HDTVs: LCD, LED or Plasma?

[NiX]

Boxing Day (Canadian Black Friday) is coming up and I got a $200 giftcard from work for Christmas, so I want to get a hi-def TV. Just don't know if it's worth it to pay more for LED or if it's even worth it for an LCD TV.

I'll probably be gaming (PC, 360) mostly and watching the occasional movie. I've lost track entirely of what to look for or what matters.

Budget doesn't matter right now because the deals will obviously offset whatever is listed right now.

[Salamok]

I'm still insanely happy with my Vizio (had it for just over a year), they did not have an LED model when I bought mine but if they did I probably would have gone for that, LED advantages: usually thinner, lighter weight, more power efficient, longer lasting.  I would also steer clear of anything below 120hz (aka 60 hz) and restrict the search to 1080p sets only.  

I guess a bunch of people have said don't go by what you see in the store because they are showing you content they have specifically tuned the set for or some such.  Not sure about this, when I bought my TV it looked like they were just showing cable broadcast football and such, I immediately ruled out a few sets that looked like shit (looked like they had a ton of jpeg artifacts due to scaling) and pretty much every 60hz set looked dingy compared to the 120hz+.

edit: oh yeah when figuring out what size, you want account for 4:3 aspect ratio content.  There is still a fair bit of this out there and if you don't turn the auto zoom to fill entire screen setting on (makes everything short and fat) it ends up not using a ton of your screen real estate.  My TV is set to expand the picture yet keep the aspect ratio and on a 47" watching 4:3 content feels like I am back on an old school 36" TV (size wise anyhow).  Also, while rare, some TV channels broadcast 720 content in a manner that foils your zoom (network logo's and shit in a border around the picture) so you end up with a 720p picture floating in the middle of your TV with a black border around it this basically turns my 47" tv into a 40" tv.

[rattran]

My boss recently bought a big (56") LED, but had looked at all the various options. It's really seems down to personal preference, LED is thinner than LCD, but I saw more light bleed and halos than on my LCD. Plasma claims to have worked out the dimming issues, and has less of an issue with burn-in. Of all the sets he made me look at, the Plasmas seemed nicest overall. Panasonic G25 series stuffs.

I'm quite happy with my several years old 40" 1080p Samsung, but the plasmas were tempting

[Morat20]

I have a 3 year old Samsung LCD -- admittedly, I got the model with the good refresh and solid contrast, but I've been very happy with it.

Amusingly my father-in-law and two of my friends all, completely independently, settled on the exact same TV -- except we all have different sizes.

[WayAbvPar]

Got one of these about a month ago to replace a 60" DLP that went tits up (I missed the extended warranty by 2 weeks and so had to pay $450 for the replacement...argh). So far so good- I love it. My in-laws bought the 60" version, and theirs was bundled with a wireless adapter. Since they don't even have an internet connection, they gave the adapter to me, so I can do Netflix and such through the TV interface- very cool.

My only 'complaint' is that the sound varies WIDELY depending on the input source and even the channel. My old TV I would use 16-18 volume for playing Xbox games, and 20-25 for TV/Movies. On the new TV I go from 14-18 for Xbox to literally 50+ for some things. Not sure why, but it is mildly annoying.

[Nebu]

I bought a tv about a year ago and the absolute best piece of advice they gave me was:

Buy a television one size larger than you were planning on. 

Regardless of the display type, I think this was sage advice. 

[Salamok]

When considering size all purists methods aside you really can't go wrong with:

• It will physically fit in the room.
• Where you sit allows you to see the edges of the TV w/o moving your head.
• You can afford it.

After all the purists just came up with all that mathematical reasoning explaining why their TV is really the best for their space so that they had an explanation to give other than "This was the largest TV my wife would let me buy!".

[Mrbloodworth]

Speaking of, my TV just went wonky. Power is on, blue light is on, but its just black screen. Previous to this it would just go black, but would come back if I powered the machine off and on.

So, to add to the topic, make sure you have a warranty or some such plan.

[SnakeCharmer]

I bought a tv about a year ago and the absolute best piece of advice they gave me was:

Buy a television one size larger than you were planning on. 

