Pulled The Trigger ... 50" Plasma

[Mr Peabody]

NF, I appreciate the research you did and especially you sharing it. I suspect my Sharp 26" is a power hog LCD, it is always radiating heat, even when off. My daughter has a 30 something no-name LCD and hers is cool when off. I don't know how much power either uses while on. I do not like my LCD putting out heat in the summer, that would have been a deal breaker if I had known.

[nightflier]

Mr. P., for $23 and change, you can find out exactly what the damage is, on & off:

http://www.amazon.com/P3-Internation...6513596&sr=8-1

For the temperature, any thermometer should do (just don't use one that's been in dark places, we'd loose all respect, LOL).

[Woochifer]

Actually, Pix, I did a little research on that, and some of the newer Panasonic Plasmas have lower energy usage than comparable LCD. Sony seems to make the most energy efficient LCDs, but Toshiba, Pioneer and lesser known brands like Westinghouse and Olevia are real energy hogs. Some of the Panasonic plasmas use only about 280 watts while in use (compared to some LCDs that require up to 600 watts) and can use as little as .05 watts when off (compared to 2 watts for some Toshibas). I know that last figure is only a fraction of the on-energy-use, but if you consider how much more often the TV will be off in most homes, it all does add up.

Aside from the material used, the energy usage on a plasma also greatly varies with the calibration settings. In nearly all cases, if you calibrate a plasma set to reference levels, the energy usage goes way down. For example, on the Pioneer PDP-LX5090, the measured energy usage goes down from 393 watts using the factory settings to 272 watts after calibrating the set. On one of the Panasonic models, I recall consumption declining from around 280 watts using the default settings to around 205 watts after a calibration. Larger size and 1080p resolution also affect energy usage, Panny's 50" 1080p plasmas on one set of benchmark tests I saw were closer to 400 watts out of the box, and 300 watts using calibrated settings.

For the record, the most energy efficient LCDs are Sonys, and the most energy efficient Plasmas are Panasonics. Many Sony & Panasonic models are more energy efficient by a wide margin from other barnds, and the Panasonic Plasmas typically have lower usage than LCDs from manufacturers other than Sony.

Panasonic's new plasma lineup for next year will purportedly feature thinner panels that use much less energy than the current models. Since Pioneer's plasma panels will be manufactured by Panasonic starting next year, we'll see if their sets see a comparable reduction in energy usage. On the LCD side, going with LED backlighting increases the contrast and decreases the energy usage.

[nightflier]

Most of my TV watching is done at night, so I could probably turn it down even more.

That said, Wooch, wouldn't the same be true for LCDs, then? I was mainly basing my findings on Crutchfield's listed figures for the testing they did in-house, and I'd like to think that they calibrated the sets or at least used standard settings.

[Woochifer]

Most of my TV watching is done at night, so I could probably turn it down even more.

That said, Wooch, wouldn't the same be true for LCDs, then? I was mainly basing my findings on Crutchfield's listed figures for the testing they did in-house, and I'd like to think that they calibrated the sets or at least used standard settings.

LCD's a different animal in that its energy usage varies only with the lamp level, and they typically come out of the factory with the level set to 100% (some LCD calibrations I've seen reset the lamp level to around 80%). Displaying a whiteout pattern will consume the same energy as a greyscale pattern on a LCD TV. With plasma, the energy consumption will vary with the pattern displayed.

I would doubt that Crutchfield uses calibrated settings in their power consumption measurements. Although if they were doing other tests such as color accuracy or contrast, I would then assume that they did some reference level calibration.

[Woochifer]

NF, I appreciate the research you did and especially you sharing it. I suspect my Sharp 26" is a power hog LCD, it is always radiating heat, even when off. My daughter has a 30 something no-name LCD and hers is cool when off. I don't know how much power either uses while on. I do not like my LCD putting out heat in the summer, that would have been a deal breaker if I had known.

Kind of an apples and oranges comparison, since the heat sources on LCD TVs are a lot more localized and that location can vary. This is not like plasma TVs where heat is more uniformly distributed throughout the panel.

