Should we get an LCD or a plasma? We don't have cable, but...?

Question

we watch a lot of movies. So far, we are leaning toward a plasma because we don't really watch tv other than movies. We don't even have cable anymore (and don't miss it). But we DO watch a lot of movies and a couple TV shows on DVD. He plays Xbox, but that's the only gaming system we have. We definitely want a good movie experience. Have most of the issues with plasma tvs been resolved (burn in, how long they last, etc)? Do you think LCD is now parallel to plasma in picture quality? Your advice would be helpful!

Answer 1

LCD is so much better.  Plasma you have the color like 200 times so much better. there is a drawback, when you turn off the Plasma TV. The Plasma will 'burn' the last image, and plus will not last as long as LCD.

Answer 2

If you did not have the xbox, I would say go with Plasma, but with xbox, the danger of burn-in is still there.

I agree with you, plasma provides a better picture.

If you still buy a plasma, avoid playing games for the first 500-1000 hours of operation (at least not for more than 10-15 minutes at a time if the game has static icons); this is the time plasma is most succeptiple to burn in.

You may want to look at the latest LCDs with 12-bit panels (most old LCDs have 10-bit panels).  They have deeper colors and less color gradation. Look at Sony or Samsung.

Answer 3

If you are interested solely in picture quality you will not find any better than a plasma television.  An LCD can come no where near matching the black levels and color accuracy of a good plasma.  Both LCD and plasma televisions are rated for the same amount of time, they have a half brightness rating of about 100,000 hours.  I would recommend going to your local electronics retailer and looking at a blu-ray player hooked up to a plasma television.  We have one hooked up to a 50 inch pioneer elite and it takes my breath away every day I am at work.  Most new plasma displays will come with some kind of anti burn-in technology.  This is not however fool proof and I would not recommend leaving the DVD menu on or pausing it for more than an hour or so.

Answer 4

LCD. If you game. If not, Plasma.