[Fantasy]

Originally Posted by vnabhi

Didn't Panasonic acquire Pioneer at the end of 2008? I thought their Plasma series from 2009 onwards were with Pioneer technology.

BTW, fantastic info you've given in your post on how LEDs work. Do we get local dimming LEDs in India?

actually panasonic has not acquired pioneer. pioneer had teamed up with panasonic, prior to ceasing production, to manufacture the panels for them to try and make them more economical. they couldn't maintain same level at a slashed price. the new panasonic sets may have certain traits however due to price points they won't be making the same level. i'm sure the rights to the technology wouldn't come cheap either.

in a sea of flat panels, pioneer was the only one making their own sets in their own facilities using their own parts. all the other major brands are made in a hand full of facilities utilizing certain shared parts and some not so shared for obvious appearance and marketing reasons.

i'd be surprised if local dimming sets weren't available out there. led is the new technology.

Originally Posted by im_srini

Was intrigued & since both TVs were priced the same, managed to get a side-by-side audition at a popular AV store. To be honest, I couldn't make out which TV offered the better picture ! The Pioneer was a huge let-down, to my untrained eye at least, the Sony was as good as the Pioneer - even in low light ! The only difference I could find was that the plasma offered a wider viewing angle. The very same day I brought home a 40" x-series Sony.

It was an interesting audition to say the least though, with the propreiter saying the "flesh tones" & colors were more accurate on the plasma, but for the life of me, I couldn't notice any difference It didn't matter what kind of content was played, or at what distance I sat, or what lighting level was used, I couldn't really put my finger on anything & say the Pioneer plasma offered a better picture - if there was any difference at all, it was too slight to tell.

best advice right there! let yourself be your own judge. regardless of what the reviews say take a look at what you're buying for yourself. buy what looks good to you. in the end you'll be happier. it doesn't hurt to compare but again, buy what you like.

side note, all tv's have to be calibrated for best performance. some sets are easier than others and may require minimal tweaking but they never perform at peak levels right out of the box. usually stores just take the set out of the box, put them in "display" mode so the picture appears more vivid. higher end dealers, at least in these parts, will take the time to provide a realistic picture to consumers.

[rajakumar]

We had bought a Sony Brava S Series 26" LCD about 18 months back. The TV came with 1 year warranty. The TV is connected to power source with the recommended voltage stabilizer.

Last week, while watching a match suddenly picture went out. We took it to the Sony authorized service center where we were informed that the main panel had conked off. There is no specific reason given for the break down.

Since we are out of warranty, the replacement cost is quoted ~12K. The cost of the TV then was 32K and now it is 24K. It does not make sense to spend such insane amount on replacement panel which will have limited/no warranty.

Have you come across such an issue? Is there way I could bring this up to the sony management? Any chance of getting replacement?

[vnabhi]

Originally Posted by im_srini;2089136

Yes, the Sony I got has local dimming. Edge-lit LED-LCD TVs are popular because the "thin-look" is in.

P.S. - Well, that the TV I got went kaput after 20 months is [URL="http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadgets-computers-software/19585-buying-flat-panel-display-lcd-plasma-led-etc-259.html#post2048516"

another story[/url]

Are you sure yours is a local-dimming LED TV? I read somewhere on this thread that only Samsung produced and sold those in western countries from 2009 onwards.

[reignofchaos]

Sony X450A/XBR8 was a local dimming RGB LED backlit TV. That was probably the best TV Sony has ever made.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by rajakumar

We had bought a Sony Brava S Series 26" LCD about 18 months back. The TV came with 1 year warranty. The TV is connected to power source with the recommended voltage stabilizer.

Last week, while watching a match suddenly picture went out. We took it to the Sony authorized service center where we were informed that the main panel had conked off. There is no specific reason given for the break down.

Since we are out of warranty, the replacement cost is quoted ~12K. The cost of the TV then was 32K and now it is 24K. It does not make sense to spend such insane amount on replacement panel which will have limited/no warranty.

Have you come across such an issue? Is there way I could bring this up to the sony management? Any chance of getting replacement?

