Comments on: Plasma vs. LCD

By: Roo

Roo — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:20:34 +0000

A recent article by Engadget that discusses LCD vs. Plasma
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/16/lcd-vs-plasma-in-2009/
worth a read IMHO

By: Roo

Roo — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:22:31 +0000

Clair, I’m not sure I have any more advice than what is already presented in the posting. Plasmas tend to start at the 42″ size, where as if you are staying at 37″ then LCD is probably the only choice. I have talked a few people into larger displays than they wanted originally, none of them have been unhappy with the bigger size. In the end, you need to buy something that makes you happy.

A few words of caution.
1) Over the fireplace mounting, if you don’t have a significant mantle between the fireplace and the TV – overheating may be an issue.
2) Don’t forget that you need to run power and an HDMI (audio/video) signal cable to the TV – make sure you have a plan to manage the wires.
3) Prices have fallen a lot, but you still get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest set, don’t be surprised if its cheap.

By: Clair

Clair — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 03:25:36 +0000

Thanks for the education. I am in the market for a display 37″-42″) to wall mount over a fireplace. What would be your recommendation?

Thanks.

By: Roo

Roo — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:02:37 +0000

You won’t easily find a Plasma in the 26″ to 32″ range, so you’ll be looking at LCD displays. If you can be convinced to look at 42″ sets, then Plasma becomes an option.

Keep in mind that a 16:9 ratio vs. 4:3 ratio will change the size of a 32″ screen, so you may want to consider a set larger than you’ve got now. I always suggest people get out the tape measure at home and see what they are getting into, even mocking it up in cardboard.

Even in a smaller screen size I’d personally be looking for a true 1920×1080 display, but this will come with a price premium. For example – today BestBuy.ca has a Sharp Aquos 32″ for $650, but it is an odd ball resolution (1366 x 768), stepping up to the Aquos 32″ with true 1080p (1920 x 1080) gets you to an $800 price tag. If you plan to primarily watch standard definition TV – buy the cheaper one. If HDTV is in your immediate future, go for the 1080p system.

By: Nick Edgar

Nick Edgar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:34:10 +0000

Thanks for the info Roo. I’m in the market for a small display, probably 26″ or 32″.