AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Home Theater and Video => Topic started by: Bob15 on 4 Jan 2006, 01:25 am
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This is becoming an age-old question/rivalry, but someone asked me this question the other day with respect to the under 45" inch category in terms of better picture and I couldn't answer the difference. Anyone knowledgeable in this area?
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I prefer LCD in principle and probably would choose it if I had to settle.
Plasma tends to blur things, but can look good when done right (e.g Pioneer Elite)
LCD should be as crisp as your PC monitor, but effective dot pitch and pixel response issues can be limiting in the big sizes.
Of course you are always settling due to economics and influence of big business.
I will likely not get away from my 40" CRT until you can see all the movements in the shadows in the folds of Gandalf's robes on some other type of display. (Not sure where I read about this example of what to look for in video quality, but it is a good example of what I demand when I spend the big bucks for video).
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I would still give the nod to Plasma.
You will get better contrast and black level with the plasma while the LCD will generally have a little better color saturation.
However, the LCD will be significantly more expensive as you approach the 42-45" size. If the size is in the 30's the pricing is a little closer.
However, I would strongly suggest looking at pj's (front and rear) before buying a Plasma or LCD flat planel.
Front pj's have come down in price and you can now get a killer unit from Panasonic or Sanyo at the $2k price point. Both pj's will out peform either the plasma or lcd at a fraction of the price (even just projecting on a wall without a screen). In a small size under (80") you will have much less of issue with the picture being washed out unless there is a large amount of direct light hitting the image.
On the rear pj front, you will be able to get a slightly larger image at a higher resolution for less money in units that are getting slimmer and slimmer (6-9" deep).
It's a good time to be buying video these days...
For much more in depth info, you can spend some time over at avsforum.com or check out any of the HT mags.
Good luck.
George
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I prefer RPTV in 4:3 format personally. Plasma uses as much power as a hair dryer, hums, and is generally inferior in PQ to me. LCD is flat and the blacks aren't black.
I wanted a flat-panel monitor but couldn't understand what the craze was about looking that actual PQ in the stores. I ended up buying the 16:9 aspect ratio and couldn't be less pleased with it. 1% of TV broadcast uses that format. So, I wish I'd bought the 4:3 as I wanted to in the first place... could've saved another $800...
I agree the Pioneer Elite's can look good (for a flat panel) but the last one I saw was very expensive... $8,k or so? Whereas the $2,k Sony RPTV I bought looked just as good.
Front Projectors are a good option, not sure which one(s) if you don't want to constantly battle with stretch modes, black bars, etc. If I wasn't using a corner for my set, the projector would've been a better route for me.
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I prefer RPTV in 4:3 format personally. Plasma uses as much power as a hair dryer, hums, and is generally inferior in PQ to me. LCD is flat and the blacks aren't black.
I wanted a flat-panel monitor but couldn't understand what the craze was about looking that actual PQ in the stores. I ended up buying the 16:9 aspect ratio and couldn't be less pleased with it. 1% of TV broadcast uses that format. So, I wish I'd bought the 4:3 as I wanted to in the first place... could've saved another $800...
I ...
Carl,
I think you are a little off on some of your comments...
Plasma units no longer hum and certainly aren't inferior in PQ when you comapre apples to apples (same size and resolution).
Way more than 1% of TV content is in HD format these days. All prime time content from major and minor networks is broadcast in HD (how you get it will depend on where you live) as well as lots of content from cable/sat channels).
There was just an article in this month's Home Theater mag that measured how much power is consumed by a variety of devices. The results might suprise you (i.e. the RP tv uses basically the same as the plasma to output the same brightness).
Anyway, not trying to convince you to change your thoughts, but more wanting to make sure info is accurate and not out of date.
George
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Thanks everyone for the quick replies. Projectors do not make a whole lot of sense for this person looking to put a 40+" set in his den in an entertainment center. :mrgreen: Regardless, he'd be spending way too much money on a new bulb every 4-6 months and his room has too much ambient light.
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Every 4-6 months? He must not have a job, and watch 10 hours a day
Panasonic ae900 is the one to get now, if he watches a reasonable amount.
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You're likely right, George... the video technology is clearly moving quickly... That's news to me that Plasma's aren't noisy, it was just a year ago I was looking at them again... and the video quality still isn't great in what I see (comparing to RPTV) in the stores I go... So, scratch my comments about Plasma...
