Comments on: Plasma vs. LCD Revisited: Screen Glare is Still the Deciding Factor

By: Smash

Smash — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 03:56:31 +0000

Really good info. I went ahead with the plasma ($599 for a Samsung 50″ – comparable LCD was $900+) and am pleased as punch with the picture quality. It’s gorgeous.
My living room is pretty bright so if I watch during the day, I bought a set of “black out” curtains for the one window that effects the TV glare. Works beautifully. Glare is such that it’s not interfering with picture quality. I watch most of my TV at night so not really an issue.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:43:46 +0000

Bobby & Carlton
Just this morning, I looked at some plasma TVs in a retail home theater setting. The Panasonic 58VT25 had minimal reflections, comparable to what the old LCDs had. The reflections seen on the metal frame next to the screen were not evident at all on the screen. Store guy said it was due to Panasonic technology engineered into the set. Didn’t have time to get into details with him. But it sure seemed that the reflectivity of the screen was much less than other plasmas that I have seen.

BTW, the Sony 60-inch LED (last years model on close-out, Model No.??) has a non-glare screen. It’s the only low-glare one I saw on display. Best way to check for glare (without asking to have the set turned off) is to bend down so that the ceiling light reflect on the screen.

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:17:01 +0000

Yes, you will probably be OK. Both have similar front glass.

By: Bobby orr

Bobby orr — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:05:45 +0000

Great blog. I’m really want a plasma TV but I’m concerned about the glare — I have an old CRT TV in the room and I can’t say I’ve ever had any problems with glare. Does this mean I should be okay with plasma?

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:53:51 +0000

An LCD screen with a matte finish is your best bet. Either LED or Florescent backlighting will work; go LED if the cost is acceptable.

By: Ping Jing

Ping Jing — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:45:57 +0000

Great info here! Most appreciated. I am deciding between LED and PLASMA. I am putting the 55″ TV at the north end of a 25 foot room. At the far south end and far south/east end of the room there are big windows. However, I don’t expect any direct sunlight on the TV. But the room will be reasonably light during the day. Would you recommend LED or PLASMA? Thanks in advance!!!

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:42:10 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. I can’t believe how many manufacturers are going away from matte screens. I guess maybe the look better in the store, and maybe keep the display a few mm thinner.

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:02:30 +0000

My wife bought me a new Sony 46″ 3D LED TV for Christmas. Beautiful setup w. beautifully clear screen. Problem: glare. After shutting all the shades in our family room, we were still left w. terrible glare from our sliding glass doors that have no shade. In the end, I returned the Sony and replaced it with a 47″ LG LED panel w. matte finish. Incredible improvement! For me, the Sony high gloss TV was a disaster

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By: nick chan

nick chan — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:46:28 +0000

wow old article but informative. glare is definitely the deciding factor. how i wish I could watch movies on a Pioneer Kuro plasma. but anyhow, majority LCD TV buyers are satisfied with their purchase. Good enough for everything including fast gaming. LCD is a “safer” buy. the colors are good enough.

buy a cheap 42″ 720p LCD TV and be content with it people !!

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:10:21 +0000

Thanks. Looks like I’ll have to grab an LG LH90 before they disappear. I’m tired of looking at my reflection in my Mitsu Plasma while watching TV.

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:43:32 +0000

I don’t know of any specific 2010 models that have matte screens. Thin is in, and sticking a sheet of (highly reflective) glass across the front seems to facilitate a thinner profile.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:46:09 +0000

Do any of the LCD 2010 models have matte screens? The reviews on the new LG Infinia line talk about a glossy screen.

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:09:59 +0000

I know of no Plasma with a matte screen finish. You should check out the LCDs for yourself. With the newer sets, the picture still looks great even at extreme viewing angles. These LG LCD-LED TVs at Amazon are hard to beat, especially given the price.

By: Jeffrey

Jeffrey — Sun, 02 May 2010 07:32:18 +0000

I am trying to decide between a plasma and LCD-LED. I would get a 40-42 inch set, unless I go with the Mitsubishi, in which case I can get the 46 inch due to its smaller edging and thus lower width (needs to fit into a certain space). The set is in a living room where we do not have curtains. TV is watched in daytime on weekend, nights otherwise. Also, one of our couches is at a 45-60 degree angle to the set. Can’t figure out if I should go with plasma and suffer the glare or LCD-LED and suffer the clarity with viewing from the side.

Is there a good 42″ or so plasma with a good matte covering to cut down on glare? Likewise, is there a good 42″ LCD-LED with some sort of compensation to allow for side viewing? Specifics would be much appreciated. Thank you.

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:06:12 +0000

It is unfortunate that most LCDs are now glossy. The LG LCDs are an exception; they still have the matte finish as well as great picture quality, LED-backlight options, and very reasonable prices. I highly recommend LGsto anyone in the market for a new flat panel.

By: Bruce Hillberry

Bruce Hillberry — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:06:01 +0000

I purchased a 40 inch LCD 3 years ago, with a matte finish on the screen, no glare at all. The sun can shine right on the scree and no glare. It’s impossible to find a matte finish LCD screen now. They all have a glossy finish, some more glare than others. Please bring back the matte screens. I upgraded to a 52 inch and now have glare to deal with.

By: Carlton Bale

Carlton Bale — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:17:40 +0000

It depends on the LCD TV, but in general slight off axis viewing like you are describing is not a problem with even worst LCD TV.

By: Sam Jones

Sam Jones — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:32:41 +0000

hi, i don’t know if anyones still reading this post but i wandered…
With LCD tv’s do they appear dark if you watch them from a lower angle. So say watching it while lieing in bed?

By: Kettie

Kettie — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:51:48 +0000

Its a great post and useful also because today everybody want to buy shopping goods online.
Thanks for such an helpful post.