Help choosing TV

[vroom_skies]

Hey all,
I'm in the market for a new TV. I've been doing a bunch of research, but am still way up in the air on what to do.

Obviously the three main techs would be LED, LCD & Plasma. From what I gathered LEDs are by a long shot the best. Then LCDs followed by plasmas (which I heard use very dated tech and isn't much of a reason still to go with them..?).

I'd like the price to be below $650. However wouldn't mind seeing other options they they warant the price of a tiny bit more.

This one model has me confused. From what I can tell it's a full speced 47inch LED TV going for a fraction of what I'd expect. I must be missing something:
http://www2.shopping.com/LG-47SL9000/info

This is another of the main contenders for me. Not sure at all if this one would be the best of the bunch, but it seemed to be a decent value:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40C530-40-Inch-1080p-Black/dp/B0036WT3NO

Thanks in advance for the help.
Bob

 

[xrintrahx]

There is something wrong with the first link. When you click through to the actual stores, you will see a 32" model at that price. I don't think you can actually get the 47" for anywhere close to that. Are you able to get any of those prices for that set on any of the linked sites?

Plasma isn't necessarily the worst, nor is LED necessarily the best. Furthermore, LED just describes the type of backlighting. The set is still LCD. So there really aren't 3 categories, as such, but two (with various backlighting options). For example, you could have edgelit LED backlighting, which means the LED are just places around the edges, and some complain of "flashlighting" problems with those sets.That said, when it comes to LCDs, sets that have full LED backlighting with local dimming are able to achieve the best black levels. This is important because Plasma has always had superior blacks when compared to LCDs.

Furthermore, what will be hooked up to the TV (will you game? do you have a HTPC? cable, blu-ray players, etc) What sort of features do you want? Do you want your TV to have internet apps, and netflix access and stuff like that? How far do you sit from the TV? What is your audio situation, and any other information you think may be helpful along these lines.

 

[vroom_skies]

You're right, the site must be messed up. When I follow the links through its gives me the 32inch model.

Thanks for correcting me on the tech aspect. Ya learn something new all the time it seems.

For right now the TV will just be used with HD cable and later down the line with an HTPC. I doubt there will be any gaming on it and no real features stand out in my mind as of now, so I wouldn't factor those into the search too much. The audio situation is still up in the air, but it would be nice for the TV to have fairly decent speakers. Sitting can varry, but on average I'd say 12 feet or so.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JohnDC]

For gaming, Plasma is usually the best bet, it has by far the lowest input lag and the fastest response time.
Plasma still has the deepest blacks, although the top of the line LED LCD's are coming close, although they are much more expensive.
Plasma is known for 2 major drawbacks:
1. Burn-in, or Image Retention, which has been GREATLY diminished in the past few years. My Pioneer 50" is used with a HTPC, so I surf the net, it is often also used with ESPN. There is no sign of burn-in whatsoever. I do not game on it however.
For movies, most videophiles still prefer plasma for the most cinema-like image, but the image is not as bright, and can be a problem in a bright room. But the image looks great from all angles, so if you have seats scattered all over your viewing room, it will look best.
2. High energy consumption and heat. This also has greatly diminished in recent years, but my plasma certainly runs hotter than my LCD does.
LCD's in general have very little chance of burn-in, are lighter, use less power, and are much brighter. Off-axis viewing sucks, it dims greatly when you sit a few feet off of center.
People say Plasma's are very reflective, and some are. The top quality sets have pretty good anti-reflective coatings, and are no worse than most LCDs. And many of your top LCD's have a shinier screen than most new plasmas!
Like I said, I have both types, and like both.
A really good resource for you would be avsforum.com, they have a great display section, read and learn, grasshopper!

 

[xrintrahx]

Yeah, that is another thing to consider. DO you do much daytime TV watching? Does your room have windows in it? What is the lighting situation, and how often will you be watching in the dark? I, for example, have my TV in a room with a giant south facing window, and I had a mat screen as a requirement to cut down on glare. But LCD manufacturers have been moving towards glossy screens to improve the black levels. So one of the main differences between the LN40C530 and LN40C550 is the glossiness of the screens. (the latter being the more glossy one).

That Samsung screen has fairly good reviews all around. I was going to recommend going with last years model, the LN40B530, but it appears that amazon price for the newer model is cheaper (which normally isn't the case). Another feature they are throwing in newer and higher end screens is higher refresh rate. The LN40C630 has 120hz vs. 60hz. The difference between the two isn't that significant to some, and some individuals don't like the effect it produces during film (search for "soap opera effect"). Others do like how the 120hz processing smooths the action and picture. It really is a personal choice that you may want to examine in person, but you can always save money by skipping the 120, and you probably won't ever miss it.

