Plasma TV's ? [Archive] - Kustom PC's Forums

Trojan

14-07-2004, 10:44

Im looking into buying a 42" TV..my options so far have been a Sony Wega 42" LCD rear Projection or an LG 42" plasma TV...the plasma being a little more expensive. To my understanding the LG plasma can be hung on the wall where as the Sony one cant, so my question is..is it worth spending the xtra few hundred pounds to get the plasma?

I have checked both out and both look a dream, but know little about the plasma technology..a friend said summit to me that they dont last long...but I couldnt say.

Clarksy

14-07-2004, 11:22

The thing to remember here is, with all AV equipment, always judge using your own eyes and ears.

Low end plasma's are prone to lip sync problems because of the way they draw the picture. Some models can have their video a few frames out of sync with the audio which makes things looked dubbed. You'd be amazed how 3 frames makes a difference to your viewing experience. Also, they are prone to burn in. I can't comment on the life of plasmas.

That said, i saw a Bang & Olufsen BeoVision in Selfidges at the weekend and it looked amazing - by far the best plasma screen picture i've ever seen. They had Lord of the Rings playing and the image detail was simply amazing. People seem gather round it commenting on how good the picture looks - yet not really knowing why. I want a 48" one of these!

Personally I hate rear projection TV's. I feel they lack definition and colour depth. The best buys at the moment appear to be flatscreen CRT TV's - this new technology is driving the prices of these down.

I found this on google...

http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com.au/forums/index.php?&act=ST&f=6&t=5
http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=18901792

brumster

14-07-2004, 12:45

My understanding is that the early plasmas had a life expectancy of 3 to 6 years before the chemicals in the screen "broke down", but I seem to recall someone in the know telling me they're a lot better these days. I certainly don't recall anyone having serious problems with one. Picture quality is the only thing to check - the response times can be slow, leaving what I believe is "ghosting"... watching somethink like a football match rather than movies, silly as it sounds, can really show this up.

I've got a rear projection myself - yes, they're big things and take up a lot of room but I didn't have the money to splash out on a flat screen plasma (LCDs weren't really around then) so it was the best bang for the buck. It's a 100hz Thompson jobbie and the picture quality is spot on, there's no burn-in even after 3 years now, and also the off-centre picture is very good too (RP's never do well in this area).

Clarksy puts it the best - it's real easy to find the best one, you simply go along and watch them and decide yourself :)

Trojan

15-07-2004, 09:47

ah, cheers guys ;)

looking thru one of the links you provided clarksy and the LG 42" seems to be having a few issues....so I'll give that one a miss for sure.

cheers..

master baits

15-07-2004, 13:36

I have a tosh 43incher rpj , its good biut I have seen better but not from plasma though which I thought looks great from a distance but too blocky relatively close up.

You might want to reconsider rpj's , some are really good and as mentioned above the old rpj [rpblems like bleed and convergence at the outside are nearly non existant.

However reapairs are usually quite expensive , but most rpjs live for long enough now and thats why its not strange to see 5yr warranties with some.The warranties are limmited though , a lot of things arent covered like the other half using polish on the screen which kills it , lifting the tv wrongly etc will really peeve you off come claim time for a repair.

after a house and car a decent tv is the only purchase I reckon far too many people just buy rather than look for what they really want , the one i have I checked out online and in person , but in shops you might not get the real deal beacuse of lighting.So like others have said spend some shoe leather or check out online reviews by magazines (not individuals) , it will be money well spent.

Big Adam

15-07-2004, 14:38

As MB says, if you've got the space, then you'll get a much much better return on your investment from a rear-projection TV than a plasma. The picture on a modern rpj TV is outstanding.

Plasma's advantages are obvious (especially in smaller homes) and have a much higher WAF than a huge chunk of glass and plastic sitting in the corner.

I'd highly recommend steering well clear of el cheapo brand plasma screens. Panasonic and Pioneer are the most highly regarded brands with Fujitsu coming in a reasonable (and slightly more affordable) third. Steer clear of the LG plasma and never, ever ever buy a plasma from a supermarket.