As far as I know, Sony had stopped making components for TV. Most of their TV are rebranded OEM. Hence I generally stay away from Sony appliances. They are fine when they run, but any problem especially post warranty and you might as well as junk the piece.

I have heard of a lot of appliances breaking down within 18 months of purchase. Thus I always look for longer warranty products. If the manufacturer has no confidence in their product, why should I?

I friend had the same problem with Samsung Plasma. He created a lot of "noise", persisted and finally got it repaired. It took him six months but he got it.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Probably dumb question.

But I read somewhere that we need at least 42inch screen size for proper HD viewing. But the dealer where I casually enquired about this says the HD feature starts from 38 inch sizes.

Which is correct?

[Googleman]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

Probably dumb question.

But I read somewhere that we need at least 42inch screen size for proper HD viewing. But the dealer where I casually enquired about this says the HD feature starts from 38 inch sizes.

Which is correct?

38'' and the distance of viewing from the screen.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

But I read somewhere that we need at least 42inch screen size for proper HD viewing. But the dealer where I casually enquired about this says the HD feature starts from 38 inch sizes.

It depends on distance from screen. I can differentiate HD and Full HD (720 and 1080p) on 24 inch PC Monitor, because its just 2 feet away.

For my plasma (50 inch), I can't tell any difference between 720 and 1080p from 8 feet or more.


This chart was created based on results from "Double Blind" tests.


Chart: 1080P Does Matter - CarltonBale.com

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

It depends on distance from screen. I can differentiate HD and Full HD (720 and 1080p) on 24 inch PC Monitor, because its just 2 feet away.

For my plasma (50 inch), I can't tell any difference between 720 and 1080p from 8 feet or more.


This chart was created based on results from "Double Blind" tests.


Chart: 1080P Does Matter - CarltonBale.com

Same here. On my 24" monitor you can be at the most 3' away. Hence, for every doubling of distance you can double the screen size before you loose perceived resolution (actually it is slightly more complicated, you have to take the angle and not length, but as we cannot have 10' screen, it is OK).

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Thanks guys for the quick responses.

So for real small viewing distances, I can also use a 26 inch or so computer monitor?

[NetfreakBombay]

Yes for short distance, a PC screen is fine.

[dre@ms]

Finally ordered the C550 40" from Samsung plaza and got it delivered on Wednesday. They installed with the base station the same day and the next day the same was mounted on wall and demo shown.

I had some good 720p and 1080p videos and movies and all played very well. Even my 250GB ext. HDD which was partitioned into 3 worked seamlessly. Every aspect si good and one thing astounded me is the sound effect. I never thought this LCD would produce some good sound. Today getting the Sun DTH, and tomorrow going to explore all the features in it like connecting my PC to the TV et all.

[u_chill]

Question guys: I am planning a home entertainment set up with a Dell Inspiron Zino, Tata Sky and existing Philips DVD player.
Here's the catch. The monitor/TV screen should double up as a good home computer screen as well. Within 35-40k I could acquire an Apple Cinema display (27 inch, full HD), or go for a Samsung/Sony 32/26 inch LCD/LED TV. Note that I have no real use for a TV tuner with DTH, and I have a tight budget if I go for the Inspiron Zino HD. What are my best options under 40k? Would it be a big mistake to put up Dell's 23 inch HD monitor up in the living room?

[djjebs]

Hi guys, I've decided to pick up a samsung lcd tv (model: LA32C650). What is the best price to pay for this? Checked with Samsung, they are selling it for 54k, checked with Adishwars, they quoted 51k?

Please let me know if this is good model and how much I can pay for it.

[jmshaw]

Hi guys, I am looking at buying a new 40-42" LCD in a budget of about 50k in next 3-4 weeks. I have decided not to look at Plasmas as I will not get a Full HD one in my budget in 40-42". Moreover, I think newer LCDs like Samsung 40C630 are moving closer to deep blacks. I am looking at something from Samsung (like the 40C630) or a LG (42LD460). I am not looking at Sony as reviews I have read on the net suggest Samsung is equally good (if not better) at a lower price.

What do you guys suggest in my budget of about 50k?