I am in the market for a 42" plasma. I know almost nothing about plasma technology, so am asking for assistance. Price is a factor, as I have set a limit of $1,500. I love watching tv, but even my limit is stretching it. First, is a plasma tv that much better than a standard tube tv? Do the plasma sets suffer from the viewing angle blindness that projection tvs have? Is there anything special that needs to be done to set one up? Or is it just like plugging in a standard tube tv? Can anyone suggest a plasma in my price range that I will not regret getting later (one that doesn't develop sound or picture issues)? Thanks for any help that can be provided.

Don

in that size range i'd go with a DLP myself

i have both, and i know for my money i'm muchhappier with my DLP... for the same money as a 42" plasma i got a 56" DLP

here's why i like them better

1. higher contrast ratio (whiter whites, blacker blacks)
2. maintenance costs, a plasma recharge can be 600-800 bucks, a new DLP bulb is like 180 and a new mirror chip is 250 at most
3. noise level the plasmas have very noisy power supplies

Ditch the plasma and go LCD

Plasma is an unknown technology, LCD has a far superior picture and life expectancy.

LCD Cost less to buy and to repair.

LCD is immune to burn-in, plasma is not.

I guess DLP has the same qualities as LCD. I have a DLP projector but that's all I know about them.

And just for the record with LCD I would go with Sony or Toshiba

I will have 3 lcds in a a day or so,my third is on the truck.I also have a mitsu projection that I love.

I thought that LCD's were more expensive than plasmas. I have read (although I do not know how old the articles were) that a plasma picture is brighter and crisper than LCD. Is that true or false? I will assume that a DLP is the standard rear projection type that takes up alot of room. The reason I am doing the plasma (or LCD) is due to space restrictions. It will be placed atop my existing corner tv stand. And a 42" is the largest I can go, as long as it isn't wider than 48". Keep the input coming guys. I want to go to the store with as much info as I can get. And real world info is tenfold better than manufacturers info.

Don

Samsung, Samsung, Samsung!

Even with my untrained eyes, they have the best picture quality bar none!

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=264&name=Televisions

This place has been determined to be UBER COOL,I just ordered a 37lcd from them last week.The DLPs are not as thick as they used to be,IMO they have the best pic.The LCD's are equal to the plasmas IMO with cheaper repair.The plasmas are heavier so that can be an issue for wall mounting.Plasmas are subject to gosting like a rear projection,if your a gamer.Go with an LCD IMO,heres what I bought


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16889022032


I think it will be just fine,BTW,i've been looking and gathering info for 2 solid months before pulling the trigger on this model.So it is somewhat of a well thought out decision,but i'm a dumb**** so we'll see

I posted a long answer just as the server spit up and it was lost :crybaby:

Short answer: there are two sets that I'm familiar with in your price range. One is my Panasonic TH-42PH9UK. Love it more than my 50" Samsung DLP. No angle issues. No noisy power supply. A bit of fan noise, but doesn't interfere with even my quiet movies. By the time I need to recharge the plasma, it'll be time to buy something else anyway. (Note: speakers are extra, but I didn't want 'em because I'm running the sound through a receiver.)

The other is my buddy's Westinghouse 42" LCD. Some reviewers haven't liked the picture quality, but I think it's awesome. The upside of this LCD is that it has enough pixels to display native 1080p, if you're into that. I'm not, at least until the HD DVD wars are over.

Yes, in general the same size LCD will cost more than a plasma.

Yes, if you want to game on it, go with LCD not plasma.

Well I came late the this thread but LCD is the choice.....only for that budget Plasma is about all you'll find.
Panasonic TH-42PH9UK this is a very nice model....I got my parents one in august for their anniversary. I was surprised at Blackness of the blacks.....that is the darkness of the screen when it goes black...the darker the better and this one you can get just under 1500 from Dell or a slew of other online sites.

HAHA...Law just sen you suggested the same model I did......
so forget my last post.....

Samsung is also a great unit.

When did LCD start costing more than Plasma? I heard there was going to be a big turn around in price. Manufacturers were going to practically give Plasma away due to lack of demand and a huge surplus which was produced in hopes of huge holiday sales but still.

