Plasma or LCD? Needed ASAP

unknown_786

Apologies if this has been posted - ran a search but couldn't find anything...

My father has told me he wants a "thin screen" tv asap...he is currently having his living room done and wants to get the tv so the builder can attach it....I have looked at the usual comparison sites and places such as ebuyer etc...I was just wondering whether a plasma or lcd would be better? To be honest I don't really know the difference :S

Also, any good deals that anyone knows off..I think his budget is £800 - which is a MAXIMUM

Thanks in advance,

Unknown

aliasojo

I've been looking at LCDs lately. From what I've read, LCDs are better for smaller sized screens and plasma is better for larger. I suppose it depends on what kinda size you're after?

Can't advise with models though although I've heard that the Sony Bravia models are supposed to be good. (No idea about cost...haven't actually looked yet).

Chezell

I've got both a plasma and lcd screen....Plasma gives a better picture but lcd are generally lighter in weight (if you want to hang it on the wall).

A good site for info and chat is www.avforums.com

Hope it helps...

irnbru_2

unknown_786 wrote:

he is currently having his living room done and wants to get the tv so the builder can attach it

Then don't forget to include the cost of the mount and any cables from your equipment to the TV.

stolt

I have both tvs a 42 inch plasma in the lounge and lcd 15'' in the bedroom, dinning room, and kitchen, also remmber that if you have a bright room the lcd in my opinion is a slightly duller picture, if you going to go 32'' or smaller go for lcd any larger I would go for a plasma, It's worth paying as much as you can on a plasma, I own a panasonic pwd6 and its a excellent tv, when dvds are playing its faultless, unfortunatley I still don't think its come down to 800.00 migh be worth saving a bit longer, plsu the wall bracket wasnt cheap either, around 100.

thehairybuilder

I was in Woolworths yesterday and they are selling HD ready 32" LCD tellys for only £599 . I appreciate it`s slightly smaller than you`re looking for but maybe worth considering at that price ? A REAL BARGAIN ! :-)

HLK

This month's Which has a report on flat panle TV's - their best buys are -

LCD = Sony KLV L322M1 approx 1500 (add 180 for fixing brackets) here's what they say :-

Our expert viewing panel reckons the only 32-inch LCD model worth considering from our tests is the Sony KLV L32M1. The colour balance, depth and sharpness of the picture make for fine viewing. Admittedly it is let down by the disappointingly mediocre sound 1 and it isn’t HD ready. Prices vary even on the high street, so shop around. It’s £1,500 from miller Brothers but only £1,000 from Richer Sounds. The Sony TV brand is very reliable.


Plasma = Sony KE-P42M1 approx 1800 (add 180 s above)

The Sony KE-P42M1 is an excellent TV and our first plasma Best Buy. It scores well across the board but picture quality raises it clearly above rivals. It offers vivid colours and good detail, especially on DVD movies. Home cinema fans should be in raptures especially as this model is cheaper than most big branded rivals. It costs £1,800 from Miller Brothers but is cheaper online. However the Sony is not HD ready. The screen resolution is too low and it doesn’t have the necessary sockets. So if you’re preparing for the future, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Sorry just noticed your budget.. so I guess this won't help!

irnbru_2

HLK wrote:

LCD = Sony KLV L322M1 approx 1500 (add 180 for fixing brackets) here's what they say :-

Providing the mounting bracket is VESA compliant then you can shop around.

As Chezell recommended, www.avforums.com can't be beat for information.

I wouldn't advise purchasing one ASAP. Your father should go to some showrooms and note down the viewing distance he'll be using and test out the equipment.

In the meantime you can work out the size of the box(es) and have the builder install suitable trucking so that your not ripping/chasing out brickwork later on when you find one suitable.

W.R.T. HD Ready compatatbility, if you don't have the input source its not going to matter too much. You could then look at some of the older/cheaper Plasmas being sold by the likes of EBuyer etc.

If your father were prepared to double his budget, I would advise looking at buying from John Lewis with a price match. A 5 year guarantee for an expensive item such as this might be well worth the investment.

nealgs

As already mentioned get on over to avforums.com and check out the LCD forum.

The current LCD discussion threads are around the Samsung range LExxR41/51B range, currently in 26 and 32 inch size (a 37" i think), Panasonic range (well outside the £800 budget) and a few others.

The Samsung 26" is around £650 or so, whilst 32" is around £850 - both are HD ready (needed if wanting to watch Sky HD broadcasts which hopefully start next year).

regards
Gary

thehairybuilder

but very much within your budget is http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~102335~/ACER%20AT3201W%2032%20%20LCD-TV.htm?affiliate=2003
• 32 inch Widescreen LCD-TV Display
• 1366 x 766 Native Resolution
• State-of-the-art Design & Technology
• WOW Surround Sound by SRS Labs
• HD Ready with HDCP compliance

123morgan

been in my local big w (woolworths) and seen plazmz for 499 but didn't catch the brand but fantastic offer anyway!!! good luck