Regardless of the display type, I think this was sage advice. 

Absolutely awesome advice.

So, to add to the topic, make sure you have a warranty or some such plan.

If you're spending several thousand dollars, sure.  Get the warranty that costs 400 bucks.  But if you're buying a $1000-1500 TV that is going to be $500-750 in 6-12 months, it's really not worth it.

[Polysorbate80]

Other than some small OLED screens, LED televisions are still LCDs, with the LEDs only replacing the compact fluorescent backlights.  That may or may not improve the picture.

Edge-lit LEDs are very thin, but the lights are spaced around the rim of the TV (hence the name "edge-lit") pointing in.  On a good model of TV, this is fine--you'll still get even screen lighting and your tv will be very thin & light-weight, but won't have any better picture quality.

True LED backlights can allow for better black levels in the image, because they can be turned off completely on small sections of the screen to allow those sections to be dark.  However, not all of these TVs are created equal; some don't really have enough "zones" to make the LED light useful for this.

-----

I *do* think it's possible to have too big a TV, but you can toss out the "rules" for size; it depends on individual tastes.  Just measure the space you have to put it in and the distance you sit from the screen, and look at the ones that fit that space from that distance to see which size works best for you personally.

[Sky]

LED DLP FTW

I don't think there's a big one with LED, though. If I had to buy a new tv and budget was a consideration, I'd get this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889248059

Room size considerations are BS. Games, movies, football on a really big tv are awesome. Unless you have an extremely tiny space. But when we were in the den while remodeling the living room, we were maybe 7' away from the 65" 1080p 120Hz set and it was great, in an very small space, just enough for the loveseat, coffee table and tv stand.

[Mrbloodworth]

LED DLP FTW

I don't think there's a big one with LED, though. If I had to buy a new tv and budget was a consideration, I'd get this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889248059

Room size considerations are BS. Games, movies, football on a really big tv are awesome. Unless you have an extremely tiny space. But when we were in the den while remodeling the living room, we were maybe 7' away from the 65" 1080p 120Hz set and it was great, in an very small space, just enough for the loveseat, coffee table and tv stand.

oh dam.....

[Trippy]

Fucking marketing people.

In terms of picture quality plasma is still the best. If you are going to do a lot of gaming on it, however, burn-in is potentially a concern. Modern plasmas have various technologies to minimize this but it can still happen.

All else being equal (which they never are) the next best in terms of picture quality between plasmas and direct-view LCDs is an RGB ("colored") local dimming LED-lit LCD. These, however, use almost as much power as plasmas. At the bottom are "white" edge-lit LED LCDs. The only advantages those have are thinness and reduced energy usage.

[NiX]

Other than some small OLED screens, LED televisions are still LCDs, with the LEDs only replacing the compact fluorescent backlights.  That may or may not improve the picture.

Edge-lit LEDs are very thin, but the lights are spaced around the rim of the TV (hence the name "edge-lit") pointing in.  On a good model of TV, this is fine--you'll still get even screen lighting and your tv will be very thin & light-weight, but won't have any better picture quality.

True LED backlights can allow for better black levels in the image, because they can be turned off completely on small sections of the screen to allow those sections to be dark.  However, not all of these TVs are created equal; some don't really have enough "zones" to make the LED light useful for this.

Thanks for this, its been mentioned to me that LED isn't just there yet unless you're willing to drop some serious money, which I'm not. LCD have come down enough that if the high priced variant isn't THAT much better, why bother?

As for size, I was set on 42", but thought it would be better to go to 46"-52" if the price is right. As for accommodating 4:3 content, not a problem. I won't have cable when I move out and I download all my shows (16:9).

I've heard that Plasmas can generate some noise, but I've never heard it. Anyone know if this is common? Also, the giftcard is for Best Buy, so I'll have to buy there. Not sure if that limits my selection too much.

Fucking marketing people.

In terms of picture quality plasma is still the best. If you are going to do a lot of gaming on it, however, burn-in is potentially a concern. Modern plasmas have various technologies to minimize this but it can still happen.

