[rev_hard]

Finally bought Samsung 42'' Plasma model PN42A450 for $897.00 from Best Buy a couple of days back. It's resolution is 720p but am using a Sony HDMI Cable with my PS3 and the results are spectacular to say the least.

Awesome VFM in my opinion.

[vasudeva]

I need to buy a TV soon (perhaps this week). I am confused between plasma /LCD. I would put this in our bedroom which is not bright. I am inclining towards Plasma. My requirements are 40-42 inch (no less, but can 50 inch work in a 10*15 room), full HD (1080p) and not more than 1-1.25 lakhs. I need some inputs.

1. Sony Bravia 40W seems the default choice but what about Samsung LA40A650A1 and LA40A610.
2. In plasma, I have found Samsung PS50A550S1. This is 50 inch, but is it good. Also what about Panasonic Viera TH42PY700 and 42PV70H.

I can spend around 1-1.5 lakh but as every customer, want the best that money can buy.

[reignofchaos]

Get the 50" PV80. Its not Full HD but it really doesn't matter on a plasma. Or else you can look at the 42" Pioneer Kuro. Full HD is more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. You'd need the eyes of a hawk to spot the difference at the normal viewing distance.

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

Get the 50" PV80. Its not Full HD but it really doesn't matter on a plasma. Or else you can look at the 42" Pioneer Kuro. Full HD is more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. You'd need the eyes of a hawk to spot the difference at the normal viewing distance.

Thanks. But 50" in a 10*15 room will not be an issue?. I know full HD is a marketing gimmick. What about plasma/LCD. Do Samsung and Panasonic make good plasmas. Panasonic's India site does not even have PV80, and also the PZ series. Do let me know which is the best (Samsung or Pana) plasmaTV I can buy in my price (best is 1, but stretch is 1.5).

[reignofchaos]

The PV80 has just been recently added. Checked a few retailers and they said it should arrive soon. In that sized a room, even a 42 incher should do. The best plasmas out there are the Pioneers with panasonics close behind. I'd avoid the hitachis and samsungs. You should be able to get the PV80 for 80-90 grand max once its available in stock. It might be less as well. As far as LCDs are concerned , take a look at the Hitachis.

[srishiva]

panasonic plasmas are really good.

A 42" TV should be good enough. For standard broadcasts, 50" would not look that good.

[vasudeva]

Thanks a lot. I am also tilting towards Panasonic 42" though I have read some good reviews of Samsung 50" PS50A550S1. Amongst Panasonic Asia, I think PV800 and PY700 are full HD. PV 800 is not in India as of now. Do let me know which Panasonic model would you recommend among 42"

42PV 80H, 42PY 700, 42PV8H


I think all will fall within 1.25 and so I can buy the best (even if some of the features are reduntant in India). Specifically for roc: forget about the waste on HD. I can pay for that. Also PV/PY series seem to be for Asia, whereas PX/PZ is for Europe, America, etc. Any difference. Finally, would Panasonic Plasma be better than Sony LCD say W or X series. I am a bit conservative, have more inclination towards Panasonic or Sony. My room is usually lit with bulbs and I have read that plasmas are better in that situation, or even in any situation.

Is Hitachi better than Sony. Sorry for so many queries.

[reignofchaos]

The 8 series has the newer gen panels with better black levels and color reproduction. Out of that, my pick would be the 42PV8H as all it misses over the PV80H is an SD card slot. Should be cheaper than the rest. The PY700 is an older gen panel. Avoid!

Amongst LCDs, I really like Hitachi. Sonys have exaggerated colors in my opinion and I never did like them for that reason. The colors on the Hitachi LCD seem the most natural to me. Technically it should be as well as it uses an S-IPS panel unlike the S-PVA sonys which have better contrast ratios but poorer color.

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

The 8 series has the newer gen panels with better black levels and color reproduction. Out of that, my pick would be the 42PV8H as all it misses over the PV80H is an SD card slot. Should be cheaper than the rest. The PY700 is an older gen panel. Avoid!

Did check on 42PY700 and is priced at around 1.2. But thanks for the advice that it is old-gen. But is not 42Y700 full HD. Panasonic has also stopped 42PY70H. The 8 series in not yet available. Yet will keep your advice in mind when it becomes available (August?).

Hitachi has 42X01A and a soon to come 42MX700A.

roc: do I consider Panasonic 8/80 series when it is not full HD but better quality than Hitachi's two (above mentioned) models.

[reignofchaos]

Finally use your eyes and judge for yourself. As far as I'm concerned, color, black levels, sharpness and overall image quality are way more important than spatial resolution which doesn't matter in 99.9% of the cases. The 8 series should be here in a week if its not here. I spoke to the panasonic local representative and he said it should be here anytime.

As far as LCD vs Plasma is concerned, looking at how well you research everything , you'd be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of either. Just use your judgement. I prefer plasmas to LCDs unless the screen has to display tonnes of text.

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

As far as LCD vs Plasma is concerned, looking at how well you research everything , you'd be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of either. Just use your judgement. I prefer plasmas to LCDs unless the screen has to display tonnes of text.

I also prefer plasma and perhaps Panasonic is the best available in India (Pioneer is not available and too expensive). I am not too inclined towards LCDs. When it comes, I shall ask you again about PV80H or 8H. Really, should I not be considering PY700. I shall go to Panasonic's shop in the next 2-3 days and find out. Really, it is now perhaps Panasonic Viera.

Can I PM you about a home theatre (you seem to be knowledgable about electronics, and I was keen on a Bose).

[reignofchaos]

You are most welcome. But before anything I'd say avoid bose at all costs :-).

[deepakvrao]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

Get the 50" PV80. Its not Full HD but it really doesn't matter on a plasma. Or else you can look at the 42" Pioneer Kuro. Full HD is more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. You'd need the eyes of a hawk to spot the difference at the normal viewing distance.

I too thought that Full HD was a gimmick BUT I now know that what full HD does is reduces the 'normal viewing distance', or in other words you can get a bigger screen for the same fixed distance that is available in your room. This gives a better 'in the theater effect'.

Full HD can be viewed at 1.5Xdiganol size without seeing any pixelation.

Please do correct me if this impression of mine is wrong.

But before anything I'd say avoid bose at all costs :-).

ABSOLUTELY agree here though.

[netarchie]

I got my 2nd LCD tv from Bangkok, this time I brought the newely launched Samsung series 6, full HD 32 inch LCD. It costed me 42,000/- INR.

Its a great TV and the quality is spectacular.

The LCD sells here at 63,000/-

[deepakvrao]

Originally Posted by netarchie

I got my 2nd LCD tv from Bangkok, this time I brought the newely launched Samsung series 6, full HD 32 inch LCD. It costed me 42,000/- INR.

Its a great TV and the quality is spectacular.

The LCD sells here at 63,000/-

How did you get it in? What about the duties?