Plasma technology is advancing but long term it is still unproven. Re-gassing is an urban myth but cheap plasmas DO suffer from screen burn eventually if misused and even high end units have a high return rate.

Bear in mind that plasmas (and high end TVs) need proper setting up to demonstrate them properly and the image can only be as good as the source. Your average warehouse type Dixons cannot be bothered setting up and usually feed several dozen TVs from one lousy DVD player or terrestial source. If you see a duff pic in one shop, walk down the road and find the same model elsewhere to see if it's the model or the shop's fault.

You'll find the best pics will be found in independent TV shops who actually take the time to calibrate their sets although I have found a couple of branches of John Lewis are also pretty good.

Finally, before you buy anything, make sure that you have seen a 'proper' picture preferably from a movie you are familiar with. So many stores only show cartoons on their big screen models. Reason? On even the crappiest set-up, Ice Age, Lion King, Lilo & Stitch will look good. Sling a very dark or very bright filmic scene on it and suddenly the quality is clear. If the shop refuses to offer you a personal test, walk away.

brumster

15-07-2004, 20:42

^ wise words, [clap clap]

Trojan

15-07-2004, 20:45

Ive decided, Im going for the Sony Wega 42" rear projection set + 5yr cover.

http://products.sony.co.uk/productdetail.asp?id=__6396&search=KF42SX300

only thing Im a little unclear on is from the manufacturers web site it doesnt mention the set using an LCD display, however most places advertising it all say its an LCD and checking the back of the set in Comet it confirms its an LCD display on the back. and digging thru the tech info on the TV the features say...

'100hz flicker free, LCD projection system'

so im assuming I have no doubts its an genuine LCD..... anyways thanks for all the great advice...now its time to dig deep and buy the fcuker. :eek:

I'll ask for them to show the TV with a DVD of the Matrix prior to buying.

LoneWolf

16-07-2004, 13:07

You've made the right choice, the TV in question is Sony's flagship rear projection set and it knocks the socks off all the low end plasmas on the market. A lot of people tend to see the hefty price tag on that TV and think "Hmmm...for a few more quid I could get a flat one" without realising they're jump from flagship to budget. My only suggestion now is to get yourself a decent scart lead to bring the most out of the TV, then you're set.

Trojan

17-07-2004, 00:28

a decent scart lead? arent they all the same?

Fireblade

17-07-2004, 07:12

Get one wi' gold connectors and ye should be sorted ;)

Trojan

17-07-2004, 10:23

ok..cheers.

cool_dude

17-07-2004, 10:31

hey, i know this might be a bit off topic, but my dad is wanting to buy a 50" Plasma ( of 52" dont know exactly what inch it is, above 50 though ) and he is wondering how long they last. Its not going to be used 24/7.. only on occasions for films, and sometimes normal TV.

He is deciding whether to get a Projector ( to hand from the ceiling ) or the Plasma TV.

Any suggestions guys, and what one would last longer?

( being used as like a home theater system )

Big Adam

17-07-2004, 13:18

Plasma will last for ages provided it is:

a) A decent brand (Panasonic, Pioneer)
b) Mounted away from direct heat sources (sun, radiator, fireplace)

However, considering he'll be looking at over 5 grand for a decent 50" plasma, he could get an awesome PJ for less money.

Tips for buying PJs are numerous and I'd suggest a day browsing the pages of AV Forums which are almost as friendly as here and contain a wealth of info.

Two major areas to look at though:
1) Noise level - just like PCs, this can vary massively
2) Lamp life - Bulb prices vary in both price and life expectency.

TyranT

25-07-2004, 17:59

I have much the same issues - as Trojan. And i am too looking into both options.

Your RP TV is still RP however from what i gather it projects the image into an LCD Panel instead of the old standard plastic. This does various things. But it is new Tecnology and looks the mutts nuts.

