TV - LED or Plasma?

LWXYZ on 16/08/2013 - 18:55
Last edited 16/08/2013 - 19:11

Hi

I am planning to buy a new TV as recently my Sony KDL820HX 46" LED become faulty in one and half year. So I don't want to go for Sony this time. I was under the impression that Sony made quality products but after having number of issues with my laptop (Vaio) and TV I will not recommend anyone to go for Sony products.

After reading some reviews of SAMSUNG’S F8500 60"/64"Plasma, I am thinking to go with plasma this time but not sure this would be the right choice or not. I heard samsung F8500 is the brightest plasma TV ever made.

I know this has been raised so many times but didn't find any discussion on ozbargain recently. This is my first post, so apology in advance if I made any mistakes.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • _Bruce_ on 16/08/2013 - 19:01
    +6

    This is largely down to personal preference. To oversimplify the issue LCD is more precise and sharp plasma is more cinematic (in some people's view).

    Also note that 'LED' TV is a very bad name, generally when people say this they mean an LCD TV with LED back lighting rather than an actually LED TV.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 16/08/2013 - 20:15
    +7

    If watching in daytime, room has lots of windows, good energy rating and thin/light TV is more important to you then buy LED.

    If deep blacks, great refresh rate for sport and low price is more important to you then buy Plasma.

  • auna on 16/08/2013 - 23:36
    +3

    After seeing the new Samsung and Panasonic 2013 Plasma models Plasma wins by miles. The problem is that if you have your PC plugged into it LCD seems to cope better. Also some Plasma models have a whine and buzzing that are not faults apparently.

    The problem is that if you factor in price Plasma is such a great deal.

  • mrhorseham on 16/08/2013 - 23:50
    +5

    Plasma.

    • Folly on 18/08/2013 - 23:36

      Yep. By a country mile.

  • ncmx5 on 17/08/2013 - 01:01

    plasma. i was thinking of getting the samsung series 8 plasma as well $2900 is so cheap for 64".

  • golfer dad on 17/08/2013 - 09:31
    +3

    Hi WXYZ,

    My best advice is to go vists JB/Harvey Norman until you find a store that has a plasma and the equivalent LED model from the same brand side by side running the same demo/TV broadcast. If you watch from the same viewing distance that you would at home and in your eyqes, you can't see any differences in picture quality then it takes the plasma vs LED debate out of your decision. Then your decision is based on what you normally watch (free to air broadcast, Blu Ray or DVD, sports or general shows), room environment, price (upfront cost vs long term ownership cost), brand and features (3D, ease of using internet).

    Plasma is cheaper than the equivalent size LCD/LED and better for viewing sport (although ther's not much in it these days). LED/LCD is brighter so better suited for a room where there is lots of ambient light and lower enenery consumption and heat generation (put your hand in front of a plasma screen and compare to a LED).

    I have a Panasonic 50" plasma and a Samsung 58" plasma. The Panasonic still going strong after 5 yrs but the Samsung required a panel replacement within 6 months and the same purple band re-appeared on the replacement panel after 12 months. I've just bought a Panasonic TH-L60DT60A 60" LED/LCD TV because we mainly watch broadcast TV in a relatively bright room and the lower running cost and heat generation was important to us. We pay $2,900 delivered from HN a couple months ago. We bought this model as always had good experiences with Pana and the picture quality is better than the comparable Sony/Samsung/Sharp model even though it costs more. More details especially in the blacks (the hair, dark suits of a person). I did lots of same brand plasma vs LED and Pana vs other brands LED side by side comparisons before purchasing. Do the same, enjoy and good luck.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 17/08/2013 - 11:29
      +3

      Just keep in mind JB/HN are bright shops with lots of lights.

      Naturally LCD/LED may APPEAR more vibrant and better brightness in this setting but don't let that sway your decision. Sales staff will commonly say "Look at the colours and brightness BUY BUY!". Don't fall for it. You will rarely have 1000 fluro's running in your lounge room :)

  • WXYZ on 17/08/2013 - 12:58

    Thanks a lot for your advice guys.

  • Speckled Jim on 17/08/2013 - 19:28
    +1

    Nobody mentioned this yet, so I will.

    Many (maybe all) have a Store/Home mode that greatly influences what you're seeing.
    Just a heads-up.

  • goblues on 17/08/2013 - 19:34

    It also depends if you are going to use the LCD LED or Plasma for games (Xbox, Playstation, etc). In my humble opinion the LCD LED is much better for games.

    I also have three large windows 2 by 2 metres right next to the TV. I have double blinds of course, its just nice to have all them open, letting the light in and being able to watch the TV.

    For my needs, LCD LED was perfect for me.

  • golfer dad on 18/08/2013 - 09:56
    +1

    My choice on that particular pana model was based purely on picture quality (ability to reproduce the finer details) between the different brands LED and the equivalent Pana plasma. I've already discounted the fact that LED TVs are brighter and store environment. That's why the side by side test (and getting as many variables set up the same) is important. If you can't tell the difference in picture b/n the $2k and $3k models, then your purchase decision should be based on features/brand/size rather format.

    Also important to note, all stores are willing to bargin for you purchase.

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