Xbox 360 Flatscreen TV recommendations

[Wes]

Why are people saying that Plasma TVs are on their way out? Right now, it seems that Plasmas have just as good picture quality as LCDs, and tend to have deeper blacks and better shadow detail. They also don't suffer from a loss in picture quality when you are viewing from the side, as LCDs supposedly do. Plus, it looks like prices are just as good on plasmas right now as they are on LCDs.

I'm not trying to start a battle, or hijack the thread, but I really don't know as much about this stuff as some of the other people here do, and was just wondering what it is that is making plasmas a dying technology. I'm not questioning what you guys are saying, as plasmas may actually be on their way out. I was just wondering why.

Anyways, back on topic. BlueSeats, if you are looking for a TV in the 32" range, LCD would be the choice for you, as I don't think there are really any good plasmas at that size. I'm sure you would be plenty pleased with any of the TVs that have already been recommended. Toshiba might be another brand worth checking out.

When you go to a store like Sears or Best Buy to look at some TVs, it is important to remember that sometimes the store jacks the brightness and contrast settings on the TVs way up, so that they look super bright and colorful. You would probably not use settings like that in your house. Also, they will probably be showing a High-def Bluray movie, or some other HD feed, on the TV. If you don't plan to use your HDMI cables, or watch any HD content on the TV, then it won't look as good as it does in the store. Maybe ask the sales guy to switch the TV to a non-HD feed so that you can see what it looks like.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Wes, there are many issues with Plasma. The LCD picture, personally, I prefer, but truly they're rather close. However, plasma TV's suck a TON of energy, and many environmental groups are trying to get companies to stop the production of them due to this. Also, Plasma TV's are much heavier than LCD TV's (about 3 times as heavy), they suffer from burn-in, and LCD TV's have a longer lifetime.

BlueSeats, if you're looking at a 26" set, you're probably not going to end up with a 720p, 60Hz set. Prices will range between $350 and $450. There's a Samsung at Best Buy for 429.99. I'd recommend that one.

If you're looking at a 32" set, again, you're probably going to end up with a 60Hz set based on your budget. I'd like to say go for a 1080p set, but you certainly seem like someone who doesn't plan to use a lot of HD media, so the extra $100 or so might not be worth it to you.

So, personally, if you're looking at 26" or 32", I'd recommend a Samsung lcd tv. Go to Best Buy, and compare the looks of a Samsung 26" 60Hz 1080p tv, a Samsung 32" 60Hz 1080p tv, and a Samsung 32" 60Hz 780p tv. You can also check out the more budget-oriented brands like Vizio and Insignia, but I'd recommend just paying the little extra and sticking with a Samsung.

Once you decide on your tv, shop around for the best price. Then, I'd recommend purchasing it from Best Buy, showing them the lowest price you found and having them match it. If you're getting the service from Best Buy at the prices of a budget place, you really can't go wrong.

Once you get your tv installed, you really want to hook your 360 up through HDMI. I'd recommend getting HD cable, but of course that's always your call. Your standard def tv may look worse, because the low definition is brought out more by an HD set. If you're unhappy, you can always return it and stick with a standard def tv until you want to get HD tv.

 

[Wes]

Wes, there are many issues with Plasma. The LCD picture, personally, I prefer, but truly they're rather close. However, plasma TV's suck a TON of energy, and many environmental groups are trying to get companies to stop the production of them due to this. Also, Plasma TV's are much heavier than LCD TV's (about 3 times as heavy), they suffer from burn-in, and LCD TV's have a longer lifetime.

Thanks for the info. I never really thought about the power-consumption differences between the two. I would have to imagine that it would be a difference of several hundred dollars in energy costs over the life of the TV between an LCD and a Plasma.

A few of my friends have nice flatscreen TVs (I'm still rocking out on a 36" Tube TV that weighs about 300 pounds), but I'm not sure if they are LCDs or Plasmas, as it can be hard to tell the difference. Hopefully they weighed the pros and cons of each before making their purchase.

 

[di0p]

Just got a Samsung 46 inch Plasma a couple months ago and it is amazing, I would run it up against an LCD any day of the week. I don't buy that Plasma's are phased out at all. Maybe if your buying an LCD with backlighting than you would have an advantage, but I don't think that is in your price range. Ask an expert about the myth's regarding Plasma's and they will tell you they are almost all nonsense nowadays. Plasmas use nearly the same energy now, and rarely burn out anymore.