I think im going for this slightly older & larger model model
http://www.totaldvd.net/reviews/Televisions/Sony/SonyGrandWegaKF-50SX100.jpg

Agreed it will not deal with dark img's just as well but it really looks the mutts nutz. Few issues with Plasma. Getting decent Viewing Angle. Not putting it above radator not in direct sun light when on a wall is quite hard to achieve.

The Wiring then the table for the decoder... and all your other bits look stupid..

I think the option you have went from sounds ace mate. Plenty of space etc. Please let me know how you got on with your model.

Cheers

:p

Stephen B

25-07-2004, 23:52

The gold contacts only stop corrosion of the contacts if indeed they are real gold :), what you really want is a well screened Scart Cable for that set. I would budget anywhere between 50-100 quid, also if your intended DVD player has component outputs at rear I'm sure the Sony also will have, and this will deliver a superior picture to an RGB quality Scart Cable

I personally own a 46" Toshiba RPTV which I have owned for 3 years, could never convince myself that the IQ from a Plasma was any better, and in some plasmas I have seen, the picture is horrendous in comparison to a well set up RPTV

I will be replacing my RPTV in next few months and will re-evalute the new Panasonic Viera 42" Plasma against the Sony RPTV, I particularly like the Sony for its price and the fact that I can store my Cyrus HC below it if I buy the nice glass shelving:)

p.s. dunno how much the LG plasma was, but the Panasonic 42" with built in freeview can be had for just over £2600 right now

TyranT

26-07-2004, 01:09

I dont believe paying £50 - £100 will make any noticable picture difference to your TV than a £15 ? I also recon that the Gold thing is juts a lot of p@nts

I got an old boy in my bar
http://www.oade.com/Home_theater/sony/televisions/images/KP-53HS30.gif
^^ Looks just like that- But if it gets too bright on screen the ******* blinks. - That is a real pain in the pants: But hes old so i forgive him.

Any RP is always less bright than a standard but at 50" its hard not to sit in an apporprate viewing angle. :p

Stephen B

26-07-2004, 10:36

for non believers, try Richer Sounds they used to let you take a sample of cables home with you after leaving a deposit with them so that you can judge for yourself before parting with real cash

your results will differ greatly tho depending on the source equiptment, to quote a much overused term

"rubbish in rubbish out"

In my experience [and I have tested thoroughly as I am a tight git], a lot of expensive cables give poor results compared to, as you say a £15 job, but it is definately worth trying a few and I personally use a £75 set of component cables from my Cyrus DVD8 to my RPTV

TyranT

26-07-2004, 19:50

Little story:

For my X-mas i got a a Sony DVD player at some £400.00, I returned the first day the shops were open along with a £75.00 Scart for a Full Refund. I then went to Asda and got myself a Pascific DVD player @ £69.99(Scart Incl)

Now for £330.00, I couldnt see any difference at all. Infact my Pascific DVD player let me watch a SVCD - where the sony rejected. Now this was a year back now - but honestly Sony etc are now made in the same Factory in China as all the other cheapo models and anyone who thinks they dont subcontract work out this way is just mental.

I might not be qualified to make this point, but i live above a global Video and have done for about 6 years. I watch more DVD's than anyone I know of and i think this makes me a decent judge of Value for Money. ;)

Stephen B

26-07-2004, 21:30

So are you suggesting he forgets the Plasma, buys a 2nd hand 28" tv and buys one of those big manifying lenses ? :)

You don't specify what you were watching your pacific/sony dvd players on, so if it was say a small 21" telly then I would expect it to be very difficult to see any difference as you described.

Having spent a fair amount of money and time on Home Cinema and not being completely stupid, I am guessing if you watched either of those players on a quality television 28" or over you would almost certainly see a difference.

I am not disputing prices and performance of DVD players have come a long long way over the years but you seem to be saying in your posts that there is nothing to be gained in evaluating and spending upwards of 50 pence in order to get a decent setup. :rolleyes:

brumster

27-07-2004, 10:32

You're right that a lot of DVD decoder componentry is common across expensive and cheaper models, so you're right to a certain degree. You could liken it to graphics card chips I guess - ATI roll out the 9600 chip to all and sundry but you can still buy a pants graphics card with cheap memory and poor quality RAMDAC and the picture and performance will suffer.