I'm mainly frustrated with what's available to ME in HD, though... I bought the HD box from Time Warner cable company and enjoyed about 3 or 4 channels that used actual HD cameras and broadcasts on a regular basis. TNT, Showtime, HBO, etc.. were mostly just regular stuff in whatever mode they chose... stretch/zoom/etc.. and didn't look much (if any) better than regular digital cable.
I'm looking forward to having a reason to own a 16:9 HD, though... one day... Currently, it's not worth it for the few things I can get. I find it odd that 90% of TV's are designed for a format that maybe 10% (now?) are broadcast.
-C
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George has said it as well as I could've. If I had to go for either an LCD or Plasma it'd be plasma (especially in the 42"-45" size).
But I wouldn't go for a flat panel display. Too expensive and the quality is lacking. A good CRT direct view tube is still the best choice for PQ.
Why not look at Sony's 34" XBR 16:9 set (assuming that 16:9 is wanted)? Or maybe one of their 36" XBR's if 4:3 is preferred.
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You're likely right, George... the video technology is clearly moving quickly... That's news to me that Plasma's aren't noisy, it was just a year ago I was looking at them again... and the video quality still isn't great in what I see (comparing to RPTV) in the stores I go... So, scratch my comments about Plasma...
I'm mainly frustrated with what's available to ME in HD, though... I bought the HD box from Time Warner cable company and enjoyed about 3 or 4 channels that used actual HD cameras and broadca ...
I sometimes forget that being in the NYC market gets me more HD content than most areas.
Also, since most people hold onto their tv for 5+ yrs, you want to buy something that will serve you moving into the future. More and more content will show up and "eventually" all broadcasts will be digital and widescreen (probably by 2010).
Don't go so much by what you see in a store unless it is a small shop that actually takes the time to setup it up properly (unlikely). I have seen some awesome displays that look like total shit at the store.
In terms of PQ, I agree that a well calibrated XBR CRT unit will look better, but since their size stops at 34" that really isn't any option. But the digital options are getting very close...
Getting back to the original post, Bob, have your buddy get cabinet dimesnions and see what will fit into his entertainment center. I would still go with a slim profile RPTV as my first choice and a Panny Plasma as my second choice since the front pj is not an option.
George
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Dish Network is carrying HDNET for 9.95 monthly which includes HD movie channels and sports etc. Mark Cuban owned network with favorable reviews. i am signing up soon to use with my 50" RPTV. My future plans are for a projector. I do think the smaller 20" LCD's are nice, and cheap, for a bedroom system. Plasma does not offer enough for its price point.
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So who is currently making the HD capable rear-projection display that sits at the sweetspot intersection of picture quality and shallow depth?
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A couple of other things that you might consider are display resolution. A rear projection LCD or DLP can have upto 1024 lines. Many of the plasma and pure LCD displays are 480 lines or 768 lines, especially on the less expensive models. This only matters, however, if you can watch high definition content.
Many DVDs are in widescreen format with 480 lines of resolution. CRT displays are more like 360 lines of resolution.
Sony has come out with new LCDs in the last 3 months that have significantly better blacks. I forget what they are calling the new technology. You can look for blacks on LCDs to get better in the future.
I have a 50" rear projection LCD. I am very happy with it, but 50" in my small room looks a lot bigger than 50" in a big store. It takes up a good chunk of the corner of my room. I sometimes wish I had a TV that would hang on the wall to provide more space and a cooler aesthetic.
I only notice the problem with black levels on particularly dark scenes. Something like Dark City does not look so great. However, whites are fantastic, like in Vertical Limit.
Then there are the displays of the future. Carbon nanotubes promise an ultrathin display with an electron gun behind every pixel. Although you might be waiting 10 years for this.
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In terms of PQ, I agree that a well calibrated XBR CRT unit will look better, but since their size stops at 34" that really isn't any option.
Mine is 40"
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In terms of PQ, I agree that a well calibrated XBR CRT unit will look better, but since their size stops at 34" that really isn't any option.
Mine is 40"
Widescreen?
I thought only RCA made a 40" widescreen CRT?
