[Aroy]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

Typically, when we watch something, we say "ti is so clear from even X feet away".

While speaking of HDTVs, why is every body is saying "HD content is clear even as close as X feet"??

I think that is due to the fact that a lot of people watch down loaded HD content on their monitors. I did till we got a 48" TV. If you watch HD at too close a range you may start seeing pixels, apart from the fact that you may have to move your head constantly from left to right to get the whole view!

What you have to figure out is the sensitivity/resolution of your eyes wrt the pixel size. Full HD gives 1920 pixels in horizontal direction compared to 320 to 500 of regular media (VCD, DVD). Thus for the same comfort of viewing the HD panel should be at least 3 times the horizontal size of the TV you are used to.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by n_aditya

Time for us to get a new TV...

Same dilemma here.

There's such a plethora of LCD TVs out there. 40", 42" or 46" (max. width that can be accommodated is 44")? The brands are Sony (also heard horror stories of highly expensive repairs a la Skoda as soon as warranty ends; lot more expensive compared to other brands), LG (Sony-like stories there too), Samsung, Panasonic or Toshiba. Anything else that's reliable and easily serviceable.

Very basic requirements - the usual channel viewing (someday upgrade to an STB with HD feed, when prices are more reasonable), and movies (the usual CDs & DVDs through a regular player). Viewing distance: @10'.

So I figured from the previous posts that we'll settle for an LCD, not plasma. Maybe LED, but they seem to come a lot more expensive.

Look forward to your recommendations regarding brand and size (and specific model numbers if possible) please.

[optimist]

My search started for a lcd with an anniversary looming large

Having a look at all brands all with various specs / technologies head ache started as i do not like to buy blindly.

Ignorant sellers/salesmen say the LED is much better but don't know that only the backlight is a led. All the disadvantages with conventional lcd are still carried over. Next step was to look for a refined IPS panel. Watching action led to disappointment with blurring. 3D was ruled out due to lack of content.

Realization dawned that all salesmen push where their highest commission is.

Gradually I realized that I need to move to a plasma. Starting all over again, reading and trying to understand reviews, gradually I zeroed in on the 42" TH-P42V20D Panasonic plasma.

This is Full HD with enough connection options including internet and lan. I am happy connecting a usb keyboard to it. Response and color are excellent and the black levels are good. To top it all, it seems to have the latest technology in the panels which is claimed to prevent image burn.

Realizing our cable's limitations with the plasma, we immediately moved to a HD dth connection. I had never watched tv but now it's very pleasing to spend some time in front of it. The full hd channels are nice. For others, the conversion is very satisfactory.

The TV remote is practical. The STB remote removed the need for the TV remote as it learned the basic functions. The topping is the 3 year warranty which is not on any other brand.

The above is just my opinion and i am in no way connected with any brand or marketing organization. Hope you all can save some time and money as this is much cheaper and better than the LED/LCD's although at a higher power consumption

[rbp]

Originally Posted by optimist

My search started for a lcd with an anniversary looming large

Having a look at all brands all with various specs / technologies head ache started as i do not like to buy blindly.

Ignorant sellers/salesmen say the LED is much better but don't know that only the backlight is a led. All the disadvantages with conventional lcd are still carried over. Next step was to look for a refined IPS panel. Watching action led to disappointment with blurring. 3D was ruled out due to lack of content.

Realization dawned that all salesmen push where their highest commission is.

Gradually I realized that I need to move to a plasma. Starting all over again, reading and trying to understand reviews, gradually I zeroed in on the 42" TH-P42V20D Panasonic plasma.

This is Full HD with enough connection options including internet and lan. I am happy connecting a usb keyboard to it. Response and color are excellent and the black levels are good. To top it all, it seems to have the latest technology in the panels which is claimed to prevent image burn.

Realizing our cable's limitations with the plasma, we immediately moved to a HD dth connection. I had never watched tv but now it's very pleasing to spend some time in front of it. The full hd channels are nice. For others, the conversion is very satisfactory.

The TV remote is practical. The STB remote removed the need for the TV remote as it learned the basic functions. The topping is the 3 year warranty which is not on any other brand.

The above is just my opinion and i am in no way connected with any brand or marketing organization. Hope you all can save some time and money as this is much cheaper and better than the LED/LCD's although at a higher power consumption

I too am planning the same, yestarday went to book it, most of the shops are running out of stock on this one. I have been quoted 64K. How much did you pay?

[jassi]

^^ Guys - after being a loyal panny 42pv80d plasma customer for 2 years, I am in the market again for a panny plasma for my parents.
Question - is the v20d a 2010 model? as I have read on cnet that the 2009 models had some long term issues and don't want my parents to end up with a 2009 model. Last i checked, as far back as apr 2010, the 2010 models were not launched in india and we were still being served with 2009 models.

[frankmehta]

Yes sir the V20 series is available. It is the 2010 range. I purchased mine in April this year. You can go check it out. It's been over 3 months but this TV still amazes me with it's honest PQ and pitch dark blacks every single time!

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

So I figured from the previous posts that we'll settle for an LCD, not plasma.

Originally Posted by optimist

Gradually I realized that I need to move to a plasma. Starting all over again, reading and trying to understand reviews...

