720p Plasma vs 1080p LCD but with lower contrast ratio?

[Akilldema]

I currently have a 42" Vizio, it's fairly old and only has a 1000:1 contrast ratio but has 1080P resolution. I don't really mind the image quality on it, although there is some blur as with most LCDs. I want to get some thing a little bigger in the 50-55" range and found a nice Samsung plasma TV with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ration but has only 720p supported resolution. I feel like the Samsung will look much better with the higher CR and plasmas don't have blurring issues. Any opinions?

[Avatard]

Depends how far away you'll be watching from.

For most viewing distances, the difference between 1080 and 720 are nonexistent.

Contrast is probably more important.

My advice? LOOK at both, compare. Fuck the numbers.

[Akilldema]

I'm about 10ft or so from the screen. I looked at it at Best Buy, but it's hard to compare the 2 without them being side by side, not to mention the stuff Best Buy plays is designed to optimize the way the tv looks. I think I'll snag it though.

[Avatard]

@ 10ft, the contrast is far more important. You'll never see the difference in resolution.

Do look at native contrast numbers, though...that "dynamic contrast" number is pure bullshit.

[Akilldema]

This model is the one I have in mind. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/plasma-tv/PN50C450B1DXZA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=features

I don't see the native contrast ratio?

[OneSickPsycho]

I've found this to hold pretty true:
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/12/09/1080p-charted-viewing-distance-to-screen-size/

The truth is, unless you have it hooked up to a blueray player you'll probably never see 1080p anyway. The difference you'll see is the contrast ratio and smoothness of the plasma. Blacks will be blacker and you won't see the blur. Also, the size difference is substantial between your old set and the new one... The fact that your distance hasn't changed the quality at identical resolutions may not appear as good on the new tv.

[racedoll]

We just picked up a 42" plasma and it's very nice. The sales person at Best Buy said that the 1080 is only good if your cable/dish can send the signal at that otherwise you get less, which is generally what happens. So having that high really doesn't matter.

They also mentioned the blurring on the LCD, like with motorcycle races. I haven't seen any blurring on the plasma. Just go compare.

[defector]

Get 'em both! I just picked up a 50" Samsung plasma and a 42" samsung LCD for about $1500 out the door t Best Buy. The LCD was an open box demo, but I still got the 1 yr manufacturer warranty with it.

[Akilldema]

We just picked up a 42" plasma and it's very nice. The sales person at Best Buy said that the 1080 is only good if your cable/dish can send the signal at that otherwise you get less, which is generally what happens. So having that high really doesn't matter.

They also mentioned the blurring on the LCD, like with motorcycle races. I haven't seen any blurring on the plasma. Just go compare.

My cable box only supports 1080i, however my Xbox 360, which I use quite frequently outputs in 1080p. BTW, what setting should I use for Movies or Gaming? 720p or 1080i?

[Akilldema]

Get 'em both! I just picked up a 50" Samsung plasma and a 42" samsung LCD for about $1500 out the door t Best Buy. The LCD was an open box demo, but I still got the 1 yr manufacturer warranty with it.

I already have a 32" in my bedroom and a 42" Vizio in my living room. so I'm just gonna sell the Vizio to a friend for $350.

[OneSickPsycho]

One thing I forgot to mention... Plasmas like the old CRT's are prone to burn-in. For the first couple hundred hours of use turn the contrast and brightness down and avoid static images (like the tv station logo in the corner). After it's broken in - balls to the walls.

That info is a bit dated but I'm not taking chances with mine... Even if the new tv's are supposedly impervious to burn-in.

[Akilldema]

There's a pixel shifting option for the Samsung that's supposed to prevent burn in.

[OneSickPsycho]

There's a pixel shifting option for the Samsung that's supposed to prevent burn in.

Yeah like I said that info is dated.

[Rangerscott]

At that size id say 1080p. At the prices they are, why not. I game on my PC with my 1080 and theres a big difference between it and 720. For "just" tv watching, sure 720 is fine. Like i said. At the prices 1080's are now i wouldnt go 720.

Like said before all the numbers on the box is bullshit. The contrast can be 1,000,000:1 and itll look just like a cheapo 5,000:1.

[Flexin]

One thing I forgot to mention... Plasmas like the old CRT's are prone to burn-in. For the first couple hundred hours of use turn the contrast and brightness down and avoid static images (like the tv station logo in the corner). After it's broken in - balls to the walls.

That info is a bit dated but I'm not taking chances with mine... Even if the new tv's are supposedly impervious to burn-in.

Your right they still do burn in. You have to pretty hard on them in my opinion but they still can get burn in.

James

[Flexin]

One thing a guy that I worked with pointed out was that they 720p tvs will have the lower end displays.

What it comes down to is finding a tv that looks good to your eyes and wallet. My eyes and wallet have never seen eye 2 eye so I have to wait for the tv I want since I side with my eyes.

James

[racedoll]

My cable box only supports 1080i, however my Xbox 360, which I use quite frequently outputs in 1080p. BTW, what setting should I use for Movies or Gaming? 720p or 1080i?

Your box might support the 1080 but does the incoming signal ever reach that? That is where we were told not, but you can only know if you have a way of testing.

I have no idea for gaming, we don't have anything like that in our household.

[Cutty72]

My 50" 720p plasma has treated me well.

[fasternyou929]

Whatever you do, don't go by the number on the box. There aren't any standardized tests to dictate how manufacturers calculate their contrast ratio. The proof is in the numbers... there is absolutely no way any pixels on that set are 2,000,000 times brighter white vs. black.

Anything over 10,000 is questionable. Anything over 100,000 is fertilizer.

You really need to look at each of them and pick whichever one you feel is best. If you can't see a noticeable difference, go with the less expensive one (assuming they're both the same size).