Plasma vs LCD
It’s time to finally start thinking about HDTV. I’ve got a space that’s 48.75″ wide max, so a 46-50″ screen is what I’m looking for (I think the ideal width would be 45″, leaving almost 2″ on space on a side). Seems like the new 1080p plasma screens are all 49.9″ wide, though, so they’re out, unfortunately. Ah, if only I’d been paying more attention earlier on. It’s funny but we had to pick a fireplace and frame it in really early in the project.
Anyway, there are 50″ plasmas in 1360×768 that would fit, and the new anti-reflective coatings seem promising. And, of course, 1080p LCDs are available at 46″ and at 50″, and there are several that would fit. I’ve heard that the 1080 vs 720 thing isn’t as big a deal as people sometimes say. At least not below 50″.
I should also mention that we’re going to be in a very bright room with lots of windows, so glare-resistance will be critical. So, a 720p plasma? 1080p LCD?
Your feedback is requested. Let me know what you think!
UPDATE: In the comments, Andrej suggests that LCD still holds the edge over plasma in bright rooms, even with the fancy new anti-glare coatings the plasma people are putting out. He suggests going over to Magnolia to see for myself. Now, I’m all for firsthand experience, but given that all these places mis-adjust their sets so badly, is it really possible to get a real sample of what you’re in for? I don’t have time to research how to adjust all the various sets and then go into Magnolia and “fix” their sets for them! 
Still, I’m not a huge sports fan, and the new Samsung LCDs claim an 8ms response time. That seems pretty fast to me.
I’d go with LCD in your room given the glare. I’ve been researching the displays too and everything I’ve heard is that LCDs are pretty much required in rooms with lots of light and glass. The only negative with LCD is that super fast action movement may blur sometimes (eg. sports, action movie). Before you buy, I’d see if you can repro that in hifi store to see if it might bother you just to be on the safe side.
Like the new blog look!
Andrej Gregov
11 Jul 07 at 8:08 am