Video Asylum

Posted by DavidLD (A) on March 16, 2008 at 11:19:40

In Reply to: RE: Display Selection Help posted by Vic D on March 16, 2008 at 09:37:22

Plasma tends to reflect more light from ambient sources.
The plusses on plasma are
1. darkest blacks, highest contrast
2. Best picture quality in fully darkened theater-type space
3. Widest viewing angle

The plusses on LCD are
1. brighter and better picture quality in rooms where there is ambient light
2 less reflectiions
3. lighter weight for a given size

True flat panel LCD's have been improving rapidly both in terms of contrast and viewing angle. non-projection LCD appears to be increasing in popularity relative to plasma. But plasmas are now nearly equal in terms of brightness and probably equal in expected life, too. The projection LCD and projection DLP units seem to be losing out, in part because of depth but mainly because of bulb life in the 2-3000 hour range

I think the expected life of a flat panel LCD vs plasma right now is a wash, and price is a wash. I've heard expected lives of 50,000-70,000 hours on both. Price is a wash. To me the question mainly boils down as to how much ambient light you have in the room.

The Panasonic plasma units I've seen in the store recently seem very bright, almost indistinguishable from the LCD panels.

Unit I would replace my 2004 Sony 46 inch CRT-based flat panel if it fails: No question in my mind but the 50-inch Panasonic plasma--the sheer quality of the picture blows me away even tho the Sony CRT based unit I have is no slouch in that department either. BUT my room has very moderate ambient light.

D