I'm asking this for a member on the xbox forums. I wish I could help him out, but I only know about CRT's..


"Thanks again for the additional info. I have heard mixed things on Plasma tvs. When I first started looking at tvs and I knew nothing about them. The Plasmas are what caught my eye first. But I have also been told that if you are a serious gamer with Xbox's, Wii's and such, you really should stay away from Plasma's because of the burn in thing. But haven't they pretty much taken care of that problem by now?

They other thing I wanted to comment on was that most comparisons I have looked at between LCD and Plasma, as the Plasmas do look very good but, it seems (to me) that a lot of the LCD tvs look crisper and clearer than some plasmas. But that could just be me not comparing the right tvs. What's your thought on that?

In addition, I also understand that Plasma tvs don't last as long as an LCD tv would. Especially if you are into gaming. Do you know of any truth to that?

I personally think when I look at the two (plasma - LCD), the plasmas look closer to a standard tube tv just brighter and more vibrant colors, (IMO)."





Thanks for your help. I wish I could help him out, but I'm not going to lie or "take a stab" at it, as my knowledge with plasmas is very limited. Although I don't agree with his opinions, I will ask anyways.




-Nick

Plasmas do have a burn in issue. If not there would not be a need to "break in" a plasma. Even Panasonic states that in their documentation. Do a search on the plasma forum you will find plenty to read. Many say it's a myth. Do you want to risk thousands?

BTW Extended Warranties do not cover burn in.

LCD can be watched at much brighter contrast settings favoring gaming. You will find most plasma owners do not use high contrast levels due to burn in issues as well.

I have owned both and can say the LCD is better for everyday carefree use lights on or lights off, contrast high or low. The plasma is more "CRT" like but the small advantage is noticed mostly by videophiles and not the average Joe who is used to carefree LCD computer monitors by now.

If you are a stickler for perfection, Plasma may be the way to go. Otherwise LCD is the way for the rest of us. The market agrees.

If you are a stickler for perfection, Plasma may be the way to go. Otherwise LCD is the way for the rest of us. The market agrees.

You may have to be careful for the first couple hundred hours but it's worth it esp if you watch lots of sports. LCD's aren't nearly as good at fast video.

LCD/Plasma is a decision that should be based on how you use a TV, no one else can answer that for you.

My old was a 37" Sharp Aquos LCD, my new is a Samsung 42" plasma

In terms of visual differences, the LCD's pixels are absolutely square, hard-edge pixels surronded by a black field. Plasmas are a softer pixel since they are glowing phosphors. Some people really like the "crisp" look of the LCD while others find it "harsh". They are looking at the same feature. Some like it, some don't. Likewise, plasmas are softer but some think they look "dull". Same thing.

As said, it is in the eye of the beholder.