720p Plasma vs 1080p LCD but with lower contrast ratio?

Akilldema · 08-13-2010, 07:54 PM

I currently have a 42" Vizio, it's fairly old and only has a 1000:1 contrast ratio but has 1080P resolution. I don't really mind the image quality on it, although there is some blur as with most LCDs. I want to get some thing a little bigger in the 50-55" range and found a nice Samsung plasma TV with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ration but has only 720p supported resolution. I feel like the Samsung will look much better with the higher CR and plasmas don't have blurring issues. Any opinions?

Avatard · 08-13-2010, 08:10 PM

Depends how far away you'll be watching from.

For most viewing distances, the difference between 1080 and 720 are nonexistent.

Contrast is probably more important.

My advice? LOOK at both, compare. Fuck the numbers.

Akilldema · 08-13-2010, 08:12 PM

I'm about 10ft or so from the screen. I looked at it at Best Buy, but it's hard to compare the 2 without them being side by side, not to mention the stuff Best Buy plays is designed to optimize the way the tv looks. I think I'll snag it though.

OneSickPsycho · 08-13-2010, 08:24 PM

I've found this to hold pretty true:
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/12/09/10...o-screen-size/

The truth is, unless you have it hooked up to a blueray player you'll probably never see 1080p anyway. The difference you'll see is the contrast ratio and smoothness of the plasma. Blacks will be blacker and you won't see the blur. Also, the size difference is substantial between your old set and the new one... The fact that your distance hasn't changed the quality at identical resolutions may not appear as good on the new tv.

Avatard · 08-13-2010, 08:16 PM

@ 10ft, the contrast is far more important. You'll never see the difference in resolution.

Do look at native contrast numbers, though...that "dynamic contrast" number is pure bullshit.

Akilldema · 08-13-2010, 08:23 PM

This model is the one I have in mind. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features

I don't see the native contrast ratio?

defector · 08-13-2010, 08:27 PM

Get 'em both! I just picked up a 50" Samsung plasma and a 42" samsung LCD for about $1500 out the door t Best Buy. The LCD was an open box demo, but I still got the 1 yr manufacturer warranty with it.

Akilldema · 08-13-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defector

Get 'em both! I just picked up a 50" Samsung plasma and a 42" samsung LCD for about $1500 out the door t Best Buy. The LCD was an open box demo, but I still got the 1 yr manufacturer warranty with it.

I already have a 32" in my bedroom and a 42" Vizio in my living room. so I'm just gonna sell the Vizio to a friend for $350.

OneSickPsycho · 08-13-2010, 08:52 PM

One thing I forgot to mention... Plasmas like the old CRT's are prone to burn-in. For the first couple hundred hours of use turn the contrast and brightness down and avoid static images (like the tv station logo in the corner). After it's broken in - balls to the walls.

That info is a bit dated but I'm not taking chances with mine... Even if the new tv's are supposedly impervious to burn-in.

Flexin · 08-14-2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

One thing I forgot to mention... Plasmas like the old CRT's are prone to burn-in. For the first couple hundred hours of use turn the contrast and brightness down and avoid static images (like the tv station logo in the corner). After it's broken in - balls to the walls.

That info is a bit dated but I'm not taking chances with mine... Even if the new tv's are supposedly impervious to burn-in.

Your right they still do burn in. You have to pretty hard on them in my opinion but they still can get burn in.

James

08-13-2010, 07:54 PM	#1
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	720p Plasma vs 1080p LCD but with lower contrast ratio? I currently have a 42" Vizio, it's fairly old and only has a 1000:1 contrast ratio but has 1080P resolution. I don't really mind the image quality on it, although there is some blur as with most LCDs. I want to get some thing a little bigger in the 50-55" range and found a nice Samsung plasma TV with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ration but has only 720p supported resolution. I feel like the Samsung will look much better with the higher CR and plasmas don't have blurring issues. Any opinions?

08-13-2010, 08:10 PM	#2
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	Depends how far away you'll be watching from. For most viewing distances, the difference between 1080 and 720 are nonexistent. Contrast is probably more important. My advice? LOOK at both, compare. Fuck the numbers. __________________ Insert free thought here.

08-13-2010, 08:16 PM	#5
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	@ 10ft, the contrast is far more important. You'll never see the difference in resolution. Do look at native contrast numbers, though...that "dynamic contrast" number is pure bullshit. __________________ Insert free thought here.

08-13-2010, 08:27 PM	#7
defector My balls, your chin Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The desert of Az Moto: 929, SV650, YZ250 Posts: 1,917	Get 'em both! I just picked up a 50" Samsung plasma and a 42" samsung LCD for about $1500 out the door t Best Buy. The LCD was an open box demo, but I still got the 1 yr manufacturer warranty with it. __________________ Reading this signature may give you special powers, including the ability to run through walls. You should try it immediately.

08-13-2010, 08:12 PM	#3
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	I'm about 10ft or so from the screen. I looked at it at Best Buy, but it's hard to compare the 2 without them being side by side, not to mention the stuff Best Buy plays is designed to optimize the way the tv looks. I think I'll snag it though.

08-13-2010, 08:24 PM	#4
OneSickPsycho Ride Like an Asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Moto: nothing... Posts: 11,254	I've found this to hold pretty true: http://hd.engadget.com/2006/12/09/10...o-screen-size/ The truth is, unless you have it hooked up to a blueray player you'll probably never see 1080p anyway. The difference you'll see is the contrast ratio and smoothness of the plasma. Blacks will be blacker and you won't see the blur. Also, the size difference is substantial between your old set and the new one... The fact that your distance hasn't changed the quality at identical resolutions may not appear as good on the new tv.

08-13-2010, 08:23 PM	#6
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	This model is the one I have in mind. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features I don't see the native contrast ratio?

08-13-2010, 08:52 PM	#9
OneSickPsycho Ride Like an Asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Moto: nothing... Posts: 11,254	One thing I forgot to mention... Plasmas like the old CRT's are prone to burn-in. For the first couple hundred hours of use turn the contrast and brightness down and avoid static images (like the tv station logo in the corner). After it's broken in - balls to the walls. That info is a bit dated but I'm not taking chances with mine... Even if the new tv's are supposedly impervious to burn-in.