The great LCD, LED, plasma debate

[prberk]

OK, I am looking at buying a new TV. Never had HD before, but probably getting one now, probably around 42" class. I have a cape cod house with a pretty regular-sized living room. I already have a stereo receiver with traditional Dolby surround.

Ready to upgrade TV to a flat-screen, and I intend to buy a Blu-Ray player soon. I intend to keep my DVD/VHS player/recorder also (many family and other VHS tapes not yet transferred, but want to be able to watch).

I want your personal opinions on the TV format -- LCD vs. LED vs. plasma.

I know that if I get an LCD or LED I need to make sure the refresh rate is at least 120 Hz, to prevent blurring that I saw on my brother's TV watching a blu-ray.

LED is more expensive and brighter than LCD (somewhat) and plasma (considerably). But also newer technology. Plasma, while dimmer, seems more stable. Plasma said to have slight problem with burn-in (like if I fall asleep with a DVD in and it goes to menu).

Anyone have any personal opinions? What do you like? Have any bad experiences?

What about effect on power bill? Plasma said to be less efficient, but I don't know how much.

And what about life span? Anyone know?

Good brands? Bad brands?

Attributes to watch for? I do plan to also use it for computer stuff and games sometimes also, but not aggressively. Mainly concerned about good picture and no blurring.

Anyhow, I would like your opinions.

Thanks,

Paul


P.S.: Thanks for those who helped with a similar thread about game systems for my youth group that I lead. I am currently testing the regular X-Box with them, and a dance game. Will let you know more in that separate thread later. This one here is for my personal home use.

 

[Master Yoda]

The simple answer is LED is the way to go. Plasma's do tend to produce the best picture but they are on their way out. The consume quite a bit of power, generate a good bit of heat and do not have the best life expectancy. Many of the big players have stopped making them.

This buying guide will go through some of the finer points.
http://reviews.cnet.com/tv-buying-guide/

I am a big fan of Sony and Samsung when it comes to LED TV's

 

[SAV]

I have a 50" Plasma and love it. It's great for watching sports on. It is my understanding in my research that a darker room is best for Plasma and a brighter room is best for LED & LCD.

Whichever way you go, you're gonna love HD.

 

[Alexx]

LED is the way to go, for sure.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5043694_choose-plasma-lcd-led-hdtvs.html

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Samsung LED. Love it...I did a lot of research and this is what I decided on.

(Sony was my next choice...and very similar...just got a better deal on the Samsung)

 

[WDWmazprty]

I have an LCD and its great! If had the money, I'd upgrade to LED. Plasma is ok, but the pic is not as clear as the other two.

 

[NYwdwfan]

I have a Plasma and a LCD - and to be honest - I can't see much of a difference in the picture - they are pretty much both amazing (especially watching football or any of the nature shows). I also have satellite (DirecTV) and have been to people's houses who have HD cable on the exact same TVs and the picture is no where near as crisp. I can also attest to the heat thrown off by BOTH tvs - when walking past them you can certainly feel the temp go up a few degrees.