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

Akilldema · 08-13-2010, 07:54 PM

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:10 PM

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:12 PM

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:16 PM

@ 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 · 08-13-2010, 08:23 PM

This model is the one I have in mind. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features

I don't see the native contrast ratio?

OneSickPsycho · 08-13-2010, 08:24 PM

I've found this to hold pretty true:
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/12/09/10...o-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 · 08-13-2010, 08:24 PM

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:27 PM

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 08-13-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

08-13-2010, 07:54 PM	#1
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	720p Plasma vs 1080p LCD but with lower contrast ratio? 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?

08-13-2010, 08:10 PM	#2
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	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. __________________ Insert free thought here.

08-13-2010, 08:16 PM	#4
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	@ 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. __________________ Insert free thought here.

08-13-2010, 08:27 PM	#8
defector My balls, your chin Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The desert of Az Moto: 929, SV650, YZ250 Posts: 1,917	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. __________________ Reading this signature may give you special powers, including the ability to run through walls. You should try it immediately.

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08-13-2010, 08:12 PM	#3
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	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.

08-13-2010, 08:23 PM	#5
Akilldema Canyon Carver Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern VA Moto: FJR1300 Posts: 462	This model is the one I have in mind. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features I don't see the native contrast ratio?

08-13-2010, 08:24 PM	#6
OneSickPsycho Ride Like an Asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Moto: nothing... Posts: 11,254	I've found this to hold pretty true: http://hd.engadget.com/2006/12/09/10...o-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.

08-13-2010, 08:24 PM	#7
racedoll AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR Posts: 3,392	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.