LCD vs LED TVs

Discussion in 'Gear' started by RavensShallBurn, Sep 17, 2010.

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  1. Puck

    Puck Pro Bowler

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    fwiw, LED is just the backlight used in a portion of LCD sets
    it's still Liquid Crystal and still inherits many of the problems as such

    sure you could take some crap Insignia plasma against a LG LED (backlit LCD) and the LG might look better, but there's also a thousand dollar difference
    also, take into consideration that some sets in showrooms (like Best Buy) are calibrated to look proper, and otheres are just taken out of the box and plugged in.

    look in the menu. if the Contrast is blasted to 100%, it's wrong
     
  2. Tuckfro42

    Tuckfro42 Frozen Donkey Wheel

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    Do not. I repeat, do not go by what you see at Best Buy or any other big box store. I know that sounds ridiculous, but those guys have no idea about how to set up and calibrate a television in that environment. Nor do they have the incentive. Do some research. I'd recommend spending a few weeks on AVSforum.com. The posters on that board know what they are talking about and you'll find tons of useful links.

    Oh, and on the "burn-in" issue, that is an "old-wives tale." Something that cheap plasmas early on suffered from and LCD fanboys like to talk up now.
     
  3. GoTitans3801

    GoTitans3801 Forward Progress!

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    I've got the 55" Samnsung LCD, and I've been really happy with it. It gets some glare during bright daytime hours, but given the amount of light in my living room, most of that is simply unavoidable.
     
  4. Deuce Wayne

    Deuce Wayne NOW Y'ALL GET THE MESSICH?!

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    After hard study, I went with plasma about a year or 2 ago also. Just seems better bang for buck- which is what always wins me over.

    You'll learn with TV shopping that the numbers and specs typically seem to be there to simply make you spend more money. Kind of like 1080i vs 720p. Everyone spent so much cash on the 1080i... and wasted it once knowing that it only mattered on TV screens larger than the one they purchased.

    Not only that- if you don't look at brands... just go in the store and look at pictures. From all angles. You'll notice it usually isn't the supposed superior Panny or Sammy that has the better picture. Though the quality of those sets could be the difference in the end...

    It's tricky. Good luck.
     
  5. ColtKiller

    ColtKiller Starter

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    My dad has a 48" Panasonic Viera plasma. It's very nice, 1080p HD comes in crystal clear.

    If your dead set between LED and LCD, go with the LED. They're much brighter and better looking.
     
  6. RavensShallBurn

    RavensShallBurn Ruck the Favens

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    I'm taking this seriously. It's going to take a ton of research, many store visits, and many different opinions before I make a decision. This will be one of my most expensive purchases ever made besides school.

    I managed to swing by the Cool Springs Best Buy a few days ago... I live pretty close. I checked out a Panasonic VT25 Plasma TV and left very impressed... very tempted to bite on the sale they had going along the 36 months, no interest deal. But I'm not going to finance a TV, much less anything else.

    I just can't decide if I will have problems with lighting. My room is pretty massive and gets quite a bit of light during the day. I have huge windows and use curtains, but it's heavily lighted either way. That being said, at least 80% of my TV use takes place during night time.

    This TV was the 3D one, but it seemed like the best picture which is what I'm going for.

    The dude there said I should get their protection plan... not sure how much that is, but I'd consider it if burn-in is still an issue. Madden is the only video game I play, and unfortunately, that's the worst one for plasma use.

    Is this VT25 the best plasma or do I have a better option with a 2D one (as I don't plan on using 3D much at all, if ever)? The salesman was about my age and seemed like a straight-shooter, but it could be all for that lovely commission.


    Also... isn't there a way to get your TV professionally tuned for optimal picture quality, etc?
     
  7. ColtKiller

    ColtKiller Starter

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    First of all....always get the protection plan for any huge purchase. The manufacturer may give you a 1 year warranty or something, but that protection plan will cover you for 3-4 years. It will cost several hundred dollars, but must be purchased to cover you @$$.

    Secondly, plasmas burning in is a line of crap. Maybe really old crappy ones, but not one you'd purchase nowadays. Mine is in a large room with MUCHO light, huge windows and doors, and is just fine during the bright hours. Panasonic Plasma is the way to go.

    And regarding the tuning, it really isn't difficult. You just go to the menu and adjust each setting (brightness, contrast, etc) until it looks crisp and realistic. One major thing you want out of a good TV is dark black color. When you're watching TVs in the showroom, look for the black parts of the screen to appear as if the TV is off in that spot. You don't want dark screen areas appearing 'lit' in the background. That shows how good a TV's contrast ratio is. It should literally just look pitch black.

    Good luck man, hope you enjoy your investment.
     
  8. Toly

    Toly Free your mind

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    The VT25 has been ranked by many reviewers as the best plasma for 2010. You can't go wrong with it. The only caveat with the latest Panasonic plasmas is that they suffer from rising blacks (increase in black levels over time). But it's something that you probably won't notice unless you're a videophile.

    Another option you might consider is the Samsung plasma PNC7000/8000. Cnet ranks it as the second best plasma behind the VT25. Personally, I couldn't really see a difference between the two TVs while at the store. The Samsung is also cheaper.
     
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