Plasma & LCD Flat Panel Display FAQ: Read the FAQ!/ link to Best of R Harkness

[deeann]

[size=1]Note: semigolfer is the the new FAQ maintainer. At some point he will have a new index and link to the FAQ to replace this one.[/size]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Please take a look at the AVS forum member created plasma FAQ (http://www.avsforumfaq.com/~plasma/). There actually isn't an LCD faq just yet (even though it's on the thread title, sorry about that!), but good places to look are
LCD Monitor-TV Brands & Official Links (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3271118#post3271118) and LCD roundup (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2997673#post2997673).

See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=277308) is an update to the most current one that hasn't been included yet in the main document (1.05) itself (but keep in mind any information you see in the update threads is a work in progress and may be unverified until included into the main FAQ document).

Semigolfer is working on organizing a great deal of the brand-specific information. Please see this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=341905) for the current model index and links to the specific brand and model pages, and information on how you can help. (some of the links inside may have fallen into the archive. If so, replace "www" with "archive2" in the url).

If you want to check to see if the display you have in mind has these features see the list of flat panel display devices with IEEE1394, DVI-HDCP, and ATSC/QAM tuner (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2899185#post2899185).

What is HDCP and how does it apply to you? See on the issue of flags:HDCP (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=199439).

Questions about burn-in? Bring 'em on over here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=444258).

If you are using the Avia Guide to Home Theater disk to set up your display, you'll want to see Guy Kuo's supplementary intructions (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3336691#post3336691) on how to use the black and white level test patters on digital displays (reposted from the Home Theater Forum).

Rich Harkness takes a naturalistic approach to display tweaking and explains his method for getting a more lifelike looking image in "Steaming Rat," or "Rich's Method For Achieving A More Realistic Image (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=261309). He also provides helpful hints on how to make standard TV signals look better with Steps To A Better NTSC (Cable/Sat) Image On Your Plasma (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2865957#post2865957) also check Best of R Harkness (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5172690#post5172690)

The differences between ED (Enhanced Definition) and HD (High Definition) plasma displays is a hot topic around here and you may be interested in reading EDTV proliferation (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=261711)


Does a plasma deal sound too good to be true? It just might be. Read Buyer Beware / Scam Alert (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=204040)

If you want to see some really nice pictures of some of the forum member's plasma displays, check out Just The Pictures w/out The Talk! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=213467)
this: Let's see your plasma display (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=253644) and this: Post pic's of your plasma setups... (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=119479)

Have questions/suggestions *directly* related to the main plasma FAQ? Post 'em below. Anything else should go in a separate thread.

Link to Pioneer Power Supply Replacement Issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5006421#post5006421)

[wayside]

Is there an acronym list somewhere? It would save me a lot of Google time if there was one place that defined all the TLA's* that fly around here.

Thanks. If not, I'd be willing to start compiling a list.

* TLA = Three Letter Acronym :)

[Barrybud]

Hi All,

I have volunteered to help AVS Forum out with their glossary. I will check with the powers that be, but I would imagine that I could also add acronym that are related to AV/Home Theater.

So let me know what you would like to see added! :D
Barry

[dkan24]

try http://www.acronymfinder.com/

it comes in handy!

[GoldenBoy]

That FAQ was all about plasma, is there an LCD FAQ on these boards anywhere?

[winddoctor]

in response to wayside, "Is there an acronym list somewhere? It would save me a lot of Google time if there was one place that defined all the TLA's* that fly around here."

YES. there is a separate website for acronyms at www.acronymfinder.com

[todbnla]

This Thread about HD/ED Plasma:

The differences between ED (Enhanced Definition) and HD (High Definition) plasma displays is a hot topic around here and you may be interested in reading EDTV proliferation


NO longer Works....thats why I asked here, sorry I asked....
:(

[deeann]

It's fixed now, and thanks for pointing that out (some stuff broke in the recent forum archiving). I *think* I've got them all.