George
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The Sony is 40" 4:3 TV (37" widescreen -16:9) 40xbr700/800 series. If you calibrate it it is one of da best in CRT world.
If you want best of both worlds I recommend LCOS Sony 50/60xbr1... however, if I get extra $$ end of this month I will invest it on a plasma (Fujitsu, Pioneer or Panasonic) ;)
Cheers,
Kishore
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I guess you could call me a "early adopter" of HDTV. Four years ago it was my opinion that the best picture was always from a CRT. Everything else at the time was a distant second (including high priced plasmas). I wanted the largest tube I could find and was not interested in a 4:3. I ended up rolling the dice on a RCA F38310 (38" 16:9). While many have had reliability issues with this set, mine's been fine and the picture has always been stunning.
While I've longed for something a little bigger, my wife has stood by her requirement that whatever we replace it with must have as good a picture or better. That's a tall order since, for one, no one has made a bigger 16:9 CRT.
Over the past year or so we looked at my types of projection TVs and while the picture on many is very good, we simply could not live w/ the limited viewing angle that they all required to look their best.
While LCDs are a no-brainer for anything 32" or smaller they start to get VERY expensive once the size creeps up above that. And, frankly, the biggest one I've seen in generally availability (the 47" Sharp) didn't look all that great; especially when you consider the high cost ($4,700ish). I'm sure over time they may indeed replace plasmas, but for larger units... not right now.
It wasn't until recently that I noticed that plasmas had improved significantly over the years. Early plasma models suffered from a host of technical & performance issues (and they were expensive). Previously I really believed that it wouldn't be until LCDs were A) made bigger and B) made cheaper that I would be enjoying a non-projection and non-CRT TV.
Fast forward to the here and now... Kishore you are right on the money w/ those brands you mentioned. I was pleasantly surprised to see how good plasmas have become. After quite a bit of looking those brands were the best to my eyes and the Panasonics stood alone as the best value. I recently purchased a 50" Panasonic plasma and I can indeed say that with HD or DVD content the picture is every bit as good as my CRT (and its A LOT bigger :) ) (warning: that can't necessarily be said of ALL modern plasmas; some aren't so great)
While still expensive, I am actually amazed at what you can get nowadays. I simply looks stunning and can be viewed from any angle.
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Dell 30" Widescreen LCD available soon - US$2,199
native resolution: 2560 x 1600
0.250 mm dot pitch
contrast ratio: 700:1
brightness: 400 cd/m²
25 pounds
1 for the PC one as a TV! (of course you would need a tuner)
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I guess you could call me a "early adopter" of HDTV. Four years ago it was my opinion that the best picture was always from a CRT. Everything else at the time was a distant second (including high priced plasmas). I wanted the largest tube I could find and was not interested in a 4:3. I ended up rolling the dice on a RCA F38310 (38" 16:9). While many have had reliability issues with this set, mine's been fine and the picture has always been stunning.
While I've longed for something a little bigger, m ...
Slightly off topic...
Have you seen the new Panny pj (AE900)?
Simply stunning when setup well.
George
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Slightly off topic...
Have you seen the new Panny pj (AE900)?
Simply stunning when setup well.
George
Yes, it's nice. But there's a reason why the Sanyo PLV-Z4 outsells and outperforms the Panny. See here www.projectorcentral.com
Actually the reviews don't say the Sanyo outperforms the Panny. Each had its pluses and minuses and both received the same 4 1/2 out of five stars performance rating.
George
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Yeah, those two are the best deal going right now for "affordable" HD projectors.
I actually tried to convince my wife to let me install an electric drop-down screen that would come down just in front of our RCA w/ a projector hidden on the opposite side of the room. I thought that would be cool for movies in the family room. Heck, I already have all the audio surround equip. in that room.
Anyway that idea flew like a lead balloon so we ended up getting the Panny plasma. Like I said that Panny is great, but 96" 16:9 from a projector would have been even cooler.
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All said, I'm thinking of buying one of the new Viewsonic 32" LCD sets for my bedroom. It would be perfect for gaming and the occasional movie, and since my room is smallish and upstairs it'd be a lot nicer getting a thin flat set up the stairs. No more 100+ lb CRTs up there. :lol:
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I read the review of the Sanyo v. Panasonic and I'm perplexed. If they are this close, why pay $4,000 (6,000 versus 2,000) more for the Panasonic? For better black levels (which I do place a priority on, but $4k worth?)? What other reasons are there to buy the Panasonic over the Sanyo?
