LCD or Plasma

Voyager21 · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:04

I now have a major dilemma, as I don't know which to go for. Having read loads of reviews, I'm even more confused. I think I've narrowed it down to 2 options so if I explain what I'll be mostly using it for, perhaps someone would kindly help me with my decision!! here goes:

Uses mainly: Freeview, DVD's, connecting up Media Center PC (Vista Ultimate) with Blu-Ray Drive installed, only occasional gaming possibly!

Choices:
LCD = 37" LG 37LG5000
Plasma = 37" Panasonic TH37PX80

If someone could advise I would be most grateful, as I have noticed that the Plasma resolution is not 1080p, will this make a difference?

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:16

I wouldn't really go with LG if you are thinking of an LCD. But the 37" Panasonic Plasma IS good though.

Pigeon_Killer · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:23

Sorry I didn't get back to you in your other thread. The reviews of the Toshiba I said were better were actually for the CV and not the XV you were looking at so disregard those comments.

As for your new question, given your main use will be DVDs and Freeview and only occasional gaming it has to be a plasma and for the price there is no better than the Panasonic

At that screen size 1080p will only make a difference if you're sitting pretty close to the screen.

ScarySquirrel · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:44

Based on what you have said, Plasma.

PureSx · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:48

Can i jump in and ask why you recommend plasmas for 'occasional' gaming? ScarySquirrel you have a 50" plasma and I presume you do a fair bit of gaming.

Voyager21 · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:50

Thanks Guys. Me thinks me's going to plump for the Plasma!!

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 20:57

WAIT!

I've changed my mind. You are connecting a pc to it? Hmm, that might change everything altogether. For that purpose I think an LCD will be better.

Pigeon_Killer · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:04

I assume the fact it's a media PC with a Blu Ray drive means he'll be using it as a Blu Ray player and to play other media files and not as a monitor?

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:14

Yes but some people have problems with connecting their Plasmas to their HTPC's and trying to display the video res correctly on screen.

ScarySquirrel · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:16

PureSx said:
Can i jump in and ask why you recommend plasmas for 'occasional' gaming? ScarySquirrel you have a 50" plasma and I presume you do a fair bit of gaming.

Yeah I game as much as I can. I recommended Plasma based on the fact he will be using it primarily for DVD's, Blu-Ray's and Freeview. For all of those plasma wins hands down imo. For gaming, the only reason why someone might not suggest plasma is due to image retention, which now that I have experience of it (or lack of it in my case) I would never say plasmas are bad for gaming. I have only used my plasma for about 200 hours though, so early days yet.

Better colours, better blacks, better motion handling. Why not?

I am by no means an expert, I am just saying this based on my own experience of my LCD vs my Plasma.

Secret_Window said:
WAIT!

I've changed my mind. You are connecting a pc to it? Hmm, that might change everything altogether. For that purpose I think an LCD will be better.

He is only connecting it for playback of movies though, is that right?

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:22

ScarySquirrel said:
He is only connecting it for playback of movies though, is that right?

Read the comment I posted above. Sometimes the video res used by the HTPC can be displayed inaccurately and you end up with bits of the video cut off on the screen. Like when you use zoom on your remote when watching a movie.

ScarySquirrel · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:23

Secret_Window said:
Read the comment I posted above. Sometimes the video res used by the HTPC can be displayed inaccurately and you end up with bits of the video cut off on the screen. Like when you use zoom on your remote when watching a movie.

Ah fair enough

Pigeon_Killer · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:24

The OPs head's going to explode when he reads all of this

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:25

LOL!

I don't think this happens on all Plasmas. Some Plasmas display the picture fine, some don't so it's a bit hit and miss. Just something to watch out for.

Voyager21 · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:25

Mainly TV and watching DVDs, but Blu-Ray films through PC connection (HD Graphics Card), with regards the gaming side it would be console gaming (Wii/PS2) as opposed to PC gaming. Hope this helps.

ScarySquirrel · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:25

Pigeon_Killer said:
The OPs head's going to explode when he reads all of this

At least it will save him having to make a decision!

sajtion · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:42

plasma have short life span so i would go for lcd and one of samsung 6 series

ScarySquirrel · 21 Sep 2008 at 21:54

sajtion said:
plasma have short life span so i would go for lcd and one of samsung 6 series

LOL!

Did a salesman tell you that whilst trying to sell you an extended warranty or something?

http://www.plasma-lcd-facts.co.uk/myths/lifetime/

Secret_Window · 21 Sep 2008 at 22:18

haha that is actually pretty useful for correcting people.

Chong Warrior · 21 Sep 2008 at 23:49

Go for the Panasonic plasma, trust me you won't be disappointed