Don't be sorry, this is the right place to post that the link broke.

[ramapa]

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=341778

[vadim_s]

just wanted to bump this thread for newbs who like me not too long ago needed info just like this. Thanls deeann.

[cdp1276]

The link to burn in is also broken...

[leesweet]

As a brand new LCD shopper (in the market for one for the kitchen for use at breakfast slaved off my Sony 300! :) ), I'm in the plas/LCD forum for the first time, and trying to catch up... Yeah, several links are broken, including that burn in one. I'm off to just search for the model I'm interested in, which is always a good idea. (Primary display is a Sammie 61 DLP, looking at a Sammie 15 LCD.)

And, I'm a newbie for the first time in a bit... :) I've used LCDs at work for PCs, but not for AV use. Since there's no FAQ here for LCDs, can anyone point to others somewhere....?! Thanks!

(Deeann, definitely thanks for your work here, of course! :) )

[jnelaine]

deeann,

Let me just say... WOW! Thanks for such a great FAQ! I'm just starting my research on an HDTV unit and your first post will keep me busy for two days with all that info! Please keep up the good work and just know that you are really helping out a lot of people like me.

Jay

[deeann]

Thanks everyone! Just so everyone knows, the FAQ has been a group effort.

I fixed the burn-in link and updated the intro to include instructions on how to get to the links-to-old-links (other people's posts that have archived links).

Lee- I've tried a few times to get someone to do an LCD FAQ but no one has jumped in yet on one.

Things are going to look a little different in this thread in the future, JuiceRocket and Bruzzi are the new FAQ maintainers (yay!) and at some point will probably also be making a new intro for this section.

[cdp1276]

I have a 30 day old Sony KDE42XBR950 and have been reading this thread and considering purchasing Avia or DVE calibration disks. Can someone give me advice on which one is better and more user friendly to aid me in the calibration process? Also with that said and having such a high end plasma from Sony do you really feel it is worth be doing the calibration as I near 100 hours of usage? I keep it always on standard mode so it isn't using the brightest settings. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Mercian]

I am thinking of purchasing a plasma flat screen, but I know absolutely nothing about them. Not sure where to go on this forum. I just want to get basic insights (personal testimonies) and info on what are the best models for the money and what stores have the best deals. If I'm in the wrong place, let me know.
Thanks a bunch.

[MikeS_inLA]

You are definitely in the right place! There is a wealth of information on this forum. I would read as much as you can starting with this FAQ. The search function is also really useful for information on specific models or questions. Welcome and good luck!

[Steffche]

It would be great if there was some more info on how to use DVE on plasma's like the AVIA explanation that has been added......any luck?

[cdp1276]

Originally posted by Steffche
It would be great if there was some more info on how to use DVE on plasma's like the AVIA explanation that has been added......any luck?

I agree and I never got an answer to my earlier post, asking which calibration disk is better and if they are really necessary.

[Joe Q]

I currently have a 46" CRT based RP HDTV and am looking at replacing it with either an LCD or a Plasma in the ~50" range and hopefully with 1920x1080 resolution.

I know the technology behind the 2 types but beyond that, I know nada

Like:
1) Which one has the bettr black level?
2) which type do you have to worry about burn in with?
3) any 'light bulb's that need to be replaced?
4) which one is brighter for a non-dedicated TV room?
5)etc.

as well as reviews on some models that are around 50" and 1902x1080

Not trying to offend anyone but you can tell from my list of questions that what i need is an FAQ but every link which I followed in the first post all are broken.
Can someone point me to an FAQ that has links which really work?

I went from a 34" direct view several years back to my now 3 year old 46" CRT set and I want this to be the LAST tv I have to buy .

Thanks for reading

[NumberSix]

Hi. Where should I post a 'what sort of telly/display should I buy' thread?

Trying to work out sort I should buy, and struggling.

Cheers.