Either way LCD is the way to go.

xxpinballxx: I just checked and that Panasonic can be had on-line for as little as $1,019. (Caveat to the original poster: you gotta be a little careful who you buy from on-line. For my money, VisualApex :thumbsup:)

codewize: LCD's biggest issue has historically been the greater $$$ versus plasma. Now that LCD costs are coming down (because there are more LCD players, hence competition, hence downward price pressure), plasmas are getting REALLY cheap because in most respects they can't compete with the features/benefits of an LCD panel.

yeah I buy alot from dell so I saw they had it for 1400...ther are alot of good online sites though....

I will check into the Panasonic. The one that lept out at me in my minimal research that I have been doing is a Samsung HPS4253. It seems to get good reviews, and is right around my price. I can get it from online for about $1300, or locally at Target for $1500 + tax. Most of the tvs I looked at mentioned something about not burning in. New technology I suppose. Can anyone in the know look at the specs for the Samsung and tell me if it seems good? It has alot of numbers that I really do not know what they mean. But I think higher is better. One more thing. I have Comcast digital cable and have the standard digital cable box. Will that box work with a HD tv, or do I need to get a new box also? Thanks

Don

You need to get yourself a high-def Comcast cable box if you want to receive HD broadcasts. In most (maybe all, now) areas, it's only $5.00 more per month to get a dual-tuner HD DVR cable box. Works like a champ. Ask for the Motorola DCT 6412 III.

Also, you guys mention recharging the plasma. What does that mean? The tvs state that they have like 60,000 hour life, which is an incredibly long time. Does this recharge take place after that, or on some type of regular service? Like changing the oil in the car?

Don

You need to get yourself a high-def Comcast cable box if you want to receive HD broadcasts. In most (maybe all, now) areas, it's only $5.00 more per month to get a dual-tuner HD DVR cable box. Works like a champ. Ask for the Motorola DCT 6412 III.

So lets say that I get a new tv one day, but can't get the new cable box yet. It will work until I get the new box, right? Just won't get the HD channels, which I don't get now? Also, does the regular RG8 cable go into the back of the tv, or is a special cable needed?

Don

Most cable companys can provide a cable card which allows you to get high def without the box as long as your tv has the slot.Did you look at the links I gave?You can get 2 for the price of one,look at the reviews.As long as the specs are there name brands don't mean shit!

If you want your plasma or LCD to receive broadcasts without a cable box, then the Panasonic I mentioned won't do it for you because it doesn't have an integrated tuner. It's an HD monitor, not a TV (e.g. needs an external tuner such as a cable box.)

Some plasmas and LCDs have built-in tuners, and as rpt64ctsv says, some of these will take a cable card that decodes the cable feed and lets your built-in tuner change the channels. Comcast (at least some areas) has an HD cable card.

If you want your plasma or LCD to receive broadcasts without a cable box, then the Panasonic I mentioned won't do it for you because it doesn't have an integrated tuner. It's an HD monitor, not a TV (e.g. needs an external tuner such as a cable box.)

Some plasmas and LCDs have built-in tuners, and as rpt64ctsv says, some of these will take a cable card that decodes the cable feed and lets your built-in tuner change the channels. Comcast (at least some areas) has an HD cable card.

I am not trying to eliminate the cable box (although that would be cool). I was just asking if the non-HD box will work with the HD tv. I will probably have a few days inbetween getting the monitor and a new HD cable box. When I buy something new, I get real impatient in using it. It would absolutely drive me mad to have the monitor and not be able to use it for several days. I know myself, and I would actually call in sick to work, to get the cable box faster, if it is a necessity :lildevil: . If it will work then it won't be an issue. Did anyone check out the specs of the Samsung? Let me try pasting them here;

Features of Samsung HPS4253 / HP-S4253:



