High Definition...

[maxximilian]

Hiya folks.... :)

I am thinking of taking the HDTV plunge. Perhaps in time to see a few Pittsburgh Steeler games in HD this year. :D

What exactly is the difference between the LCD and plasma versions of a HDTV....other than price? Which way is best to go? What things should I be looking for when researching a model?

Thanks....

[liam858]

Well, the two main top end quality levels are 720p (progressive) and 1080p/i (progressive and interpolated) 720p is said to be good for sports and fast moving scenes, and 1080 is said to be good for movies, both depend on resolution, and a 16:9 format LCD with 1280 x 720 res cannot push to 1080, so you'd have 720p, whereas 1920 x 1080 would be able to show 480/720 and 1080. I would go for LCD over plasma personally, as they are more durable, cheaper, usually thinner, lighter, easier to wall mount because of the weight difference.

There are a lot of features packed into HDTV's as standard, but one thing you'll want is at least 1 x HDMI input, basically the new port to send HD picture and sound from a HD source, HD is achievable via DVI on a TV, but audio must be sent seperately, HDMI send both, so it would save wires.

Most features that are standard are: Hi-Resolution screen/PIP/numerous inputs (DVI/VGA/Component/Scart/HDMI/RCA) and some offer virtual surround sound, with a pretty good output from the mounted speakers.

Justbe sure to go for a good brand, high res, HDMI, and any other inputs you require, and shop around.:)


Liam

[maxximilian]

Thanks liam....

Isn't there something else about plasma....something about "recharging"? I recall someone telling me that if I bought a plasma, I should get a "recharge plan" from the retailer or something....

I did some window shopping last weekend and liked some of the prices.

Well...I didn't "like" the prices....but was surprised to see how far they had dropped in just a couple years....

[Crimson Blonde]

Maybe this will help Maxx

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasmatvpixel.html

[liam858]

Yeah, it's a bit of a weird myth, and i have no idea why someone who could make $1500+ for 1 sale would try an put you off with a fact like that. I think plasmas can suffer more from dead/stuck pixels, and in some cases may struggle to change colour and get stuck on one of RGB (Red/Green/Blue) colours, which can be annoying, when you have a 1366 x 768 50" screen, viewing the discovery channel, and you're looking at the blue sea from above, and there's a green dot in the centre that shows up on everything.

I know what you mean about the prices, i'd rather spend £1000 now, compared to £4000 a few years ago, things have also become better for that price, which is nice.:)


Liam

[SuperSparks]

There's some good info on HDTV here:

http://www.hdtvinfoport.com/

[maxximilian]

Thanks for info folks.... :)

[Crimson Blonde]

We want pictures when you get one :D

[Welshjim]

Consumer Reports reviews LCD and plasma sets all the time. See September 2006 (page 7) and March 2006 (starting on page 16).