Which TV is better ? PLASMA or LCD ?

[Life Ranger]

Hi, a friend cast the question just now. Not knowing what to answer. Any advice ? :)

[burntan]

I heard that LCD is better but more expensive and smaller screen. Better in the way of faster and smooter reflash rate for better image quality and last longer.

But for me I will choose plasma, because I think the image quality is acceptable and I prefer larger screen. Life span of about 5 years is good enough for me as well.

[ericchan]

Its a matter of personal taste i suppose..i would go plasma tv for its warm,soothing and natural colours.

[bugbear]

But for me I will choose plasma, because I think the image quality is acceptable and I prefer larger screen. Life span of about 5 years is good enough for me as well.
Plasma TV lifespan only 5 years? :eek: I mean after spending a fortune on this monster and it only last for 5 years. My old sharp (conventional) TV lasted for 20 years and still good. Talk about cutting edge in science but no lasting power. For me the old tube TV is still the best. :p

[mon]

If he's looking for something slim and stylish, pick the LCD. Tho' personally I would go for the Plasma for a bigger screen. Colorwise, I think both are equally good but some says the Plasma gives you richer blacks.

My 29" CRT Sony Trinitron is doing fine. Has been hit by lightning twice but after repairs still in good shape. Sometimes I give it a whack or two when it tries to be funny.

[atom]

I might be wrong, but I think the future is LCD. If set-top boxes becomes popular and interactive TV is a norm, then you do not need conversion from digital to analogue, an unnecessary additional step that will deteriorate some signals in the case of plasma TV. Also, interfacing LCD TV with computer will be a direct digital-to-digital link rather than another round of conversion for plasma TV. By using parallel argument, if you are using an LCD monitor with your computer with dvi input, then you will notice some difference if you use analogue input (without the good graphic card).

[CS Chua]

I read that plasma TV has a shorter life span than LCD TV so my next one will be a LCD TV.

[arbiter]

Life Ranger,

Basically, LCD would have better definitions and resolutions comparing to plasma. BUT, if you decided to go for plasma, go for Plasma TV, which comes with TV tuner and picture quality is better than Plasma Display. But price is higher.

The other factor to consider is maintenance. Currently, LCD bulbs replacement is cheaper than gas (plasma). Long run, I'll go for LCD, no doubt.

[Life Ranger]

ok will update him with all your advice. thanks. :)

[ericchan]

Tell your friend abt this website everything he wants to know is here..from the experts.


http://www.cnet.com.au/tvs/0,39035250,40036500,00.htm

[kwchang]

Was told by a vendor that LCD tvs are good if you use it in conjunction with DVD players (which probably has enhanced definition) but produce poor images when used to view off the air TV and Astro channels. The vendor told me that if you prefer to watch Astro or off the air channels, then you should be buying Plasma sets.

So, any truth in that?

[patrick]

As some has mentioned, Plasma has a life span of about 5 - 10 years becos its gas filled. And once kaput, you throw!! Sorry lah. LCD, can be repaired.

Altho plasma has richer color definition, LCD has come a long way and is almost as good nowadays. The only slight snag is LCD is still quite expensive for those units above 32in.

But like most have pointed out, the future is in LCD.

[USJ27Resident]

Plasma TV lifespan only 5 years? :eek: I mean after spending a fortune on this monster and it only last for 5 years. My old sharp (conventional) TV lasted for 20 years and still good. Talk about cutting edge in science but no lasting power. For me the old tube TV is still the best. :p

Me think another way to go around this price disparity is to get a contractor... or a cabinet maker....

... then, get them to make or build a hole around a false wall (aka a partition!!) and slot the conventional hi-def 100 hertz widescreen flat TV through it... make space for additional home ent system speakers... and walla!! your very own flat screen that looks like a either a plasma or LCD TV a a fraction of the price... :p And would sound good too... :p from the acoustics effect coming from hollow in the false wall... :D

[joey180]

...another way ...

make or build a hole around a false wall (aka a partition!!) and slot the conventional hi-def 100 hertz widescreen flat TV through it... make space for additional home ent system speakers... and walla!! your very own flat screen that looks like a either a plasma or LCD TV a a fraction of the price... :p
Good idea! Except that u will need some 1.5ft of false wall to house the crt n besides that i think ur crt will suffocate to death!