42" Screen Size (Measured Diagonally)
Widescreen Aspect Ratio with 4 Modes (16:9/Zoom1/Zoom2/4:3)
175-Degree Viewing Angle (Horizontal and Vertical)
Digital Cable Ready (DCR) Tuner
HDMI/DVI Interface, 2 Component Video Inputs, 2 S-Video and Composite Video Inputs
Digital Audio Output (1 Optical/1 Coaxial), PC Inputs (RGB and Audio), Audio L/R
SRS TruSurround XT
Built-In 2-Way Speakers (15 Watts Per Channel), Low Noise Amplifier
VESA Compliant Mounting Holes (Wall Mount Sold Separately)
Remote Control Included
Samsung Generation 5 Panel (10,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1,300 cd/m2 Brightness)
TruWide Design with Hidden Speakers
60,000 Hour Panel Life (27 Years @ 6 Hours/Day)
1024 x 768 Pixel Resolution
13-Bit Processing (549 Billion Colors)
Split Screen and Picture-in-Picture
Samsung DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine)
3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter
Auto Pixel Shift (Burn-In Resistant)
S-Video, Video, Audio, Headphone Side Connections
FilterBright Plus Anti-Glare Filter
Automatic Sound Settings (Standard, Music, Movie, Speech, Custom), Equalizer
Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Color, Tint, Color Tone Controls
Game Mode
On/Off Timer, Sleep Timer (From 30 Minutes to 180 Minutes), Auto/Manual Clock
V-Chip Parental Control, Closed Caption (CC)
Energy Saving Feature (Screen Brightness Adjustment)
Easy-to-Use Menu System, Digital Noise Reduction
Trilingual On-Screen Display (English, French or Spanish)
Auto Volume, Mute, Favorite Channels
Dimensions: (HWD) 29.8 x 41.5 x 13.4 In.
Weight: 75.4 lbs. (Monitor), 88.2 lbs. (With Stand)

Does this seem like a good choice for the $?

Don

Just about all the advice I got before I bought my plasma TV was baloney. I've had it a couple of years and it hasn't gone dim. It doesn't have burnin. I haven't had any service calls. It was no trick at all hanging on the wall. It looks great. I have an HD cable box that was simple to connect. I use the remote that I got with the cable box to control everything in my home theater.

So lets say that I get a new tv one day, but can't get the new cable box yet. It will work until I get the new box, right? Just won't get the HD channels, which I don't get now? Also, does the regular RG8 cable go into the back of the tv, or is a special cable needed?

Don
Hold off a couple of days on your purchase and i'll post up what I get.Maybe you can make a better decision.I'm not saying what I bought is the shit,but it should do fine for 5 or so years.I believe TV technology will explode in the near future.Lets face it,some people are replacing 20yr old tv's!Do you think a TV will last 10 years now?Thats the biggest reason I wanted out cheap!Let me also say,If you find something in your price range and you like it,go for it!TV's are wants not needs,treat yourself to what YOU like!:highfive:

Most cable companys can provide a cable card which allows you to get high def without the box as long as your tv has the slot.Did you look at the links I gave?You can get 2 for the price of one,look at the reviews.As long as the specs are there name brands don't mean shit!

Hey, I clicked the links, and the prices look inline with whatever else is out there. Did I miss somethng? I would love a cheaper option, while staying with a 42" size. I saw plenty of cheaper smaller models. But I have a 36" tube tv now. When I upgrade a tv, I always go bigger. So staying in the 30"s just won't cut it, if you know what I mean.

Don

Hold off a couple of days on your purchase and i'll post up what I get.Maybe you can make a better decision.I'm not saying what I bought is the shit,but it should do fine for 5 or so years.I believe TV technology will explode in the near future.Lets face it,some people are replacing 20yr old tv's!Do you think a TV will last 10 years now?Thats the biggest reason I wanted out cheap!Let me also say,If you find something in your price range and you like it,go for it!TV's are wants not needs,treat yourself to what YOU like!:highfive:

Amen to that. I just want to make a smart choice. I know very little about electronics, so I like to get educated, and have all the facts. If I ask the salesman at the store, who really knows if they are being truthful, or just trying to sell the unit with the highest profit margin. That is why going in with at least some knowledge will net a better purchase.

