Kind of disappointed with LCD

Hi,

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents and get some input on if this is normal or if I haven't done something correctly.

2 years ago I purchased a 50" Panasonic Plasma (TC-P50U1,) not the highest end plasma but Panasonics lowest 1080p at the time I believe. I have enjoyed the Plasma but kept hearing of the new LED LCDs, million to 1 dynamic contrast ratios, etc. so last week I purchased a 47" LG (47LV5500) LED LCD TV. This is a mid-range LCD in LGs line. I have played with the settings on the new LG and I find that due to the back light, the picture looks washed out.. The colors are a LITTLE brighter but the benefit of that is overshadowed by the fact that the rest of the picture looks washed out. I will say that the Panasonic Plasma does not have as bright of whites but I have determined that having better blacks is more important than whiter whites (trust me.) I would have to say that for raw picture quality, the Panasonic plasma is a much more enjoyable viewing experience overall. Also for anyone thinking of buying the LG, they really skimped on the speakers.. they are pretty much garbage.. The Panasonic speakers are much better..

Does anyone else have experience with Plasma vs. LCD? The way it is looking now I don't think I will ever buy another LCD.. I am going to throw this one in my living room and buy a 60" Panasonic Plasma for my bedroom.

I have played with them a little. I used the picture wizard, went into the expert menu to modify some settings (really didn't like the true motion option,) etc. and have gotten it to a decently watchable state but regardless the back light seems to always shine through on the black screens. I am no expert at configuring a TV so I would be willing to admit that this may all be in the way the TV is configured.. Do your LCDs have a "true" black level? Or does it look washed out?

Thanks..

Thank you.. I do see some "flashlighting" on this TV as well (assuming that is when local dimming is enabled.) This TV seems to dim by full length section (buttom 1/4th of screen, top 1/4th of screen) but it is always the full length from right to left. I think that my issues are compounded by the fact that I was using both of these TVs in my bedroom and mostly watch TV with the lights dimmed so any black level problems are greatly compounded. Would it be worth taking this one back and getting a higher end Samsung/Sony LED/LCD or are the same issues probably going to exist? I am thinking if I put the LG in my living room where it is bright I might not notice the washed out picture as much.

Thanks,

Thank you everyone for the reply's. I didn't know there was so much of a difference in LCD technology between brands and it seems to me like LCD has yet to solve the back light requirement problem. I think that LED LCD may be a step in the right direction but it seems like to the true enthusiast Plasma is the way to go (unless you love your whites or are in a very light environment I suppose.) Curious to me why plasma usually costs less??

I got the LG LV5500 LED LCD for 589 dollars so there is really no way I can let it go back and purchase something for twice as much that may be better... I think I will program my harmony remote to disable local dimming and just deal with the wash-out in my living room.. but for my future purchases I will ensure that I research the best panels before I make a buy.. It was just such a good deal and I got caught up in the marketing hype of LED, 5 million to 1 dynamic contrast, etc. I will try next year with the 2013 models again when I upgrade to a 60+" but it is seeming to me like Plasma may be the way to go for my specific needs.. (Or LED backlit LCD maybe?)

Thanks..