Annual Electronics Issue Includes Latest Ratings of LCD and Plasma TVs, DVD
Recorders, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Laptops, Printers, and Smart Phones
YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bigger, better,
cheaper - - those three words sum up the major trends in LCD and plasma TVs
this year, according to Consumer Reports Annual Electronics Issue,
available on newsstands starting tomorrow. The latest round of testing
turned up the best flat panel set that Consumer Reports has ever tested:
the Panasonic TH- 50PZ700U plasma TV. Additionally, the Panasonic brand of
flat-screen TVs has fared well in Consumer Reports Annual Product
Reliability Survey.
The Panasonic 50-inch TH-50PZ700U ($2,900) is one of the new breed of
1080p plasma TVs. It combines "full HD" -- 1920x1080 native resolution, the
highest currently available -- with the characteristic strengths of plasma
technology. In Consumer Reports tests, the Panasonic TH-50PZ700U reproduced
the finest detail, rich vibrant colors and deep blacks that lent an almost
three-dimensional look to images. It scored "Excellent" for HD, DVD, and
standard-definition picture quality in Consumer Reports tests.
Consumer Reports has a comprehensive testing program for electronics.
Consumer Reports tests more than 150 televisions, along with hundreds of
other electronics products, annually in its state-of-the-art labs in
Yonkers, New York. In addition to picture quality, Consumer Reports tests
televisions for sound quality, and ease-of-use with the remote and the
on-screen menu.
LCD vs. Plasma
Consumer Reports notes that whichever type of TV consumers ultimately
decide to buy, its best not to skimp on screen size. In CR surveys, many
consumers said they would buy a bigger set if they could do it over. In the
Annual Electronics Issue, Consumer Reports has outlined the benefits of LCD
and plasma TVs.
Plasma TVs
-- Get more screen for the money -- inch for inch, plasma offers more
bang for the buck than an LCD TV, so the same budget can buy a bigger
screen.
-- Enjoy a movie-theater experience -- a good plasma TV's deep black
levels and high contrast can do justice to almost anything including,
movies and TV programs with dark scenes.
-- Get a wide viewing angle -- with a plasma TV, the images onscreen
look the same from almost any angle. That's a big plus if a TV will be
watched by a number of people sitting around a room.
LCD TVs
-- For very bright rooms -- LCDs are generally brighter than plasma
TVs, and their screens are less reflective. That makes them better for
daytime viewing in rooms with lots of windows or for nighttime use in rooms
with bright lighting.
-- For heavy use with video games or as a PC monitor -- both types of
flat panels can do the job but with an LCD, there's no chance static images
will burn in.
-- For somewhat lower electric bills -- LCDs tend to use less power
than comparably sized plasma TVs. It doesn't appear that the differences
would affect electric bills by more than a few dollars a month in many
cases, so it might not be a major decision factor. But there is obviously
an environmental advantage to using a less power-hungry TV.
Consumer Reports has also identified situations when consumers may
consider either type of television:
-- For sports and action movies -- While it's true that plasma sets are
better than LCD TVs at displaying fast motion, Consumer Reports notes that
consumers are not likely to notice much of a problem on an LCD.
-- For a long, useful life -- Both LCD and plasma sets should last
about 10 years or more in normal use, according to manufacturer
specifications.
-- For wall-mounting -- Both LCD and plasma panels can be mounted on
the wall, but the mounts should be attached to wall studs to ensure
adequate support.
The Consumer Reports Annual Electronics Issue also includes Ratings of
DVD recorders and a First Look at the TiVo HD, Ratings of digital cameras,
camcorders, laptops and printers.
The Consumer Reports Annual Electronics Issue is available wherever
magazines are sold. Consumers can also access the reports online at
http://www.ConsumerReports.org.
NOVEMBER 2007
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it
may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R)
is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit
organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe
marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect
themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To
maintain our independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside
advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the
interests of consumers. CU supports itself through the sale of our
information products and services, individual contributions, and a few
noncommercial grants.
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