 

[SJetski71]

From what I gathered LEDs are by a long shot the best. Then LCDs followed by plasmas (which I heard use very dated tech and isn't much of a reason still to go with them..?

OP this above statement is entirely incorrect for way too many reasons my hung-over brain can list . It's both generalizing and incorrect and sounds like you've heard too much brainwashed street opinion. But long story short, plasma is not dead end, it keeps advancing in many ways, including the best 3D currently, better and constantly evolving onboard video chips, power usage reductions year after year, less input lag or comparable, thinner profiles, much less heat than before, internet apps. LG plasmas made great advancements in 2010 (Dual XD engine etc etc), Samsung models remain very competitive, and Panasonic has treats for us in 2011. Doesn't sound so dead-end now does it?

I'm not saying "plasma is better always", not at all. But it's still evolving and advancing, and remains extremely competitive to LCD. But everyone's needs and preferences are different so we pick and choose the tech that best suits us.

But if you want an overflow of research info, here's a few links:

AVS LCD forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166

AVS Plasma forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=167

AVS general flat panel technology forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40 <-- in this sub-forum they discuss and compare all TV types.

And a professional TV calibrator's opinions on a bunch of models, and a comparison chart at the bottom of the page: Chad B reviews . Based upon his review i purchased the LG 50PK550 plasma and haven't looked back since, got it for a really good price at the time.

 

[xrintrahx]

Also, if you are going to be sitting at 12+ ft, and you are looking at a 40" screen, you could probably pick up a 720p plasma for a couple hundred less than the Samsung LCD. At those distances and screen size, 1080p would not be an improvement. Not sure how budget minded you are, but that is one way to save some money. If you aren't that concerned with saving cash, ignore this.

 

[SJetski71]

Also, if you are going to be sitting at 12+ ft, and you are looking at a 40" screen, you could probably pick up a 720p plasma for a couple hundred less than the Samsung LCD. At those distances and screen size, 1080p would not be an improvement. Not sure how budget minded you are, but that is one way to save some money. If you aren't that concerned with saving cash, ignore this.

Good point, 12ft is considered a far viewing distance, at this point the OP should shop for bigger sizes in addition to the features he's looking for. He won't notice the difference between 720P and 1080P at that distance and with the exception of Blu-ray all of the content we watch is SD, 720P 1080i anyway.

He's a perfect candidate for a good but yet inexpensive 50" 720P plasma, 40" will look like a mini-screen at 12ft.

 

[matz8916]

I would not go for an LCD tv because this is a technology which is on the outside looking in and won't be here for long once LED become cheaper. The black and colors of an LCD will never be true because of the light projecting the image. LED are great tv's but the prices seem to be fairly high right now but like I said once it becomes the norm it would def be the leader.

As for plasmas, I've had a Samsung Plasma for 4 years now and I haven't yet been able to find a non plasma display that can reproduce colors like my TV. A lil bit bout burn-in... it isn't really a factor anymore because even my TV of 4 years old has no problems with it and a Iplay PS3 on it daily. Think of a plasma TV like an "etch-a sketch" If you draw something and leave it there for a long time it will eventually become permanent.... However i do see burn in sometimes but that is only temporary and after watching 4 hours of hockey with the ticker constantly on scree, but after changing through channels it goes away.

When it comes to Plasmas Panasonics are the best and im sure now you can get a good 1080p plasma for cheap. And when it comes to resolutions 720p/1080p if your TV isn't 42" or bigger and you aren't that far to the TV the quality difference is barely noticed.

One thing bout Plasmas is that the TV's are heavy as hell so you'll need some help to put it up!

But once again if you can find a plasma (preferably a Panasonic for a reasonable price than go for it!). I've worked at Best Buy HT section for a year and from all the TV's I've sen and played with Panasonics plasmas always left me impressed, especially when we would play a Planet Earth blu-ray (wow was it gorgeous!)

A VERY IMPORTANT FACT!!!! To prevent burn-in from ever being an issue, DO NOT!!! put your Brightness/contrast/color settings at max for roughly the first 2-3 months. Let your TV settle in, and you will need not worry bout burn-in. This is something people often overlook and forget to mention and it is the best way to prevent burn-in from happening!



Good luck!

 

[JohnDC]

I would not go for an LCD tv because this is a technology which is on the outside looking in and won't be here for long once LED become cheaper. The black and colors of an LCD will never be true because of the light projecting the image. LED are great tv's but the prices seem to be fairly high right now but like I said once it becomes the norm it would def be the leader.

