Page 1 of LCD TV`s - is the picture really that bad?

I`ve been looking to replace my telly for quite a while now, and after much research (real, in-depth Anorakky-standard research by the way!) I`ve decided on a Panasonic tx32ldx500 LCD Viera.

I`m convinced that in a few years time all TV broadcasts will be hi-def, so getting a CRT doesn`t seem to be the way to go as with a few honourable exceptions they are not geared up to hi-def reception. What I am surprised at is that when viewed in the shops, standard LCD reception is so crappy - pixelated blocks everywhere. I`m assured by the sales staff that DVD`s will play fine if the right cables are used, and I know the LCD will be handy for hooking up my laptop to. Also, one signal is usually shared between every TV set in the shop, which degrades picture quality. But they do admit that CRT pictures are still better than LCD`s - and apparently the pictures transmitted by a Sky Digibox (which is what I use...) are received on an LCD the worst of all.

What gets me is how glowing the reviews in all the TV and Hi-FI magazines are: "Razor sharp pictures", "Luscious colour", "Handles movement and action superbly". Again the staff in the shop say that the geeks who write the reviews just get carried away with the technology and forget to actually look at the picture and compare it to analogue reception.

So my question is - have the magazines really got it that wrong? LCD telly`s are more expensive than CRT`s and the only benefit they seem to have is that they take up less room, although they may be a better bet in the longer term. The Panasonic gets rave reviews all round - is it worth investing in?

PS: The Sony KDL V32a12u ain`t bad either and is a bit cheaper.

Ok A good CRT will still out peform an LCD on normal TV. Saying that, I am looking at a Loewe Mimo 32 CRT and a Loewe Concept 32 LCD from the same Freeview box and they are very close. As I look to my left I am looking at the Samsung Milano II 40" LCD with Hi-Def running on it and it spanks ass. If you are looking at going Hi-Def then LCD it is.

All the best,

Dr 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

I have a 32" LCD & mainly use it with my Digifusion PVR & mostly the picture is great. Sky sometimes is a little jagged, it depends on the channel. Interestingly when you stand close to an LCD TV it seems poor so I got my 20" CRT TV down & put it by the side with another ariel & the LCD was far better than the CRT.

The Panasonics I`ve seen are good but also take a look at the new Sony 40" & the 32" one they are great. The Sharp get good reviews as well.

PS. I use my LCD for HDTV as well & then the picture is (as expected) fantastic.

At the moment you should look at the Panasonics, Sharps, Samsungs, (Sony use the Samsung panel)

All the best,

Dr 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Short answer is, yup!

Check out any, and I mean any, LCD or plasma against a quality crt, like Toshiba (best pic at sensible money, imho) and see for yourself.

I`m waiting for projectors to get quieter; although I am tempted by the one box Epson.

And I notice the price of lcd/plasmas is falling a lot.

I wonder if that has anything to do with the next generation screens (which I think LG are pioneering) coming on stream soon.

Short answer is, yup!

Rubbish. a long time ago I posted about an LCD (I think it was a Thompson) in Dixons. It was a 32" & directly below was the 36" Toshiba Picture frame crt TV. (I used to have one of the Toshiba`s & it was pin sharp). The picture was from normal TV & both looked excelent, the CRT was no better. I have 2 LCD TVs & would never have bought a second if I wasn`t happy with the first. I`m now looking for a third & the Sony 40" is my favorite at the moment, however as our good friend 42% er pointed out, the Samsung should be as good, assuming it has the same electronics as the Sony.

People are fooling themselves. Put any 32" plasma or LCD up against a Sony trinitron CRT and they will be blown away. Even more so when motion is taken into account such as a football match since many people are interested in such things. The refresh rate on the new technology just can`t compete yet. Another 3-5 years I would guess.

"People are fooling themselves. Put any 32" plasma or LCD up against a Sony trinitron CRT and they will be blown away. Even more so when motion is taken into account such as a football match since many people are interested in such things. The refresh rate on the new technology just can`t compete yet. Another 3-5 years I would guess."

Do you have & live with an LCD TV (Mirror). If you did you would know you talking twaddle. I`ve had several TRINITRON TVs. I bought them at the time because they were the best...AT THE TIME. The Toshiba picture frame TV is every bit as good as the trinitron & the Thompson LCD I watched in Dixons was every bit as good as the Toshiba. Watching DVD or HDTV the trinitron looks blured in comparison to my LCD. Most of my viewing is from Freeview & provided there is a good signal the picture is excelent & definatly would not be better on a crt.

Paull, if you are looking for a 40" LCD, I urge you to look at the Samsung LE40M61BX. It is the EISA (European Image and Sound Association) award winner. That is THE award to win in Europe.


5000:1 claimed contrast ratio, 8MS responce time. It is the best LCD I have seen and is now my best seller at £2300
Quote:
assuming it has the same electronics as the Sony. Why would they have the same when Samsung can do it better. Watch Samsung over the next few years. They are going to be as dominant as Sony were 15/20 years ago. I hate to say it but keep an eye on LG too. It is the march of the Koreans.

All the best,

Dr 42%er.



It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

This item was edited on Sunday, 18th December 2005, 12:52

Thanks for the info on the Samsung. I will deffinatly be looking out for that one. I have read many glowing remarks about the Sharp (can`t remember the model but it was one of their dearer models).Have you seen it & what do you think of it?