All else being equal (which they never are) the next best in terms of picture quality between plasmas and direct-view LCDs is an RGB ("colored") local dimming LED-lit LCD. These, however, use almost as much power as plasmas. At the bottom are "white" edge-lit LED LCDs. The only advantages those have are thinness and reduced energy usage

Is there a resource for burn-in? I do most of my gaming on my PC and it's iffy on whether or not I would actually game on the TV with my PC. As for 360, and potentially Wii, my time with those consoles is usually 2 hours or less.

[Prospero]

I've played a fair amount of games on my plasma with no noticeable impact. My plasma doesn't generate any noise and is fucking gorgeous. Also they are generally way the hell cheaper than LED LCDs and the like. Would buy again.

Also I agree with the size comment; I thought it was possible for a TV to be too big. I was wrong.

[Nebu]

Fucking marketing people.

My old beta machine agrees with you.

[Oban]

Boxing Day (Canadian Black Friday) is coming up and I got a $200 giftcard from work for Christmas...

At which store is the gift card valid?

[fuser]

Boxing Day (Canadian Black Friday) is coming up and I got a $200 giftcard from work for Christmas, so I want to get a hi-def TV. Just don't know if it's worth it to pay more for LED or if it's even worth it for an LCD TV.

I'll probably be gaming (PC, 360) mostly and watching the occasional movie. I've lost track entirely of what to look for or what matters.

Budget doesn't matter right now because the deals will obviously offset whatever is listed right now.

Follow the RFD boxing day forums as they generally have the heads up on the sales. LCD, 1080p, 120Hz are the things to stick with as minimums. I'd look at some of the features to see what models offer too such as a headphone jack, auto power off(current LCD is missing this and its an annoyance), number of connections, etc.

[MisterNoisy]

I've been using a 47" Vizio local-dimming LED-LCD for just under a year now ($1100 in January) as my primary TV and am quite happy with it.  

Honestly, the LCD/LED vs plasma debate largely comes down to ambient light - if you have a lot (nearby windows, etc.) go LCD (ideally local-dimming LED-LCD), as they generally have matte-finish screens, while plasmas tend to have glossy ones.  If you don't, go plasma, because the picture is better in ideal situations and burn-in isn't really an issue now (though you may see short-term image retention still).  Edge-lit LED-LCD isn't worth your time or money, IMO.

[NiX]

At which store is the gift card valid?

Best Buy.

Follow the RFD boxing day forums as they generally have the heads up on the sales. LCD, 1080p, 120Hz are the things to stick with as minimums. I'd look at some of the features to see what models offer too such as a headphone jack, auto power off(current LCD is missing this and its an annoyance), number of connections, etc.

Yeah, I've been watching RFD, but the Best Buy flyer/deals haven't leaked yet.

[Oban]

Might want to wait until February then, that is usually when BestBuyCanada has the lowest prices on name brand TVs.

[ShenMolo]

One word of caution about Plasmas:

I bought a 52" plasma for @ $600 last Christmas. I love the picture and it gets plenty of compliments, but make SURE that the lighting in your viewing room is right. Do NOT put it in a room that has windows opposite the TV.

My last house had windows on the opposite wall from the TV, and I had to buy blackout curtains to watch the TV during daytime, the glare and washout was so bad. My plasma is crisp and beautiful in a dark room, but almost unwatchable if there is any direct light shining on it.

Now I have the TV in a room where the windows are on the same wall as the TV, so they don't shine on it. It is much better, and very watchable during the day. But at night I still have to turn off lamps or lights in other rooms that reflect off the screen.

Concerning burn in:

If you play video games on the TV, make sure you don't leave the TV on with the game paused for a while. I did once and I had a ghost impression of the game UI left on the screen for days.

[Sky]

DLP doesn't have any burn-in issues, btw. If you don't absolutely need a flat screen, I don't know why you wouldn't get more bang for your buck with one. *shrug* If you have an nvidia gpu, you can spend the savings on 3d vision and play almost every game in 3d on any 120 Hz DLP, too (because it can do checkerboard).

[NiX]

DLP doesn't have any burn-in issues, btw. If you don't absolutely need a flat screen, I don't know why you wouldn't get more bang for your buck with one. *shrug* If you have an nvidia gpu, you can spend the savings on 3d vision and play almost every game in 3d on any 120 Hz DLP, too (because it can do checkerboard).