An LED IS an LCD, the only difference is that it uses LED's for backlight, instead of CCFL. In fact some of the cheaper LED's are "edge lit" and produce uneven lighting.

 

[SJetski71]

I would not go for an LCD tv because this is a technology which is on the outside looking in and won't be here for long once LED become cheaper. The black and colors of an LCD will never be true because of the light projecting the image. LED are great tv's but the prices seem to be fairly high right now but like I said once it becomes the norm it would def be the leader.

As for plasmas, I've had a Samsung Plasma for 4 years now and I haven't yet been able to find a non plasma display that can reproduce colors like my TV. A lil bit bout burn-in... it isn't really a factor anymore because even my TV of 4 years old has no problems with it and a Iplay PS3 on it daily. Think of a plasma TV like an "etch-a sketch" If you draw something and leave it there for a long time it will eventually become permanent.... However i do see burn in sometimes but that is only temporary and after watching 4 hours of hockey with the ticker constantly on scree, but after changing through channels it goes away.

When it comes to Plasmas Panasonics are the best and im sure now you can get a good 1080p plasma for cheap. And when it comes to resolutions 720p/1080p if your TV isn't 42" or bigger and you aren't that far to the TV the quality difference is barely noticed.

One thing bout Plasmas is that the TV's are heavy as hell so you'll need some help to put it up!

But once again if you can find a plasma (preferably a Panasonic for a reasonable price than go for it!). I've worked at Best Buy HT section for a year and from all the TV's I've sen and played with Panasonics plasmas always left me impressed, especially when we would play a Planet Earth blu-ray (wow was it gorgeous!)

A VERY IMPORTANT FACT!!!! To prevent burn-in from ever being an issue, DO NOT!!! put your Brightness/contrast/color settings at max for roughly the first 2-3 months. Let your TV settle in, and you will need not worry bout burn-in. This is something people often overlook and forget to mention and it is the best way to prevent burn-in from happening!



Good luck!

The OP doesn't have many panasonic plasmas to choose from in his $650 price range, and i wouldn't recommend him the Panny C2 series unless it was on some blow-out sale of course.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the quality of LG's and Samsung's 2010 plasmas, even compared to Panasonic. Plus it's hard comparing stuff in the store because it often looks the opposite in the home.

And as mentioned in the previous post, LED is LCD, just a different backlight, and some are worse than CCFL backlights.

Burn in is no longer the issue, now it's temporary IR (image retention), which is at worst a mild annoyance for some, i never noticed any on my LG 50PK550, i'm sure it's there but i'd have to struggle to see it even with 20/20 vision.

It's hard to generalize this stuff, there's just too many exceptions.

 

[clarkkent57]

Depends on your budget.

For lowest energy consumption and a TV that will last a very long time, then the LED is your natural choice.

If it's an immediate budget concern, then LCD is the way to go. You'll find more bargains in this area, and energy consumption is still low.

If picture quality is the only consideration, then plasma is where it's at.

 

[SJetski71]

If it's an immediate budget concern, then LCD is the way to go. You'll find more bargains in this area..

This part doesn't make sense. Plasmas in the 42", 50" and 55" sizes are cheaper than LCD per square inch.

The OP stated his budget, $650, and his viewing distance is 12ft, he mentioned that the 47" size interested him. Meaning he gave us a decent amount of info to work with.

 

[clarkkent57]

LCD vs Plasma Price Comparison @ TigerDirect:

These two televisions are the least expensive of the 46-47" 1080p in each category. I'm only using this as a benchmark, and not saying that these are the only two TVs you will find at the cheapest price.
You just have to do the homework at other sites and look for in-store specials.

From Google Shopping:

RCA 47LA55RS 47" LCD HDTV - 1080p, 1920x1080, 16:9, 240Hz, 20000:1 Dynamic, 4ms, 4 HDMI $750

Panasonic TCP46S2 46" Class Viera S2 Series Plasma CleanTouch Bezel Design - 1080p, 1920x1080, 16:9, 2000000:1 Dynamic, 3 HDMI $800

Right now, Sears has free shipping on certain TVs. If you'd settle for a 720p 50" plasma, they've got a Zenith for $599.

Conn's online has a 46" Panasonic 720p plasma for $499 with free shipping.

@ true 1080p, prices noticeably jump on the plasmas to around $700 (least expensive) putting them in about the same class as the 1080p LCDs.

Walmart.com is advertising a refurb'ed Vizio 47" LCD for about $650. (I love my 37" Vizio.)