[USJ27Resident]

Good idea! Except that u will need some 1.5ft of false wall to house the crt n besides that i think ur crt will suffocate to death!

hahaa... well.. can oso add some ventilation fans at the back-side (hidden!) from view... :p

[SunwayKid]

There are a lot of misconceptions about life span. A plasma display is often rated with a half life (i.e.the time until it is half as bright) - typically 60,000 hours. After that, your plasma will still be perfectly watchable but it’s just won’t be so bright. It’s a gradual process and you wouldn’t even notice it’s happening. LCD has a life span of 60,000 hours, after which you need to replace the back-light. Do the maths –if you watch TV for an average of 6 hours per day, every day, it will last you 27 years. Does anyone of you still have your TV which you bought 27 years ago?!

Many might not realize that despite being the newcomer, LCD is an older technology. In an attempt to sway more buyers to the technology that they manufacture, each side of the flat panel war has put out a lot of misinformation out there. For example, Sony only manufactures LCDs and they will do their best to convince the public that LCD is the best invention since sliced bread. On the other hand, the pioneer of plasma, Phillips will tell you otherwise.

In any face-off between the two technologies where the black level matters, it’s pretty safe to say that the plasma will win. LCD panels with the deepest black levels are just no match for the plasma. But rarely is the black level the whole story. On size, there are 40” LCD and 42” plasma. The 2 inch difference might not matters to the majority but to some males, it is god-send!

Before you take the plunge, you need to ask yourself how you are going to use it. If you say to watch TV, nobody can help you! If you are looking for something sexy and flat for the living room and a poster of Playmate of the year would not do - you must appreciate that most living rooms are brightly lit, either from fashionable lighting from Ikea or windows and door. Here,a plasma isn’t really the best choice as it invites reflection as the front of the plasma is glass...…reflective shiny glass. LCDs tend to be less reflective due to their polarizing. Another reason being that in a room with lots of ambient light and you need to turn the contrast up, it will invite burn in with plasma.

On the other hand, if you have a dedicated home theatre room, then LCD isn’t the way to go as the room is usually dark and LCDs are bright, which can be very fatiguing; especially if you want some romance with the SYT beside you. Generally speaking, if you watch TV more at night, plasma is the way to go. If you are a Tai Tai who watch a lot of TV during the day, then go for a LCD.

The key to smart buying is really how you are going to use your display. With that in mind, you can then focus on what it is you are really looking for in each technology.

[USJ27Resident]

The key to smart buying is really how you are going to use your display. With that in mind, you can then focus on what it is you are really looking for in each technology.

Thanks for the heads up... SunwayKid ! Best explaination so far.... :D Looks like its gonna be a XX" Plasma for my home... since wifey prefers those cosy yellow soft lights in the living room... instead of flourescent tubes...

after I collect my (RM10bigRM10small) 4D winnings..... :( number o number , when-la you wanna come out and make me happy...


In any face-off between the two technologies where the black level matters, it’s pretty safe to say that the plasma will win. LCD panels with the deepest black levels are just no match for the plasma. But rarely is the black level the whole story. On size, there are 40” LCD and 42” plasma. The 2 inch difference might not matters to the majority but to some males, it is god-send! Oso had a damn good laugh with that 2 inci description... You sure don't sound like a Kid to me... hahaa... :D

[bugbear]

I guess I am a bit old fashion although I am not that old. Until today I only know of tube TV and plasma but not the LCD TV. Thanks for all the info guys. Really help me to be a better consumer.

[Teeque]

Here is a link to the Plasma vs LCD TVs debate. (http://plasma-vs-lcd.com/plasma-lcd-start.htm)

[Sato]

Was told by a vendor that LCD tvs are good if you use it in conjunction with DVD players (which probably has enhanced definition) but produce poor images when used to view off the air TV and Astro channels. The vendor told me that if you prefer to watch Astro or off the air channels, then you should be buying Plasma sets.

So, any truth in that?

This is true! Becos the astro signal is still consider analogue not yet digitized thats why when the signal reach our LCD screen it become blur. My MIL house is using a Samsung 42 inch LCD screen, the picture is a little bit blur, the Lcd tv have a shrink function it can reduce the width of the screen to 32 inch to get a clearer picture,still you can see a bit blur, compare to those old tube tv or plasma which is better quality picture.
:)

[chin_wan]

I might be wrong, but I think the future is LCD. If set-top boxes becomes popular and interactive TV is a norm, then you do not need conversion from digital to analogue, an unnecessary additional step that will deteriorate some signals in the case of plasma TV. Also, interfacing LCD TV with computer will be a direct digital-to-digital link rather than another round of conversion for plasma TV. By using parallel argument, if you are using an LCD monitor with your computer with dvi input, then you will notice some difference if you use analogue input (without the good graphic card).