I don't have an extra 3x6 to accomodate the behemoth nor the want to have to lug a TV of that size around every time I move. Also, 73" is by far way too large.

Might want to wait until February then, that is usually when BestBuyCanada has the lowest prices on name brand TVs.

Are they that much better than a boxing day deal? Or am I just more likely to have more selection that's on sale?

[Tannhauser]

I had a great 46" Samsung until my house was broken into, now I'm looking at a 40" Sony.  I want 1080p for my Blu-Ray laptop and would like 120Hz for my football games.  But I just generally buy whatever picture appeals to me the most. 

[Oban]

Might want to wait until February then, that is usually when BestBuyCanada has the lowest prices on name brand TVs.

Are they that much better than a boxing day deal? Or am I just more likely to have more selection that's on sale?

Yes, the sales are usually much better just before Superbowl and you do not need to deal with the insane boxing day crowds.

[Baldrake]

My only TV advice is, don't overspend. There's so much innovation in TVs now that in a few years, you'll be wishing you had something newer. Buy something modest so that you won't feel bad about upgrading down the line.

(It's funny, my parents just replaced their old TV that they had owned for more than 20 years. Can any of us imagine owning the same TV for 20 years?)

[Lantyssa]

(Yes.)

[Sky]

Silly Lantyssa, embrace our consumer paradise littered with crap that only works for a couple years before needing to be completely replaced rather than repaired.

[Slayerik]

I love both my 42" plasma and 50" plasma. And they were cheap.

[NiX]

Yes, the sales are usually much better just before Superbowl and you do not need to deal with the insane boxing day crowds.

I had forgotten about Super Bowl. Good call, Oban. I'm glad you came back when you did.

My only TV advice is, don't overspend. There's so much innovation in TVs now that in a few years, you'll be wishing you had something newer. Buy something modest so that you won't feel bad about upgrading down the line.

(It's funny, my parents just replaced their old TV that they had owned for more than 20 years. Can any of us imagine owning the same TV for 20 years?)

The most I'll spend is 6-700 tax in. I'm not an HD nut and it'll probably be my gf using it the most for shows/Mario Kart.

[Mrbloodworth]

LED DLP FTW

I don't think there's a big one with LED, though. If I had to buy a new tv and budget was a consideration, I'd get this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889248059

Room size considerations are BS. Games, movies, football on a really big tv are awesome. Unless you have an extremely tiny space. But when we were in the den while remodeling the living room, we were maybe 7' away from the 65" 1080p 120Hz set and it was great, in an very small space, just enough for the loveseat, coffee table and tv stand.

oh dam.....

I was really close to considering this set. The I noticed how deep the thing is! Dam!

[RhyssaFireheart]

The depth wouldn't really bother me, because it would still be an improvement over the 65" projection TV the husband and I have now.   Still, one you can hang on the wall would be better.

Husband wants to get a TV for in his office after the new year and I'm having trouble accepting the need.  We have the 65" downstairs, a 42" in our bedroom and now he wants a 36" (or whatever) for in his office.  Do two people really need 3 TVs, particularly when one of us barely watches in the first place?

[Sky]

I was really close to considering this set. The I noticed how deep the thing is! Dam!

Less than 18"? 

I was just at my cousin's for xmas, watching football on his mid-40" plasma. He had a flat panel, but with the mounting system to angle it out from the wall, it was probably a foot deep at one end. And it's mounted to the wall, I move my furniture around three or four times a year (just did again this weekend). I can move the 65" set myself without much of a problem, carried across the house when doing living room reno this summer. Way better than my old 30" CRT behemoth.

Also, a 63" plasma 3d-capable and 1080p is around $3k, the egg has one 3d LCD (46" for 1400), the 60" LED-LCD on the egg is  over $4k. So a 73" 3d 1080p set for $1500? Pretty sound argument.

[rattran]

No one cares about your old, obsolete tech. Flat is sexy! And NiX is still transient, lugging an 18" deep behemoth is crazy talk.