Don

LCD displays fast motion (sports) poorly.

Samsung Plasma sets usually buzzzzzzzz (top left corner) it will drive you nuts in a quiet room.

Most of the Sharp LCD sets have banding problems.

Do you want to spring for a light engine, color wheel and $400 bulb every few years then go DLP, they are too exoensive when free.

In your range go for Pioneer or Panasonic Plazma. Sams or Costco are good places to shop at.

Just my 2cts.

Do yourself a LARGE favour and go to AVSforum.com and locate their plasma flat panel section. direct your question there. At least you will get some accurate information on this technology, which is far more than I can say about what you've gotten so far from this place.

So frost are you telling me that all the info on this thread is garbage....furthermore are you telling me that i do not know anything about technology....I take that personally and think you are the reason for the phrase "do not assume ...blah blah blah" you know the rest!

I just took delivery of a Samsung 40" LCD HDTV with PIP. It replaces a Toshiba 36" HDTV CRT flat screen. I looked at the plasma and LCD but opted for the LCD. I'm really happy with this TV. :)

We have a Sony Plasma 42" (PWD 42SP) .We have been using it for a year .Last week we had a problem with the plasma which was we couldn't get the vision but heard the sounds only . So while watching the tv the screen went black all the way all of sudden . The problem ended up by just replacing one of the boards . We have still a running warranty .
Don't let this scare you but of you want a plasma I think Sony is the way to go . I don't know whether they have an LCD for 42" .
Resolution is brilliant so is sound system

my friend does home audio/video mostly for commersial buildings.
I can get you 42 inch industrial grade Pioneer Plazma for like $1500,
here is info on it

http://www.ltm1.com/Products/ProductView.cfm?ProdID=1379&Section=CE

Do yourself a LARGE favour and go to AVSforum.com and locate their plasma flat panel section. direct your question there. At least you will get some accurate information on this technology, which is far more than I can say about what you've gotten so far from this place.

Thanks for the site info. It is very informative, and I have been spending alot fo time researching it. I do not agree with the information I have gotten from here though. The guys here have been very helpful. I do believe that I made my decision. I went to Best Buy to check out their stock. I liked the picture quality on the Samsubg the best. It definitely is crisper than the others that I saw. I also found out that I can fit a 50" in the area I want to put it :cool2: . Plus with a larger tax return coming than I anticipated, the extra couple of hundred won't make or break me. I found one website that can get one to me for $1,898, shipped. Now to take that info to the local retailers to see if they can come close.

Don

My new tv is here!Up and running but not in high def yet,gotta get the box from the cable nazis tomorrow.The remote and menu are fine,for 840 and change,I just don't think i could of gone wrong.The Samsung Plasmas are sweet,I do like the pic but>

Don, to answer your other question, if it hasn't been yet, an HD-"ready" or "HD-capable" set will accept the signals from an NON-HD settop (cable) box just fine - I've had my 47" Panny for about 5 years, and just went to the Comcast (Motorola) HD box about a two years ago. But HD is the way to go, no doubts about it. I can barely stand to watch 'regular' TV anymore, having spent so much time in the HD channels. I pipe eveything through a Pioneer receiver to my TV and speakers (JBL towers and Cerwin Vega bookshelfs) and it's not bad at all.

Just be sure you use the correct cabling - DVD and HD are wasted unless you use COMPONENT cables to connect the pieces, and optical for audio.

Thanks for the site info. It is very informative, and I have been spending alot fo time researching it. I do not agree with the information I have gotten from here though. The guys here have been very helpful. I do believe that I made my decision. I went to Best Buy to check out their stock. I liked the picture quality on the Samsubg the best. It definitely is crisper than the others that I saw. I also found out that I can fit a 50" in the area I want to put it :cool2: . Plus with a larger tax return coming than I anticipated, the extra couple of hundred won't make or break me. I found one website that can get one to me for $1,898, shipped. Now to take that info to the local retailers to see if they can come close.

Don

Wow, $1898 for a 50" Samsung!! I thought my 40" LCD Samsung was a bargain at $1799 shipped.