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I read the review of the Sanyo v. Panasonic and I'm perplexed. If they are this close, why pay $4,000 (6,000 versus 2,000) more for the Panasonic? For better black levels (which I do place a priority on, but $4k worth?)? What other reasons are there to buy the Panasonic over the Sanyo?
Bob,
The Panny has a street price of $2k, so both sell for the same.
Don't go by MSPP when pricing pj's (especially on the cheaper end of the scale).
George
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I read the review of the Sanyo v. Panasonic and I'm perplexed. If they are this close, why pay $4,000 (6,000 versus 2,000) more for the Panasonic? For better black levels (which I do place a priority on, but $4k worth?)? What other reasons are there to buy the Panasonic over the Sanyo?
That sounds strange to me... what size? :scratch:
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We're talking projectors:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/plv-z4_h79.htm
And dang it! I'm mistaken. Ignore my previous post. It's the Sanyo that has a price of 2k and the Optoma that has a price of 6k. It's here where I don't understand the difference -- 4k to get better black levels? This is LCD v. DLP overhead projectors. Sorry. I haven't had my coffee as of yet.
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We're talking projectors:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/plv-z4_h79.htm
And dang it! I'm mistaken. Ignore my previous post. It's the Sanyo that has a price of 2k and the Optoma that has a price of 6k. It's here where I don't understand the difference -- 4k to get better black levels? This is LCD v. DLP overhead projectors. Sorry. I haven't had my coffee as of yet.
First off, the H79 was released earlier in 2005 before these lower priced LCD pj's came out.
Compared to its more expensive competition from Marantz, Sharp, SIM, etc...it was a true bargain!
Now it isn't so much a bargain as the bottom made a huge leap and maybe went over the middle in terms of absolute performance.
Is the $4k price worth it? That question is no different from the one we face in audio.
Are your RM 40's worth $4k more than the RAW HT3's? For some yes, for some no.
Since pj technology is moving very quickly, it is probably a safer bet to buy on the low end and upgrade every few years vs. buying at the middle or top.
George
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I don't think my RM40s cost $4k more than the HT3s (are the HT3s $1000?). Regardless, based on that review, I can't see paying that much more for basically not much more performance. I purchased my RM40s because they blew away everything I'd heard remotely close to the price I paid. That doesn't seem to be the same for the Optoma. See here:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcd_dlp_update7.htm
Where he basically reaches the same conclusion I did.
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We're talking projectors:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/plv-z4_h79.htm
And dang it! I'm mistaken. Ignore my previous post. It's the Sanyo that has a price of 2k and the Optoma that has a price of 6k. It's here where I don't understand the difference -- 4k to get better black levels? This is LCD v. DLP overhead projectors. Sorry. I haven't had my coffee as of yet.
Sorry I'm a little slow... it seems the thread has shifted to projectors. Or maybe we're talking about both at the same time :lol:
RE: projectors... I really think that unless you have loads of money to throw around you are better off limiting your choices between the Panasonic PT-AE900U and the Sanyo PLV-Z4. IMHO, to do noticeably better you will need to spend at lease twice as much as either of these to (and likely that will yeild a difference that is subtle). Now choosing between those two isn't easy either...
The good news is that, like TV's, the longer you wait the more performance you will get for your money. What you can get right now for ~$2k is significantly better that what that number got you even a year ago. I'm probably about a year away from buying one, so I'm excited about what I'll be mulling over. At the very least I'll should be able to get very good deals on one of these two... which would be OK :wink:
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You are right Jon.
I will stop posting about pj's in this thread.
George
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This has been very educational to me. Thanks everyone for sharing your impressions. My home is under major renovation, but one of the things I have high on my list is to get a large TV for the new den.
I've been a little leery about plasma's, even though they look cool, and LCD's seem awesome but not a fully realized concept yet (and overly expensive). It's nice to know that rear projection sets are still the ones to beat, without going to a front projection system.
So, that said, what rear projection sets do you recommend I look into? I'm expecting to keep the budget at about $2000 - 2500. Oh yeah, I'm also a Price Club member, so if there's a good deal to be had there (and there usually is) then I'm all ears.