 

[SJetski71]

LCD vs Plasma Price Comparison @ TigerDirect:

These two televisions are the least expensive of the 46-47" 1080p in each category. I'm only using this as a benchmark, and not saying that these are the only two TVs you will find at the cheapest price.
You just have to do the homework at other sites and look for in-store specials.

RCA 47LA55RS 47" LCD HDTV - 1080p, 1920x1080, 16:9, 240Hz, 20000:1 Dynamic, 4ms, 4 HDMI $750

Panasonic TCP46S2 46" Class Viera S2 Series Plasma CleanTouch Bezel Design - 1080p, 1920x1080, 16:9, 2000000:1 Dynamic, 3 HDMI $800

You've discovered one of the few exceptions to the "general rule" . 46" plasmas are priced the same as 50" plasmas, making them a poor value choice imho. Unrelated trivia: these 46" plasmas are nearly impossible to find in brick and mortar stores for whatever reason.

In the 42" and 50" categories the story changes. And this is using a larger sample size, not just a single online store. 42" 720P name brand, or rebranded name brand, plasmas can be had for around $400 ON SALE pretty often. Even a rebranded 50" LG 720P plasma recently went on sale for $513 + tax, there's no way LCD comes close to that. Other 50" 720P models go on sale but for a bit more of course.

But like i said the OP has roughly $650 to spend, and has a 12ft viewing distance, the 46" + 47" size should be his minimum imho, but 50" and larger would be an ideal compromise of size + price + long viewing distance. But the OP's preferences are what count, maybe he prefers 1080P and wouldn't mind the smaller size, or buying a lower tier brand, just so he can get it it?

 

[clarkkent57]

In the 42" and 50" categories the story changes. And this is using a larger sample size, not just a single online store. 42" 720P name brand, or rebranded name brand, plasmas can be had for around $400 ON SALE pretty often. Even a rebranded 50" LG 720P plasma recently went on sale for $513 + tax, there's no way LCD comes close to that. Other 50" 720P models go on sale but for a bit more of course.

Then it would probably be helpful to the OP for you to post these, right?

Also, notice that I didn't post the comparative deals I could find for LCDs, but they're out there, and especially for off-brands. I'm moving and don't have the time to spend researching every little thing. I also am trying to be fair and not post apples-to-oranges comparisons. 46-47" is where you can start noticing the differences between 720p and 1080p. Consequently, it's not really a fair comparison to post the lowest price 720p plasma against the same-size 1080p LCD and call them the same.

The reason that plasmas are getting hard to find is because their manufacturers are phasing them out and moving toward LED LCD. So, after a couple of years after finding a deal on a plasma, it might be difficult and expensive to service, as parts become scarce (and, since it's usually the same part that fails on a particular brand/model, then those spares disappear pretty quickly.)

Also, factor in the cost for power over a period of time. Again, that levels the playing field a little more fairly over time, and that time passes pretty quickly for a long-term purchase.

I'm not saying you're wrong, mind you, I'm just saying that there are more things to consider than just "cherry picking" the price of purchase by that factor alone. (Unless, of course,it's only size and price that are the only two factors considered.)

 

[SJetski71]

Then it would probably be helpful to the OP for you to post these, right?

Also, notice that I didn't post the comparative deals I could find for LCDs, but they're out there, and especially for off-brands. I'm moving and don't have the time to spend researching every little thing. I also am trying to be fair and not post apples-to-oranges comparisons. 46-47" is where you can start noticing the differences between 720p and 1080p. Consequently, it's not really a fair comparison to post the lowest price 720p plasma against the same-size 1080p LCD and call them the same.

The reason that plasmas are getting hard to find is because their manufacturers are phasing them out and moving toward LED LCD. So, after a couple of years after finding a deal on a plasma, it might be difficult and expensive to service, as parts become scarce (and, since it's usually the same part that fails on a particular brand/model, then those spares disappear pretty quickly.)

Also, factor in the cost for power over a period of time. Again, that levels the playing field a little more fairly over time, and that time passes pretty quickly for a long-term purchase.

I'm not saying you're wrong, mind you, I'm just saying that there are more things to consider than just "cherry picking" the price of purchase by that factor alone. (Unless, of course,it's only size and price that are the only two factors considered.)

I hear you, we're down to splitting hairs at this point.

It's up to each of us to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all the different choices.

In the meantime it looks like the OP has disappeared, but he has plenty of info now to proceed so all should be well. Viewpoints and counter-viewpoints can reveal loads of info sometimes

 

[JohnDC]

It would help if you would get YOUR facts straight.
Plasmas are far from being phased out, especially with 3D becoming the next big thing. 3D on LCD is pretty poor, plasma works far better. Panasonic is the driving force behind plasma tech right now, and they are improving their models each year. LG and Samsung are also big players in plasmas.
And in your Tiger Direct comparison you were comparing an RCA LCD to a Panasonic Plasma? Really? ROFLMAO

 

[bastage]

IMHO Plasmas are better for color reproduction & black levels. As mentioned above the new LG PK series is also as thin as the LED's are, & better picture in most price points.

