Burn in on newer sets is pretty much a thing of the past. Image retention can occur if you leave a static image on the screen for a long time, but it should fade quickly.

On average, plasmas use a little more average energy than an average LCD. I say that because LCDs constantly consume a static amount of energy, whereas plasma energy consumption will vary depending on whats currently being displayed. Also, some LCDs consume a lot more energy than most plasmas, and vise versa. Rear projection sets are typically at the bottom of the energy consumption ladder (a good thing, saves $$), but the price to replace bulbs ($250++++) will make up for it.

 

Panasonic Plasma 1080p TVs are the best bang for the buck... If you want top of the line then go with Pioneer. But make sure its the 1080p model. I think bestbuy has it for $2500. I think its designed to last over 100,000 hours. Unreal.

 

Boy, gets the award as the worst and wrongest post of the day!!!!

 

As I posted above, for a 50" screen, you will see no difference between a 1080p and 720p set from 10'. 7-8 feet is obviously off a bit. You will only get the full benefit from 1080p on a 50" screen at about 6 feet.

and I think any post including "wrongest" automatically wins the award.

 

eh? The new Pioneer 5080 50" plasma is 720p, and I guarantee it will look light years better than 90% of the 1080p sets of similar size on the market. Resolution is pretty much last on the list of factors that play into providing a great picture. The $2500 model is probably the 5070.. still a great set, but dwarfed by the 5080.

 

An interesting guide that plays close to what vtec9 is saying
HERE

 

The thing that turned me off about DLP is the lamp replacement every 2-3 years. Such a hassle!!!

 

it isnt a "year" based measurement.

The lamps are rated for a certain number of hours of use, just like a projector.

My particular tv wasnt a hassle when I replaced the lamp. Pull off the front bezel, pull the cartridge out, put the new one in, replace bezel.
Took me 10 minutes.

I personally prefer DLP because of the color reproduction. Better blacks and richer colors (normally). I cant stand LCD because I can see the pixelation from the internal display. It reminds me of watching compressed video. Even from 10 feet back I can see it.

 

I'm not a fan of LCD projection sets, although the newest Sony models are pretty nice for the price. Direct view LCDs are great sets, and I might recommend one based on use and lighting. I would typically always recommend a plasma (specifically 8th gen Pioneers) first due to black levels/contrast, color reproduction, etc.. but they can be expensive.

I don't know if you're referring to a direct view or projection LCD when you say you can see pixelation from 10 feet back.. if you mean LCD projection, you might be seeing the silk screen effect, not the screen door effect. SDE is where you can resolve individual pixels.. you are able to see the black space between pixels and it looks like youre watching through a screen door. SSE is when you can see the physical screen that the image is being projected on, and it shows up as smudgy black spots and discolorations. This is an issue for all rear projection sets.. LCD, DLP, LCoS.

 

The Samsung LED DLP units have a lifetime of 20000 hours. I would check that out if one is concerned with ~$200 bulb replacements