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LCD TV - Are they reliable ?

Should I get the extend warranty ?

I heard that most of the major brands will have problem within 3 years ! Is it true ?

I'm want to buy the latest Sharp(top model) or Samsung(series 7) LCD TV(52in.). Which one is better in picture quality ? Which one is more reliable ?
edle
electroid
283 posts
 
oh and since they have a cool down cycle connecting it to a UPS is a good idea.

ET
musicnoise
377 posts
 
Consumer Reports did a review of lcd and plasmas back in Feb or Mar. The conclusion was that none of the flat panels had much of an issue with repairs. Sharp, Samsung, and Sony all did very well in the report. If I remember correctly, these three competed for top honors with Samsung slightly edging out the others for motion display. The nice thing about Consumer Reports is their reports actually have value, unlike the audiophile rags which are basically useless dribble akin to the mags at the grocery store checkout counter - entertaining though rather perusing hi end speaker cable or two headed babies.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,443 posts
 
I have to defend DLP. I have Samsung 42" DLP since 2001/2002 and had to replace bulb ($200) only once (rated 8k hours) running TV practically 6-7 hrs everyday. Bulbs are cheaper now. It has matte screen (while plasma is very shiny) that does not burn-in (plasma does). It does not loose contrast/brightness over time (plasma does) and practically runs forever (color wheel is replaceable). Plasma is rated about 50k hours - it means brightness will drop to 50%. This rating assumes constant operation - it gets worse when turned on and off every day. Plasma damage with age shows as bursting plasma cells - black spots/stains. My TV consumes a little more than the bulb itself (150W) while plasma gets closer to 300W. I don't want to be too critical but just to show that no technology is perfect.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
Can anyone please confirm that there should be no major worries purchasing the latest generation, direct view LCD TVs? Or comment please whether plasmas enjoy any edge in reliability to the latest generation, direct view LCD TVs?

I recently bought a 40" Sony 1080p LCD screen and for general use, it works great -- particularly in our room which can be very bright and sunny.

I therefore recommneded one to my parents when they asked me if they should replace their gigantic old CRT TV with no HD.

It seems they then deferred to their local "custom" install guy where they live, as they explained:

* He recommended a plasma TV, not an LCD, because "LCD TVs burn out quickly, requiring a new "bulb" which costs $400.00"

* He also explained that it is no longer true that plasmas are best suited to a controlled light room, because for the "last few years" plasmas have had "anti glare" screens.

I tried to explain to my parents that I had nothing to gain from their buying a Sony LCD TV at Costco, and that no offense, but maybe their trusty local guy might try to make as much money as possible?

No good deed goes unpunished.
miner42
709 posts
 
I, too, have to defend the DLP technology. I also have a 37" LCD (Samsung. My DLP is a Mits. (57"). After getting Mits to rebate/refund $900 for my 5 yr pld RP that could not be fixed because part is not longer available, the net to me for the 57" DLP was $1012 and this was with a 5 yr extended warranty.
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