Are plasma TV owners happier?
OK, let’s get something straight before we begin. I’m publishing the findings of a recent report because I find it laughable -– not credible –- as the “Plasma Display Coalition” claims nearly 100 percent of plasma TV owners are happy with their purchase. Gee, did ya think they’d published results that proved otherwise?!
OK, let’s get something straight before we begin. I’m publishing the findings of a recent report because I find it laughable -– not credible –- as the "Plasma Display Coalition" claims nearly 100 percent of plasma TV owners are happy with their purchase. Gee, did ya think they’d published results that proved otherwise?!
Apparently there’s an organization called the Plasma Display Coalition – er, you know, the "PDC" – and they claim owners of plasma sets are extremely happy about their choice of TV.
Commissioned by this coalition and conducted by Rockbridge Associates, Inc., this online survey was completed by 1,247 U.S. adults who own a plasma TV. The key finding was that 98 percent were "very satisfied" (75 percent) or "satisfied" (23 percent) with their plasma TVs.
Two-thirds of those surveyed said they’d also recommend a plasma TV to family and friends, while one-third said they’d likely buy another plasma TV at some point before the middle of 2009. The study found 43 percent of those surveyed also owned an LCD TV.
Um, call me crazy, but wouldn’t this so-called "study" be more credible if an organization called the Plasma Display Coalition didn’t fund it? Is this a joke? Apparently not. Sigh.
Filed Under: Home Entertainment
Ahhh… hate to destroy your fantasy but most studies are funded by groups with agendas… including medical studies. Always find out who the funding agency is before you put much stock in these things.
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Well joke or not, we own both a plasma and an LCD TV and I have to say we're a lot happier with the plasma. Picture quality, colours, blacks, everything just seems better on the plasma. My only regret? Power consumption.
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That's all well and good, but I reseached carefully before purchasing my 42" LCD TV 2 years ago. I have it hooked to display my computer desktop, xbox and tv signal. There are pros and cons to both display types.
Plasma screens offer better black levels, contrast and refresh rates(displaying fast movement). Cons include lower resolutions(until very recently), static image burn-in, screen glare in bright rooms and higher power consumption.
Color reproduction is fairly equivalent across both formats although black levels and contrast will affect how the colors are percieved. For me burn-in was the deal breaker as I often display static images(including hud displays during gameplay).
If you plan to only use your screen to watch movies and hdtv signals then plasma is surely the better choice. However in multi-media applications and especially as a computer monitor the LCD is king. At least until OLED's become affordable.
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@Steve that was listening to a drummer who hums the sound from both ends, however since you own a LCD, it becomes the King!!?
Truth is in this comment of yours. "If you plan to only use your screen to watch movies and hdtv signals then plasma is surely the better choice." I wonder what else a home owner would watch with his unit! PPS slides?? Perhaps 5% in an entire year!
Fact is plasma's are better image viewers and especially with HI-DEF units suchs as B-Ray or Hi-D TV signal, it is also fact that, the power consumption and heat emission is the issue with Plasma. In a small room, a 50" Plasma during summertime, you will be sweating bullets. Thats my only downside to Plasma. But am I satisfied? YES absolutely, since I also own LCD Bravia which is in my B-room the colours are awesome on Plasma, hands down.
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@chakubanga my comment was clear enough. In fact I'm not even argueing with you. Plasmas are better HI-DEF displays for the formats you described. You said "what else a home owner would watch with his unit", I already stipulated that it is primarily my computer desktop and xbox gaming display. Something a plasma is definately not as well suited to. Movies and hdtv signals are secondary uses for my display and therefore Plasma was not the best choice for me.
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I've done lot's of gaming with my Plasma and have had no problems with burn-in. But I do understand that if you do leave an image on the screen for a few hours, you'll definitely get burn-in on a Plasma TV. You just have to use common sense.
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@Steve: Point taken. Plasma rules… LOL.