Gold leads - generally a waste of money unless you get them at a good price. They're only gold plated, naturally, and the contacts are better plus they resist corrosion but they're not essential. The contacts are slightly better in terms of longevity and resistance (I think). However most high-end leads will be GP anyway.

Get yourself a component video cable assuming your TV supports it (I'm sure it will on at least one video in). I replaced the AV1 lead between my amp and 44" Thompson RP (100hz model as well) and the quality of pictures from my XBOX/PS2 (both games and DVD) was noticeable better - particularly in games which pick out the quality differences substantially.

You need to check that all the hardware in the AV flow supports component video but these days I would think it really is the 'norm', at least on the main AV in on the TV (mine supports component only on AV1 - AV2 and AV3 ports are just normal composite video).

RGB/Component versus Composite - a warning - they both can use SCART leads so they don't visually look any different plug-wise. Composite can also be sent over the (usually) old yellow phono (normally along with a couple of red/white audio phonos) but component RGB can't go across this.

You've then got S-Video (the little 4-pin round plug) thrown into the bargain, which sits somewhere between the two in terms of quality. It's another form/standard of component video I think, but not sure which one - it's not RGB that's for sure! It's Y <something> <something> but I can never remember. It's better than composite PAL but not quite as good as RGB, but good enough for most people.

Few, there we go, hopefully that might help you in your choice of cabling!

TyranT

28-07-2004, 21:23

http://www.toptelevisions.co.uk/shop/media/kf50Lsx200.jpg

I got myself this TV Yesterday. I stood in the shop and didnt know what to choose from, I liked the TV at first - But my misses while int he shop pointed out that she liked plasma.... (Something she had never expressed before)

The Plasmas we were looking at were JVC ( £2500 Exl Vat) They looked blinding from a distance but up close you did notice some flaws. It tends to blur things that are small and detailed. Every so often it struggled with colour or you would see a hint of refresh delay. Very strange and not for me.

Both these TV's looks not very large in the large store.

(Dont go and try and fit it in a Corsa BTW) The Box is HHUUGGEE and needs to be stood upright. The stand is also soo heavy that any attempt to use the handles would tear the box. (Steel Legs, Mild Steel Plate & " thick glass )

It is nothing but stunning, it even comes with gloves so you dont mark it while constructing it.

The Whole thing is solid and ozes quality. I have a 42" RP in my Bar, but this is just a different level of class. In Direct Sunlight it is still a fantastic picture. The Image is Pin Sharp no problems with flickering etc. It has Picture in Picture and something where you can connect up to eight devices then see a thumb nail of them each. Sound from the standard speakers is ample - but im going to set up my 5.1 tonight. It has areas to hide all cabling too. Just a very well designed set. Better Image Quality than any of the plasmas I have seen.

Oh, But honestly - even in my livingroom(( and i have 12ft ceilings and large rooms)) the thing is MASSIVE, so if you got a small room dont bother, as it will block out all sunlight and you wont get a decent viewing angle as about 4m away seems to provide you with best view. Dont expect to get it up any tight stair cases either. Maybe why we seee so many Large TV;s in things like the Yellow paper is because people take them home just not quite understanding how large they look in the home.

Unlike the Plasmas for some reason it just seems to give you that Cinema feeling - Crazy I know but I just love my new purchase :)

Neoki

29-07-2004, 00:26

WAT EVER YOU DO DONT GET A REAR PROJECTION PLAMSA. and look at the panosonic ones they are kewl. one problem with plasma is the prices will drop so much soon as there are 2 more types of tv coming out. CGS and PCD or somin not LCD

shifty.ricky

29-07-2004, 00:48

can you even buy rear projection plasma?

