Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits

slop101 · 07-10-09, 12:33 AM

I pretty much understand the pros & cons of each TV, but I still can't seem to decide. I know each of these brands are the best for these respective TV types. I understand that Plasma's better for quick motion and camera pans and LCD's better for bright rooms, etc. etc.

The Panny's a 50" plasma - haven't decided on the exact model, but it'll be a middle-range Vierra model, an S1 or a G10.

The Sammy's a 52" LCD - I'm leaning towards the LN52B550 or 530, the bells&whistles of the higher models don't interest me, but it's only 60hz.

Anyhoo, here's what I tend to watch:

About 50% is of HD content, consisting of HD videogames and movie on blu-ray.
The other 50% will be a combination of SD content: mostly 480i broadcast from a pretty good digital satellite and 480p from my region-free dvd player.

FWIW, my room is fairly bright, but no major glares and I'd sit about 10-12 feet from the TV.

I like that the Panny has an S-video input that the Sammy does not, which should improve the satellite cable image (I'm under NO assumption that the SD image will look good, I just want it to look less bad), and I'm certainly not going to stretch any 4:3 image. But then I like how there will be less chance of burn-in with the LCD.

There's more variables, but that enough to get this started.

Sdallnct · 07-10-09, 12:45 AM

You leave out one factor; do you want the best image quality?

If you want the best picture, then the answer is obvious. The Panny Plasma.

Burn in is not an issue with modern Plasma TV's. And in FACT if you go to the Samsung web site they will warn you that LCD also can suffer from burn in. Now you can argue the technical merits of the difference between burn in or image retention, but the Samsung web site clearly warns against burn in on LCD panels.

slop101 · 07-10-09, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sdallnct

You leave out one factor; do you want the best image quality?

I suppose I want the best quality average for what I watch - how's the Panny compare to the Sammy for the SD stuff?

Chew · 07-10-09, 07:08 AM

I pretty much have the same viewing habits as you and love my Panny.

Spiky · 07-10-09, 09:01 AM

Why don't you get HD from satellite? I now watch something like 98% of satellite in HD. The only non-HD I watch is reruns, if I watch something old.

slop101 · 07-10-09, 11:17 AM

Not only am I afraid of change, the HD-satellite package (with tivo, which I would NEED) are still super expensive, and not something I'd want to pony up for right now, especially after a big TV purchase.

I'm leaning towards this right now:

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-33497901.html

dick_grayson · 07-10-09, 11:28 AM

not a bad deal here:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...7993&t=1435137

slop101 · 07-10-09, 12:23 PM

Best Buy has them on sale too. And they offer free delivery and pick-up of my old behemoth, which I'll need.

SoSpacey · 07-10-09, 01:01 PM

Panny Plasma.

slop101 · 07-10-09, 03:22 PM

Well I went and bought it! [the Panny I posted above]

Got it at Best Buy for only $800!

Well, it was actually 1600, after tax (w/free delivery&pickup), which is a sale price and a pretty good deal - pretty much the same as dick's link, and lower than amazon.

But my credit card allows me to use reward points at certain stores, BB being one of them (Arby's being another...). I used $800 in the points I had on that card, and paid cash for the rest.

Unfortunately, they're out of stock and won't be able to deliver for another week or two...

When I get it and set it up, I'll bump this thread with my impressions - that cnet review has my hopes set pretty high (it looked just okay in the store, but I know that's not something to go by - especially for plasmas).

dick_grayson · 07-10-09, 05:52 PM

actually, from Crutchfield it is/was $1,199 but you had to get a bluray player as well ($269.99). The total (shipped) price is: $1,469.98

Either way, if you had a bunch of reward points to use then it doesn't really matter. The tv is great and you'll be very happy. You may be able to get BB to price match or sell you the tv for lower.

dick_grayson · 07-10-09, 06:01 PM

also, the best buy online price I see is $1399 shipped....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&ref=39&loc=01

slop101 · 07-10-09, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick_grayson

also, the best buy online price I see is $1399 shipped....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&ref=39&loc=01

That's the S1, which is the next model down. I got the G10, which is a much better TV for only $100 more.