[robb01]

LCD's a different animal in that its energy usage varies only with the lamp level, and they typically come out of the factory with the level set to 100% (some LCD calibrations I've seen reset the lamp level to around 80%). Displaying a whiteout pattern will consume the same energy as a greyscale pattern on a LCD TV. With plasma, the energy consumption will vary with the pattern displayed.

I would doubt that Crutchfield uses calibrated settings in their power consumption measurements. Although if they were doing other tests such as color accuracy or contrast, I would then assume that they did some reference level calibration.

Interesting, didn't realize they set it to 100%, thanks.

[pixelthis]

LCD's a different animal in that its energy usage varies only with the lamp level, and they typically come out of the factory with the level set to 100% (some LCD calibrations I've seen reset the lamp level to around 80%). Displaying a whiteout pattern will consume the same energy as a greyscale pattern on a LCD TV. With plasma, the energy consumption will vary with the pattern displayed.

I would doubt that Crutchfield uses calibrated settings in their power consumption measurements. Although if they were doing other tests such as color accuracy or contrast, I would then assume that they did some reference level calibration.

MORE LIES AND NONSENSE from major propagandist wooch.
I do hope no-one is paying any attention to this nonsense.
The only way that "calibration" will reduce the power of any
set is if, during calibration you turn down light output, A GREAT DEAL.
AND PLASMA will still use twice as much power as your typical LCD set.
As for LCD its a "different animal" because its more energy efficent.
The backlight is adjustable(I TURNED MINE DOWN TO 35) but it wont
reduce power usuage as much as turning down the light output
on a plasma because a plasma is such an energy hog to start with,
LCD is always going to be more efficent, no matter how bright you set it to run.
OF COURSE it would be too much to ask wooch to stick to the facts
I guess, as he has shown a complete inability to do so.

[Duds]

If you are buying a tv based on power consumption....you are a moron

MORE LIES AND NONSENSE from major propagandist wooch.
I do hope no-one is paying any attention to this nonsense.
The only way that "calibration" will reduce the power of any
set is if, during calibration you turn down light output, A GREAT DEAL.
AND PLASMA will still use twice as much power as your typical LCD set.
As for LCD its a "different animal" because its more energy efficent.
The backlight is adjustable(I TURNED MINE DOWN TO 35) but it wont
reduce power usuage as much as turning down the light output
on a plasma because a plasma is such an energy hog to start with,
LCD is always going to be more efficent, no matter how bright you set it to run.
OF COURSE it would be too much to ask wooch to stick to the facts
I guess, as he has shown a complete inability to do so.

[RoadRunner6]

If he is not buying a tv based on power consumption....he is still a moron.

RR6

[GMichael]

If he is not buying a tv based on power consumption....he is still a moron.

RR6

You can judge for yourself on that one.

[Rich-n-Texas]

Great come-back though nonetheless.

[nightflier]

Moron? I'm going to take offense to that.

Anyhow, to each his own buddy. I didn't say that was the only criteria, I just said it's a consideration. I guess where you folks live it's OK to use your gear as space-heaters, but here in SoCal, heat and power are expensive, get shut off with rolling black-outs, and is wasted unecessarily.

Yes, picture quality and features are of primary concern, but just because oil is low again (which is, by the way how much of the electricity in this country is generated), it doesn't mean that energy prices will continue to stay low. If you consider how many people have 2-3 TVs and these each cost about $5-7 per month (for LCDs - CRTs use way more), and that's not counting heat & associated air-con use, then these things do all add up.

If you've got money to burn, well I guess that's your decision on where you want to burn it. But for those who are watching the energy costs pile up, this is a concern. And if that makes me a moron, well then how smart do you think you are?

[Duds]

I wasn't referring to you, sorry about that.

Moron? I'm going to take offense to that.

Anyhow, to each his own buddy. I didn't say that was the only criteria, I just said it's a consideration. I guess where you folks live it's OK to use your gear as space-heaters, but here in SoCal, heat and power are expensive, get shut off with rolling black-outs, and is wasted unecessarily.

