42" Plasma

[PLAYRZ]

I would highly recommend the Pionner 43". I currently have the 50" version (PDP505HDG) of this display and have nothing but praise for it. After alot of research and viewing different panels nothing came close IMO. Also the warranty, backup and service from Pioneer is outstanding.

[mercturbo]

I would highly recommend the Pionner 43".  I currently have the 50" version (PDP505HDG) of this display and have nothing but praise for it.  After alot of research and viewing different panels nothing came close IMO.  Also the warranty, backup and service from Pioneer is outstanding.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would love to have bought the Pioneer specifically for the reasons stated above, even at the $1000 premium, however when comparing the panels (inc the Pioneer 43") with identical high def high quality sources and interconnects, the latest Phillips simply had the better picture quality, and by a fair margin, no tuning/adjustments/swapping of cables/components by me or the sales guys could alter what we all agreed on. All of us, me the most found it quite unbelievable but nothing could explain what we were seeing with our eyes

[Geeseman]

Pioneers do not replicate blacks very well at all. They have poor contrast levels and it's always been a problem with their panels.

Best way to test out the units is to use a Xbox with HD out on one of the games like dead or alive 3. Using component 480P it will show up the differences between the panels a lot better than any DVD

[Benny]

Don't mean to hijack here but has anyone considered an LCD instead of a Plasma because I'm trying to decide between the two. Just the thought of spending $4k on a Plasma that is said to have a life span of approx 7yrs bothers me.

[Geeseman]

Don't mean to hijack here but has anyone considered an LCD instead of a Plasma because I'm trying to decide between the two. Just the thought of spending $4k on a Plasma that is said to have a life span of approx 7yrs bothers me.

plasma has 10 year half life assuming you watch it 8 hours a day. That means in 10 years it will be half as bright as it was the day you bought it. My brightness setting is less than half so Im set for 20 years

As for LCD, they are far worse at blacks than plasma. And most of their scalers are rubbish due to their higher resolution.

[PLAYRZ]

spending $4k on a Plasma that is said to have a life span of approx 7yrs bothers me.

Most good plasma displays have a half life of 60,000 hours which would give you 20 years @ 8 hours a day. I'd be fairly happy with that. If you want to watch movies/TV etc. then plasma is the way to go. LCD is good for use with computers and static images.

[Flukey]

spending $4k on a Plasma that is said to have a life span of approx 7yrs bothers me.

Most good plasma displays have a half life of 60,000 hours which would give you 20 years @ 8 hours a day.

Assuming you watch that many hours a day. If it lasts 10 years, that's good enough as there will be something better then anyway to upgrade to

[Benny]

Hmm thanks for the info guys. Gives me a little more to think about.

[Max Power]

Hi guys.

My plasma tv budget is 4K and Harvey Norman and Domain currently have a 4 year interest free special.

Im after a 42" or bigger screen and Im after the best tv out there for my 4K.

As I dont have a clue, can the guys in the know give me their opinions about what to get please?

Thanx

Max

[PLAYRZ]

IMO for under $4K the LG 42PX4DV is a great buy. I have one of these in the kitchen and am very impressed with its performance. I also have a 50" Pioneer in the lounge room and I can honestly say that for watching SD TV the LG looks better than the Pioneer, and given that it costs more than double is a great testament to the LG display. As I only use the LG to watch TV, the built in HD-Tuner is ideal as there is no need for messy wires or set top boxes. This unit has a number of inputs including HDMI and DVI so you can connect anything if need be and picture quality is great for the money (about $3500). The only down side to this display is that is only SD (852x480) native resolution, but will scale down HD input.

If your after something that is true HD (1024x768) then I think LG do a similar unit DT-42PY10X? But this will probably blow your $4K plus some. Hope this helps you.