TV questions

[Xero]

I wanted to pick peoples brains about different TVs out on the market.

DLP
LCD
Plasma
projector
1080 i/p
720 p
480 (= Wii , right?)

All these acronyms, key phrases and lingos in the market and I know enough to be dangerous but not enough to be well informed and feel comfortable enough to plop down the bling. I'm not *actively* searching to spend my monies but if the right deal came along, I would surely take a long look at it.

What type of TV s better price per dollar?
Advantage over one type to another?

I know the rate of depreciation is pretty high as we buy our new toys these days but I was wondering what type of TV would be the best long term (5+year) purchase that *should* retain it's techy goodness in the years to come?

Just looking for peoples thoughts/opinions on this - throw in your $.02 and thanks for looking =)

[Blimigerite]

I haven't been actively looking for a TV yet and really haven't paid all that much indepth at the side by side comparisions in the stores but I've been looking more towards the DLP since they give you a little more size for the $ over the LCD and plasma.  Having a super slim TV isn't a neccessity so I'd rather get a bigger screen over the ability to hang the TV on a wall.  I really don't have the room for a projector so I avoid those. 

I don't know the difference between 1080i/p.  All the DLP TV's on Bestbuys site is 1080p.  Might as well spend for the resolution since in the coming years HD programing will be the standard.  You won't see any difference with regular cable or movies but I know if I spend the money now I want to make sure the purchase is still relevant for the 5+ year frame. 

[Vanish]

DLP is a technology for encoding an image. There are both LCD and Plasma DLP systems.

LCD vs Plasma: You will hear salesmen say they are so similar now it's not really an argument anymore, however having worked at an entertainment venue that relies heavily on media presentation systems, I can tell you that LCD will provide more vibrant, true colors and contrary to what the salesmen will tell you Plasma TVs WILL wash out long before an LCD screen will. The tradeoff is dead pixels in LCD screens. Generally they aren't very noticeable anymore. For longevity, get an LCD.

Flat Panel vs Projector: If your goal is a true Home Theatre system, the projector is the only way to go. It has some caveats you need to be aware of up-front. For HiDef projection you MUST have a HiDef screen to project onto, or you invalidate the resolution. It must be in a room with no windows or with window coverings that can COMPLETELY prevent light from entering the room, or your image will rapidly deteriorate to something unviewable.

Don't buy anything that can't do AT LEAST 720p. 1080p should be your goal. the number represents (in a funky way) the actual resolution of the image. The higher the number, the better the resolution. (720 is consider ED, 1080 is HD. Some companies re attempting to tell you 480 is ED and 720+ is HD. It's bunk. 480 is mildly better than Standard Def and largely a joke.)

The difference between i and p? i = Interlaced. Every other line is drawn per frame, interlacing each frame with the previous. p = Progressive. Every frame is drawn in it's entirety. p = MUCH better quality. To give you an idea of the difference, 480p < 720i < 1080i < 720p < 1080p

I purchased a 40" Sony Bravia LCD. I can't begin to recommend it enough. My mom was so impressed she bought two of them. I opted against the projection system because it would be too costly to get to an acceptable image in my house. It offers the same resolution I have but at 105". Great for movies, overwhelming for regular TV. My TV cost 1/3 the price of the acceptable projector setup.

Hope it helps.

[Pr0nY]

I don't know... my inlaws just got upgraded to this puppy a month ago

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8293839&st=48%22+Samsung+dlp&type=product&id=1173577986549

and for only $400 .... their old 42" crapped out within 3 years and since they didn't make replacement parts anymore, the company offered them a 56" 1080p with dlp for a tiny amount of money.  and for the price, its a pretty good tv.  we're considering it when our house is ready in 2 months as our Christmas present to ourselves

[Vanish]

I wish them the best of luck then. My previous HD TV was a Samsung and the Power module crapped out 13 months after I purchased it... Which of course is 1 month after the warranty expired. The failure was so common for that model (and 2 others that year) that they discontinued them. I was offered nothing by Samsung, including a simple apology. I now actively promote purchasing ANY brand over Samsung when it comes to TVs. So far I've cost them 8 HD sales in 6 months. Funny what a simple apology can avoid.

