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The Best TV for Gaming

brain_stew said:
If you're not feeding a monitor a native resolution source then input lag can often be just as bad as it is on a HDTV and the picture quality is going to be abysmal.
You're correct in that it's still a concern and that it can vary between different devices, but from my experience monitors still generally have less input delay than televisions because they don't add on a bunch of extra post-processing stuff to the picture. The tests that I personally did on the monitor I'm currently using (Asus VH236H / the "Evo Monitor") suggest that it has less than one frame of lag on 1080p content (native resolution) and between 1-2 frames on 720p and 480p content. There are a number of other computer monitors that are reported to get similar or better performance these days.

To compare, every model I researched of Panasonic's plasma lineup, the supposed standard-bearer for HDTVs according to this forum, has about ~2 frames of lag for native resolution as a best-case scenario. And that's according to flaky tests from AVSforum that compare them against other possibly-laggy flatscreen displays on clone mode instead of against CRTs via a signal split. I'm not OCD enough to believe that 2 frames of lag (again, as a best-case scenario) is the end of the world or anything, but it's not something I find acceptable for a ~$1000 display. I'd much rather use a $150 display that better satisfies the one criteria any serious gamer should be prioritizing. Black levels, contrast ratios, power consumption, and even viewing angles aren't a big deal in comparison imo.
 
If i lived in the states id get one of them sony hd crt.

Sadly here in europe they pushed the completely worthless tech known as 100hz instead of progressive scan or hd.

there where only a handful models released that suported ps/hd. Those are almost impossible to find second hand locally.

Such a shame really. Crt are better in just about every way.
 
Still a junior, so I need to bump a thread to ask my question, and this seemed like the best one to do it in. Basically I am in the market for a new TV and here is what I am wanting:

32" or above

VGA port

Minimal input lag

$450 or less

any suggestions?
 
Panasonic plasma (ST50 ideally) for HD and Sony Trinitron for SD gaming.

Didn't notice this was a necrobump but I guess my answer still applies.
 
Well, I think the LCD input lag meme is a little exaggerated. At least in my case.

I have both a 42" Panasonic plasma and a 55" Samsung LED LCD. For me, there is no noticeable difference in input lag.

I've played a lot of Street Fighter 4 on both. On both sets I can consistently land 1-2 frame links and combos.

These days most LCD tv's have 'gaming mode's which shut off some of the post processing on the TV and improve input lag which has helped a lot. It's technically not 100% perfectly lag free, that's true, but still in anything other than a benchmark test you'll have trouble noticing in most recently made TVs.

Another thing worth considering is power consumption. The panny plasma, even though it's a smaller set, draws about 250 watts. The 55 Sammy draws like 100. That's a big difference if you're the one paying your power bill.
 
I want to get an Asus for fighting games but apparently they don't have component inputs? I want to play old Virtual Console games via my Wii as well as PS2 fighters.
 
I'm in the market for a new TV, something around 50". Want to spend under $1,000 US. I live in an apartment with lots of sunlight. Should I not go with Plasma because of that?

Also, should I wait around for labor day sales? Are there usually good tv sales on labor day?
 
You can get a Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST50 50-Inch(PDP-Plasma), with free white glove shipping from Paul's TV for $999. Price match with Amazon for no hassle customer service. Just make sure you mention the "FREEUPGRADE(promo code)" for Paul's when price matching. Amazon is usually pretty good with that type of stuff.

If you are really worried about image retention the Samsung E6500 51'(PDP-Plasma) seems to be using an ITO-less PDP, which looks to be amazing.

Some info on the Samsung E6500 Image Retention here and here.

Edit: We really need a Display Panel OT up in here. It's either this thread, or the thread: Should I stick with LCD or go Plasma?
 
Since the HD gen kicked off I used a 50" Sony Wega And currently been using a 40" Sony Bravia for 4 years. The Wega was 1080i and my Bravia is 1080p. No input lag from all consoles so far.
 
Sounds like LCD is the better choice. I'm coming off a CRT set here and think the image quality for that is good enough so I'd have to say responsiveness trumps image quality for me.

