Plasma better than RP?

[Surf Monkey]

I'm sure that this question has been posed before but I'm too lazy to go through the archives so...

I have a Toshiba 42x81 that has been nothing but trouble. The thing won't stay converged, it developed burn in on the sides within the first year (and I'm VERY careful with the set so I don't fault my practices with it) and now after about four years it's starting to get a bunch of uneven pixel wear in the form of subtle darker patches in various places on the screen.

So, is plasma a good alternative to rear projection? I'm not sure I want to go with an RP set again because I don't trust them now but I've heard that plasma screens suffer from similar problems.

Thoughts?

[chlngr1970]

Plasma sets are rather succeptable to burn in. I'd probably say, more than your average RPTV. If you are interested in Digital, ( and have the budget for a Plasma ) I say check out the DLP ( NO BURN ) sets offered by Samsung. I think you would be much happier with that, than going with Plasma...

j

[PunkMunkey]

I'll second the DLP recommendation over Plasma...DLP sets are also a bit less expensive than a comparably sized Plasma and I think that the picture quality of the better DLP sets eclipses the picture quality on some plasma sets, especially in the area of black level...the 50" Samsung DLP is a gorgeous set ...happy TV hunting.

[RedBaronF2001]

Plasmas (true HD, not ED) are awesome performers. They are only a little more susceptible to burn-in over CRT RPTVs. They are still cheaper inch for inch than LCD direct view TVs. However, given their price point, you can't beat DLPs.

[Surf Monkey]

The DLPs look very interesting to me. The fact that they aren't susceptible to burn in makes the additional cost worth it. My first (and I suspect only) RPTV has shown a functional life of only 4 years due to uneven pixel wear. That means that my investment was not returned by the performance of the set. If a DLP TV lasts longer (say 8 years or so) then the additional cost means a significant return on investment based on long term performance.

[RedBaronF2001]

Originally Posted by Surf Monkey

The DLPs look very interesting to me. The fact that they aren't susceptible to burn in makes the additional cost worth it. My first (and I suspect only) RPTV has shown a functional life of only 4 years due to uneven pixel wear. That means that my investment was not returned by the performance of the set. If a DLP TV lasts longer (say 8 years or so) then the additional cost means a significant return on investment based on long term performance.

ROI and Home Theater gear should never be together in your mind. Once "upgrade-itis" sets in, there's no turning back.

[chlngr1970]

Originally Posted by RedBaronF2001

ROI and Home Theater gear should never be together in your mind. Once "upgrade-itis" sets in, there's no turning back.

You are so right there

Originally Posted by Surf Monkey

due to uneven pixel wear

One thing, Surf Monkey. CRT RPTVs don't have Pixels. They use an Electron Beam to scan the immage onto the screen. That goes for Tube TVs, and CRT projectors. The immage is scanned line by line, which is where Progressive Scanning comes into play ( THAT is another can of worms altogether ) so, what you are seeing as uneven "pixel" ware is probably uneven tube ware.

Lately, I have been removing the Toshiba WT40X81 sets form the local stores,and most of them are junk. I think having a set so small may have been detrimental to the longevity of the set...My parents have a 50" Toshiba that I gave them almost 3 years ago. After having it for two years myself, that is 5 years, and it is still going strong...

j

[Surf Monkey]

Originally Posted by chlngr1970

Lately, I have been removing the Toshiba TW40X81 sets form the local stores,and most of them are junk.

Yeah, well, I learned that from bitter experience. It sucks because the set got excellent reviews right out of the gate but a year down the road bad reports began to come in. So I threw my money away on a crap set. Grrr. Time to save up for that DLP.

[Surf Monkey]

Thanks for all the good advice everyone! I went ahead and got one of these 43 inch Samsungs yesterday and it's great! I love how much smaller and lighter than my Toshiba it is and the picture out classes every RPTV I've looked at. Now I just need to find some sucker to unload the TW40x81 on

Cheers!

[chlngr1970]

I'll haul it off for a fee

j

[Surf Monkey]

Originally Posted by chlngr1970

I'll haul it off for a fee

Ha!

Naaah. If worse comes to worst I'll find someone on Craigslist to take it, only they'll pay me. Not the other way around.

[mtcarmel00]

Originally Posted by PunkMunkey

the 50" Samsung DLP is a gorgeous set ...happy TV hunting.

My dad just bought that Samsung set and it is so awesome. We watched the "Survivor" finale on it last night even though I'm the only one in the family that likes the show. We do have to upgrade to HD cable now, so that is something to consider when purchasing.