Plasma or LCD?

Which is better--LCD or Plasma televisions? This question could create a much-welcomed debate! When plasma first came out, I remember it being all the rage. It was the best thing since the old projection TV-- which as we all know, unless you were sitting right in front of it, you couldn’t see a darn thing, especially in rooms that had bright lighting. Plasma TV offers a sharp picture and a wide viewing angle of about 160 degrees. I’ve tried researching the technology for plasma and although there is plenty of material out there, I think it is a bit too complex for me to understand (and definitely too complicated for me to try and paraphrase here). What I do know is, as a result of all this complicated technology, we enjoy slimmer, sleeker television equipment and a larger clearer picture.

Now not only are we blessed with plasma, but we also have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) which until recently (a direct competitor with plasma) was extremely pricey. Although different in its construction (LCD uses a matrix of thin film transistors which power liquid crystals), the end result is the same-- a stellar picture.

I personally have been interested in getting my hands on a 46” LCD flat panel television! Does anybody think that I am out of my mind or do you think I am right on the money? I have compared several Plasma’s to LCD’s and in my opinion I think the picture offered by the LCD is better. I do see that the picture is not as clear when you get to the extreme right or left but seriously, who sits in those remote areas when they watch TV?

OK, now for the Q & A Section: Now that the prices are comparable, which is the better buy? What are the advantages of each? Yes, plasma may be able to entertain a wider audience when viewing off of its axis but studies have shown that LCD can produce a brighter picture. Is this true? What about longevity? To me, there is a difference between a purchase, and an investment. A 46” television, no matter what the technology, is going to be a “Major Investment” for me and I want that investment to last!

Also, does one have an advantage over the other in regards to image burn or ghosting? I play a lot of X-box-- maybe too much! -- and I have heard that plasma is prone to image burn. Is this true?

As you can see I have a lot of questions. Maybe you can help in shining some light on this subject for me. All opinions are requested and welcome.

Thanks for visiting!

Michael

Blueray: What the Heck?!

Blue Ray DVD? What is this phenomenon that is taking over the DVD, Video Game, P.C., and Music Industry by storm? I have to admit I feel a little behind the eight ball when it comes to this product. I try to stay abreast when it comes to technology and until recently it seemed that this was a product that I couldn’t afford to experience. But now that prices have come down significantly, I think the biggest obstacle isn’t how much but …which one?

I love movies! (You could give me almost any quote and I could tell you from which movie it came. I have watched way too many movies!) However, maybe I am stuck in the 20th century when it comes to Blue Ray. Can anybody help me with this question: Why is Blue Ray so great?

I have done some research and I have discovered that a Blue Ray capable disc can store about five times more video content than that of an ordinary DVD (or CD.) I also learned that its name is derived from the blue violet laser that it uses which actually has a shorter wavelength than that of the “Old School” (not the movie!) DVD players of the past. http://www.blu-ray.com/info/

I heard that because more data can be stored, it actually makes viewing and listening a totally different experience! Is this true? Those of you that have had experience with Blue Ray-- is it worth the upgrade?

I have always taken great pride in my movie collection and sound system and although I don’t have the latest and greatest, I wouldn’t say my equipment is anything to sneer at. With that said, however, I want to maximize my viewing pleasure. Do you think that buying a Blue Ray DVD player would help with this and why? Also, does it improve the sound quality at all, or is it just the picture that receives all the kudos?

I would have to say that given the times we are living in right now, we are all spending a lot more time at home. What better way to spend your time at home than with friends and family? Watching movies is fun and entertaining and if there is something out there that can make the viewing experience even better-- I am all in.

Get back to me on this, I need some help . . .

Michael

iPod in My Car Without Wires?

Hey everybody! As the purchaser of a new car, I am really excited to start personalizing it with an upgraded sound system. As most of you will agree, it’s almost unfathomable to go anywhere without an iPod, so I am happy to see how the prices have come down for after-market in-dash stereo’s that not only put out great sound with much less distortion then the factory players, but that also have iPod connection capabilities. Now I can take the music of my life from my home to the office without skipping a beat. Any ideas how I can really make my sound system stand out?

One thing I think would be cool is if they came out with a receiver that could read my iPod by Bluetooth so that I could avoid the tacky wire from my iPod to the dash. Either way, it’s great to see such an array of choices at such great prices!

I’d love to hear if anybody out there has any recommendations for car stereos. I used to be a car audio installer but have been out of the game for quite a while. Also, is there anything out there right now with blue tooth capabilities and if so how good is the connection?

Been There, Bought That!

Been There, Bought That!

Have you ever been in the market for a product purchase, had an idea of what you wanted to spend, but had no idea where to start? I know I used to regularly find myself in that predicament. When I recently discovered BTB.com I was quite impressed! This one stop website provides a turnkey solution to making smarter and more confident product purchases.

I like the fact the products featured on this site are not just there because someone has a bias toward a particular brand or because some retail company paid top dollar to put their product on the top of the site. Instead, the products get featured because they are best sellers. The products featured in the trend reports of this site are purchased more then others and have proven to deliver consistent satisfaction. The numbers don’t lie and the trend reports are right here to prove it!

Did you know that Behind The Buy has an alliance with Amazon.com? That’s right, the largest multi-category retailer in the world! It’s that journalistic relationship that allows BTB.com to deliver the objective product trend reports they feature. It’s great. You get all the latest products and prices along with detailed descriptions and even reviews by past purchasers. If that’s not enough, there’s even the added feature of being able to make a product purchase right then and there. You like it; you buy it …… Click. Done!

Let’s face it, our time is limited in this digital age. Driving around town aimlessly, or worse, surfing endlessly on the web can be extreme time and money wasters when you are shopping. Finally, a way for regular people now exists to empower consumers to quickly, objectively and conveniently research and make a product purchase.

Please let me know it BTB.com has made your life a little bit easier in this stressful world of ours.

Best,

Mike