Please dont listen to half the people in this thread who say LCD have better image quality and response time than plasmas.

The only thing LCD have over plasmas is that theyre more readily available, cheaper and drink less power. Unless you are getting a Sharp Elite, then go for plasma.

I just recently bought a Samsung 64 inch E8000 series plasma. Its INSANE. Full internet connectivity, amazing colours, deep blacks but its not cheap i tell you.

Ive had no image retention/burn in at all.
 
So, I'm looking at this Panny 50" everyone likes. Two questions:

1.) How is active 3D for gaming? Is it worth getting a couple pairs of the expensive glasses, or should I just pretend the tv doesn't do 3D?

2.) My living room has a lot of windows, so it gets sort of bright. Is that reason enough to not go plasma and go for some of this backlit LED stuff? Again, I'm not looking to spend more than $1,000.

You guys are the best.
 
Panasonic ST50, which is by far the best TV out there on a price/performance ratio. The higher-end Panasonic plasmas have slightly worse input lag and cost a bundle more.

I've used modern LCDs and modern plasmas. It's not even close..

1.) How is active 3D for gaming? Is it worth getting a couple pairs of the expensive glasses, or should I just pretend the tv doesn't do 3D?

My personal experience is that active 3D is inferior technology and will eventually get replaced by passive. More knowledgeable people who have done extensive studies have come to similar opinions: http://www.displaymate.com/3D_TV_ShootOut_1.htm. I personally barely use the 3D functions on my set. It's a dumb feature.
 
You might want to consider the Panasonic UT50 as well. 50 inch is going for $799.

Cnet review

Off the top of my head, some of the differences between the UT50, and the ST50.

*It has one less HDMI
*No built in wifi, but has ethernet.
*No pro settings in the menu.
*Not as good in direct light because of the screen filter.
 
2.) My living room has a lot of windows, so it gets sort of bright. Is that reason enough to not go plasma and go for some of this backlit LED stuff? Again, I'm not looking to spend more than $1,000.

Look in to getting some black-out curtains, or just curtains in general. Seriously.

LCD's in general perform better in bright lighting conditions because of how much light they pump out. Also frequently have matte screens (not always though; higher end models don't as it improves black level)

Plasmas on the other hand generally have better black levels, contrast ratio, colour saturation, and motion resolution so if you can get around the window issue with curtains, you will probably be happier for it with a plasma.
 
Look in to getting some black-out curtains, or just curtains in general. Seriously.

LCD's in general perform better in bright lighting conditions because of how much light they pump out. Also frequently have matte screens (not always though; higher end models don't as it improves black level)

Plasmas on the other hand generally have better black levels, contrast ratio, colour saturation, and motion resolution so if you can get around the window issue with curtains, you will probably be happier for it with a plasma.


I think the plasma would reflect alot of that light in the room.

I have a LCD in a room that has alot of light. And during the winter we open all the windows and I can still see what happening on the TV (witch I believe is a matte)
 
the newer LCDs have plasmas beat in both image quality as well as input lag. there is no reason to be gaming on a plasma, especially because games can cause burn-in. if you are only watching movies and are in a dim room, then plasma might be a good choice.

Which ones you talking ?
 
Which ones you talking ?

Sony KDL-46HX853 for example:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-kdl-46hx853_TV_review

EDIT: Loses somewhat in input lag, but not in image quality.


Outstanding contrast

For starters, it hits you right away that the 46HX853‘s contrast range is nothing short of incredible for an LCD TV. Black colours really do look black, which is amazing enough for an edge LED TV, but somehow Sony also manages to deliver gorgeously vibrant colours and lovely bold whites in the same frame as the inkiest of blacks.

And there’s more. For astonishingly, for 99% of the time this jaw-dropping combination of bright and dark in the same single frame is delivered with scarcely any visible evidence of the ‘light blocking’ around bright image patches you usually get on edge LED TVs which, like this Sony, use local dimming. The only times we became seriously aware of light blocking, in fact, was when the white ‘disc loading’ graphic on our Blu-ray player popped up in the bottom corner of the screen against a totally black backdrop, or where central white titles appeared against a black backdrop.

