Which Plasma TV

[trefor]

OK, we have a reasonably large lounge, wired for surround sound speakers and a 10 year old Panasonic 25 inch surround TV. Time to upgrade to big screen.

I want a plasma screen that has a stand (will sit diagonally, not on/against the wall).

What should I look for in a plasma TV? Which home entertainment system would be the best value? Not looking to spend silly money, but I am prepared to pay for a decent Panasonic/Sony etc. system.

Time to buy some magazines on this topic from WHSmiths I guess ...

[ianp68]

There are a few reviews on this site www.homecinemachoice.com

My local hifi shop swears by Panasonic plasmas, even though they are not dealers.
I'm still using a 28" widescreen Panasonic CRT TV, which is ultimately too small for the room, but I can't justify £3 to £4K for a TV at the moment. I am considering a projector for movies though, a good quality entry level with screen is about £1200.

[towman]

you get far better picture quality from a CRT. You should also get a longer warranty - most plasma tvs will only be covered for 1 year. You will obviosly also need a tuner with most plasma sets. Best CRT on the market at th moment is Toshiba 36" at £1500. Go to an independant for best service/backup. Currys etc are marginally cheaper, but they just dont offer the full package.
Thats my 2p worth anyway!

[Trefor]

I was looking at the 36 inch Panasonic widescreen jobbie. Looks pretty capable. I just wondered that since the girlfriend has offered to contribute whether a plasma screen would a good idea. I know the tuner/sound system costs on top of the screen.

I thought they'd got the reliability issues licked with Plasma now? hmm ...

Also, buying from John Lewis is a good option as they usually give you a 5 year warranty for free (must ask about plasma screens next time I'm in one of their stores).

[simpo two]

towman said:

you get far better picture quality from a CRT. You should also get a longer warranty - most plasma tvs will only be covered for 1 year. You will obviosly also need a tuner with most plasma sets.

I'd query that: a CRT relies on electron beams hitting a target whilst a pixel is already there. Many plasmas now come with 2 year warranties. Some plasmas have a TV tuner within them. I know 'cos I sell 'em! Also, a plasma won't take up 25% of your living room: the only downside IMHO is the cost.

[anonymous-user]

simpo two said:

...the only downside IMHO is the cost.

And, as is my understanding, the fact that you need to get them re-charged after every so many hours of use, and if my colleagues is anything to go by, they suffer from screen burn in the way really old CRT monitors used to. Sky News addicts beware.

[Trefor]

Just checked - John Lewis offer a 5 year warranty on Plasma screens too.

[simpo two]

LexSport said:

And, as is my understanding, the fact that you need to get them re-charged after every so many hours of use, and if my colleagues is anything to go by, they suffer from screen burn in the way really old CRT monitors used to. Sky News addicts beware.

I'm afraid 'recharging' is an urban myth: no such thing! Yes, they will suffer from burn-in just like a CRT if you leave the same image on for days. All plasmas are rated for a minimum of 30,000 hours, after which time the contrast and brightness may slowly reduce. Display plasmas are rated at 60,000 hours but achieve this by having lower contrast and brightness.

[anonymous-user]

simpo two said:

LexSport said: And, as is my understanding, the fact that you need to get them re-charged after every so many hours of use, and if my colleagues is anything to go by, they suffer from screen burn in the way really old CRT monitors used to. Sky News addicts beware. I'm afraid 'recharging' is an urban myth: no such thing! Yes, they will suffer from burn-in just like a CRT if you leave the same image on for days. All plasmas are rated for a minimum of 30,000 hours, after which time the contrast and brightness may slowly reduce. Display plasmas are rated at 60,000 hours but achieve this by having lower contrast and brightness.

I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing out the fallicy of the recharging issue.

You learn something new every day.

[Trefor]

Just an update. We ended up buying the latest Panasonic 42 inch plasma screen complete with stand. Lovely. Got a new model Panasonic home cinema thingy too. It's grrreeat.