As an AV professional my recommendation is always go to a store with as many different sets as you can find & look at them & see what looks best to your eyes.. Thats the same thing I have been telling people for over a decade now..

I will also tell you that my next set will be a LG 60PK550 (larger version of SJetski71's 50")

Another important factor is the distance & the source. As mentioned if your above 12' your better off using your budget on a 50" 720p set as compared to a 42" 1080p. And on anything other then blue ray you will rarely have a source capable of even pushing 1080p, so if blue ray isnt a concearn then even less then 12' your money would be better spent on a 50" 720p

 

[clarkkent57]

If you want an LCD, then Wal-Mart's got some sets in the range you're looking for, all with free site to store shipping:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Viore-LC46VF60/14978589

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vizio-RBSV470M/14978587

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vizio-RBVL470M/15105451

Personally, I'd go for one of the refurb'ed Vizio TVs before I'd buy the Viore...but customers love the Viore too.

 

[SJetski71]

I will also tell you that my next set will be a LG 60PK550 (larger version of SJetski71's 50")

Just wait till you get your hands on it, you're going to love it. It's a great compromise of high end picture + tweaking capability combined with a no-frills feature set which lowers the price for us enthusiasts . FIOS SD programming looks very "acceptable" on it too.

LG just released the 1080P PK250 series in north america, not sure if it carries the same tweaking options but i'd research it really quick before pulling the trigger on something else. My guess is that it may be missing something you want and you'll end up going with the PK550 anyway, but i may be wrong.

 

[bastage]

Just wait till you get your hands on it, you're going to love it. It's a great compromise of high end picture + tweaking capability combined with a no-frills feature set which lowers the price for us enthusiasts . FIOS SD programming looks very "acceptable" on it too.

LG just released the 1080P PK250 series in north america, not sure if it carries the same tweaking options but i'd research it really quick before pulling the trigger on something else. My guess is that it may be missing something you want and you'll end up going with the PK550 anyway, but i may be wrong.

actually given current pricing newegg has the 60pk750 for 1700 I think it was so I would actually be leaning at that over the 550 given the price..

I will look into the 250 series.. its been my experience that with LG's the lower end sets are still better performers then I need. Just more features in the other sets that I wont use.. The most important extra feature though will be able to use the LG wireless Video sender thingy..

Edit: wow.. that 250 can be had in the 1300 dollar range.. thats smoking for a name brand 60" plasma

 

[SJetski71]

actually given current pricing newegg has the 60pk750 for 1700 I think it was so I would actually be leaning at that over the 550 given the price..

I will look into the 250 series.. its been my experience that with LG's the lower end sets are still better performers then I need. Just more features in the other sets that I wont use.. The most important extra feature though will be able to use the LG wireless Video sender thingy..

Edit: wow.. that 250 can be had in the 1300 dollar range.. thats smoking for a name brand 60" plasma

If you're a picture tweaker, which i suspect you are, then bad news about the PK750 series, it's calibration settings are borked and won't stick well, driving even professionals batty when calibrating (check his reviews).

Don't get me wrong, from a Joe 6-pack viewpoint the PK750 is probably a great TV with good picture pre-sets and feature-set, but that one detail was important enough for me to mention imho. Not sure if it's something they'll fix with a firmware update, which only an LG service center can apply btw.

Ya, the PK250 series is their new entry level 1080P set, still nice and thin. It bumped up the PK550 when it was introduced.

 

[bastage]

Yea I do some tweaking on the pictures normally (when my wife aint looking).. Given the cost & the quick reviews I just found though that 60pk250 looks like a hell of a deal.. Also of note the 50pk250 was 650 a few weeks ago at fry's.. Of everything mentioned in budget that would be a better set then everything else mentioned if you can catch it on sale again.. & Depending on how big of a hurry the OP is black friday always leads to some good finds.

 

[SJetski71]

A thin 50" LG 1080P pk250 plasma for $650, a complete no brainer for those lucky enough to catch it on sale.

 

[vroom_skies]

Dang, thanks for all the help everyone.
I don't have time to read through the thread today. However hopefully sometime soon, as I'm sure there is loads of great information in here.

 

[clarkkent57]

Well, there are also TONS of deals on TVs @ eCost within your budget as well, so don't rule them out either. Got the email only today.