Thanks,
Bob
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personaly i think you should hold off for 6-7 months-
i was watching hdnet the other day-they were talking about the 5th or 6th gereration lcd's that will be out latter this year-2 million pixels- not 1 mill like the best have now-
might be worth the wait
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personaly i think you should hold off for 6-7 months-
i was watching hdnet the other day-they were talking about the 5th or 6th gereration lcd's that will be out latter this year-2 million pixels- not 1 mill like the best have now-
might be worth the wait
There is always something better if you wait another 6-7 months.
Those newer ones won't be in his price range anyway...
The sweet spot now is RPTV's with 1280x720 resolution. This year they will push 1920x1080 and prices will come down over the course of the year.
George
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I can second the recommendation for the Sony KDS-R50XBR1 LCD.
I bought Sony 50" XBR rear projection TV last year. Not sure of the model number but similar to the one above.
Since I last shopped a year ago things may have changed a bit.
I think the Sony's LCDs have the best color. The blacks on my set are not that black, but it is really only noticeable in a very dark scene. I know Sony improved black levels on some models this year.
The DLP displays seem to oversaturate their colors if you ask me. The color looks bright and impressive, but just not realistic. DLPs are also more money.
LCOS. There is potential here. All the sets I looked at had a purple hue to them. This was and maybe still is a problem with these sets. If they are not purple now they turn purple later.
DILA. These were not quite available when I was looking. The technology sounds impressive on paper. I would definitely go look at a DILA set.
As far as I know Plasma is still expensive if you want 1024i. I am not sure how long they maintain their brightness. It used to be about 4 years, but I have heard some sets are up to 8 to 10 years now. Of course, it depends upon your viewing habits also.
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...50/60xbr1 is Sony's LCOS... :nono:
Cheers,
Kishore
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...50/60xbr1 is Sony's LCOS... :nono:
Cheers,
Kishore
And isn't available in the $2000-2500 budget.
If I don't do the Panny pj in my living room, I am hoping the Sony will be.
George
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Bob what is your viewing distance?
To the original poster, you have many good choices under 45" now you pick a price and you can narrow your display choice.
Cheers,
Kishore
P.S.- By end of Jan (close to Supabowl) I am sure you can negotiate and get a 50xbr1 for not more than $2700 all incl. You can get them online now for ~$3K incl delivery.
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Actually its not for me. Somebody asked me as they know I like this hobby. Anyway, they are going with the Sharp 45" LCD Acquos. I was told the picture was "stunning" compared to the DLPs and Plasmas next to it -- "like you can put your hand right through the screen".
Has anyone seen one and share that view?
Thanks, though this was educational!
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Actually its not for me. Somebody asked me as they know I like this hobby. Anyway, they are going with the Sharp 45" LCD Acquos. I was told the picture was "stunning" compared to the DLPs and Plasmas next to it -- "like you can put your hand right through the screen".
Has anyone seen one and share that view?
Thanks, though this was educational!
I certainly wouldn't agree with that statement on the Sharp.
Professional reviews have been mixed as well.
George
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The Professional Series Panasonic plasmas are highly regarded. I just purchased the EDTV version and the picture is great. Keep in mind that with a 42" display and from a viewing distance of 7 - 8' or more you cannot tell the difference between a HDTV or a EDTV. (The recommended viewing distance for a 42" HDTV is about 5.7'). You can save a bit of cash by buying an EDTV if you are going to be sitting further away. EDTV will look better with regular broadcast and DVD as well because they are closer to the tv's native resolution so less upconverting has to be done.
Here's a link to a review of the Professional Series 42" HDTV:
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42phd8uk-review.html
And here's a link to a viewing distance calculator:
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html
And, what the hell, an HDTV vs EDTV article:
http://www.the-hdtv-review.com/edtv-vs-hdtv.html
A couple of things I like about Panasonics PS tv's is that they don't have built in speakers, they don't have a built in tuner, and they are black! I don't care for the silver frame virtually all consumer model plasmas are using. I got my Panasonic for $1450.00. The model # is TH-42PWD8UK.
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Actually its not for me. Somebody asked me as they know I like this hobby. Anyway, they are going with the Sharp 45" LCD Acquos. I was told the picture was "stunning" compared to the DLPs and Plasmas next to it -- "like you can put your hand right through the screen".
