Flat Screen TV

[RichLB]

Ok, I'm finally ready to buy one, but being more ignorant than I care to admit, I have questions. And, yes, I have tried to research on the internet and ended up even more confused and asking the salesman resulted in only the deer in the headlights stare. So, here are my questions
.
Plasma vs. LCD. What are the advantages and disadvantages of either. I know Plasma uses more power, but is it so much my electricitybill will soar? Do either of these types have pictures that fade over time?

Ports. If a TV has a USB port, does that mean it will play movies off a portable hard drive or memory stick? If not, what's the USB port for?

3D. Some TV's advertise that they have 3D. I'm not quite sure how that would work or if it means you have to wear those silly glasses to watch TV. If it does have 3D can you watch without implementing the 3D and not blur the screen?

Other considerations. Anything else I should think about before biting the bullet and finally buying one?

[lvdkeyes]

My bf who knows electronics well told me the following:

Plasma is better for movement, but it get hot and uses more electricity. Plasma can also develop lines. LCD has sharper more vivid color, better for looking at photos. It is on the way out, that's why LCD is the cheapest. For TV viewing Plasma is better.

The best one to buy is LED because it uses lower electricity and has good movement and contrast, but it is more expensive.

Not sure about USB port for movies, but you can view photos. Look at the directions for the TV you are considering.

To watch 3D movies you need the glasses, but you can watch TV in regular mode.

I hope this helps.

[Gaybutton]

To watch 3D movies you need the glasses

Any idea where those glasses are sold?

[lvdkeyes]

I think if you buy a 3D TV they come with it.

[atri1666]

Last year i bought a LED tv >> Philips 46PFL9705K . It has 400hz and ambilight and 3d. It was a little expensive but super quality. It has internet tv and can be used for internet also.

[Gaybutton]

It has 400hz and ambilight and 3d.

Did it come with the 3D glasses? If yes, what is the quality of the glasses? How many come with the TV? If something happens to the glasses, how can they be replaced?

[atri1666]

For 3D you must buy an extra tool (starterkit PTA02/00) for around 200 € but it is working good. I looked "Saw 3D" and it was super. The set includes 2 glasses and all software you need for the infrared wireless transmitter.

[windwalker]

Other considerations. Anything else I should think about before biting the bullet and finally buying one?

You may want to check to see if the TV has a HDMI input. This input is used for best quality when connecting to DVD players, HD DVD, Blu Ray and PCs. Newer TVs should have this input.

[DeE]

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-led-tvs/

[Bob]

Plasma vs. LCD.

While it used to be true that plasma tv's were superior to LCD's in a few respects, it's really not true anymore. Without a doubt, I'd recommend an LCD. In the states, at least, the stores are slowly getting rid of their plasma tv inventory. I'm no expert on what exactly is the best LCD to buy today (do a search for sites that review them.....and that'll probably be your best current information) but definitely (my opinion) don't buy one of those 720 screens and make sure you get the full HD screen (even if you currently don't want to pay for hd broadcasts). As to 3d, I have no clue about that topic.
I bought a 46" Samsung about 3 years back in the states and it's been great (and a fair number of people who own other flat screens keep asking me why my tv's picture is clearer and brighter than theirs...hell if I know but it is fairly nice). I purchased the exact same one here in Chiangmai about 6 months ago and, again, no problems.

Ports. If a TV has a USB port, does that mean it will play movies off a portable hard drive or memory stick? If not, what's the USB port for?

Basically, I don't know much about that but most of the current models have enough ports (including multiple HDMI) to handle whatever it is you'll be using. Some of the earlier models only had the USB ports so you could update software for the tv unit but the newer ones let you use that port to access information from a computer, external harddrive, etc.. Again, read some reviews at the online sites and you'll learn something about this topic.