I also didn't need another blu-ray player, and the main reason for going with BB was the ability to use my points. Not to mention, Chrutchfield doesn't even have a date for when they'll be in stock, where as BB gave me a week.

dick_grayson · 07-10-09, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slop101

That's the S1, which is the next model down. I got the G10, which is a much better TV for only $100 more.

I also didn't need another blu-ray player, and the main reason for going with BB was the ability to use my points. Not to mention, Chrutchfield doesn't even have a date for when they'll be in stock, where as BB gave me a week.

yeah, you're right about the link. I searched for your model via thefind and it gave a BB link. I didn't even check to see if it was correct.

Anyway, it looks like you're all set.

JimRochester · 07-10-09, 07:10 PM

Can't go wrong with Panasonic. Go to Tweak Tv and set it up and you'll be happy with it.

slop101 · 07-10-09, 08:28 PM

What are some recommendations as to "breaking in" a plasma?

I've heard that I should keep the contrast/brightness low (or mid-range) for the first 100 or so hours of watching, and to keep everything at 1:85, filling the screen for these first 100 hours - so no 2:35 or 4:3 content, unless stretched or zoomed to 1:85.

Or how about this stuff that I can burn on to a dvd and play on a plasma that's supposed to break it in?

dick_grayson · 07-10-09, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slop101

What are some recommendations as to "breaking in" a plasma?

I've heard that I should keep the contrast/brightness low (or mid-range) for the first 100 or so hours of watching, and to keep everything at 1:85, filling the screen for these first 100 hours - so no 2:35 or 4:3 content, unless stretched or zoomed to 1:85.

Or how about this stuff that I can burn on to a dvd and play on a plasma that's supposed to break it in?

I didn't do much in terms of break in for my panasonic plasma. I watched HD content for the most part during the break-in period (no gaming or sd), for what it's worth.

That dvd would work fine, although there are free ones. There's some talk of properly aging the phosphors or whatever by running something like that for a break in period. There's something in the picture menu on your tv called "pixel orbiter" which you should turn on. Also, there's a white/black wipe screensaver thing that probably does the same thing as a break-in utility (although I could be wrong).

I remember seeing this when I was helping set up my sister's tv:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1128487

slop101 · 07-10-09, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick_grayson

That dvd would work fine, although there are free ones.

You can actually download that for free and burn it to a dvd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick_grayson

Also, there's a white/black wipe screensaver thing that probably does the same thing as a break-in utility (although I could be wrong).

I could be wrong too, but I've read that this wipe utility is used for getting rid of a burned image you may have, but the trade-off is that this wiping can dim the overall image.

Sdallnct · 07-10-09, 09:59 PM

Nice....good choice!

Now lets talk audio...surround...sound....LOL

slop101 · 07-10-09, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sdallnct

Now lets talk audio...surround...sound....LOL

I already have my sound covered and I'm more than happy with it: high-quality speakers in the walls/ceiling, a fat sub on the floor, all going through a 100 watt Yamaha.

I might have to replace my front right speaker though - for some reason, it's gotten a lot more treble-y than the other speakers.

eiker_ir · 07-11-09, 12:27 AM

you know i got my first plasma a few months ago and was a bit worried with the "not good in bright rooms/during the day" bit, but i think it's a really a non-factor now.

I can watch anything during the day and it looks damn good, i really don't know how much brighter people need their sets to be during the day.

slop101 · 07-11-09, 01:07 AM

It's not that plasmas are too dark, it's that LCDs are too bright - on some settings, it's like looking into the sun.

Spiky · 07-11-09, 09:54 AM

Actually, plasmas are too bright also. But nobody wants to hear about proper setup.

slop101 · 07-11-09, 12:07 PM

ooh ooh, I do, I do!