Has anyone seen one and share that view?
Thanks, though this was educational!
I certainly wouldn't agree with that statement on the Sharp.
Professional reviews have been mixed as well.
George
I can't say one way or another since I never saw one or one directly compared to a Sony Plasma and Samsung DLP right next to it being fed the same hi-def signal loop. Couldn't say whether one was tweaked or not over the other. When you saw the Aquos, what was it up against?
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The Professional Series Panasonic plasmas are highly regarded. I just purchased the EDTV version and the picture is great. Keep in mind that from a viewing distance of 7 - 8' or more you cannot tell the difference between a HDTV or a EDTV. (The recommended viewing distance for a 42" HDTV is about 5.7'). You can save a bit of cash by buying an EDTV if you are going to be sitting further away. EDTV will look better with regular broadcast and DVD as well because they are closer to the tv's native resolution so ...
All correct and why in my current living room I use an EDTV Panny:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/galleryimage.php/Zybar-s-Dedicated-Music-and-HT-Room-Living-Room/setup_as_of_11_05_03.sized.jpg)
George
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Good point about the viewing distance (same with size of screen, btw). George, that room is markedly cleaner since I saw it last time!
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I am sorry for messing up the Sony LCOS thing.
I thought that SXRD was an improvement in Sony's LCD projection technology and not a change to LCOS. I guess I was wrong.
When I was looking a year ago there was only one LCOS available, I think Phillips. The screen had a horrible purple shade to it. I don't know if this problem was specific to Phillips or not. Then I heard that Intel was exiting the LCOS business. I wondered if this was related to purple color shifting.
Is an issue with other LCOS sets.
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I can't say one way or another since I never saw one or one directly compared to a Sony Plasma and Samsung DLP right next to it being fed the same hi-def signal loop. Couldn't say whether one was tweaked or not over the other. When you saw the Aquos, what was it up against?
Zybar, not sure if you saw this earlier post, but was still wondering what you saw the Aquos up against.
Also, to everyone, I've become drawn into this whole question and I did read some negative comments on the Aquos that Zybar was referring to - basically it seems that it looks the best for Hi-Def sports programming but not so good for DVDs or movie channels as compared to the more "contrasty" plasma.
Anyway, I spoke to a self-proclaimed videophile of sorts and his practical take was, "if ain't going on a wall, don't even consider Plasma or LCD" mostly because of the extra cost built in purposely for people wanting that look. His vote was for the 1080p DLP sets from Samsung, Mitsubishi, Toshiba and HP, and preferably to wait for the newer DLP chip to be coming out in these sets. However, the smallest size is around 50 icnhes right now. He also pointed out though that these sets do not accept 1080p and display it as native --- it only receives up to 1080i sources and upscales it.
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Oh boy...
It was against Samsung DLP, Pioneer HD Plasma and Panny HD and EDTV Plasma. I don't remember exactl model numbers. I do know that the Samsung and the Panny HDTV were significantly cheaper than the Sharp, while Pioneer and Panny HD plasma were roughly the same, but for a 50" pic.
Basically the blacks were poor and as you pointed out the contrast ratio wasn't very good for something costing in the mid $4k's. UNless it was a very colorful scene, the picture seemed slightly washed out to me. Colors though were vibrant and did pop.
Also, I seem to recall that the viewing angle on the Sharp wasn't as good as the plasma tv's.
George
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Anyway, I spoke to a self-proclaimed videophile of sorts and his practical take was, "if ain't going on a wall, don't even consider Plasma or LCD" mostly because of the extra cost built in purposely for people wanting that look. His vote was for the 1080p DLP sets from Samsung, Mitsubishi, Toshiba and HP, and preferably to wait for the newer DLP chip to be coming out in these sets. However, the smallest size is around 50 icnhes right now. He also pointed out though that these sets do not accept 1080p and display it as native --- it only receives up to 1080i sources and upscales it.
Good solid advice.
The sets that will come out mid-year and beyond will accept a true 1080p signal. Now if we just had true 1080p sources...
The other big factor (which I believe was mentioned earlier) is viewing distance. Depending on how far you are and the size of the screen, you honestly won't be able to tell the difference between a very good EDTV and HD. Basically the farther away you sit, the harder it will be to tell the difference. Since the cost between an EDTV and HD unit are still quite high (more than double), this should be a large factor in your purchase.
