Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)
Hi Guys,
I've been reading this newsgroup for a while now and reading all I can about
the flat panel tvs that are available and frankly, I'm more confused than I
was when I started. I presently have a 50" Toshiba RPTV (HD capable) and am
using Dish with the HD package and an OTA HD antenna. As a former Voom
subscriber I am sold on HD content (as little as there is today), but also
want to have something that will handle the SD well (I understand some flat
panels don't handle both well, while others do). I'm not interested in
contained speakers as I plan on running sound through my sound system, in
essence I want to the tv for picture from satellite, ota and dvd. I'd like
to get a 55-60" size (I have a large family room so viewing distance isn't a
problem). It's looking like I may need to spend between $4-5k for a set
I'll be happy with for a good while.
I've read so much about the LCD vs. Plasma debate. If I'm correct the
Plasmas seem to win out with; better range of color, smoother picture,
better black levels (articles seem to indicate this as a key consideration),
wider viewing angle. LCD's seem to have; lower cost, no burn-in risk, high
contrast, quieter operation.
Then I've also read that specs for plasmas can't be compared with specs for
LCD as they are measured differently (i.e., contrast, candlepower, etc.).
Some panels receive up to 1080i, but only display 720p and others 1080i.
I've also heard that many folks say to stay with Panasonic, Sony and
Pioneer, while others are thrilled with other models they say are equal in
performance. I've even read some information that many of the panels are
produced by only a few factories.
So, now that I'm totally confused I'm figuring that plasma seems to have the
most positives (with the exception of burn-in, as my wife is an avid cable
news junkie and I worry about those streaming banners) and it seems that
Panasonic, then Sony seem to get good reviews from both users and
"professionals". I've gone out to look at many sets and frankly it's hard
to tell even in the store. I've found the same sets in different stores
produce different results based on the input they are receiving.
My questions to the group are: Am I missing something about LCD models?
They are considerably more affordable and the well known brands seem pretty
good, although some of the pictures I've seen seem a bit lacking in color
depth. On the other hand, some plasmas seem a bit lacking in color display
(only one store allowed me to alter the display settings and it did really
improve the picture).
I know this long post may sound confusing, but that is the way I'm feeling
about now. I just can't seem to get a real handle on all this and the
dollars are not small. I know a lot of you have already passed though this
and would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks,
LT
Hi Guys,
I've been reading this newsgroup for a while now and reading all I can about
the flat panel tvs that are available and frankly, I'm more confused than I
was when I started. I presently have a 50" Toshiba RPTV (HD capable) and am
using Dish with the HD package and an OTA HD antenna. As a former Voom
subscriber I am sold on HD content (as little as there is today), but also
want to have something that will handle the SD well (I understand some flat
panels don't handle both well, while others do). I'm not interested in
contained speakers as I plan on running sound through my sound system, in
essence I want to the tv for picture from satellite, ota and dvd. I'd like
to get a 55-60" size (I have a large family room so viewing distance isn't a
problem). It's looking like I may need to spend between $4-5k for a set
I'll be happy with for a good while.
I've read so much about the LCD vs. Plasma debate. If I'm correct the
Plasmas seem to win out with; better range of color, smoother picture,
better black levels (articles seem to indicate this as a key consideration),
wider viewing angle. LCD's seem to have; lower cost, no burn-in risk, high
contrast, quieter operation.
Then I've also read that specs for plasmas can't be compared with specs for
LCD as they are measured differently (i.e., contrast, candlepower, etc.).
Some panels receive up to 1080i, but only display 720p and others 1080i.
I've also heard that many folks say to stay with Panasonic, Sony and
Pioneer, while others are thrilled with other models they say are equal in
performance. I've even read some information that many of the panels are
produced by only a few factories.
So, now that I'm totally confused I'm figuring that plasma seems to have the
most positives (with the exception of burn-in, as my wife is an avid cable
news junkie and I worry about those streaming banners) and it seems that
Panasonic, then Sony seem to get good reviews from both users and
"professionals". I've gone out to look at many sets and frankly it's hard
to tell even in the store. I've found the same sets in different stores
produce different results based on the input they are receiving.
My questions to the group are: Am I missing something about LCD models?
They are considerably more affordable and the well known brands seem pretty
good, although some of the pictures I've seen seem a bit lacking in color
depth. On the other hand, some plasmas seem a bit lacking in color display
(only one store allowed me to alter the display settings and it did really
improve the picture).
I know this long post may sound confusing, but that is the way I'm feeling
about now. I just can't seem to get a real handle on all this and the
dollars are not small. I know a lot of you have already passed though this
and would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks,
LT
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