Sdallnct · 07-11-09, 01:35 PM

Almost every TV is "too bright". I have an Olevia 27" LCD in my bar. I have four skylights, three uncovered windows and a door that has a window in it just about the entire size of the door. I STILL turn the brightness way down, even during day time watching. It is a freaking torch on every setting. Course it has limited settings, so I can't mess with it much. But I got the brightness pretty much as low as it will go.

View Poll Results: which would be best for ME?
Samsung 52" LCD (60hz)	4	16.00%
Panasonic 50" Plasma	21	84.00%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

07-10-09, 12:33 AM	#1
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits I pretty much understand the pros & cons of each TV, but I still can't seem to decide. I know each of these brands are the best for these respective TV types. I understand that Plasma's better for quick motion and camera pans and LCD's better for bright rooms, etc. etc. The Panny's a 50" plasma - haven't decided on the exact model, but it'll be a middle-range Vierra model, an S1 or a G10. The Sammy's a 52" LCD - I'm leaning towards the LN52B550 or 530, the bells&whistles of the higher models don't interest me, but it's only 60hz. Anyhoo, here's what I tend to watch: About 50% is of HD content, consisting of HD videogames and movie on blu-ray. The other 50% will be a combination of SD content: mostly 480i broadcast from a pretty good digital satellite and 480p from my region-free dvd player. FWIW, my room is fairly bright, but no major glares and I'd sit about 10-12 feet from the TV. I like that the Panny has an S-video input that the Sammy does not, which should improve the satellite cable image (I'm under NO assumption that the SD image will look good, I just want it to look less bad), and I'm certainly not going to stretch any 4:3 image. But then I like how there will be less chance of burn-in with the LCD. There's more variables, but that enough to get this started.

07-10-09, 12:45 AM	#2
Sdallnct DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Home again, Big D Posts: 10,981	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits You leave out one factor; do you want the best image quality? If you want the best picture, then the answer is obvious. The Panny Plasma. Burn in is not an issue with modern Plasma TV's. And in FACT if you go to the Samsung web site they will warn you that LCD also can suffer from burn in. Now you can argue the technical merits of the difference between burn in or image retention, but the Samsung web site clearly warns against burn in on LCD panels. __________________ Live Free. Dine Well. Drink good beer. Home Theater Build

07-10-09, 07:08 AM	#4
Chew DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 1999 Location: South of Titletown Posts: 16,346	I pretty much have the same viewing habits as you and love my Panny. __________________ PSN: chew1138 XBL: chew1138

07-10-09, 09:01 AM	#5
Spiky DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 5,613	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Why don't you get HD from satellite? I now watch something like 98% of satellite in HD. The only non-HD I watch is reruns, if I watch something old. __________________ Ignorance vs Bliss --Wizdar Last edited by Spiky; 07-10-09 at 09:07 AM.

07-10-09, 11:17 AM	#6
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Not only am I afraid of change, the HD-satellite package (with tivo, which I would NEED) are still super expensive, and not something I'd want to pony up for right now, especially after a big TV purchase. I'm leaning towards this right now: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-33497901.html

07-10-09, 11:28 AM	#7
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,572	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits not a bad deal here: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...7993&t=1435137

07-10-09, 12:23 PM	#8
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Best Buy has them on sale too. And they offer free delivery and pick-up of my old behemoth, which I'll need.

07-10-09, 01:01 PM	#9
SoSpacey DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Jersey Posts: 4,056	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Panny Plasma. __________________ Panasonic 58PX-S1 Plasma l Tivo Series 3 Paradigm Millenia 200s/20cc/Atom v.6 l HSU VTF-3 MK3 Yamaha RX-v1700 l PS3 l Toshiba HD-A3 l Denon CD Player l Wii l Onkyo TT PSN: cosmokid12 My Countdown Counting down to: Until Vegas...all alone...no wife...no kids.... 29 days 17 hours 50 minutes

07-10-09, 03:22 PM	#10
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Well I went and bought it! [the Panny I posted above] Got it at Best Buy for only $800! Well, it was actually 1600, after tax (w/free delivery&pickup), which is a sale price and a pretty good deal - pretty much the same as dick's link, and lower than amazon. But my credit card allows me to use reward points at certain stores, BB being one of them (Arby's being another...). I used $800 in the points I had on that card, and paid cash for the rest. Unfortunately, they're out of stock and won't be able to deliver for another week or two... When I get it and set it up, I'll bump this thread with my impressions - that cnet review has my hopes set pretty high (it looked just okay in the store, but I know that's not something to go by - especially for plasmas).