Thanks for the site info. It is very informative, and I have been spending alot fo time researching it. I do not agree with the information I have gotten from here though. The guys here have been very helpful. I do believe that I made my decision. I went to Best Buy to check out their stock. I liked the picture quality on the Samsubg the best. It definitely is crisper than the others that I saw. I also found out that I can fit a 50" in the area I want to put it :cool2: . Plus with a larger tax return coming than I anticipated, the extra couple of hundred won't make or break me. I found one website that can get one to me for $1,898, shipped. Now to take that info to the local retailers to see if they can come close.

Don

A 50" Samsung S5053? For $1898? New in a box? Buy it! That would be below my cost in my store. That would be one hell of an deal and it is a great TV. I LOVE Samsung!!

One thing to remember, with the exception of a few lines, most Plasma and LCDs are end of life right now. All the new models will be hitting stores at the end of February.

So you need to decide....

if you want a new TV for the game, buy now.
If you want a TV at an aggressive price and do not care about the newest technology look to buy from Feb 5th to the end of the month (if you really want a deal, hit up your local retailers to see if they are moving their demos).
If you want the latest and greatest (laser is coming this year) wait, pay more, but have the coolest.It is estimated that there will be 23.3 million DTV and HDTVs sold this year. Pricing should be aggressive all year. Compare your retailers, they all price match. Get your new TV, Xbox and enjoy!

A 50" Samsung S5053? For $1898? New in a box? Buy it! That would be below my cost in my store. That would be one hell of an deal and it is a great TV. I LOVE Samsung!!

One thing to remember, with the exception of a few lines, most Plasma and LCDs are end of life right now. All the new models will be hitting stores at the end of February.

So you need to decide....

if you want a new TV for the game, buy now.
If you want a TV at an aggressive price and do not care about the newest technology look to buy from Feb 5th to the end of the month (if you really want a deal, hit up your local retailers to see if they are moving their demos).
If you want the latest and greatest (laser is coming this year) wait, pay more, but have the coolest.It is estimated that there will be 23.3 million DTV and HDTVs sold this year. Pricing should be aggressive all year. Compare your retailers, they all price match. Get your new TV, Xbox and enjoy!

I do not enjoy paying for new technology. It costs too damn much. So I always wait for the stuff to go down in price. But, how much further will an originally priced at $4,000+ plasma come down before it is gone completely? That is what I fear the most. Finding what I like, but waiting too long, and not being able to get it. I am content in hoping that my local retailers will match the price (or come close) and I will pick it up soon. If it goes down even more in price, what will the bottom be? Maybe $1,750? I am okay with that. I just don't know if local retailers will price match internet pricing. I have never tried that with large electronics before. But I will find out and post back.

Don

I do not enjoy paying for new technology. It costs too damn much. So I always wait for the stuff to go down in price. But, how much further will an originally priced at $4,000+ plasma come down before it is gone completely? That is what I fear the most. Finding what I like, but waiting too long, and not being able to get it. I am content in hoping that my local retailers will match the price (or come close) and I will pick it up soon. If it goes down even more in price, what will the bottom be? Maybe $1,750? I am okay with that. I just don't know if local retailers will price match internet pricing. I have never tried that with large electronics before. But I will find out and post back.

Don

Both Best Buy and CompUSA have a 60 price match policy from the date of purchase in effect until this Sunday. You may want to consider that.

... and most retailers will not price match on-line retail. Only local brick and mortar competition.

Don the technology is much like computers. Buy it and next year its old stuff. Just look and find what you like. Then Google it for the best price.

Don the technology is much like computers. Buy it and next year its old stuff. Just look and find what you like. Then Google it for the best price.
Show off your new TV and the first words out of the guys mouth; "I could buy it for half that much" or "It's a POS". Buy what suits you and enjoy.

Show off your new TV and the first words out of the guys mouth; "I could buy it for half that much" or "It's a POS". Buy what suits you and enjoy.

Ain't that the truth!! I THOUGHT I got a good deal but..
Hell I really love the picture and my new surround sound speakers!