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We purchased a plasma tv about a year and a half ago. Within a month the set developed three black horizontal lines thru the screen and, after much resistance from LG, had to be replaced. In less than 6 months with the new tv, the screen gave out with no warning. LG absolutely refused to replace this second tv. It was sent away for over 6 months for repairs. Luckily the local dealer provided me with a "loaner" LCD tv while repairs were being done. To sum up, I am definitely NOT impressed with plasma, or LG for that matter. And I would NOT recommend it, nor would I ever purchase another one. I would take an LCD over plasma any day!!!
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Hey guys,
I agree plasma TVs, on average, handle colour reproduction, contrast and motion better than LCDs…I just found the source of this study amusing ("Plasma Display Coalition"?!). Of course there is usually a vested interest behind commissioned reports but I would've liked if an objective source, ya know?
Marc
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Ok, I understand why you're upset about this plasma group conducting their own survey (too biased), but I also sense that you are doubting that plasma owners actually like their TV's. Do you own a plasma? Your dislike to this survey would make me think you probably own an lcd. The reality is that both types are excellent TV's and that owners of both are extremely happy with their purchase. Why do we have to have one type dominate over another. Choice is a good thing and each type of TV is suited for different viewing environments. How about we all be happy that we aren't limited to 27" tube TV's like not too long ago.
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James,
Oh contraire! As I wrote in the comments section, plasmas do usually look better than LCD and I'd feel the same way if it was an LCD-commissioned study with similar results in favour of LCD. I actually have neither: my main TV is a 60-inch Sony SXRD rear-projection television.
Marc
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I agree with those that have plasma screens – they are much more pleasing on the eye. As for the heat – usually one isn't sitting very close to a 52" monitor and the amount of hydro used, although more, is still a lot less than the price of going to the movies. LCD will eventually move into the third slot with Plasma still in second place even after the OLED price point is viable in a 40"+ size. The world of monitor technology will begin to settle down again in 24 – 36 months after the first 32" OLED monitor is commercially available. Until then – I still love my JVC CRT telly.
Damian
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I was very happy with my $900 plasma tv right up until my 4yr old threw his ball at it and shattered the display. I like my old tv much better, it was tough, it was able to withstand the blows of small children or a bomb blast, which ever you consider more dangerous……….
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Funny, I have a Sony SXRD too and I still think it beats most lcds and plasmas even though it's a couple of years old now.
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Well I own a Plasma TV and I bought it only after returning an LCD TV. I found that the picture is far superior with my Plasma than it was with the LCD.
My father-in-law purchased both, A Sharp Aquos LCD and a Pioneer Plasma. Anyone comparing the two can see that Plasma just looks better than LCD. With the older generation issues of burn-in behind us, I really do not see why anyone would buy an LCD TV unless they were putting the TV in a very sunny room. (Plasma screens would be highly reflective).
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I agree with those that have plasma screens – they are much more pleasing on the eye. As for the heat – usually one isn't sitting very close to a 52" monitor and the amount of hydro used, although more, is still a lot less than the price of going to the movies. LCD will eventually move into the third slot with Plasma still in second place even after the OLED price point is viable in a 40"+ size. The world of monitor technology will begin to settle down again in 24 – 36 months after the first 32" OLED monitor is commercially available. Until then – I still love my JVC CRT telly.
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plasmaaass can go suck lcds outlet cordd !
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I have 6 picture tube T.V's in my home and find that they are the absolute best hands down! My reasons are as follows:
1. They are cheap (usually free!)
2. They are cheap (using less electricity!)
3. They are high endurance one is from 1958 (still working)
4. It has survived generations of children and many moves!
5. the list goes on but need I say more!
6. I WIN!!!!
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Well folks, I will give my opinion as a TV repairman. It is undisputed that plasma has a better picture. That would explain why so many people are happy with their purchase. From a repair perspective, I would stay away from a plasma. I was actually even told that by the instructor from one of the top TV manufacturers, while on the companies repair course. From the minute you turn a plasma on, the screen starts to fade. They have a finite life like a light bulb, but don't maintain the brightness like a light bulb. Due to this, a person buying plasma will find that they will have to replace their TV more frequently than with any other technology.
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Happier compared to what? Their older TV duh….
I like my new computer more than I like my old computer because the old one is broken but, I can't say that my new one makes my life more fulfilling.
what a stupid report
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