Stephen B

29-07-2004, 01:53

Dropped by Currys today, yes I know not the best place to view a plasma, but thought I would at least look at a Panasonic Viera in the flesh :)

They had both 37 & 42 in stock and a 43/43 Pioneer. Even allowing for the woefull feed going to all [and I mean all] tv's in the place I was quite simply shocked at the poor up close quality of the Panasonics.

The crt sets were by comaprison much more vivid, and even the RPTV section looked in better shape.

Money which was burning a hole in my pocket has now cooled off considerably and I have put my next TV purchase on hold till at the very least next year.

If I were forced to buy a large screen TV right now it would be without hesitation the Sony RPTV.

TyranT - your last post makes your previous one all the more confusing, I hope you are partnering your new telly with equally good source equiptment. Namely something with progressive scan output I am sure the Sony RPTV supports it :)

Neoki

29-07-2004, 11:32

yeh the panosonic ones are nice especially the 50" one

TyranT

29-07-2004, 22:55

TBH I plugged my chepo DVD player into it and I did notice a lower proformace.

Whats the TOP DVD player around that wont burst the bank?

I cant recommend the SONY enough - If you have space for it, it just cant be whacked. :eek:

LoneWolf

29-07-2004, 23:04

DarkEntity

29-07-2004, 23:11

a decent scart lead? arent they all the same?

hehe, falls off seat

thats like saying arent all cars the same?

Stephen B

30-07-2004, 11:11

as regards a suitable DVD player, 1st check exactly what high definition signal your projector will take.

at the very minimum it will support component through the three phono style connections at rear this is usually slightly better quality than a quality RGB enabled Scart. Players start a £50 for a Toshiba which has such an output

I have a suspicion though that your sony might support progressive scan also through same component port. If this is the case I believe the starting price of a progressive scan output DVD player is around £300, maybe cheaper now as I haven't been keeping up to date for last couple of months

at that time the best setup was a Pioneer HD plasma with Pioneer Progressive scan DVD player which was about £500 at the time

you should really look here

http://www.avforums.com/

it has a dedicated RPTV section

TyranT

31-07-2004, 14:04

Ok next questions for you.

Need a Digital Signal Sender. So i can watch Cable TV on the big tv and standard from all the Gubbings upstairs. Does anyone have any experience with these things, Are they any good can you recommend one?

To Connect up to my 5.1 i used the Coaxel (Think?) Lead is this the best method.

Can someone also run over the scart and other options availble (In a mannor i understand - with pop up pictures lol )

Would Roxs - and thanks for yoru help. Ill refer back to youw ith the model i propose to get(DVD) and you can let me know how it rates ? :p

Stephen B

31-07-2004, 14:15

maybe you should start a thread of your own :)

TyranT

31-07-2004, 19:38

I like this one. :cool:

.:JL:.

02-08-2004, 15:03

to anyone, a good note.

If you are considering a modern Plasma TV , LCD or projector TV remember this :-

Plasma and LCD's work with processors. Cheaper ones have 1 which has to manage all the colours on the screen. This can be a strain for it at times so the picture does not keep up with the sound therefore its not in sync, which is very annoying. The more expensive plasma/LCD tv sets have 3 processors to manage red , blue , green so there is a lot less strain on one processors, so the picture keeps up with sound, and the quality of the picture is by far better.

for projectors it's the same principal but the processors aren't like circuitry but instead full of tiny reflective mirrors that oscillate at high speed. 3 of them is better than 1.

downside is the more processors the higher the price considerably, but the quality is far better

TyranT

04-08-2004, 02:04

Just got a TV sender. Pictures not bad at all - but the ******* wont change the telewest channel because it Uses IRDA and not IR for the channel change,

Does anyone know if i got a Universal remote would it then be able to change my cable box using IR/

Let me know

and why to telewest only supply black boxes with silver handset grrrr.

Sorry to howevers thread this was before i raped it.