[Blimigerite]

How long do the extended warranties for these run?  I think I'd put the extra $50 or whatever into purchasing that bonus over just the manufacturer's warranty.

[Asus]

A Vanish sighting! Need...to...play...TF2.

I personally would never buy a Plasma because they don't last and you can't 'refill' the gases. They do nice blacks though.

LCD is good. I've heard good things about DLP. I think it was projection DLP TVs that were recommended to me for lower cost and good picture. But they have a narrow viewing angle and are not slim like the other TVs.

But a lot of people I've talked with seem to be going with projectors and a good screen. Something about a picture nearly the size of your wall that is appealing.

[KillerDark]

Sadly I don't know much about TV's, so can't really help ya.  We have a 32" Sony that supports 720p/1080i and haven't had any problems with it /shrug. I just know 1080p=  highest quality right now, which vanish told you that and much more, lol.

[Xero]

So many excellent answers and good information - Thank you very much!! =)

But I do have more questions:

What about DLP color wheels and the TVs that say they are DLP (not LCD/Plasma)? ((*like this)

Is there anything "next generation " for the DLP color wheel? Thought I heard of something that does the DLP thing w/out a color wheel.

In comparison, is the straight DLP type TV a good buy or would it be better to get into the LCD/DLP?

[Heero]

As far as I've researched it and have been told, the best bang for buck is right now LCD. Like stated above Plasmas are to put it best, a rich mans throw away toy, but for the Questions of straight Dlp systems /shrug sorry don't have a clue.















that enough punctuation for ya!!!

[snekse]

I have a 60" Samsung DLP and I love it.  I honestly think DLPs give you the most bang for your buck.  They are about the same price as LCDs, but in my opinion, they have better picture quality.  If you want to come over some time to check it out, just bring your Wii :-)

Get the 1080p because there is really no reason not to.  Make sure you get at least 1 HDMI input for future reasons.  Their are new non-color wheel technologies coming out, but you have to ask yourself if you want to beta test a $1k+ technology.

Also, wait until May for the Berkshire meeting at NFM.  HUUUUUGE discount.  You can get shareholder passes on ebay for $5.  We saved an obscene amount of money by doing so.

Check out AVS Forum to get your tough questions answered before making a buying decision.

[OPIE]

LCD vs Plasma: You will hear salesmen say they are so similar now it's not really an argument anymore, however having worked at an entertainment venue that relies heavily on media presentation systems, I can tell you that LCD will provide more vibrant, true colors and contrary to what the salesmen will tell you Plasma TVs WILL wash out long before an LCD screen will. The tradeoff is dead pixels in LCD screens. Generally they aren't very noticeable anymore. For longevity, get an LCD.

I agree with Vanish. Although I have seen and compared an LCD and plasma right next to eachother.  A plasma TV will give you crisper and what can seem as almost an illusion, higher definition picture. But in reality 1080p both LCD and plasma can hit. It's just the way the picture is displayed. But a Plasma, for their price, is not worth it. Plasma TV's are known to last only about 5 years. Possibly 1 or 2 more afterwards depending on it's usage and if Video games will be played on it or not.

If you're buying a new TV make sure you get an HD TV. Best choice at the moment I believe to be HDLCD. It is important to buy a high Definition TV because in the years to come. The TV industry and broadcasters will stop broadcasting the original Analog signal. In order to watch TV everyone will need to have an HD-TV or purchase an adapter that will receive the broadcasting signal. Basicly, everything will be High Def. in the upcoming years.

So in terms of your TV's life span and still maintaining great picture quality. My bet is a HD-LCD. As for what brand, I can't help you there

[Grizzly]

Just make sure you don't get one with an A/V lag like my roommate did...They're horrible for gaming. 

[Blimigerite]

How can you tell if it would (or wouldn't) have A/V lag?  Is there a stat on the model description to look for?

[Grizzly]

I dunno...Probably not.