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4.15.7.150
In Reply to: Hmmm... posted by Joe Murphy Jr on October 08, 2004 at 14:58:40:
Though I have a computer in the room, I also have my "minimalist HT" set-up, so I'll drive the display device with my Marantz DV-8300. Of course, it doesn't have either DVI or HDMI output, but if it is worth it, I could pick up a Bravo or Samsung.I'm like you--a plasma is too expensive to use for gaming or Internet surfing. I don't game at all anyway.
As for 8' being HD vs. ED gray area (I need to check some threads at avsforum.com about this--under "plasma/LCD" section???), I can still think of sufficient reason to buy HD plasma--with HD TV becoming more widespread, and with Blu-ray DVD (or HD-DVD) coming on line in the next couple of years. A plasma is plenty expensive--I want to futureproof myself from what I can see coming in the next couple of years.
I don't have the super audiophile gear, but my accompanying gear is "OK": NAD T-751 AV receiver, Monitor audio silver speakers, and Marantz DV-8300 universal player (my main hobby is music listening--hence universal player for various music formats).
I have read threads on Onyko SP-1000 at this forum, some pro and some con. I really don't want to part with $2,000 for this player, especially because we'll probably need a new player when hi-rez DVD arrives. (I recognize we will always be upgrading--I just try to make it a little less painful financially by waiting)
Denon 3910 sounded great, price is right (MSRP $1299), but it has been savagely reviewed by some audiophiles. Bravo or Samsung might be way to go, certainly both are cost effective.
Thanks again for your expertise.
Oh, one more item--I know most plasma owners are critical of LCD. Don't you think the Samsung units have made some progress in the "black" department? My subjective problem with LCD is that I don't get a sense of "depth" to the picture as I do when I watch plasma.
Follow Ups:
I don't know what happened to my first reply, so I'll try again.ED vs HD
It's really up to you. If you feel that HD is needed for a 42" model at that distance, by all means get what you want. I understand the need to future-proof, but here's a suggestion. Why not get an ED model now (42" ED 7UY panel for $2050) and in a few years upgrade to a 50" HD model (funds permitting)? Remember, even with the next generation players in 2006, many people with today's ED plasmas still get that WOW! factor when watching HD material. I'm not trying to push you to an ED display: I'm just suggesting that you make an informed decision based on your needs. If a 42" HD model makes the most sense to you and that's what your eyes tell you, follow that route.Budget
Looking at the prices I've seen for the new 7UY 50" and 42" HD Panasonics, would it be too much of a stretch to spring for the 50" model? The difference is $1k at 1800plasmas.com and in a few months I'll bet that difference will shrink by $200 - $300 due to the fact that 42" HD models are part of the least competitive section of the market.DVI and Bravo vs Samsung
If you want to invest in a DVD player with a digital output (DVI or HDMI), I'd suggest waiting a few months. There are several players, a few of them rather inexpensive, that are being released soon and may get around some of the bugs that have plagued recent players.I have a Bravo D1 that has not given me any problems. That's not to say that everyone has been so lucky. I'd say the odds are 80/20 that you will get a good player that doesn't cause you to regret your purchase. That said, the picture from the DVI output to the plasma is unreal at times. It almost looks like HD when a high quality DVD is played.
Stay away from Samsung. Their video engineers have shown for the second year in a row that they do not understand how to properly design a digital video circuit in a DVD player. That's not my opinion -- that's an easily proven fact.
Plasma vs LCD
That's a hotly debated topic. Specifically, regarding your question about depth, here's the 411. "Depth" perception in video is directly related to how well a display handles black levels. Plasmas just happen to do a better job than LCDs (flat panel and projection).
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