42" Plasma

[mercturbo]

I'm in the market for a nice plasma. Anyone have or can give opinions on the best value HD 42" inch Plasma in the $5k bracket. My sole criteria is picture quality in SD and HD and DVD'S and it needs DVI-D and/or HDMI inputs, what amazes me is that the new Panasonic Viera plasmas dont have either, any comments at all are much appreciated. The new Samsung HD looks nice with HD on DVI or HD componend, and can be had for just over $4k. Thoughts anyone? Thanks

Cheers Rob

[Turbofalke]

I just bought a 37" HD Hitachi (about 4 weeks ago) for $4400. I compromised a bit on size, the resolution is awsome. At 1024x1024 pix its a better quality picture than the 42". Twin tuner / pic in pic its got everything including the DVI & HDMI inputs. I'd rate it 10/10

Link:

Hitachi 7800 series

[Turbofalke]

BTW they do a 42 in the same series @ about $5k - $6k

[RAPHOON]

BTW they do a 42 in the same series @ about $5k - $6k

I just bought a 42" LG LCD panel instead as I found the resolution and picture quality was much better.

Turbofalke, just keep on posting mate. I can look at your signature all day....

[Geeseman]

Make sure you get a 1024X768 panel either Panasonic or NEC.

Im not specifically commenting on the panel above, but 1024X1024 panels are actually 1024X512 pixels in progressive mode. They are ALIS panels and provide an inferior interlaced image to normal progressive panels.

[bugster70]

I just bought a 42" LG LCD panel instead as I found the resolution and picture quality was much better.

Sigh, I would LOVE a plasma screen, but the wife says no. Having said that, if I were to buy one, I'd opt for the LG too, mainly 'cos it's an outstanding price (now under $3K!!) and I've heard nothing but rave reviews about it.

Sorry Rob, I know that ain't much help if you're looking in the $5K bracket. I'm just envious.

[crisso]

Make sure you get a 1024X768 panel either Panasonic or NEC.

I concur, we bought a 42" NEC, cannot fault it, pic quality superb! Was a little over your budget, but that was about a year ago...shop around for a good deal.

crisso

[cunners]

I've got a 42" Phillips and have been very happy with it...

2 biggest things to look for in Plasmas IMHO

1 - Resolution.. go for the HD if possible (1024 x 768 pixels)

2 - Contrast Levels - go for the highest contrast you can find otherwise blacks can look greeen....

check out this site - I did and it helped a lot...

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com

ps you will be very happy with a plasma - not only do they put out a great picture (loads better than Rear-projection) they also look great in any home!!

Edited 06/05/05 05:26 AM by cunners

[Turbofalke]

Make sure you get a 1024X768 panel either Panasonic or NEC.

Im not specifically commenting on the panel above, but 1024X1024 panels are actually 1024X512 pixels in progressive mode. They are ALIS panels and provide an inferior interlaced image to normal progressive panels.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not too sure why you think this, but as I understand it unless your panel's got 1920x1080 lines of resolution then you strickly dont have a HDTV. that's why manufacturers use "Progressive Scan" which is essentially is "line doubling" to eliminate the distracting black scan lines increasing the appearance of brightness.

Since all manufacturers use software to do this, it comes down to who has the best electronics and software.

The Hitachi allows component signal input in 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p(60), 1080i, (50/60), 1035i (60), so the image viewed will only be based on what's available to it. And that is a whole other story - which set top box to buy!, but when watching DVD's with component input (RGB) you'll get as close to a HD image as possible with more pixels due to reduced progressive scan rates.

Correct me if I'm wrong - please.

[Mondie]

Hi Rob,

l guess you would have seen my thread on buying a plasma a little while back? Anyhow, my 2 cents worth.

If you want the best bar none, buy a Fujitsu.

Value for money, NEC.

The best warranty combined with a great screen and asthetics, then Pioneer.

l was keen on the Pana but your correct, it doesnt have DVI/HDMI. There are updates on these coming in the next 4-6 weeks that do so they may be an option if you are not in a hurry.

If you havent already, checkout the DBA forums (www.dvtforum.info) there are a lot of tools there but some good info. been a while since l vistied, but the occasional used Plasma does come up for sale.

l ended up buying a 3 week old Pioneer Plasma off ebay and have been very happy with it