LCD v PLASMA TV ? completly lost at difference

turtle_3

Can anyone tell me the difference please between a LCD tv and a Plasma ?
I just want a decent 42" TV as my little boy is partially sighted so I need a big screen .I have looked at the comparisons but I still don't understand what one is the best in durability and picture quality .I am thinking of buying it in J Lewis's for the free 5yr guarentee , just incase this makes a difference to something in either of the TV's not lasting .

Any advice would be very much welcome
Thank you

arthurp8

There are endless differences between the two formats from a technical perspective. However generally the plasma screens will give a better quality picture, however Plasma's are heavier. There are loads of urban myths regarding plasma screens suffering from screen burn etc, however the latest models really don;t suffer from this anything like early models. Plus LCD's can suffer from dead pixels (black pixels on the tv that don;t work).

Plasma's generally seem to be cheaper in this screen size so I would advise going for a plasma - I recently bought the Panasonic TH42PX60 - which is recommended by at least 4 different hi-fi/tv mags. This screen can now be bought for around 900 GBP - and has freeview built in, plus it is pretty future proof as it has 2 HDMI sockets. There are plenty of choices out there - however there are a lot of older models that you could be duped into buying. Having done the rounds to get a decent tv recently whilst looking at both plasmas and lcds this Panasonic was the best I found. It also included a 5 year guarantee direct from panasonic.

So look around - check Richer sounds as they do a fab price match offer where they will give you back the difference if you find the same screen online/high street within 7 days of purchase. I bought my plasma for 1000GBP and found it two days later for 900GBP - they happily gave me a 100GBP refund - so can;t praise them enough.

Anyhow as I say the TH42PX60 is a damn good plasma and easily better than the 900 GBP price leads you to believe - the reason its doscounted is that the new Panasonic model is out in a month so this model is discontinued.

If you want any more info from someone that won;t technobabble give me a shout.

Avoriaz

As Arthur writes, there are significant differences in LCD and Plasma technologies. Each has different advantages and disadvantages. Very broadly speaking LCD is usually best suited to 36inch screen and smaller and Plasma 40 inch and larger, though technological improvements in large LCD screens is eroding the differences.

If you want a 42 inch screen you will probably find a good Plasma is your best option and I would endorse the recommendation for Richer Sounds, though you may find John Lewis will also price match.

An important consideration is what TV you will be watching. These screens look best when displaying high quality digital images from Sky, Freeview, DVD etc. They can look awful displaying analogue broadcasts via an aerial or VHS video tape sources as they emphasise the deficiencies in the source material. A picture that looks OK on a 28 inch CRT (traditional tube) screen can look awful when blown up to 42 inches.

Another important consideration is to ensure that whatever you buy is capable of displaying the new HDTV standard. There are still many screens around that are not HDTV ready so avoid them if possible unless you can get one at an absolutely bargain price. Even if you have no plans to invest in HDTV now, you may want to do this in a few years time and you do not want to have a redundant screen. Only buy a non HDTV screen at a bargain price that you would be happy to replace in a few years.

There are probably plenty of bargains on ebay etc though you are taking the usual risks of buying second hand so only take that route if you are comfortable with it and are accompanied by someone who knows what to look for in a second hand screen.

Good luck.

turtle_3

THANK YOU so very much arthurp8 and Avoriaz for replying

I have looked at the one you recommend arthur in richer sounds but there is no mention of the 5yr manufacturers guarentee , do you deffinetly get this guarentee with this TV ? as if you do I think I will buy this one .

EDIT
Just phoned richer sounds and they have none in stock and have no idea when they will be getting any as Panosonic are having problems with their supplier .Told me it could even be 6 months