[AVWH]

Originally posted by deeann
[size=1]

If you are using the Avia Guide to Home Theater disk to set up your display, you'll want to see Guy Kuo's supplementary intructions (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3336691#post3336691) on how to use the black and white level test patters on digital displays (reposted from the Home Theater Forum).

Have questions/suggestions *directly* related to the main plasma FAQ? Post 'em below. Anything else should go in a separate thread.

FYI- The link above to Guy Kuo's Avia supplementary instructions dead ends - maybe it's archived elsewhere?

[1920x1080]

Principle of an AC PDP (http://www.atip.org/fpd/src/tutorial/fpd.html#19311)
Inside the Display: Gas and Electrodes (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/plasma-display3.htm)
Another Version of How Plasmas Work (http://www.plasmatvscience.org/theinnerworkings2.html)

[0vercooked]

Does anyone have a link the an updated faq?
I am particularly interested in LCD TVs.

Thanks

[donrussell]

Not sure where this should go, but HERE IT IS (http://secure.syntaxgroups.com/news/pdf/sales_sheet_all.pdf)

[rwashington]

We won a 42" Sony flat panel display model #pfm42v1. We do not want to wall mount it, but want to put it on a table top or floor stand. Sony has one table top on it site (SPMTRI/C) Any recommendations for finding compatible stands that may be other brands.

[cdp1276]

[QUOTE=rwashington]We won a 42" Sony flat panel display model #pfm42v1. We do not want to wall mount it, but want to put it on a table top or floor stand. Sony has one table top on it site (SPMTRI/C) Any recommendations for finding compatible stands that may be other brands.[/QUOTE]

Just do some searches, most manufacturers of stands make them so they fit many different brands of displays. I also have a Sony Plasma and did wall mount it but I didn't go with the Sony wall mount and saved a ton with a peerless that worked just fine. Here are some links to a few that you can look at and pick one out that will work great.

http://www.dtvcity.com/plasmatv/plasmastands.html
http://www.racksandstands.com/cats/All/TV-Stands-and-Audio-Towers/Plasma-Centers-and-Stands/0C59.htm
http://www.plasmatvaccessories.com/

Great site full of reviews and info of where to buy:
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/wheretobuy.html

[rwashington]

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide the links. We are going to buy a Peerless stand that we like better and save about $120.

[1920x1080]

Mythbusting - Just the Facts on Plasma TV Performance (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3424/273087528Pioneer%20DTV%20White%20Paper%20-%20FINAL.pdf)

[1920x1080]

Mythbusting - Just the Facts on Plasma TV Performance (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3424/273087528Pioneer%20DTV%20White%20Paper%20-%20FINAL.pdf)

[Action391]

I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge, I don't know much about plasma's vs DLP's yet (or even if I'm posting this in the right place). I am looking for a tv around 42" or so for my L-shaped studio. The "nook" that the tv will be in is about 17' x 11' and is right by a big window (which will be on the right side of the tv), and I will usually watch it from about 10' away (unless I'm playing X-box). I'm gonna use it mostly for watching Comcast digital cable (sitcoms and movies, a lot of which I'll record on DVR; dont watch many sports except tennis), watching DVDs, and playing X-box. I'll probably watch cable (mostly DVR) about 40% of the time, DVDs 30% of the time, and X-box 30% of the time. I'm looking to spend around $2000 if possible.

My questions are:

1) Should I go plasma or DLP (or even something else)? I know this is a big debate, just wondering if anyone had opinions based on what I'm gonna be using this for.

2) There will probably be a couch on the left side of the TV. Do the DLP's give sort of a crappy picture when viewing them at an angle?

3) I've heard that both plasma and DLP's have problems when playing X-box, but that DLP's handle it better. For example, in Halo 2 I hear the picture and sound can be out of sync, and if you're playing opponents they may be able to see you move before your tv registers the movement. I've also read that this synchronization problem happens with some Samsung DLP's when watching regular TV. Any experiences?

4) The EDTV vs. HDTV thread convinced me that I won't really be able to tell the difference if I get an EDTV, but the thread is kind of old. Is this still true or have the HD's gotten a lot better?