Koz I would think this type of entertainment would be a welcomed item on those long winter Alaskan nights. What's the wife & kids think?

Well I ventured into Circuit City today to ask about a price match. They told me flat out no. As stated before, only local retailers would be considered for price matching, not internet stuff. So while I was there I figured I'd look around. I spotted the Samsung and was captivated. I then looked at a Vizio 50" plasma. First thing I noticed was the price. It was listed at $1,699 and also came with a $200 mail in rebate. I noticed that the Vizio didn't have the picture "pop" that the Samsung has. That was a big turn off for me. So I played with the picture, and got it very close to the Samsungs. Signed on the line, swiped the card, rented a van, and brought it home. Getting it hooked up was much easier than I anticipated. I swapped out cable boxes before installation. Just have to wait for the cable box to configure. Initial impression is pretty high, especially for the price. I am happy, my kids are happy, and the wife is even happy :cloud9: . I know that I probably will be able to get the Samsung for the same price, or less, in about two months. But waiting that long wasn't an option. My old 36" CRT Sanyo was emitting a constant high pitched buzz that was driving me crazy. So getting a new set was of high priority. Well maybe not, but, you know.

Don

Good work, Don - hope the ol' set brings years of enjoyment. Wait till you see HD on it - Discovery has some amazing series that just blow you away - the "Winged Migration" one is a keeper, and their Discovery Atlas series is also marvelous. Sports, if you're into that, will be like being on the field. Now if Comcast here would only carry the Nat Geo HD channel....

I hear good reviews on the vizio line.
Seem to be great tvs for the price.

I hear good reviews on the vizio line.
Seem to be great tvs for the price.

When I first saw it, I was semi impressed. The picture looked a little weak for being a plasma. After adjusting the picture, I started to notice that the picture was pretty good. Now that I have it home, and spent awhile adjusting, I am pleased with the outcome. I would bet that there are plenty out there that blow this picture away. But for $1,618.00, I do not think others can compete. Now I just have to figure out why the screen has black bars on the right and left when viewing HD channels in 16:9 mode. But, when viewing SD channels in 16:9 mode, the bars aren't there. I must have something set wrong.

Don

Around here,the high def channels are regular format not widescreen format,so bars on the side.I'm up and running with my new set too,hdmi wires and coax are all hidden in walls,TV looks like a picture with no wires anywhere.I'm very happy too!TV,wall mount,hdmi cable,all for under a grand for a 37in LCD in the bedroom.

Samsung, Samsung, Samsung!

Even with my untrained eyes, they have the best picture quality bar none!

how are you going to give this guy bad advice? samsung is a very good brand but Pioneer is a faaaaaaaar superior product. My opinion, see if you can manage to spend a little bit more and try to get a Pioneer or Fujitsu. Hitachi's, Samsung's, Sony(overpriced), LG are very good as well but not on the same level as Pioneer.
Also, it depends what you want to use this tv for. For sports, plasma has the advantage over LCD....the problem with LCD is with a fast moving picture leaving "trails" on the screen. I have a few plasma's(Samsung, Hitachi, Pioneer, Panasonic) and one LCD(Samsung) and the picture on the Pioneer is head and shoulders better than any tv I have seen. Also, another option would be to go DLP. They are cheaper and the picture quality is great.

Unless you have a major place problem and a cash overflow issue you could consider plasma.
For living room purposes I would stick to a 100Hz conventional' tv...

Unless you have a major place problem and a cash overflow issue you could consider plasma.
For living room purposes I would stick to a 100Hz conventional' tv...

I hear if you're into video gaming the plasma sucks. I installed my Samsung 40 HDTV LCD wide screen about a month ago. I really love it.

100 Hz is still giving you the best graphical performance. LCD and plasma is gaining performance, but it is still just a trend.
Somehow a lot of people are considering between LCD and Plasma because it is pushed into the market and meanwhile the 100Hz is still the best choice.

My current 'conventional' tv is still working and I am well happy with it. Until it breaks I am not considering plasma or LCD at all. By the time my tv breaks the technology will prove what is best. The prices will be better too... ;)