George
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Last month I had the choice down to the Panny 50" plasma, Sony SXRD 60", and the new JVC D-ILA 1080p 60". I went with the JVC and couldn't be happier with it. Great viewing angle, no noticable screen door effect or color wheel artifacts (like on DLP). In the end it was the Sony SXRD vs. JVC. I think the Sony (unadjusted) had a slightly more filmlike picture but I just couldn't live with the extra 10" or so of width due to the ridiculous elephant ear speakers on the sides. The JVC has a terrific picture, great blacks for movies, and isn't affected much at all when there is a lot of ambient light. Viewing distance is about 10-12' in our room, for which the 60" is still almost too big. They also have a 55" which might be just right.
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I think this debate between Plasma and LCD will be over soon enough. Check the following link about a new technology with production expect for the end of this year.
http://gear.ign.com/articles/679/679235p1.html
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I think this debate between Plasma and LCD will be over soon enough. Check the following link about a new technology with production expect for the end of this year.
http://gear.ign.com/articles/679/679235p1.html
Not that soon...
A - these things rarely come out on time.
B - once out, it takes time for people to move to them.
Realistically, you are looking at probably 1-2 yrs minimum.
But it certainly does look cool.
George
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that looks good to me-in a few years when the price comes down i might move my 30''w/s crt-hd into the bedroom and get one of those-
surprised they didnt mention any other companies that will be building with that new system-you would think toshiba would sell the tech to get some r&d money back
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The timeframe for introduction of Toshiba's new SED technology should coincide nicely with probable replacement of my Toshiba 36" Cinema Series CRT :D, I'm a happy camper.
NB
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What is surprising about Toshiba, is that their FST were technologically very innovative in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but they somehow fell on the sidelines. When Sony, Samsung and Panasonic were doing their foray into LCD and Plasma technologies, they were still mute.
But, I guess they still have a leading edge in display technology, if not being capable of competing directly in the already established technology, be darn, but why not just frog leap ahead?
I think Toshiba will license this technology to some stategic partners down the road for a LOT of money.
Even it if is not this Fall, it is inevitable. Toshiba sets, if what was stated becomes marketed to the mass markets, then, can you imagine what the average joe will think once he sees the Toshiba set next to regular Sony or Samsung? It will be a no contest.
I have been toying with the idea of LCD or FSTV, but now, I think I will rather wait and see what Toshiba can do.
PS: After all what can't a company that develop computer chips, laptops and nuclear propulsion technology for subs do to out do others?
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Btw - here's an article I found on Plasma vs. LCD:
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasma-vs-lcd.html
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Wow, the SED technology is really cool. I had read about this a while ago, but I figured time to market would be more like 10 years. Next year is great. This article also confirmed what I read before in that the cost to manfucture these is less than Plasma and LCD. Of course, they will charge whatever the market can bear.
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The bad news about SED is (1) Toshiba is spending well over a billion dollars on a new plasma display manufacturing plant, which indicates that they feel it will be some time before SED takes the market away from plasma, and (2) their reps have said the initial prices for the 55" SED models will be in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" range.
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Johnny, it is possible that Toshiba has decided to build the Plasma plant in order to fill the bottom part of their TV lineup...We need to remember that Cathode Ray Tube is practically dead and something will need to take its place, it maybe Plasma or LCD, so what Toshiba is doing might not necessarily tell much about their plans.
The SED technology for sure will be expensive when debuting, but with the added pressure from others, who will not wait in the sidelines to become casualties in the display technology wars, Toshiba will opt to make the SED technology more affordable FAST in order to lock into TV customers who might have head to other manufacturers for their needs.
Guess if they invest so much in research for a new technology they have two option, either to sell few expensively or sell tons, and get market share.
In any term, some of us will just need to wait to get the best. Gosh, 55" is huge and I am still stuck with a 19" tubed TV!
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Well, just to close the loop on this, the dude bailed on the Sharp Acquos (as I reported earlier) and then also bailed on the DLP rear projection. Instead he went with the new Fujitsu 42" Plasma as he got truly an incredible deal from the dealer that he couldn't pass up. Thanks for an informative thread!