Matters of movement

The terrific sharpness of the 46HX853’s pictures does not disappear, moreover, during action scenes or sports events, thanks to an exceptionally successful combination of a speedy native response time and Sony’s latest motion processing system.

Messing around with the different Motionflow options, the exciting-sounding Impulse mode turns out to be a disappointment, thanks to the high level of flicker it produces. But the Clear and Standard Motionflow settings both work well, removing practically all unnatural judder and blur without making the picture look artificial.

Next on the excellence list are the 46HX853’s colours. Tones are vibrant and punchy, but also wonderfully natural. They’re also exceptionally subtle, delivering a dazzlingly wide range of tones with so much finesse that there’s no trace of the striping and banding you get with lesser screens. In fact, so clever is Sony’s X-Reality Pro that it even removes such striping when it’s present in a low-quality digital source.

With the 46HX853’s 2D pictures appearing almost flawless, it’s heart in mouth time as we start testing its 3D efforts - especially given previous Sony problems in this area. But while they’re not quite as perfect, they’re still very good

The last hurdle the 46HX853 could fall at is input lag. But it sails over, delivering a figure during our tests of just 34ms, which shouldn’t affect your gaming in any significant way. Just make sure, though, that you've selected the Game option in Sony's slightly confusing Scene Select menu, and that you've turned off edge enhancement and the auto light monitor.

Verdict

The word that best sums up our time with the 46HX853 can only be ‘wow’. Sony may have left it late, but just when we were seriously starting to fear for the brand’s TV future, it’s stormed back with what might honestly be the best LCD TV we’ve ever seen.

I wish I had money to buy one right now.


EDIT.2: Seems like it's very reasonably priced compared to the competitors.
This 46in model is Sony’s new flagship 46in TV. And despite costing an impressive ÂŁ400-ÂŁ500 less than Samsung's equivalent model, it sets out its high-end stall right away thanks to a design that can only be described as imperious.
 
Panasonic plasma (ST50 ideally) for HD and Sony Trinitron for SD gaming.

Didn't notice this was a necrobump but I guess my answer still applies.

Same here. Panasonic Plasma (P42GT50 here ) is awesome to play games on. Colors pop and the tv is vey very fast. The game look fantastic compared to my last tv ( Sony W4000, which wasn't bad but really can't compare )
 
I have been using a 50" Panasonic plasma for about a year and a half, I love it, the response I second to none, there is a game mode, but almost every mode can have all processing switched off for maximum response.

I had a LCD before that, and just recently my flatmate bought a 50" samsung LCD, it is horrid to play on, even in game mode, poor motion and input lag.

I did a huge amount of research before I made my purchase, well I was spending 2,500 at the time, I wanted the best for my money and plasma was there at the time.

OLED will be the best when they become standard, a while off yet though. :(
 
I've tried out 5-6 Sony and Samsung LCD/LED's over the years when trying to buy a flatscreen and every one had issues that I could never get used to.

Every single Sony had flashlights/clouding in the corner of the screens that made dark scenes in games and movies look bad and the Samsungs often had bad ghosting or bad blacks. I ended up going with a Pansonic PZ85U plasma in 2008 and just bought a Samsung D7000 plasma in February and I've been thrilled with both.

IMHO even the top of the line Sony LED had issues that I couldn't deal with and I'm happy that I went the cheaper route and got the Samsung plasma.
 
This thread is for you to talk about your ideal video game set up. It's also to help me in my quest to replace my old CRT television and finally join the 21st century. So what is the best flatscreen set for console gaming? Plasma? LCD? Got a favorite brand? What about the different HD outputs? What does a new buyer look out for when buying for Wii/PS3 (and future consoles)?
Why on earth would you want to get rid of a crt?
 
I prefer LCD's to plasmas for these reasons:

Early this year I moved into a new apartment and after being gaming on LCD for the entirety of this generation, I went with a 60 inch LG Plasma because I heard great things about them and their image quality.

