Plasma vs LCD

[LancelotSA]

Just checked those links (haven't read the full reviews - only summary score) :

The results don't quite seem to add up :/ I mean when we're taking Performance into account (matters bigtime), the LCD is ahead 5 of 7 catagories (black level, peak white, contrast ratio, tunnel contrast and white fall off) - far ahead actually. Aren't these the points everyone was arguing about?

The plasma scores on - amoungst others - button layout and use, manual, what's in the box and audio quality ...

Sorry OP we are going off topic but you have made your choice!

Let's look at the ones given the higher weightings as I assume these are the ones they feel affect your viewing experience most.

Black and white
Black level
LCD 8.77
Plasma 6.72

Peak white
LCD 9.01
Plasma 7.21

Contrast ratio
LCD 9.26
Plasma 6.34

Definite win under black and white for your LCD

Colour (now these have heavy weightings)
Colour temp
LCD 8.11
Plasma 9.82

RGB Curves
LCD 9.06
Plasma 6.81

Colour gamut
LCD 4.23
Plasma 4.2

Close call

Motion Again some heavy weightings here
Smoothness
LCD 7.0
Plasma 7.5

Artifacting
LCD 3.5
Plasma 4.75

3:2 Pulldown & 24fps
LCD 8.0
Plasma 8.5

Resolution Scaling
LCD 8.25
Plasma 6.25

Win for my plasma I'd say

The thing is you really would not expect them to be close considering the difference in price. Yes, you get far better connectivity but is the picture for DSTV viewing better? It seems not.

 

[LancelotSA]

For fun, compared my LCD to this more expensvie Panasonic Viera. I think this TV is almost double mine pricewise?

It scores 656.11 total - also beating the LCD on *hic* button layout, manual and audi quality.

I ask again - where is this plasma landslide victory?

Remember I never said it was cut and dried But this also shows that those always saying only get a Panasonic plasma and avoid all other makes are also wrong. My Samsung beats that score too!

 

[Dolby]

Taking all this into account - do you see a land slide victory as everyone claimed up front - even against the mighty Viera?

Or do you - as I said - alot closer than some people would have you believe?

 

[sand_man]

In truth my plasma is meant to retail at R8000+,

So you got it finally!!!! Congrats meneer, just in time to watch the Bulls get one over the the Sharks!!! DAMN!!! Sorry...

You gone with the HD PVR as well or not yet?

 

[LancelotSA]

Taking all this into account - do you see a land slide victory as everyone claimed up front - even against the mighty Viera?

Or do you - as I said - alot closer than some people would have you believe?

Before responding perhaps we need to compare a R6000 LCD to my R6000 plasma. At the moment we compared a fairly expensive LCD to a fairly expensive plasma (and of course my "cheapy").

But I am still of the opinion that a plasma is better for watching DSTV and movies

I have to admit that the vast array of things scored on that website does seem to result in a lot of scores "averaging out". By that I mean that it seems some sets score highly in some areas but fail in others. This seems to show that there are not many sets in which they get it all right.

 

[LancelotSA]

So you got it finally!!!! Congrats meneer, just in time to watch the Bulls get one over the the Sharks!!! DAMN!!! Sorry...

You gone with the HD PVR as well or not yet?

Yeah, I got it. Thanks man

Unfortunately the first game of rugger I saw on it was the Sharks Bulls game. But it's all good! I actually have not made a call yet on DSTV so I spent Saturday at 6pm rushing around trying to set up the old MNet decoder we still have! Called MNet to activate and sat waiting for the signal to come through (apparently there was a signal fault on Saturday night in Durbs so they were busy!). Eventually at about 7:20 (after missing the kick off) the signal came through to much cheering! ha ha

So anyway I now have MNet for at least this month and then I'll see what happens. Loving the TV though.

 

[Dolby]

At the moment we compared a fairly expensive LCD to a much more expensive plasma

That's good enough for me - as the LCD still did fairly well against it (LCD ahead 5 out of 7) And keep in mind that plasma is rated very highly in the market ....