DaveMark

04-10-2004, 22:16

i was reading this thred a few months back and not being able to aford a plasma i decided to stop after a few posts . but now .. im more intreasted in buying a plasma im looking at a budget of £1500, that dont seem much i know but i have seen a few good deals at richer sounds that i wanted to run past you guys and tell me what you think

my options are

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=302022 - not sure about the make allthough the price is good

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=300127 - better make .. not bad price

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=301504 - probbley my favroute out of all of them but a little over my budget but if it comes to it i may be able to stretch

only worrie is life .. i dont want to spend 1500 quid for it to die .. some places i read about plasma's say that the technolgy has got better and they last pretty long , other places say 3 ish years untill it dies. i will only be useing it every so often .. wont be used 24/7. for ocasional nice movie and some tv. I would go for rear porjection but i dont have the room, plasma will go nicely on my wall.

the other option is video projecter but im not sure on min distance of a projection .. my room is only 2.6 meters, that may be a little near for a porjecter.

views would be good on the 3 options and any advice ... i have red this thred so i prob got most of it :)

regards

davemark

Stephen B

04-10-2004, 22:23

Forget Plasma unless you are getting a high definition one, you should be looking at DLP rear projection, like I am now doing, narrowed it down to a 50" Samsung [£2099] or the as yet unreleased Toshiba 46" DLP which should be around £1800 hopefully

I have been looking to replace my 3 year old 46" RPTV for over a year and last month I was given enough cash to buy a 50" plasma if I wanted, but having looked at all that is on offer I cant justify spending nearly 4 grand on a Pioneer 435HDE when I can get a DLP rear projection for nearly half the price, arguably better picture and still in a shallow depth chassis.

DaveMark

04-10-2004, 22:25

Stephen B

04-10-2004, 22:30

15" deep, approx same height and width as a plasma

I wouldn't entertain anything less than a Panasonic 6 series for £1700 delivered if it were me and I was set on a plasma, like most things in life you gets what you pays for.

oh and if you plan to hook up your Shuttle, you'd need to add on DVI boards etc if your chosen plasma will take them, modern DLP RP have HDMI/DVI inputs as standard.

sorry if I am laying on the DLP a bit thick, but IMO they offer a whole lot more than the plasmas at the lower end of the market

TyranT

04-10-2004, 23:32

52" Sony Grand Wega - OwNz

Dont Touch ****ty Plasma. :cool:

http://www.toptelevisions.co.uk/shop/media/kf50Lsx200.jpg

Thats my boy... cant help but get good viewing angle because of its size :rolleyes: I LOVE IT & DLP :D

Stephen B

04-10-2004, 23:48

you confusing DPL with DLP ?

Sony are LCD rear projection aren't they ?

Only DLP models around that I know of just now are Sim2, Samsung, Sagem and soon Toshiba

I looked at the Sony and the picture was washed out compared to my 3 year old Toshiba

DaveMark

05-10-2004, 09:23

i know all you guys like rear projection, but as i said i phisicaly have not got the room, my options are plasma or video projecter

regards

davemark

TyranT

05-10-2004, 19:10

you confusing DPL with DLP ?

I looked at the Sony and the picture was washed out compared to my 3 year old Toshiba

It appears i am. However suggesting that my television's picture is washed out is below the belt. The picture produced by my baby is not short of jaw dropping. ;) I dont know where you seen it or how it was set up but it clearly couldnt be the same set. :mad:

TyranT

05-10-2004, 19:12

Projector. ;)

Stephen B

05-10-2004, 21:46

Calm down, Calm down

firstly I wasn't commenting on "your" telly, I was commenting on the one I saw in a highly regarded retailer in Glasgow, albeit it wasn't being fed with a high quality Arcam DV79 DVD player via component, [my telly at home does and the Sony was quite simply rubbish in comparison for what is a 3 year newer telly]

consequently you cant compare your pride and joy to mine as you haven't seen mine either :), I would say however that a DLP projector is significantly better than both our sets. Having took my DV79 along to a friends last weekend and hooked it up to his 50" Sagem DLP.

apologies to original poster as this has gone a bit off topic again.

