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Chat => Tech Chat => Topic started by: UncleUB on March 05, 2012, 02:51:37 PM

Title: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 05, 2012, 02:51:37 PM
We are at present looking for a new TV,and tbh I am doing plenty of head scratching as to what we should get.Is it fact or fiction that plasma screens use a lot more electricity than LCD


We have got a shortlist which comprises of a the KDL 46EX723 LED 3D TV.The Sharp 46 LE831E and the Panasonic Plasma TX-P42GT30.

My OH wants the 3D element,me I'm more bothered about sound quality,which looks like leading to surround sound speakers as well

I quite like the Sharp one,we have seen all 3 working in stores and tbh they all look good... ???

Any comments/advice would be gratefully received.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: oldfogy on March 05, 2012, 03:38:00 PM
Two things I found with surround sound which I was not happy with was.

1) Having to have the volume turned right up to be able to hear/appreciate the sounds from the 2 arterial speakers.

2) Noise coming from places that are not within shot of the TV and talking in the background which made it very confusing, even now quite often I sometimes think kids are playing outside my window and all it is is the background noise of the TV.

The worst program I ever watched was a horse race, it was just so full of background noise for me it spoilt the race.
Although some things can be good such as aircraft fly-pasts and trains.

I just have it set on stereo now and find that more pleasing.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: Black Sheep on March 05, 2012, 04:42:47 PM
This query is as old as time itself.  ;D

I ventured into purchasing a new TV approx 3-4 yrs ago, and was befuddled as to which way to go ....... Plasma v LCD ??

I spent hours researching the different makes, models, etc etc ......... I also read lots of forums as well. The outcome ?? 50% preferred LCD, the other 50% preferred Plasma. It appears from them in the know, there's pro's and con's with both types.

I settled for a Panasonic Vierra 37" LCD. If memory serves,they'd only been on the market approx 6 months when I purchased one ?? Whatever, it's been great with no problems at all. Just another point though U UB, if you weren't already aware, don't just plump for the biggest screen that there is, there are reccommended viewing distances in relation to the size of screen that would be best suited. I say this because mey neighbour and good friend, Mr Gadget-head, had himeslf a 70-odd " TV and is the worst picture ever due to his seating being so near. Pixellated to hell !!!

Again, if memory serves (and mines awful), I think snadge (member on this forum) gave me some good pointers all them years back on the 'DSL Zone' forum. I think it was him ?? Good luck.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 05, 2012, 06:11:15 PM
Quote
UB, if you weren't already aware, don't just plump for the biggest screen that there is, there are reccommended viewing distances in relation to the size of screen that would be best suited. I say this because mey neighbour and good friend, Mr Gadget-head, had himeslf a 70-odd " TV and is the worst picture ever due to his seating being so near. Pixellated to hell !!!

Thanks,a 46" is the maximum we would go to,and tbh I think a 40"/42" could be a better choice.

Both the Sony and Sharp of the models I have posted above do come in 40" ,while the Panasonic is 42".
The Panasonic does get some excellent reviews and comes with both Freesat and Freeview HD

At present the Sharp is just coming out on top for us,will still do a bit more research though and I hear that Sony will soon be releasing their 2012 models which could see older models drop in price.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: oldfogy on March 05, 2012, 07:54:04 PM
I have a Panasonic and just HATE the EPG, (Program Guide) fortunately I did not buy the set or TBH as soon as I discovered the state of EPG setup I would have returned the set for another make or model.
The problem is nearly half of the screen is covered by a static advert and there is no way I have found of removing it.

At least with my LG set the EPG page gives a virtually a whole page full of program information.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: burakkucat on March 05, 2012, 11:48:31 PM
I would avoid purchasing a plasma TV and go for a LCD/TFT version every time.

Why? Heavy duty REIN. Am I the only one to have read of the various cases where the turning on a plasma TV has effectively "killed" an xDSL connection?  ???

B*Sheep, is there anything recorded in the informal Openreach engineering notes regarding the interference caused by plasma TV sets, please?
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 06, 2012, 12:03:31 PM
Thanks everyone for the feedback  :)

Just another question..at present we have Sky+ box,DVD player and CRT TV.

Will be getting new HD TV,+ Blu-Ray Player and speaker set.We also are considering upgrading to Sky HD box.

My question is...how many HDMI cables will I need.?
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: Black Sheep on March 06, 2012, 12:06:53 PM
I would avoid purchasing a plasma TV and go for a LCD/TFT version every time.

Why? Heavy duty REIN. Am I the only one to have read of the various cases where the turning on a plasma TV has effectively "killed" an xDSL connection?  ???

B*Sheep, is there anything recorded in the informal Openreach engineering notes regarding the interference caused by plasma TV sets, please?

Not that I've seen B*Cat. Sorry.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: AdrianH on March 06, 2012, 12:09:21 PM
Thanks everyone for the feedback  :)

Just another question..at present we have Sky+ box,DVD player and CRT TV.