 

[The Voice]

Wes, there are many issues with Plasma. The LCD picture, personally, I prefer, but truly they're rather close. However, plasma TV's suck a TON of energy, and many environmental groups are trying to get companies to stop the production of them due to this. Also, Plasma TV's are much heavier than LCD TV's (about 3 times as heavy), they suffer from burn-in, and LCD TV's have a longer lifetime.

BlueSeats, if you're looking at a 26" set, you're probably not going to end up with a 720p, 60Hz set. Prices will range between $350 and $450. There's a Samsung at Best Buy for 429.99. I'd recommend that one.

If you're looking at a 32" set, again, you're probably going to end up with a 60Hz set based on your budget. I'd like to say go for a 1080p set, but you certainly seem like someone who doesn't plan to use a lot of HD media, so the extra $100 or so might not be worth it to you.

So, personally, if you're looking at 26" or 32", I'd recommend a Samsung lcd tv. Go to Best Buy, and compare the looks of a Samsung 26" 60Hz 1080p tv, a Samsung 32" 60Hz 1080p tv, and a Samsung 32" 60Hz 780p tv. You can also check out the more budget-oriented brands like Vizio and Insignia, but I'd recommend just paying the little extra and sticking with a Samsung.

Once you decide on your tv, shop around for the best price. Then, I'd recommend purchasing it from Best Buy, showing them the lowest price you found and having them match it. If you're getting the service from Best Buy at the prices of a budget place, you really can't go wrong.

Once you get your tv installed, you really want to hook your 360 up through HDMI. I'd recommend getting HD cable, but of course that's always your call. Your standard def tv may look worse, because the low definition is brought out more by an HD set. If you're unhappy, you can always return it and stick with a standard def tv until you want to get HD tv.

It's not worth buying an LCD tv if you're getting anything under 32" and I would recommend a 37" or higher. When buying a tv blueseats think about your entertainment experience.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

It's not worth buying an LCD tv if you're getting anything under 32" and I would recommend a 37" or higher. When buying a tv blueseats think about your entertainment experience.

I'd wholeheartedly agree, but he said the max his area can accommodate is around 30"

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Just got a Samsung 46 inch Plasma a couple months ago and it is amazing, I would run it up against an LCD any day of the week. I don't buy that Plasma's are phased out at all. Maybe if your buying an LCD with backlighting than you would have an advantage, but I don't think that is in your price range. Ask an expert about the myth's regarding Plasma's and they will tell you they are almost all nonsense nowadays. Plasmas use nearly the same energy now, and rarely burn out anymore.

Plasmas do not use nearly the same amount of energy. I'm not sure where you heard that, but the difference is substantial.

It's true that plasmas rarely burn out, but their average lifespan is still shorter than an LCD's.

That said, if you're going to argue top notch picture quality regardless of price, LED wins hands down.

 

[MattyJames]

Just got a Samsung 46 inch Plasma a couple months ago and it is amazing, I would run it up against an LCD any day of the week. I don't buy that Plasma's are phased out at all. Maybe if your buying an LCD with backlighting than you would have an advantage, but I don't think that is in your price range. Ask an expert about the myth's regarding Plasma's and they will tell you they are almost all nonsense nowadays. Plasmas use nearly the same energy now, and rarely burn out anymore.

It's no myth that Plasma are being phased out. It has nothing to do with picture quality or weight of the set. Plasmas actually have beautiful pictures. It is strictly because of cost to make/repair. Samsung is one of 3 maybe 4 companies still making plasmas. Vizio discontinued them this past spring and pioneer is out completely. Seeing that Vizio is the number SELLING flat screen television...When they pulled out, many others followed suit. Again, It has nothing to do with quality, energy or any other nonsense. THEY ARE being phased out though and will be non-existant in 2 years time. That's great for consumers because they are nice televisions and you will be able to buy them on the cheap. Just be sure you have a hell of a warranty with it because it will be cheaper to buy an LCD than to repair the heating element in your plasma.

 

[Sock]

You should write a few down and go to stores with them and see it for yourself. A buddy of mine bought a Sony 46" 120hz for a bargain but it only has the best viewing position when you're right there in the sweet spot. Side viewers will have a totally different viewing experience when they are watching from the corners. He traded it back and got a Samsung model and paid abit more.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Also, if you're looking for a deal, try to buy an open item TV from best buy and just get a service plan on it. Also, you can talk the manager down from the asking price on them.

 

[beefstew]

I have a 52" Samsung Plasma HDTV and a 28" LG LCD HDTV. I use both of them for gaming, and i really can't tell the difference between the two. If you are looking for a steal go to best buy, some people return tv's for no reason and due to this Best Buy has to knock dow nthe price 100-200 dollars. I got my 52" 200 dollars off of retail price. Try that.