Nope....the future, I believe is in CRT! Yes...the old CRT will be making a comeback next year with much slimmer and sleek look. This is why I am waiting for it and not buying a new TV.

Read all about it here! (http://news.com.com/Slimmer+tube+TVs+to+challenge+flat+panels/2100-1041_3-5458670.html) (picture included)

[FineTuned]

Nope....the future, I believe is in CRT! Yes...the old CRT will be making a comeback next year with much slimmer and sleek look. This is why I am waiting for it and not buying a new TV.

Read all about it....
chin_wan, that article was written in 2004, and the slim CRTs have arrived, but seems to be a total failure.

Reasons?
1. The actual foot area is reduced, but not by much. No weight savings.
2. The image quality is atrocious. Check them out at the local electrical shops.
3. Priced at premium levels for old technology. Current LCD TVs are already cheaper for the same screen size.

I delayed my purchase of a new TV in 2004 due to this announcement then. Now it looks like a blessing in disguise, because the price of the LCD TVs have dropped so much that I would have regretted buying one then.

My choice today would be a 40" LCD TV over a 42" Plasma TV.

Reasons?
1. Cannot stand the big square pixels on the plasma screen.
2. WXGA resolution at below RM10,000.00. I can use this as a PC monitor, and get superb movie quality using a dvi connection with a good software player. For normal Astro and standard definition material, you can buy a video upscaler to improve the image quality.

But ultimately the best way to decide is to use your own eyes, since you will be staring at this screen (once you've bought it) for at least the next 5 years.

One man's meat is another man's poison.

[chin_wan]

You just stabbed a knife in my heart! Oh no! So long my fellow forumers...I think I shall now jump into Klang River now.

I was waiting for it to come to KL...where can I find them?

[FineTuned]

You just stabbed a knife in my heart! Oh no! So long my fellow forumers...I think I shall now jump into Klang River now.

I was waiting for it to come to KL...where can I find them?
Please, please forgive me.....I didn't mean to hurt you......sorry, sorry, sorry.....please don't jump!

The Samsung slim CRT TVs quietly sneaked into the shops late last year with minimal hoo hah. I think the local distro realised it was never going to take off....

You can view them at most of the big showrooms in the Shopping Complexes such as Subang Parade, Sunway Pyramid, etc. I think the 30" (?) was retailed at RM4000+ at launch. Sony immediately dumped their conventional 32" widescreen CRT at about RM2000 and killed Samsung's entry.

You should feel very happy that you have saved yourself a lot of money! Like me lah....

[denver]

The Samsung slim CRT TVs quietly sneaked into the shops late last year with minimal hoo hah. I think the local distro realised it was never going to take off....

You can view them at most of the big showrooms in the Shopping Complexes such as Subang Parade, Sunway Pyramid, etc. I think the 30" (?) was retailed at RM4000+ at launch. Sony immediately dumped their conventional 32" widescreen CRT at about RM2000 and killed Samsung's entry.

Yes, the Samsung 32" Slim CRT is one of my shortlisted TV, as an alternative to LCD TVs. But after reading a LOT of bad reviews on multiple forums, and after seeing the problem my self (distorsion and poor picture quality), I decided not to buy.

FineTuned, which shop did you see the Sony coventional 32" CRT TV? I've been loking everywhere for this model and couldn't find it.

[FineTuned]

...which shop did you see the Sony coventional 32" CRT TV? I've been loking everywhere for this model and couldn't find it.
I saw it at HSL Subang Parade and a few big showrooms displaying Sony TVs. But I think the stock should have been sold out by now - the offer was many months back. Sony TVs sell very well, especially when there is an cheap sale. It was selling at above RM3000 before the `lelong sale'.

[chin_wan]

I dream of one day having a plasma wall at home so that I can change the colour of my wall anytime I want according to my mood. Or if I am in the mood of Zhang ZiYi today, I can have her face on the wall...

Ahhh.....heaven on earth!

[sirgalahad2010]

When will Msia have HDTV (High Definition TV)?

The best Plasma TV, imho, is the Panasonic TH-42PV500. It has HDMI input, which gives fantastic picture quality from DVDs, when hooked up to a DVD player with HDMI output.

For LCD TVs, I think they are best for screen sizes 32 inches and below. You can check out the new Sony Bravia KDL-32V2000 or the Toshiba 32WLT66, both of which have HDMI inputs.