More dilemma. Did some reading up today on plasma vs. LCD, and now it looks like plasma actually wins over LCD.
LCD vs Plasma Scorecard from LCD TV Buying Guide.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

plasma actually wins over LCD

Yes it does (I have both). But you need to care for it.

You need to control viewing environment, ensure no reflections, run with low brightness / contrast for first couple of months.

Overall, if source is Cable / Set top box/ Satellite, than plasma wont give you any advantage.

But if you watch movies and have proper source (Blue ray / DVD), then Plasma makes lot of difference.

And with plasma, you get much bigger screen for the same price. That adds to movie viewing experience,

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

You need to control viewing environment, ensure no reflections, run with low brightness / contrast for first couple of months.

Overall, if source is Cable / Set top box/ Satellite, than plasma wont give you any advantage.

But if you watch movies and have proper source (Blue ray / DVD), then Plasma makes lot of difference.

And with plasma, you get much bigger screen for the same price. That adds to movie viewing experience,

Why low brightness/contrast for first couple of months? And subsequently?

An advantage with DVD movies is all I'd look for now, and an HD STB sometime later on.

Or a lesser price for the same size of screen. Seems like a price difference of 20-25% on internet prices. Big advantage.

[NetfreakBombay]

Plasma is sensitive to static images (E.g. channel logo)

So, if you keep an image on for too long, it will be "burned" permanently on the screen. This problem is most severe for first 100 - 200 hours. Keeping brightness/contrast low for first 200 hours is the workaround.

Most important is to ensure you are not getting a used piece. Just like PDI for a car

There are hidden menu in every TV. With that, you can check how many hours TV has been on.

If plasma has been used in showroom, its pretty much a lemon since they have to keep brightness / contrast at full.

[nayyar.rao]

Originally Posted by nayyar.rao

So true. Agreed guys. So 6200 it would be. Getting it at 88000 + Airtel HD DTH. Any other place i can get a better deal in Bangalore?

Guys, if "all is well", i would like to go with the 40C6200 by "the permission of the forum". If you guys want to stop me, the time is now.Any bad reviews that anybody has read about it.. Planning it for day after tomorrow.

[SS-Traveller]

@NetFreakBombay: Thank you for the prompt responses.

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Plasma is sensitive to static images (E.g. channel logo)
So, if you keep an image on for too long, it will be "burned" permanently on the screen. This problem is most severe for first 100 - 200 hours. Keeping brightness/contrast low for first 200 hours is the workaround.

Ok, I understand this bit. But how long is "too long"? Does one work around this by swapping channels after some while? I understand the newer generation TVs have built-in mechanisms to prevent this burn-in happening. What brands/models do have this feature?

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Most important is to ensure you are not getting a used piece. Just like PDI for a car

I'm afraid PDI'ing a car for me is far far easier than PDI'ing a plasma TV. SO I need more help on this!

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

There are hidden menu in every TV. With that, you can check how many hours TV has been on.
If plasma has been used in showroom, its pretty much a lemon since they have to keep brightness / contrast at full.

Right, to overcome the extra-bright ambient lighting in a showroom, they'd have to do that. So essentially I have to avoid a demo piece.

So how does one check this? How to find that hidden menu? and does this damage when running on full brightness/contrast apply to LCD TVs as well?

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Ok, I understand this bit. But how long is "too long"? Does one work around this by swapping channels after some while? I understand the newer generation TVs have built-in mechanisms to prevent this burn-in happening. What brands/models do have this feature?

All brands / models have this feature. Basically they move pixels around every few minutes. But it does not work with Logo, since they have solid colors (lots of pixels with exact same color).

With operators such as Airtel DTH, they have operator Logo on screen regardless of channel. So it can not be avoided.

How Long:

Viewing a channel for 4 - 5 hours would not cause burn in (E.g. a cricket match). Viewing a complete series will cause burn in for sure.

Last year, someone got a Samsung demo piece with Set Max logo burnt in. Since Plasma is great for sports, showroom must have left this channel on for the whole day for weeks. There is a thread on hifivision with pictures.

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

I'm afraid PDI'ing a car for me is far far easier than PDI'ing a plasma TV. SO I need more help on this!....
How to find that hidden menu? and does this damage when running on full brightness/contrast apply to LCD TVs as well?

This is called "Service menu" sort of like OBD for cars. You need to press a specific sequence on remote to bring this up.

Search net for TV model for this sequence. E.g. "Samsung PN50B450 Service Menu".

And just like OBD, don't change anything you are not sure about.

[SS-Traveller]

Thank you - that clarifies a lot of things. Would probably need to get back here before finalizing the purchase (expected before/around Diwali time).

[11mahesh11]

After going through most posts, following are the features i would settle for, a 38" /40"/42" lcd or led (if falls in budget) budget is between 35000/- to 45000/- max.


Requirements
1. internet connectivity through PC (will play games sometimes)
2. HDMI port, since will update to a HD STB later. (at present i have Tata STB, DVD Quality)
3. Normal to good sound quality. (Later may upgrade to a Home theatre at around 10000/- max. can suggest a good Home theatre)

My doubt is, will full hd tv give good viewing pleasure for my Tata DTH connection, and a normal CD/ DVD player.

I want to buy this week.

Please suggest a good reliable model in my budget.