Will be getting new HD TV,+ Blu-Ray Player and speaker set.We also are considering upgrading to Sky HD box.

My question is...how many HDMI cables will I need.?


That depends on the TV set and how many HDMI ports it has, some only have one in which case you are going to need a splitter. Some kit will also have HDMI cables supplied.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: oldfogy on March 06, 2012, 12:42:11 PM
Yes it just depends on the TV set and how many port it's supplied with.

My:
LG set has 2 HDMI + 2 Scart + various other connections.
Panasonic has 3 HDMI + 2 Scart + various other connections.

But there are now HDMI connector strips around which work on the same basis as the old Scart connector box's, which is when all plugged in the TV detects either which connector is giving the strongest signal or obviously just the item that is turned on.

But by the time you have looped items through each other that will decrease the number of outlets/inlets that you will need.

IE.
SKY > Blu-Ray Player > TV = requires only 1off HDMI port on TV. (or Scart socket)
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 06, 2012, 01:00:10 PM
All the tvs I have mentioned have 4 HDMI ports.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: tonyappuk on March 06, 2012, 01:02:38 PM
I have just bought a Panasonic 37 inch LCD with built in Freesat and Freeview and followed that up with a Panasonic PVR. In my researches I discovered that the Ham Radio fraternity have great problems with interference from Plasma screens hence the LCD. The advantage of buying two Panasonic devices is the Viera Link facility which lets you control both TV and PVR from the one remote. With three HDMI and two Scart sockets I can accommodate all my old (Scart connected) and (HDMI connected) new gear happily. The only downside is the complexity of the menu structure using Viera Link. We are getting to grips with it now and I expect any "Smart" TV will have a similar menu complexity. After a life in Broadcasting and electronics it's very irritating to not be able to grasp new procedures quickly. Still being retired I've got plenty of time!
Tony
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: renluop on March 06, 2012, 03:10:44 PM
Refresh rate another possible factor? My LCD is 100Hz and there are higher rates too. I was told the higher rates cope better with fast movement. Perhaps those with deeper knowledge than I might comment?
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 06, 2012, 03:29:11 PM
Refresh rate another possible factor? My LCD is 100Hz and there are higher rates too. I was told the higher rates cope better with fast movement. Perhaps those with deeper knowledge than I might comment?

Tbh I wouldn't consider one under 100hz,my existing JVC CRT is 100hz,There are LCD sets 200,400 and even 800hz.I guess it gets to a point where you would struggle to see a difference?
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 15, 2012, 10:58:22 AM
I have been told I should get a digital optical cable ...can anyone explain please.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002NLWD5O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3JVFNKPMBMK7W
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: Ottersnose on March 15, 2012, 11:07:02 AM
I have a Panny 42' plasma (4 yrs old) and its excellent but you need home cinema to give it some "oomph".
The digital optical lead is to avoid the slight delay that occurs by putting the audio through a home cinema set up via the HDMI that can give you lip sync issues.
I tried a optical lead but it would only work on HD channels for some reason so I ditched it. :-\

Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 15, 2012, 11:18:59 AM
Thanks Otternose  :)

We are looking to get a sound system/Blu-Ray player when we get out new TV,also we might consider upgrading form Sky+ to Sky HD.

Thinking about getting all Panasonic stuff so they all can be linked......Viera Linked or something?

We were told a digital optical cable made the sound better when using the Sky box....?
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: Ottersnose on March 15, 2012, 02:50:06 PM
It probably does sound better but not with the ears I've got :-[
(I don't have Sky i'm afraid I use FreeSat)

Some folks have had issues with the Panny stuff on here but my experiences have all been good.  Vieralink or I think its now "Smart Viera" is just a proprietry Panasonic set up to allow control and intergration of your devices usually all done through the HDMI leads.
I have a Panny tv and home cinema and they can be controlled by either remote for most things. It may save you having to make an additional physical connection or two.

In so far as HD vs standard, if you are going up to a 37' LCD/Plasma or above you will see a big difference in picture quality on HD. If your old tv was a normal CRT of say 32' the picture probably looks pretty sharp on "normal TV" but when you expand that picture up to 42' say it can look a little washed out hence the move up to HD.
I still haven't gone to Blu Ray yet but have a Panasonic upscaling DVD player which works great (although my eyesight is starting to follow my hearing)

I understand your problems there is so much information out there it's bewildering. I just set a budget and stuck to it. The main reason I went to Panasonic was for the 5 year warranty on the TV and the richness of the picture. If you buy additional shop warranty be careful that this covers the screen as quite often it doesn't!

Good luck!
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: camallison on March 15, 2012, 04:51:07 PM
5-year warranty - usually available free-of-charge on all TVs bought from John Lewis's - but you pay top price .... equal to bargain price plus the cost of extended warranty.  I bought a Panasonic flat panel from JL for the father-in-law some time ago and it developed a fault after 3 years.  No argument, out came the TV repair man, declared it terminally broken, and we got a (more modern) brand new equivalent Panasonic as replacement.  The whole process was painless and lasted 4 days!

