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Don't go buy that cheap 4k LCD, its garbage.

Go on craigslist or offerup and look for a panasonic plasma 50" to 65" TV. Look for these model numbers (partial model number) ST50, GT50, S60, ST60, VT60 or ZT60) The letter sequences is the important part to look for.

These sets will get you OLED like picture quality for next to nothing. Plasma just like OLED uses self-illuminating pixel technology. LCD are backlit screens and they are awful in comparison.

The black level on plasma is amazing (most important aspect of a TV) the contrast will be twice that of a high end LCD, motion handling is superior on plasma to any other TV technology on the planet. Colors are bright and vibrant like an oil painting. They are amazing sets.

Also 1080p content looks best displayed at its native resolution on a 1080p screen. These cheap 4K TVs have to upscale 1080p content to 4K and none of them do it very well.

What I've told you is one of the best kept secrets in the AV world. Put any of these Panasonic Plasmas next to a extremely high end 4k LCD in a normal, dim or dark room and they will destroy it.

The only reason plasma ever went away is because it is expensive to produce, the TVs are heavy and consume more power. They are superior to LCD in every conceivable way other than peak brightness. It's wonderful technology.

If any of you if you want help finding one or want to ask me some questions please feel free

Don't go buy that cheap 4k LCD, its garbage. Go on craigslist or offerup and look for a panasonic plasma 50" to 65" TV. Look for these model numbers (partial model number) ST50, GT50, S60, ST60, VT60 or ZT60) The letter sequences is the important part to look for. These sets will get you OLED like picture quality for next to nothing. Plasma just like OLED uses self-illuminating pixel technology. LCD are backlit screens and they are awful in comparison. The black level on plasma is amazing (most important aspect of a TV) the contrast will be twice that of a high end LCD, motion handling is superior on plasma to any other TV technology on the planet. Colors are bright and vibrant like an oil painting. They are amazing sets. Also 1080p content looks best displayed at its native resolution on a 1080p screen. These cheap 4K TVs have to upscale 1080p content to 4K and none of them do it very well. What I've told you is one of the best kept secrets in the AV world. Put any of these Panasonic Plasmas next to a extremely high end 4k LCD in a normal, dim or dark room and they will destroy it. The only reason plasma ever went away is because it is expensive to produce, the TVs are heavy and consume more power. They are superior to LCD in every conceivable way other than peak brightness. It's wonderful technology. If any of you if you want help finding one or want to ask me some questions please feel free

(post is archived)

[–] • 2 pts

Do you have any idea about the power consumption of Plasma TVs? I don't think you do.

[–] • 2 pts

If he LCD cost you $5 per month to run a plasma will cost you ten

[–] • 0 pt

I've owned dozens of plasma TVs. Obviously if you can't afford the power bill don't buy one

[–] • 0 pt

What you'll save in buying a second hand Plasma that might fail (unless you recap them and no warranty) you'll spend on the power bill.

[–] • 1 pt

Plasma are pretty dependable and don't need to be recapped generally speaking. I've owned plenty of plasma TVs with over 20,000 hours on them, never had one problem. They also have a 100000 hour half life which means at 100, 000 hours they will still be at 50% original brightness . You could leave one on for 24 hours a day 10 years and barely lose any Peak brightness .

Yes they are more expensive to operate but the picture quality is far superior to LCD regardless of price. If that payoff isn't worth the extra cost to you then don't buy one. I'm just putting this information out there for anyone who's interested. No need to put a negative spin on everything.

[–] • 1 pt

Make that 5 years. Basically what I'm trying to say is a plasma TV will outlast you or I

[–] • 1 pt

I have a 60in plasma love it.

[–] • 0 pt

What model?

[–] • 1 pt

LG not sure the exact model. Old too still works great.

[–] • 0 pt

5 times the power draw.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Who cares?

- AMD Users

[–] • 1 pt

They draw almost a kilowatt of power. What is there to even watch on TV???? Throw it out man.

[–] • 0 pt

They're not for TV there for movies and who cares about an extra $5 per month

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

Thanks for the advice. I'm saving this for later.

[–] • 0 pt

If you ever have any questions or want to know more let me know. I'd also be happy to help you find a good one if you want me to look through your local Craigslist.

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

plasma is shit

[–] • 1 pt

Awesome argument, you convinced me

[–] • 0 pt

Cool thread. I have managed to hold onto my Panasonic Plasma from around 2007'ish and always preferred the picture quality over any LCD. I feel lucky that it survived some very long/choppy moves since buying it. I tell people it is sorta like what Vinyl is to music. The only letters in it's manufacturing number are ME. The heat it generates is pretty substantial and I've always turned it off when not in use. I'm glad there are others that noticed Plasma's unique appeal over a decade later.

......I wonder if they'll ever bring the tech back in some form like Holographic Plasma VR headsets

[–] • 0 pt

Cool! The ones I'm referring to are models made in the last 2 years of plasma production, 2012 and 2013. Older ones are still great as well.

[–] • 0 pt

I wanna say mine is 42" and extremely heavy. If you have a few to choose from ask if they have the box for it. Those Panasonic boxes were extremely nice and kept the tv safe in all kinds of rough transport.

[–] • 0 pt

Are they better than LG Oled displays?

[–] • 3 pts

No but they're comprable and you will be spending $300 maximum compared to $1,500 for the OLED. Motion handling is absolutely better on plasma and that's pretty important

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

I have both - the LG is fucking amazing. I especially like the hidden feature of IPTV being built into the normal chanel down / channel up "tuner" . Don't get me wrong, the plasma is good, great even. Just don't ever turn on and watch an LG.

[–] • 0 pt

What is IPTV?

[–] • 1 pt

There are a ton of internet based streaming TV channels, I've been watching everything from auto racing and boxing, MMA, etc on the IPTV channels. If you are on Ch 2, and hit down, you are suddenly at IPTV channel 999.