Cyprus-Forum.com

[davidp]

I want to buy a large flat screen TV (40 to 50 inches) and have a couple of questions that i'm sure our resident techies will put me straight on.

First a couple of facts on the location of the screen.

1, Lounge with low daylght and lighting levels.

2, Viewing distance about 6m

3, Viewing angle of about 40 degrees

My qusetions are, should I go for LCD or plasma and are there any major reasons to plump for either system?

Thanks

[PvUtrix]

I would recommend LCD - longer life time, lower energy consumption, quality very close to Plasma now...
but don't take my word for it, do you research
http://www.google.com/search?q=plasma+v ... 8&oe=utf-8

[devil]

For >40", I think plasma is the only choice. For smaller ones, LCD is better, but the lower cost ones tend to "smear" rapidly moving objects. The refresh time should be less than 10 ms. Check in the shop for dead pixels before taking delivery. These could be either dots that remain black (easily seen on an even light grey background) or, much worse, dots that remain lit (seen as coloured dots on a black background). You may find that the manufacturer will accept a maximum number of dead pixels (often 5) before you can claim under guarantee, so check before buying and make sure you receive the same TV as you checked (if delivered, note the serial no. in the shop).

There is a third choice: a ceiling-mounted projector TV. Modern ones are small and very good and do not take up floor space for a stand.

One item of advice: although CyBC/PIK/other broadcasters have no plans that I know of to broadcast HDTV (high definition), it may start within a year or two. It'll take only one to start and the others will have to follow. Make sure that whichever TV you choose has the "HD Ready" label. In the USA, it is even illegal to sell TVs that cannot receive HDTV. In Europe, it is legal, but most modern sets in the shops are HD ready, although cheaper ones aren't. In Cyprus, they are probably in a minority, as we always seem to be 1-2 years behind mainland Europe.

[davidp]

Great information from you both, I'll check it out.

Thank You

David

[Svetlana]

I have a large 40+inch Plasma and find it vety good in all lighting conditions. It is HD ready; I believe we can expect HD programmes on SKY early this year.

Lana

[Piratis]

For 40+ inches you should go with plasma. Picture quality is better and they cost less than LCD.

The only big advantage of LCDs is that many models have high resolution which is useful if they will be used as computer monitors. Consider an LCD if using it as a computer screen is important for you.

For bellow 1600 pounds I would suggest the LG 42PX3RV for about 1100 pounds. It is cheaper than most, has picture quality equal or better than models in the bellow 1600 pounds range and it has all the connections (3 scart, component, HDMI etc).

If you want the best picture for a 42" and value for money is not an issue then go for the Pioneer PDP-436 or the Panasonic PV500.

50" models are over 3000 pounds. Bigger is better of course if you have the money, but again you will not get value for money in this way.

As devil said a projector is another option. No plasma or LCD can be compared to even an average projector when watching movies. Keeping the room dark is required though if you want to get the best out of a projector. An OK projector + screen will be less than 2000 pounds.

[Mikros]

Regarding life time they have the same warranty, usually 30,000 hrs, but eventually if something goes wrong in the screen aray, I doubt that anybody in Cy can do anything, mainly due to high cost of spare parts. If my memory is right, the Plasma ones are better in high light conditions and better colour clarity, compared to LCD, but you can check yourself at a shop. Good luck!

[Piratis]

2, Viewing distance about 6m

This is quite a bit by the way. For this reason only I would suggest to have a look at the 50" models as well if you can afford them.

[Mikros]

6m? I just noticed that, you definetely need a 50" + set, which will dramatically increase the cost. In this case it will be quite cheaper to buy a projector

[davidp]

6m? I just noticed that, you definetely need a 50" + set, which will dramatically increase the cost. In this case it will be quite cheaper to buy a projector

Can anyone recommend a good optician or maybe I should rearrange my furniture.

Seriously folks, Great advice and thanks to you all.