5) If I'm gonna be watching networks with logos in the corner and playing some X-box should I be worried enough about the screen burn-in issues to not consider a plasma? Again, I know it's a big debate, just wondering if any experts had comments for my specific needs.

6) Will things change dramatically in the next 3 years where I'll regret my decision now? In other words, should I wait a little while?

The two tv's that have caught my (limited) attention are the Panasonic TH-42PWD7UY (or maybe the TH-42PWD8UK, not sure of the difference) 42" ED Plasma (~$1800) and the Samsung HLR4266W 42" DLP HDTV (~$2000). Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone, sorry for the long, general post. This is pretty much gonna break the bank so I wanna make the right decision.

-action

[Geo05]

[QUOTE=Action391]I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge, I don't know much about plasma's vs DLP's yet (or even if I'm posting this in the right place). I am looking for a tv around 42" or so for my L-shaped studio. The "nook" that the tv will be in is about 17' x 11' and is right by a big window (which will be on the right side of the tv), and I will usually watch it from about 10' away (unless I'm playing X-box). I'm gonna use it mostly for watching Comcast digital cable (sitcoms and movies, a lot of which I'll record on DVR; dont watch many sports except tennis), watching DVDs, and playing X-box. I'll probably watch cable (mostly DVR) about 40% of the time, DVDs 30% of the time, and X-box 30% of the time. I'm looking to spend around $2000 if possible.

My questions are:

1) Should I go plasma or DLP (or even something else)? I know this is a big debate, just wondering if anyone had opinions based on what I'm gonna be using this for.

2) There will probably be a couch on the left side of the TV. Do the DLP's give sort of a crappy picture when viewing them at an angle?

3) I've heard that both plasma and DLP's have problems when playing X-box, but that DLP's handle it better. For example, in Halo 2 I hear the picture and sound can be out of sync, and if you're playing opponents they may be able to see you move before your tv registers the movement. I've also read that this synchronization problem happens with some Samsung DLP's when watching regular TV. Any experiences?

4) The EDTV vs. HDTV thread convinced me that I won't really be able to tell the difference if I get an EDTV, but the thread is kind of old. Is this still true or have the HD's gotten a lot better?

5) If I'm gonna be watching networks with logos in the corner and playing some X-box should I be worried enough about the screen burn-in issues to not consider a plasma? Again, I know it's a big debate, just wondering if any experts had comments for my specific needs.

6) Will things change dramatically in the next 3 years where I'll regret my decision now? In other words, should I wait a little while?

The two tv's that have caught my (limited) attention are the Panasonic TH-42PWD7UY (or maybe the TH-42PWD8UK, not sure of the difference) 42" ED Plasma (~$1800) and the Samsung HLR4266W 42" DLP HDTV (~$2000). Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone, sorry for the long, general post. This is pretty much gonna break the bank so I wanna make the right decision.

-action[/QUOTE]

Your price range will probably only allow an ED plasma, not HD. HD has about 20% extra resolution (pixels), and it all comes down to personal viewing factors: for those watching lots of sports (ie., HD content), PC or gaming use, HD is probably preferred and the extra expense is well worth it. For those who watch a lot of SD and DVDs, the ED may make more sense, since the slightly better resolution of an HD set is not effectively utilized.

The 8UK is the latest 8th generation commercial model. Search the separate thread in this forum on this model. The 7UY is the previous 7th gen also commercial (no tuner or speakers). Panny also makes a consumer plasma (42PWD50U) which has more built in features (again browse the forum).

The DLP is also discussed elsewhere. "Rainbow" effects that some see, bulk of the TV itself, a lamp that can blow out, etc., are some of the downside aspects that heve to be weighed against low cost.

Ultimately you have to learn a bit more... and make a choice. This forum can be a great help!

[markrubin]

New FAQ by Semigolfer :)

a brand new FAQ will be posted soon: it will replace this one