TyranT

06-10-2004, 18:44

Nothing like flogging a dead off the point topic.

Can you link me up sir to what is a good (ok priced) DVD Player. Also a decent sound system (Not £700 quids worth) to go with set up before i get the carpet in and its too late.... Currently chepo asda stuff for both so anything would be big improvement.

Few other questions.

What is the AI Function, Whats the point of this Super Port on back (Red Scart). Whats the best setting with Noise Reduction.

Anyway back to the other boys question. Ever plamsa I have looked at under £2k has been very poor. These things are always on the blink, Clarity is very poor, viewing angle when hung on wall difficult and not as bright as LCD. The Rear Projection set i have is almost as thin as the less expensive plasmas but blows them away. It simple - not worth the money to buy a cheap plasma set that wouldnt bring you any joy but hasstle.

Space wise nothing beats projector... and you can get brilliant ones for not to much pennies. :)

DaveMark

06-10-2004, 20:09

this is the one i was thinking of getting

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=301504

retail price for 3499 .. there price 1700 approx

looks good to me .. any views

davemark

TyranT

06-10-2004, 22:21

Fine.... if your just wanting a tv then it will do a job. Take the Ext Warrenty.

Note: Need to allow for cabling to and from TV for Decoder/Power/VCR/DVD/Sat/Cable/Playstation then redecoration works.

Mind it cant sit over a heat source or be placed in Direct Sun Light (Fuxs it up see)

Just check it out in the shop to make sure there are no Refresh Rate/Lip Syc probs and check a review online and its shooty in. The guys in here tend to be a bit super geeky about the stuff. But like anything if your just wanting a Plasma that aint too expensive and not super - but still cool then anyone is fine.

I blagged my Tv for similar money and the picture off it is mind blowing. Also no messy cables and no messy re decoration plus 5 year warrenty.

Anyways it will be fine, watch it work once and then its shooty in and of course it impresses the burds (Note: TV's in Big Shops look small - in your house they are HUGE lol ) :)

DaveMark

06-10-2004, 22:27

Stephen B

07-10-2004, 08:16

Up until this point I had narrowed my Plasma choice down to the Panny you are looking at and a Pioneer 434HDE, last year all the people in the "know" had these sets as top two choices, and both have just been replaced by newer models, however the increased performance of the new models is not huge over the previous ones, the Panny is a bit of a bargain just now,feed it with the right source and it performs very well.

If you have a look at AV Forums, you will find lots more info other than myself and TyranT trying to melt your brain with RPTV sets :), and the Panny can be had with stand and ffree terminal board for under £1700 delivered.

p.s. of all the pics I have seen of peoples setups, one of the more common ones is a bove a fireplace [some in use some redundant], but as TyranT says it is a heat source and can adversely affect the life expectancy of your new monitor.

TyranT

07-10-2004, 20:38

Much like sticking Magnets to your monitor and enjoying the bending light show... :p

TyranT

07-10-2004, 20:41

Makro are also doing good deals on Plasma TV's atm and recently dropped the price of a £3k Tv to £1.5k

So maybe wortha look before you jump in. BTW when you do get one - let us know how it proforms and stuff. :D

zealot

17-10-2004, 21:51

Stephen B

24-10-2004, 11:45

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/bugsy39/HC.jpg

Trojan

04-06-2005, 11:01

Rather than start a new thread, Id thought Id continue this old thread as its the same topic.

I ended up leaving it for a while (buying a LCD/Plasma) and now a system has caught my eye.

http://www.timegroup.co.uk/images/products/main/431.jpg

Tiny Optima 431 42" Plasma TV
+ Plasma Table Build Kit
+ FS-400 5.1 Speaker System (normally £349)
+ Tiny Plasma Table PT40 (normally £399)
+ DP3 DVD player (normally £129)

all for the tidy sum of £999

does anyone know anyone that has bought this? any feelings on it? Im lead to believe that Tiny TVs are rebadged Samsungs.

http://hc.tiny.com/tv/home_cinema/14759

s29feb

04-06-2005, 12:31

Tinay have had really bad reviews, channels Fives gadget show slated them, although this one may be different?