First of all, it was heavy as hell. While this can be a nitpick, It was pretty difficult for me to set it up. Second, I never could get a color palette that I felt was accurate for the video games I tried on it (PS3 to be exact). The colors never clicked like they did on my old LCD and everything looked weird as far as colors were concerned. I tried a lot of color settings combinations and I searched a lot to get it to a point where I felt comfortable, but couldn't. Third, even though there wasn't that much light on my living room, the glare was too much during the day, even with just some light coming over from only the right side of the room. Forth, I never got over the fact that plasmas have richer blacks and less brightness than LCD's, because I was always fighting with the settings trying to make the TV look less dark and I never felt satisfied with it. This can be a good thing, but for me, it wasn't. Right then I noticed that I preferred sacrificing richer blacks for more brightness.

I decided to return the Plasma to Costco, because I wasn't satisfied and I got a 55 inch Vizio (yeah Vizio) LCD (yeah not LED) and I ended up pretty happy. Not only was the brightness how I like it, but blacks were more richer than my old LCD (which is still in my room) without sacrificing the overall brightness. The colors were surprisingly richer too, compared to my old LCD and the image quality was, and still is, awesome. Not only that, but my PS3 games look great and the colors now feel right.

Personally, I think would never go back to Plasma. This is in no way a post to dismiss plasmas as inferior of course. It's just my experience with both.
 
Yeah, Ricky, your experience is my fear, only because I've never had experience with a Plasma. Right now I'm looking at the Samsung UN50EH5000 50-Inch. Any experience?
 
I prefer LCD's to plasmas for these reasons:

Early this year I moved into a new apartment and after being gaming on LCD for the entirety of this generation, I went with a 60 inch LG Plasma because I heard great things about them and their image quality.

First of all, it was heavy as hell. While this can be a nitpick, It was pretty difficult for me to set it up. Second, I never could get a color palette that I felt was accurate for the video games I tried on it (PS3 to be exact). The colors never clicked like they did on my old LCD and everything looked weird as far as colors were concerned. I tried a lot of color settings combinations and I searched a lot to get it to a point where I felt comfortable, but couldn't. Third, even though there wasn't that much light on my living room, the glare was too much during the day, even with just some light coming over from only the right side of the room. Forth, I never got over the fact that plasmas have richer blacks and less brightness than LCD's, because I was always fighting with the settings trying to make the TV look less dark and I never felt satisfied with it. This can be a good thing, but for me, it wasn't. Right then I noticed that I preferred sacrificing richer blacks for more brightness.

I decided to return the Plasma to Costco, because I wasn't satisfied and I got a 55 inch Vizio (yeah Vizio) LCD (yeah not LED) and I ended up pretty happy. Not only was the brightness how I like it, but blacks were more richer than my old LCD (which is still in my room) without sacrificing the overall brightness. The colors were surprisingly richer too, compared to my old LCD and the image quality was, and still is, awesome. Not only that, but my PS3 games look great and the colors now feel right.

Personally, I think would never go back to Plasma. This is in no way a post to dismiss plasmas as inferior of course. It's just my experience with both.

You got one of the bottom plasma brands, didn't like it and just dismiss the technology based on that? :lol
 
You got one of the bottom plasma brands, didn't like it and just dismiss the technology based on that? :lol

Can you really blame me? I've had two LCD's and one plasma since I got my first HDTV and I have nothing but great experiences from both LCD's, and really not much from the plasma.

Should I keep trying plasmas for no reason at all just to keep trying them to see if I can find one that it's miles better than any LCD/LED or satisfies my needs?
 
Picked up one of the new Panasonic Plasmas a few months ago based on GAF's consensus and would never go back, at least until OLED.

It wasn't just the black levels, the whole color palette is just so much richer...darker FPS games look so much more amazing now compared to my Vizio LCD. Just my experience.
 
I honestly have no idea how people can still think this stuff about plasmas. I don't think I've ever seen a tech so misunderstood and feared as plasma.

Well people are still reporting first hand accounts of tickers, station logos, game HUDs causing burn-in that doesn't go away (i.e. not image retention that can be fixed by watching other content).

:shrugs:

My 40' Sony XBR4 LCD from 2007 is still alive and kicking
 
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