considering and play with the various functions until I get a good idea of the unit's capabilities.
Also, threads containing outrageous and misleading statements made by sales reps are legion in this and other tv forums. Believe about 1/3 of what sales people tell you and you'll be ok. There are some lcd's that are better than others re response time issues and the same is true with plasma - you simply have to view them for yourself.
Regarding your specific questions about lcd's, I would normally say check out the new Sony KLV & KDL lines, but the largest display is the KDLV40XBR1, which is 2" smaller than you're stated interest. So, I would recommend Sharp in the sizes you are considering.
For plasmas, IMHO I have found (on display) that the Panasonics and Pioneers have the best picture. On the other hand, I disagree with bobccity's statement that Sony's plasma displays are crap. Sony has acknowledged that they are unwilling to emphasize plasma & may stop manufacturing plasma displays altogether, but that is not to say that what they currently offer is not worthy of your money. My local CC has had the 42" Sony plasma on display for awhile & to me it's picture quality is every bit as good as the other displays.
Finally, I think that both plasma & lcd have their advantages/disadvantages. When I compare the two types in my local BB, I don't necessarily find one providing a BETTER picture over the other but a DIFFERENT picture. For example, I thought the Sony KLVS32A10 & Sharp LC32GD5U displayed one picture tone and the Panny 37" PX50U on the opposite wall displayed another tone, all equally good.
So, you can read all you want to here and other places but personal viewing is the most important factor in making your decision.