[dba-Tech] LCD vs Plasma

Rocky,

I ran up against the shiny issue with the Samsungs, but in each size range
there are different types of screen finishes.  My TV (LN52A530):
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN52B530-52-Inch-1080p-Touch/dp/B001U3Y8P4/ref
=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255568591&sr=8-1

has a matte finish on the screen.  I wanted this because I have windows on
the opposite side of the room from the TV.  Supposedly, the matte finish
causes a lessening of the contrast ration.  I do not notice a problem with
shiny bezel.  

I had a little bit different experience while looking for TVs.  I originally
was going for a Sony Bravia.  But at Best Buy (and a few other stores), the
Samsungs had a better picture to me.  

I do not think that you would go wrong with either one of the Sonys or
Samsungs.  Check them out and decide for yourself.  Just remember that there
are many models for a given size and brand.  One thing to make sure of is
that it has enough inputs (HDMI, component, etc.) for your needs.  I would
also look into the 120Hz over the 60Hz models.  As for the 240Hz, I am not
sure they are worth the extra models.  As for the plasmas, I feel that
generally, they are on the way out.

The thinness of the TV was not important to me as I have the TV in a
built-in area on a stand and can  only view the TV from the front.  The LED
back-lit TVS will give you the thinnest TVs.  But I do not know a whole
bunch about them as I could not see paying the (to me) very high premium for
the LED TVs over the LCS tvs.

I have Time Warner cable and hooking the TV up to the HD cable box has a
beautiful picture that really seems to have a 3d look to it.  I love it!

Bobby


-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of John Bartow
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:40 PM
To: 'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] LCD vs Plasma

Hi Rocky,
I bought a Sony Bravia thin frame 42" LCD last year and like it a lot. I had
intentions of buying a Samsung as their LCD technology is supposed to be the
best but all of their sets had a shiny frame, wider around the screen. The
Sony was the only one with then thinner frame option (albeit only in the top
two most expensive models of Bravia). I had a chance to see them both on
display next to umpteen other brands and I couldn't tell the difference
between the Sony and the Samsung so the frame won the day. Obviously because
it was one of the more expensive Sony Models it had all kinds of added bells
and whistles too but I don't use those much.

Also some of the LCD TVs now have a rather shiny surface on them and given
the light coming in from every direction in our living room I think it would
have been as distracting as a plasma TV (which were all glass covered and
shiny surfaced). I guess in the end absolute best picture wasn't the biggest
factor in our purchase because if the shiny frame or surface distracts from
the picture then is it really the absolute best?

Best of luck!
John B.