07-10-09, 05:52 PM	#11
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,572	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits actually, from Crutchfield it is/was $1,199 but you had to get a bluray player as well ($269.99). The total (shipped) price is: $1,469.98 Either way, if you had a bunch of reward points to use then it doesn't really matter. The tv is great and you'll be very happy. You may be able to get BB to price match or sell you the tv for lower.

07-10-09, 06:01 PM	#12
dick_grayson DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lyon Estates Posts: 10,572	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits also, the best buy online price I see is $1399 shipped.... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&ref=39&loc=01

07-10-09, 07:10 PM	#15
JimRochester DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Rochester, NY. USA Posts: 8,463	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Can't go wrong with Panasonic. Go to Tweak Tv and set it up and you'll be happy with it. __________________ Pan58" Plasma,Pioneer vsx91, SONY s350, Toshiba A35, Def-Tech speakers supercube sub. Most wanted BD: Aladdin/Armgeddon/BATB/BevHillsCop/BigRed1/BTTF/Bugsy/DieHard4(R)/Gettysburg/GrossPoint/Honeymoon Vegas/JrsicPrk/LionKing/MemphisBelle/Midway/Mohicans/PearlHarb(R)/PT&A/Raiders/SoundMusic/Stripes/Sleepless/StarWars/SPR/3King/TinCup/Tombstone/Tora/TrueLies/USMarsh/WhileUSleeping.

07-10-09, 08:28 PM	#16
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits What are some recommendations as to "breaking in" a plasma? I've heard that I should keep the contrast/brightness low (or mid-range) for the first 100 or so hours of watching, and to keep everything at 1:85, filling the screen for these first 100 hours - so no 2:35 or 4:3 content, unless stretched or zoomed to 1:85. Or how about this stuff that I can burn on to a dvd and play on a plasma that's supposed to break it in?

07-10-09, 09:59 PM	#19
Sdallnct DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Home again, Big D Posts: 10,981	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Nice....good choice! Now lets talk audio...surround...sound....LOL __________________ Live Free. Dine Well. Drink good beer. Home Theater Build

07-11-09, 12:27 AM	#21
eiker_ir Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 466	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits you know i got my first plasma a few months ago and was a bit worried with the "not good in bright rooms/during the day" bit, but i think it's a really a non-factor now. I can watch anything during the day and it looks damn good, i really don't know how much brighter people need their sets to be during the day. __________________ excuse me.... i rule, thanx....

07-11-09, 01:07 AM	#22
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits It's not that plasmas are too dark, it's that LCDs are too bright - on some settings, it's like looking into the sun.

07-11-09, 09:54 AM	#23
Spiky DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 5,613	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Actually, plasmas are too bright also. But nobody wants to hear about proper setup. __________________ Ignorance vs Bliss --Wizdar

07-11-09, 12:07 PM	#24
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: in your mind Posts: 12,419	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits ooh ooh, I do, I do!

07-11-09, 01:35 PM	#25
Sdallnct DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Home again, Big D Posts: 10,981	Re: Sammy LCD vs Panny Plasma: which hdtv should I get based on my viewing habits Almost every TV is "too bright". I have an Olevia 27" LCD in my bar. I have four skylights, three uncovered windows and a door that has a window in it just about the entire size of the door. I STILL turn the brightness way down, even during day time watching. It is a freaking torch on every setting. Course it has limited settings, so I can't mess with it much. But I got the brightness pretty much as low as it will go. __________________ Live Free. Dine Well. Drink good beer. Home Theater Build