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Need Help with Plasma Burn In vs. DLP Decisions

I am researching a possible a Plasma TV purchase (brand is to be determined) but I am getting conflicting statements regarding burn in problems. For example, from watching shows with the 4:3 aspect ratio, will I get burn in where the black bars were? In other words, how long can I watch these channels before I MUST change the channel to a full screen display? I have about 12 HD stations but many are not HD. For non HD stations, I was told to stretch to full display but this seems to distort the view. Does Plasma have other usage restrictions?

Fom a cost view point, does a Samsung DLP TV purchase make more sense than a Plasma? My local Retailer is recommending the Plasma since it looks better but many of my friends have purchased the Samsung DLP (50") and like it very much. Any comments on Plasma burn in and plasma vs. DLP would be appreciated. Thanks
hgeifman

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
3,746 posts
 
While black levels are not up to plasma standards, backlit LCD displays in the 42" to 46" have come a long way. The other issue of motion artifacts due to the slow on-off response of the picture elements has also been improved. LCDs also have less of the "screen door" effect than plasmas. The screen door effect, necessity of viewing in a mode that fills the screen (creating geometric distortion),greens that are more flourescent yellow than green and high heat output, are, to me, the biggest problems with plasmas. But, overall, I prefer plasmas over backlit LCDs, rear projection LCDs and most rear projection DLPs.

My current favorite is a rear projection 3-chip LCoS set. I've just purchased, but not yet taken delivery of the Sony Qualia 006. Great set, but it is huge and heavy.
larryi
3,746 posts
 
Rysa4,

You made some very good points. Particularly with the big LCDs, uneven lighting is an issue, and this is the case even if a light has not burned out.

I can see the screen door effect on a 42" plasma set easy at ten feet, but, unless I am really looking for it, it is really not a problem.

I still do think that greens are not quite right on plasmas, even one that is ISF calibrated. I agree that with most sets, red push is a problem. I also think most sets don't actually give you red, but something more like red-orange.

Yes, there is a difference in the heat put out by plasmas. I noticed that some of the newer Pioneers seem to put out less heat than other sets. It is easily noticeable just by standing in front of the screen.
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