"LED DLP" vs plasma?

Question

I'm looking at buying either a Samsung LED DLP 50"

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8793246&type=product&id=1205537514032

or a Samsung plasma 50"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889102148

The plasma is about $500 more and the space it'll save isn't a problem because it'll be in a corner anyways.

I'm wanting to know if the LED DLPs are about on par with plasma's quality. I'm looking to watch HD cable and use it for PS3 and blu-ray viewing. The cons I know of each are the DLP's poor angel viewing and the plasma's burnin (although I'm not sure how bad either really are). Any help from anyone who knows about these two options please help.

PS. The DLP is LED based so I know replacement won't be a problem for more years than I'll probably have it and the color wheel won't be an issue.

Answer 1

If you watch the DLP, make sure you can't see the infamous DLP rainbow effect. Good thing about the LED's is you no longer have the color wheel whine. But, you still have the cycle the LED's on and off so rainbows might still be evident. Be careful. I prefer rear projection LCD.  Sony has stopped making them but maybe you can still pick up their LCOS version 1080p which will likely beat both the SAMSUNG LED DLP and Plasma.  Plasma uses so much power as well--try to avoid. I didn't look at the link--are you getting 1080p, make sure it is, otherwise avoid the cheaper 720p plasmas. One of the best items is LCD with LED backlight. A new version of this with local dimming will come out but who knows if it will give everyone headaches (dim every field each pixel block area).

As for Blu-ray, try to use a player that does 24P (Does PS3 do that? Probably not). Again, I'd avoid Samsung Blu ray players. And make sure the TV can handle 24P.

Answer 2

The DLP is safer overall....Led lighting lasts years with no failure, and the DLP does not get burned by pausing it....

Of course I'm waiting for Mitsubishi to come out with their LASER DLP during Christmas....they say it might be available in Sept 2008, but I'll stick with Christmas....

So NOW you have another choice....buy now or get a Laser...

Don't you just HATE ME for mentioning that ?

Answer 3

You already touched on the two limiting factors of the technologies.

Plasma, the burn in can be extreme, specifically if used for gaming or as a computer monitor.

DLP narrow viewing angle, can be made up for by being placed in the corner but still a huge limitation.

If you will be gaming on it I would highly suggest the DLP.