Modfather

04-06-2005, 18:13

check the fishtank ;)

Abnormal1

04-06-2005, 21:13

zealot

05-06-2005, 01:02

Hi,
Personally after seeing this under full specification "Pixel Resolution - 853 x 480 (can handle 1280 x 1024 inputs)" I would not touch it but then until i see a 1900x1080p screen I would not be satisfied.

Abnormal1
If your waiting for that resolution (1920x1080p) can you tell me what's going to take advantage of it ? not HD sky and not HD dvd so what's the point

Abnormal1

05-06-2005, 01:36

Well the PS3 is suppose to support that resolution and I thought that HD DVD and HD blueray supported that resolution. However after googling it appears to be 1920x1080 interlaced, im so disappointed.

Anyway I have read that one of the recommend plasmas to get is the Hitachi panel that has a native resolution of 1280 x 1024. But they probably are more expensive than the one you posted.

Are u able to go and watch one for real as that is probably the best way to decide.

Abnormal1

jnm21

05-06-2005, 11:26

Anyone looked at the 43" RPTV in currys for £600?

Trojan

05-06-2005, 19:07

43" Samsung RPTV (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0736778877.111799066 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjaddekmddldgcflgceggdhhmdgmj.0&page=Product&sku=933228&category_oid=-20098&fm=3&sm=0&tm=4)

looks a good deal if your in the market for a rptv.

Trojan

06-06-2005, 19:24

Finally stumbled accross this forum.. http://www.avforums.com/forums/index.php and after looking thru the threads in 'Plasma TV & Screens' I found a few threads dedicated to Tiny.

A few unhappy customers to say the least..well the search continues, its amazing that no matter what TV you look for there is always some review/thread stating how bad it is. I suppose if your buying in the sub £2000 market your always going to get complaints.

the search continues...

TyranT

10-06-2005, 15:56

ok Punters just finished my Living room so heres some flicks. TV is 48" Sony Grand Wega (52" incl speaker). I got a deal on my Surround System and got a Sony one. Base is hidden behind the chair and the front speaker is redundent as the TV speakers work as the Centre in. It was a real bargin sound system for only £100.00 The sound is more than ample and you can never force the speakers to a point that they cant cope.. At max its loud enough that you cant be heard speaking and the base is well basey :)

http://premium1.uploadit.org/tyrant//tv.jpg

http://premium1.uploadit.org/tyrant//tvcolour.jpg
Shame i didnt leave the TV on when taking other pictures just to give you an idea of how bright and clear the image is - nothing like the RP sets of the past and i would say it blows away plasmas in its price range. You get an idea of the brightness from the colours you can see :) And thats my dog Nicco :D (Note: TV makes a 13 Stone puppy look small :) )

http://premium1.uploadit.org/tyrant//fire.jpg
Fire place and hiding to the left is one of the tiny speakers - nice and tidy and very un noticable - just the way the good lady wanted it :) That is until you crank it up :P

Hope you like it ;)

Trojan

10-06-2005, 18:04

I was checking out your set yesterday....wasnt too impressed with the viewing angle.

I suppose you really need a decent sized living room to get the best out of a 42" rear projection. Im thinking more along the lines of a 37" now.

TyranT

10-06-2005, 18:25

Ow Ow Ow now your hurting my feelings.

Matey your more than welcome to come see it in action before you purchase one of your own coz i know its a big decission, ill show u how much it rocks when its set up well :)

I got an old pad so all the rooms are pretty big. TV's like it arent supposed to be viewed at point blank range and if you are 4/5 meters away from them its a perfect image. You can even see the screen clearly when sitting on the seat to the direct left of it, i would say its angles are very good...

Anyway im away to cry because u have hurt my feelings. Im off to a lan party tonight so i will be punishing geeks with multi head shots because of you :(