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When it comes to LCD TVs, Samsung presently give rise to arguably the best and most frequent LCD TV models in the market. Panasonic on the other hand, holds the sovereignty when it comes to Plasma TVs. To put it simply, if you are torn among buying a LCD and Plasma HDTV, you will have to choose amongst and Samsung and Panasonic model. Here is a quick guide to aid you make your decision. Viewing Angle: Both Samsung LCD and Panasonic Plasma TVs have similar observing angles. Plasma TV’s looking at angle may be as wide as 178 degrees, while LCD TV’s are up to 175 degrees. Although both types of TVs have similar looking at angles, the images of Plasma TVs do not suffer from any degradation of quality even when viewed from odd angles. LCDs on the other hand, are best viewed from the front for the best visuals. Refresh Rates: Traditionally, Plasma TVs have lighting speed refresher rates, similar to the rates of CRT televisions. LCDs on the other hand have much slower refresher rates, but recent technical advancements have mainly bettered the refresher rates of LCD TVs. Some high-end (and expensive) LCD TV models today have refresher rates of 5ms. Burn In: Plasma TVs are not well suitable for the display of static images. After prolonged use of displaying static videos, they are prone to burn-in effects, where it will leave behind permanent video ‘residues’ on the screen, very much like a permanent shadow on the screen. Newer models today have significantly curbed this problem. LCDs on the other hand, are prone to a similar problem called “retained pixel charge” where a pixel (or a groups of pixels) remains discolored. Fortunately, this problem is fixable. Life Span: Most LCD models today last amongst thirty thousand and sixty thousand hours. Plasma TVs take around the same amount of time to reach ‘half life’ (where the display fades to more than half of it is brightness). Recently, Panasonic has declared that it is Plasma TVs may last up to 100’000 hours. Durability: Plasma TVs are in general heavier and a little thicker than LCD TVs. Due to it is weight; it is best to leave the installation procedure to the experts, in particular if you plan to mount your Plasma on the wall. Plasmas are likewise more fragile, so extra care ought to be taken when transporting them. Image Quality: It is unquestioned that Plasma TVs developed clearer and sharper images. This is due to this high contrasts proportionality that is unrivalled by even the most pricey LCD model. The blacks are deeper and the visuals are more brilliant on a Plasma TV. On the other hand, the screen of LCD display reflects very little light, constructing a better watching experience in a brightly lighted room. |
Most helpful customer reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful.
Great TV and Yeah – it absolutely works with a PC
By Christian Kuzmanic
This TV hooked up to my PC’s HDMI port without problems, and produces a crystal-clear, sharp picture. For people complaining about ‘halos’ around screen fonts etc., turn down the ‘sharpness’ setting in the picture settings. If you have overscan issues and the edges of the screen appear cut off, switch to ‘HDMI2′ mode in the settings and your screen will display properly.
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful.Beautiful TV and Monitor
By NascarTom
Wanted, if possible, to get a display device to be both a HD television and a great monitor. This would satisfy the want to have both in a small study. I am an avid photographer using very high resolutions with high end Nikon cameras. Also do HD video (1080p & AVCHD) as well. Needed to get a display to handle editing for both. Definitely wanted a monitor with an IPS panel to assist with very good color, better viewing angles, etc. Looked at the LG’s (hit or miss IPS panel in some of the 32″), Samsung’s (not an ISP panel), etc., as well. Went to several local AV stores in the local area and was able to see many of the models I was interested in. Hands down this Panasonic was the standout of the 32 inchers! Made the purchase several days later and connected everything up yesterday. All connections were as simple as could be. On HDMI1, I connected the Comcast HD cable box. Excellent picture right at the start (after going into the picture menu and turning the C.A.T.S to the “OFF” position). Color, sharpness, brightness, contrast, etc., were fantastic. At this time, have no reason to adjust this input.
Now, for the computer part. Powered down all devices, then connected my HP HPE 390t with the 1.8GB nVidia Geforce GTX 260 video card with an HDMI out to the HDMI2 input on the Panasonic. Powered both TV and HP computer back up. WOW…as the computer began to load, the color, fidelity, etc of the windows blue intro screen was fantastic as was the HDTV portion when I first turned on the cable. After logging in, my screen background photo (photo of wife and I in front of a glacier and mountain in Alaska) just blew me away. No other monitor I have had (and its been several) since 2008 (date of our trip and photo), was able to display it so well. NOW comes the important part. This TC-L32U3 DOES handel the PC very, very well, but a few minor adjustments needed to be made: 1)the computer displayed the background larger than the TV screen size. NO problem. Went into Windows 7 control panel and made sure the video card was set at 1920 X 1080, the refresh rate at 60Hz, and color depth at 32 bit. ALL was good there. Next went into the TV’s menu and did the following: using the TV’s remote, I entered the picture mode; scrooled down to “Aspect adjustments” and hit enter; left the “Screen format” at “Full”, but adjusted the “HD size” to “Size 2″. Pure Magic!!! The PC now displayed the correct resolution beautifully!!! NO issues. 2.)At the advice of another reviewer, I did knock down the sharpness alittle, but not sure I needed to it, because I saw NO issue with being able to read the text, being already sharp and clear. Just keep in mind that this is not a high end monitor only, but on this 32″, it is very good. 3.)I also adjusted TV’s “Black level” to “Dark” (just my preference).
I now use these minor changes on both HDMI1 and HDMI2 inputs. I also kept the pictue in “Standard” mode, which I have hardly ever done on many past TVs. Always had to adjust them to get more vibrant color, etc. Not with this set. The “Standard” was exceptional right out of the box (again, you have to turn the C.A.T.S to off, so your room lighting is not the changing the brightness on you). Have NO intention of calibrating at this time (I do have a calibrater stored some where).
On page 38 of the owners/operation manual, Panasonic puts in the disclaimer, “use with a PC is not assumed”. That is probably true in some respects. You apparently have to have compatible equipment. If you try this display, you will not be disappointed. But the PC’s video card must be compatible. Excellent display on both my HD cable and PC inputs.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful.
Geat Tv
By CREDIC1
This tv is awesome!! ..I waited for the new “alpha panel” ( as stated by cnet and is used on higher end tvs) rather than panasonics old lcd panel; and it is worth the wait!! The colors are NOT washed out as one reviewer stated and are very good..The screen is a BIT slightly draker but that brings out the color better in my opinion … They even improved on the angle viewing so its not faded looking from the sides…My friend brought one to. I think the last reviewer got a bad one.. There are good reviews on this unit from cnet and best buy and even the first person on this page said so minus pc hookup thou…Way to go panasonic!!!
