Panasonic plasma TV - any good?

[richb]

Was looking at Panasonic flat screen TVs today and was told that plasma is better for fast moving stuff like tennis than LCD, also told to get an High Definition HD one ready for 2006. What's the view here? Rich...

[sparkythecat]

You want good advice about which plasma to buy - Get yourself across to www.avforums.com/forums/index.php and post your query on there.

It's full of TV and video nerds, Techies and knowledgeable retailers all of whom will be only too pleased to advise you.

It's like PH only with TV's instead of TVR's

[pstruck]

AVforums is good, but there is such a thing as reading TOO much.... information overload.... arghh my brain hurts!

Seriously though, just ask the question on there and I'm sure you'll get plenty of answers.

[rico]

Generally... up to 32in = LCD best
32in and above = Plasma

Mums got one of the Panasonic Viera LCDs and its fantastic! Boss has a Viera Plasma and rates it highly as well.

[richb]

Thanks, it's the Viera I am considering. I'll take a look the AVForum. Any thoghts on the HD stuff and if it'll really happen?

[slinky]

I'd recommend a chat with DeR on this one as well chap, he seems to be the man as far as this sort of kit is concerned if I've read things correctly..

slinky
587racing.com

[pstruck]

HD will happen, but how far off it is in reality is anyones guess.

If you're looking to spend the sort of money a good flat panel TV costs, you'll kick yourself one day if you don't get one that is HD ready. It'll future proof your purchase.

Have a word with PHer 'Derestrictor' and browse his site.

[richb]

Thanks for the help.

[simpo two]

pstruck said:

Have a word with PHer 'Derestrictor' and browse his site.

Nice, but every 5 secs it tells me I'm about to leave a secure site...!

[pstruck]

simpo two said:

pstruck said: Have a word with PHer 'Derestrictor' and browse his site. Nice, but every 5 secs it tells me I'm about to leave a secure site...!

Eh? Works fine for me.

[driftwood]

I think HD is meant to be coming in sometime next year. Current Sky Boxes I believe will not be able to receive the HD signal, therefore new equipment will be needed. Also, from what I've learnt, not every programme/channel will be transmitted with the HD signal.

[_DeeJay_]

richb said:

Was looking at Panasonic flat screen TVs today and was told that plasma is better for fast moving stuff like tennis than LCD, also told to get an High Definition HD one ready for 2006. What's the view here? Rich...

Rich - I assume you've seen the current deals at Richer Sounds (there's a decent one on a Panasonic Plasma)

[a2z]

rico said:

Generally... up to 32in = LCD best 32in and above = Plasma Mums got one of the Panasonic Viera LCDs and its fantastic! Boss has a Viera Plasma and rates it highly as well.

Dads got a 32in lcd Panasonic and its ace.

[peterpeter]

get a Panasonic Plasma PV500 in 37 or 42 inch format.


These are HD ready and really awesome tvs. John lewis will run a HD demo for you.

[thebluemonkey]

There are no fully HD compatible plasma screens available as far as I am aware. To be fully compatible it has to be capable of showing 1920 x 1080.

[sparkythecat]

thebluemonkey said:

There are no fully HD compatible plasma screens available as far as I am aware. To be fully compatible it has to be capable of showing 1920 x 1080.

A 'sticky' on avforums says that the following Plasma Televisions are HD compatible

Hitachi 42PD7200 42" Plasma Television

Panasonic TH37PV500B - 37" Plasma
Panasonic TH42PV500 - 42" Plasma

Philips 42PF5520D 42" Widescreen Plasma Television

Pioneer PDP-435FDE - 43" Plasma
Pioneer PDP-435XDE - 43" Plasma
Pioneer PDP-505XDE - 50" Plasma
Pioneer PDP-615EX - 61" Plasma

Samsung PS42S5SDX

[beaver]

Next generation Pioneer plasma due in 4-6 weeks, wait for these. They are always one step ahead, and have been HD ready for 2 years. We have been showing HD content via Euro1080 satellite for a year or so.

Sky will start broadcasting next year, mainly movies and some sporting events. To be HD ready the display device needs an HDMI connection, if it only has Component it may not receive programmes that Sky encrypt for copyright reasons.

[BliarOut]

Sparky, are you at it again There's still the small matter of seven grand to discuss

The advice there is top, I got a 42" Panny on their say and it's incredible. Just do it!

[thebluemonkey]

None of them can natively display 1920x1080, it seems a bit strange to call it an HD compatible monitor if it doesn't natively display the correct resolutions.

[mybrainhurts]

Tennis.......?

Aaargh....mutter, mutter, grumble, grumble