Plasma vs DLP

[daflyboys]

Ok, I know there have been numerous threads here in the past talking about plasmas and LCD's; life spans; burn in; etc. We're remodeling and we will have a room primarily for TV/movie viewing and not really for gaming. We have typically not put a lot of money into TV's and, in fact, this would be our first flat screen. I need something fairly large as our room is longer than it is narrow and I'm looking to view the long way. So, 50" will be the minimum we're considering. I'd also like to stay under $1500, including cables, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions along these lines for DLP vs. Plasma? My understanding with DLP, bulb replacement down the line will be about the only thing we'll need to do provided all of the other hardware stays intact. Does one model handle HD-DVD better than the other (I don't think we'll be doing Blu-ray)?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Cables should cost under $50 depending on what all you get. Do not pay more than $15 for an HDMI cable, do not buy monster cables ever.

Uhm, do you already have an HD DVD player and HD DVD movies? Because that format is dead and no new movies will ever be made on it.

[daflyboys]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Uhm, do you already have an HD DVD player and HD DVD movies? Because that format is dead and no new movies will ever be made on it.

Oh, thx, didn't realize that. So, I guess Blu-Ray is that way, eh? I probably won't worry about that and simply get a good DVD player. I've typically used Ebay for electronics accessories as the dealers on there seem to have the best prices.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Unless you can get a steal of a deal, I wouldn't invest in HD-DVD now. There are rumors that some blu rays will be relatively cheap ($10) on Black Friday. I fully recommend a PS3 as a more than capable blu ray player that also decodes the hi-def audio codecs if your HDMI receiver can't.

IMO, a plasma is a no brainer over a dlp.

[Splitter77]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

if you really want a dlp- go with a samsung.
You could probably get one 60" for under 1500.
Picture is just as good as a plasma, if not better from a straight viewing angle. Plasmas are 100x better when viewed at an angle though. I would go with the dlp- alot cheaper.
bulbs are 150 bones probably once every 16 months.

[daflyboys]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

With the dimensions of this room, I'm guessing that it's not going to get any deeper than about a 30deg. viewing angle.

Good to know about the Black Friday thing, but I'm not much to wait in line all day for a deal.

[BigRed]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

if you really want a dlp- go with a samsung.
You could probably get one 60" for under 1500.
Picture is just as good as a plasma, if not better from a straight viewing angle. Plasmas are 100x better when viewed at an angle though. I would go with the dlp- alot cheaper.
bulbs are 150 bones probably once every 16 months.

My roommate had a 67" Samsung DLP and it was nothing but trouble. Probably had techs out 6 or 7 times within a year and a half to work on the thing. Replaced 3 engines and did something else and it still looked like crap. Eventually, Best Buy refunded it (sortof) and he "downgraded to a 50 inch Plasma which has been perfect for about a year and a half.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Your budget is gonna make it difficult. Could you go $2,000? Also how's your credit? CC & Best Buy are running no interest deals on TV's every week. This week CC is offering no interest for 3 years on all Panasonic Plasmas.

[daflyboys]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Ya, we could probably go 2K. The more I read all over, the more I'm leaning plasma.

[daflyboys]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

wow....I thought this would get a little more play. Ok, so I'm seeing that 720p DLP's can really be good on the budget. Question is, is there that much noticeable differnence between a 720p vs. 1080p DLP (or plasma for that matter)? I'm hearing that once you go over 42", don't waste your time with 720. Though one site rated Phillips 720p plasma pretty highly.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

wow....I thought this would get a little more play. Ok, so I'm seeing that 720p DLP's can really be good on the budget. Question is, is there that much noticeable difference between a 720p vs. 1080p DLP (or plasma for that matter)? I'm hearing that once you go over 42", don't waste your time with 720. Though one site rated Phillips 720p plasma pretty highly.

My advice, stay away from BULB Based DLP. Companies like Samsung are rumored to be stopping production on them, which in turn may make it harder for you to get it serviced if something goes wrong...

As for 720P V 1080P. 1080P would be ideal (future proof your purchase) Also is would LCD be out of the picture?

[daflyboys]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

Also is would LCD be out of the picture?

I guess the main thing is that I've read LCD picture quality degrades over time. No?

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

I guess the main thing is that I've read LCD picture quality degrades over time. No?

Not true. DLP's picture will fade after time due to the bulb dimming. You won't have that problem with an LCD or Plasma as the life spans can go for up to 20 years

[BTB]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

I thought Plasma's died after like 2 years?

[Chrono]

Re: Plasma vs DLP

I've had my 62 inch Mitsubishi DLP for almost 3 years now, and still no bulb replacement (knock on wood). Not to mention the picture still looks great... not sure if the bulb dimming is true, but if so I sure don't notice anything!

1080p was too expensive back when I bought this, so it's 720p. My father has a 1080p big screen and I honestly can't tell the difference. He doesn't have blu-ray or HD-DVD, so maybe I would notice a difference watching that.... but like I said HD looks phenominal on my DLP.

I also have a 42 inch LCD for my bedroom, and that TV looks great as well. To compare the two, my LCD has slightly brighter looking colors but doesn't do black as well asmy DLP. I haven't seen too many HDTV's set up properly that don't look amazing, so I wouldn't stress yourself out too much. Just do some homework to get a good deal on a known quality TV and you should be good!