Colin
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on March 15, 2012, 06:11:56 PM
Thanks all  :)

I like JL as well Colin,great service and tbh a lot of their products are competitive price wise.We will be getting a 5 year warranty when we purchase our new TV,but refuse to pay silly money(if its not already included)
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: Ottersnose on March 15, 2012, 10:54:33 PM
I got the 5 year warranty FOC as part of a Panasonic promotion at the time.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on April 05, 2012, 11:19:29 AM
New tv and Blu-Ray home cinema system arrived yesterday from House of Fraser

Its this TV (http://www.johnlewis.com/231538969/Product.aspx)

and this is the Blu-Ray Home Cinema (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-SC-BTT370-theatre-system-channel/dp/B004O6LU0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333620767&sr=8-1)

H.O.F were very competitive on price,last week the tv was £90 cheaper than JL and the Home cinema was £319.99,it was £329.99 but I got them to price match with Richer sounds,JL had the same system for £379

The TV should have arrived on Tuesday(as promised),it didn't so a call to H.O.F c/s and a complaint yielded a £50 H.O.F gift voucher  :)
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: camallison on April 05, 2012, 12:44:01 PM
New tv and Blu-Ray home cinema system arrived yesterday from House of Fraser

Its this TV (http://www.johnlewis.com/231538969/Product.aspx)

and this is the Blu-Ray Home Cinema (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-SC-BTT370-theatre-system-channel/dp/B004O6LU0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333620767&sr=8-1)

H.O.F were very competitive on price,last week the tv was £90 cheaper than JL and the Home cinema was £319.99,it was £329.99 but I got them to price match with Richer sounds,JL had the same system for £379

The TV should have arrived on Tuesday(as promised),it didn't so a call to H.O.F c/s and a complaint yielded a £50 H.O.F gift voucher  :)

That's you set up for the Olympics then - TV, Home Cinema, and £50-worth of beer by your side.  Mind you have to watch out viewing in 3D ...... how far can you jump when the pole vaulters are coming towards you and appear to jump over your head?  Best get a crash helmet with that £50.   :lol:

Colin
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: roseway on April 05, 2012, 01:10:24 PM
Have fun with it, Phil :)
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on April 05, 2012, 02:34:45 PM
Got the tv up and running......it looks huge  :o......Good job we didn't go for the 60" model  :o

Sue is just setting up the surround speakers,so if the forum walls start shaking............. ;D


@ Colin.........Crash helmet sounds good,wonder how much beer they hold  :D
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: camallison on April 05, 2012, 04:17:00 PM
You'll be getting an ASBO, shaking the forum walls!

Colin
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on April 05, 2012, 04:22:39 PM
You'll be getting an ASBO, shaking the forum walls!

Colin

What do you mean getting one... ;)  :D
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on April 05, 2012, 04:29:48 PM
My nice new tv day has been spoiled by the news that Sue's eldest son has just lost his job. :(

He was the transport manager at a large electrical wholesalers.They are closing the whole business,everyone is out of work  :no:

http://www.inmanswebstore.co.uk/
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: camallison on April 05, 2012, 05:44:07 PM
Sorry to hear that Phil.  Some of the courier companies could do with an experienced transport manager to sort them out.

Is he stuck on remaining in the Sheffield area or could he relocate for the right job?  Maybe Eddie Stobart has a job at one of their depots?

Colin

[EDIT - lots of jobs in Yorkshire http://www.logisticsmanager.com/Jobs/search.aspx?sJobFunctions=8&sJobLocations=219&sJobSalaryBands=0&sJobSectors=0&liJobPositionTypeID=0&sKeywords=&bSearch=1 (http://www.logisticsmanager.com/Jobs/search.aspx?sJobFunctions=8&sJobLocations=219&sJobSalaryBands=0&sJobSectors=0&liJobPositionTypeID=0&sKeywords=&bSearch=1)   ]
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: UncleUB on April 05, 2012, 06:02:08 PM
Hi Colin.........Tbh I doubt if he would locate outside Sheffield,but you never know...........

I will pass your link on,thanks  :)

He is 42 years old so plenty of experience.He was a driver for them before being promoted to transport manager,so does have HGV licence.
Title: Re: New TV...Plasma v LCD
Post by: camallison on April 05, 2012, 08:11:13 PM
Hi Colin.........Tbh I doubt if he would locate outside Sheffield,but you never know...........

I will pass your link on,thanks  :)

He is 42 years old so plenty of experience.He was a driver for them before being promoted to transport manager,so does have HGV licence.

A lot of companies are also asking for a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) on top of the HGV licence - he may have one already.  See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_171186 (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_171186) for details.

Colin