Yes, picture quality and features are of primary concern, but just because oil is low again (which is, by the way how much of the electricity in this country is generated), it doesn't mean that energy prices will continue to stay low. If you consider how many people have 2-3 TVs and these each cost about $5-7 per month (for LCDs - CRTs use way more), and that's not counting heat & associated air-con use, then these things do all add up.

If you've got money to burn, well I guess that's your decision on where you want to burn it. But for those who are watching the energy costs pile up, this is a concern. And if that makes me a moron, well then how smart do you think you are?

[Rich-n-Texas]

Yeah, watch out. nightflier is GREEN!!! <== green!

Consider if you will, flyboy, where pix comes from. Maybe a better description would be... inbreed? Outhouse junkie? You make the call.

[nightflier]

Green with envy about RoadRunner's new 50" plasma? You betcha!

[GMichael]

Green with envy about RoadRunner's new 50" plasma? You betcha!

Me2. It would look great in my game room.

[RoadRunner6]

If he is not buying a tv based on power consumption....he is still a moron.

RR6

I thought he was talking about the one who's name rhymes with Viziothis.

RR6

(moron this later)

[pixelthis]

I thought he was talking about the one who's name rhymes with Viziothis.

RR6

(moron this later)

Oh no, this simpleminded idiot was talking about me, seems hes' my own personal internet stalker.
Every time I post something this ninny has to chime in with some clueless drivel, hes' probably Peruvian skies in disguise.

[Woochifer]

MORE LIES AND NONSENSE from major propagandist wooch.
I do hope no-one is paying any attention to this nonsense.
The only way that "calibration" will reduce the power of any
set is if, during calibration you turn down light output, A GREAT DEAL.
AND PLASMA will still use twice as much power as your typical LCD set.
As for LCD its a "different animal" because its more energy efficent.
The backlight is adjustable(I TURNED MINE DOWN TO 35) but it wont
reduce power usuage as much as turning down the light output
on a plasma because a plasma is such an energy hog to start with,
LCD is always going to be more efficent, no matter how bright you set it to run.
OF COURSE it would be too much to ask wooch to stick to the facts
I guess, as he has shown a complete inability to do so.

Remember to tip your waitresses, looks like pixie's tour of accidental comedy continues!

[pixelthis]

Yeah, watch out. nightflier is GREEN!!! <== green!

Consider if you will, flyboy, where pix comes from. Maybe a better description would be... inbreed? Outhouse junkie? You make the call.

AND CONSIDER where good old rich comes from, a toxic waste
dump called new jersey.
Cant blame him for trying to pass "southern" but that is something you're born with, come down and visit, even to live, welcome.
But try to be something you're not and there is just ONE word
to describe you...CARPETBAGGER.
You realize with this idiotic post of yours that you are insulting
EVERYBODY where you now live as well as everybody else in the south.
IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR THE SOUTH , feel free to leave anytime you want, we have enough loud mouth know-nothing yankees
who think that they are the center of the universe to last awhile.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I think I pissed him off! I really do!

Did you read my post about the family of inbreds I saw at my local grocery store?

And I've already said I'm here for the money.

Nevertheless, if I've offended you Pix, I apologize.

[RoadRunner6]

simpleminded idiot

(rather redundant)

Hey Pix, that is exactly what my Mom used to call me! However, she would have beat the sh1t out of you if she heard you call me that. We always kept our pet names in the family.

RR6

[pixelthis]

I think I pissed him off! I really do!

Did you read my post about the family of inbreds I saw at my local grocery store?

And I've already said I'm here for the money.

Nevertheless, if I've offended you Pix, I apologize.

QUITE allright, I get quite abrasive sometimes I guess, you're a decent chap and all, just lay off of the "inbreeding" stuff okay?
Thats a bit over the line.
The referee is leaving the field, let the rotten tomatoes start flying again!

[pixelthis]

(rather redundant)

Hey Pix, that is exactly what my Mom used to call me! However, she would have beat the sh1t out of you if she heard you call me that. We always kept our pet names in the family.

RR6

Pet names?
So they named you after the dog?
Figures.
Saw your mom the other day, the old broad is doing well.