Oh - as with all consumer goods, the performance doesn't increase with the price and it's up to the buyer to decide at which point he stops investing (law of diminihshing returns?). The differences are more than a few connections though : DLNA certified, built in media capabiliities, InternetTV, ethernet port etc

But - my work here is done ... I've think I've proved there is no landslide victory (at any price) as many people believe and LCD is more than capable

Keep well Lancelot!

 

[LancelotSA]

OP, good choice!



Later, Dolby.

 

[PostmanPot]

But - my work here is done ... I've think I've proved there is no landslide victory (at any price) as many people believe and LCD is more than capable

I can't say I'm bothered about that site and all its reviews and ratings. Whatever it says cannot negate the fact that plasma is still the better technology in terms of IQ, than the LCD technology.

Dolby if you still feel like going out to test TVs, go and look at a full HD plasma.

 

[Pitbull]

Yeah, I got it. Thanks man

Unfortunately the first game of rugger I saw on it was the Sharks Bulls game. But it's all good! I actually have not made a call yet on DSTV so I spent Saturday at 6pm rushing around trying to set up the old MNet decoder we still have! Called MNet to activate and sat waiting for the signal to come through (apparently there was a signal fault on Saturday night in Durbs so they were busy!). Eventually at about 7:20 (after missing the kick off) the signal came through to much cheering! ha ha

So anyway I now have MNet for at least this month and then I'll see what happens. Loving the TV though.

Lancelot, take my word for it, I have the same TV as you.
Get the MC HD PVR and you will be blown away. Nothing in the world comes close to HD Rugby

 

[sand_man]

Lancelot, take my word for it, I have the same TV as you.
Get the MC HD PVR and you will be blown away. Nothing in the world comes close to HD Rugby

haha I been punting the HD too. DO IT!!! The difference in picture quality between SD and HD is alarming to say the least.. HD is like watching tv with glasses on...

 

[Polymathic]

Actually plasma is a near dead technology, todays tv's come in two flavours LCD and LED, basically both have virtually the same qualitity picture the main difference is the size LED TVs are super slim around 3cm thin

 

[LancelotSA]

haha I been punting the HD too. DO IT!!! The difference in picture quality between SD and HD is alarming to say the least.. HD is like watching tv with glasses on...

Lancelot, take my word for it, I have the same TV as you.
Get the MC HD PVR and you will be blown away. Nothing in the world comes close to HD Rugby

That is what worries me... everything else will look crap!

 

[greg_SA]

I had a similiar thread a few months ago and landed with a Plasma.

The simple truths if I can sum it up for you:

1. Plasma is by far superior when it comes to heavy motion like with sports.
2. Movies, Plasma wins as it has a sharper colour.
3. LCD wins for gaming and very good TV
4. LCD uses allot less electicity
5. Plasma is a no go in a well lit room (Day light) Unless you have thick curtins. They reflect light and it's nearly impossible to see what is happening on TV. It turns into a mirror. LCD on the other hand absorbs the light and you get no reflection.
6. LCD needs to be viewed full on to get the best result. Plasma you can watch from any angle and the picture is crystal clear.

Based on that, see what your needs are and choose which one suits your needs.

For the first time in a ages I actually agree with Lancelot I too am very very very happy with my Plasma. But this would not have been the case if I didn't know what to look for in order to cater for my direct needs.

For those with a flat CRT... the Plasma will reflect light in the same way... so if you are happy with your flat screen CRT with regards to reflections, you'll be happy with a plasma too.

 

[iceman23]

These are comprehensive tests done by displaymate.

http://www.displaymate.com/LCD_Plasma_ShootOut.htm

http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/13/numbers-be-damned-plasma-eats-lcds-cake-in-displaymates-tests/

The numbers say that Plasma is "superior" but that actually doesn't mean much to me. I prefer to go by what I see.

I have both LCD and Plasma. Both relatively high range, new models and the plasma is superior in most aspects for me. Actually watching SD TV on the LCD is a bit of a chore. Others may have different opinions though.

 

[Dolby]

Let's test em on Lancelots review site (I quite like it actually)

What the models of both the plasma and LCD?