Panasonic LCD vs Plasma query

kip02 · 2 Jun 2010 at 19:20

I've just bought a new Panasonic TX-P42U20B online but it's not being delivered till Satuday so still some time to cancel, and have seen an offer for a similar TV but its LCD rather than plasma with very similar spec (TX-L42U2B).

The plasma is £536 after discount but the LCD is £499 + £50 voucher, making it £449.

I use my TV mainly for Sky HD and occasionally my PS3 for Blu-ray.

I currently own a Hanspree LCD but its on its way out, colours are a bit funny now and again and its got an awful ghosting problem. My parents also own a Panasonic plasma and it looks fantastic especially the blacks.

Just wanting to know would it be worth it to cancel the order and go for the cheaper (LCD) TV for the sake of a few quid and to save a bit on electricity? Also would the picture difference be that noticable?

cosmogenesis · 2 Jun 2010 at 19:37

PLasma has better blacks and can handle fast moving action. LCD/LED probably can to but image quality is not overall as good. How many inputs do you require and of what kind do you require. Blu Ray, Sky HD, PS3/XBOX2, still and video cameras, PC/Laptop etc.

Power consumption is less on LCD than plasma also but thats about it. Go and get the image quality you want sorted by going down Comet. Currys, specialist stores.

lucid · 2 Jun 2010 at 19:40

The electricity difference is less than you think. Probably less than a tenner across the course of a year.

Stick with the plasma unless you plan to view in a conservatory, or spend 80%+ of your time gaming.

Gav · 2 Jun 2010 at 20:01

plasma gets my vote

as does panasonic..

I have had mine for about 2 years now and its performance is fantastic.

kip02 · 2 Jun 2010 at 23:16

Ok cheers will just keep the order for the plasma.
My living room is north east facing so glare etc won't be a problem.

Running costs doubt I will notice was just thinking of an excuse to save some money on the cost of the TV I think.

Just can't wait till it arrives on sat now.

joewm18 · 3 Jun 2010 at 05:50

I've got the exact Panasonic plasma model you've ordered.

For the price, it's an awesome TV.

Blacks really are true black and motion is very fluid. I would be bold enough to say that it's probably better than most LCD's costing hundreds of pounds more. LED backlit TV's appear to be all show in the shops, when you've got it home plasma really is a pleasure to watch. As for power consumption, who cares!

Corasik · 3 Jun 2010 at 19:36

cosmogenesis said:
Power consumption is less on LCD than plasma also but thats about it. Go and get the image quality you want sorted by going down Comet. Currys, specialist stores.

"PEAK" power consumption on a Plasma is somewhat higher, but peak power consumption is only used when the entire panel is displaying the brightest white. Once a plasma is setup, and displaying "normal" content its average power consumption is a bearly any higher than an LCD.

And the latest Panasonic TV's (2009/2010 models) are improving on their power consumption.

Overall the difference is pennies really, nothing to get excited about.

Warbie · 3 Jun 2010 at 20:57

My only gripe with plasma is phosphor lag in video games (I returned a Panasonic for just this reason). For standard def, dvd and blu-ray movies, black levels, contrast, motion handling, basically everything else, plasma wipes the floor with led/lcd. If games aren't a concern, I wouldn't consider lcd/led for a second. If you do want to game, demo a plasma and see if the dreaded green fringe bothers you.