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In Reply to: Plasmas posted by RFGumby on June 18, 2003 at 12:51:53:
Actually, the number is not 5ft -- it's about 8ft for a 42" plasma screen. And the concensus amoung plasma owners is that for a screen this size, you will not regret ED over HD. That is, provided you choose a high quality plasma manufacturer like Fujitsu, Panasonic or Pioneer.I'd suggest that you steer away from the Sampo/Gateway/etc units. They seem to consume more electricity and run on the bright side (the heat output gives this away) compared to the above manufacturers.
Samsung is making a push in the plasma game, but they are not quite there yet. Maybe next year's models with compete better with the "Big 3". I would classify Philips in the same boat.
Sony is also behind in plasma technology by about a generation (that's in plasma-speak, not years). However, some of their designs are eyecatching and very futuristic looking. But if you're after the best quality for your $s, pass on their models. By that I mean the plasma models, not the hot chicks that accompany some of their demos!
Pioneer may be releasing some new panels in the fall/spring. Noone seems to know for sure. Their current panels are highly rated and you can usually find good deals on them. A few 3rd party manufacturers also offer video cards to upgrade the standard Pioneer cards. While this doesn't make them futureproof, it is a nice option should you want to upgrade.
Fujitsu just came out with their new models a few months ago. They are condidered to be THE BEST by plasma afficiados. They incorporate Fujitsu's electronic know-how with Panasonic glass. As expected, they are not cheap -- the best usually isn't.
Panasonic comes in a close second to Fujitsu. They will be releasing new models in July and August. Their new design will use silver for the consumer model (with attached speakers) and black for the commercial model (no included speakers). The consumer model will have many video inputs -- including DVI -- and have a list of $4999 (I've seen preorders for $3999, but the price may go further down once they are released and competition takes over). The commercial model can usually be purchased for a bit less ($500 or more, depending on demand, seller, etc). This unit will not include a DVI connection, but DVI will be offered via an upgrade card (no, it's not free). Some people prefer the commercial route over the consumer version. There are pros and cons to each.
By the way, this is not an all-encompassing progress report on plasma. My suggestion is that you research, research and while your at it, do some more research. Last time I checked, $4k - $6k was not chump change. What's right for you may not be what's right for me. Be informed before you purchase and learn as much as you can about the technology, the different designs and the manufacturers of plasma monitors. Trust me -- you'll be happier and satisfied if you do.
Here's a link to some good information:
Follow Ups:
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I thought that I was very generous with the amount of information. It wasn't an in-depth essay and wasn't meant to be all-inclusive. I thought that I mentioned that? By the way, you guys forgot Zenith, Cornea, Vizio, BenQ, LG, Hitachi...I promise I'll try harder next time.
:-)As for NEC, if you must know, they don't generate a great deal of news. That's not to say they don't make quality plasmas -- on the contrary, they do. But NEC's not a newsmaker for whatever reason. Of course, the irony is that they not only make their own glass, but glass for several other plasma manufacturers!
NEC kind of sits in the middle of plasmaland. They are better than the "newsmaking 'cause they're cheap" -- um, I mean inexpensive -- brands like Gateway/Sampo/etc. However, the electronics in the NECs are not perceived to be on par with those of Fujitsu, Panasonic and Pioneer units. That's not my opinion, by the way. But after reading a ton of news, reviews, posts, responses and articles on plasma technology, that's how NEC is viewed in general.
There are many ways to buy plasma and sometimes what looks great may cost you in the end. Some online dealers offer cash/check discounts, some charge actual shipping cost, some rape you on shipping, some are knowlegeable, some only push and have no idea of what they are selling, etc.
In any case, the best advice is to research before you put down your cash or credit card. Visit all of the plasma resources on the web, check out the plasma forums and ask as many questions as you feel are necessary to satisfy you. Then, when you are ready to actually view the models that you're interested in, you'll be armed with the facts that will guide you to the best decision.
Panasonic has a cool new 42" consumer model (TH-42PA20U) coming out in late July/August. I'm either getting one of these or the new commercial model (August and adding the DVI board) shortly after they're released. I just got my Bravo D1, so I need something to plug that DVI cable into. Know what I mean?
:-)Abe, if I may, can I ask why didn't you get a plasma?
Hi Joe -1.)I wanted an HDTV plasma and the prices were still outside my comfort zone. And....
2.)Living at higher than 'normal' elevation here in Colorado, I found that *most* plasma screens buzz loud enough to be annoying. You don't really notice it so much in a busy electronics super store but if you visit while the store is nearly empty around closing time, most of the plasmas are fairly loud with that annoying buzz. Some buzz more than others within the same product line and even model number. It's a hit or miss chance you take whether the one you buy will be loud or somewhat quiet. I'm told that it has something to do with the gas pressure within the screen not be optimized for our higher elevations.
So, I ended up with the Sony KV-34XBR800 16:9 CRT (heavy beast!) for now and will wait a year or two and see how things shake out for thin flat-panel screens like plasma and possibly LCD. (Comparable sized LCD's were more expensive than the plasmas when I was shopping and there was only one brand worth considering at the time - Sharp).
I think you had a question about the altitude situation a while back. I forgot about that.Samsung has recently put some big $ towards their LCD line. Early this year or late last year, they demoed a prototype LCD that was 52" (16 x 9). I don't remember the expected price (won't be cheap!), but I think they were shooting for a Q4 2003 or Q1 2004 release date.
LCD may be the way for you to go if you're planning on staying "in the clouds" (he he he). The Samsung I mentioned has the depth of a plasma -- from what I can tell. Also, Sony will be coming out with their new line of LCD displays in the fall. They've bumped up the size to 70" on their Grand Wega LCD (about $7k).
Of course, it's a bit pricey, but Toshiba has their new LCoS televisions. Expected in the fall are updated versions from last year -- a 57" and a 65". Last year's 57" sold for about $9k. One would hope that prices might come down, but who knows?
These designs (LCD and LCoS) may fit the bill regarding the high altitude "buzz" problem. Then again, they may not "fit the bill" regarding the financial issues -- buyer beware. Or, is that buyer be rich?
:-)
Great info, Joe! You helped me recently but my situation steered me away from Plasma for now. I'm also curious why you did not list NEC. Of the ones you mentioned, I especially liked the Panasonic units.I'm happy with my 16:9 CRT for now but may switch to a thin flat-screen (of whatever the dominant technology) in a couple years.
Good and accurate info...Why didnīt you mention NEC, actually is my favourite in colour, first impression, and their new models have 12 bit processor for high # of shades of grey, etc...
Antonio Melo Ribeiro
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