View Full Version : Are EDTV plasmas worth it?
mikeywalnutz
02-10-2003, 07:33 PM
Will they display progressive scan DVD footage to their full capabilities, or do you need an HDTV ready TV? What about video games as well? I don't really care about HDTV broadcast signals because currently they're only for the major networks, and I hardly ever watch those. I mostly watch cable/satellite channels, play games, and watch DVD movies so I want to know if I can save a couple thousand on an EDTV.
Ioman
02-10-2003, 09:19 PM
I am curious as to why you called them EDTV Vs. HDTV?
For those who do not know the difference it is this:
Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV): EDTV refers to a complete product/system with the following minimum performance attributes:
Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 480 progressive (480p) or higher
Aspect Ratio: None Specified
Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
And HDTV is:
High-Definition Television (HDTV): HDTV refers to a complete product/system with the following minimum performance attributes:
Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 720 progressive (720p), 1080 interlaced (1080i), or higher
Aspect Ratio: Capable of displaying a 16:9 image1
Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
You will most likely want an HDTV so you can get the higher resolution signals like 1080i, 720P etc...
Graphicgreen
02-11-2003, 07:53 AM
Don't forget DLP TV...
Anybody have any comments on those?
(Dlp.com) very light, but kind of new. Better then Plasma and LCD. Least that's what I've heard, I've got one but so far the faint high pitched sound it emits randomly can get bothersome but seems that what DLP does. Otherwise, beautiful.
Ioman
02-11-2003, 08:47 AM
Originally posted by Graphicgreen
Don't forget DLP TV...
Anybody have any comments on those?
(Dlp.com) very light, but kind of new. Better then Plasma and LCD. Least that's what I've heard, I've got one but so far the faint high pitched sound it emits randomly can get bothersome but seems that what DLP does. Otherwise, beautiful.
I have not seen DLP technology in Plasma sets yet, only in rear projection televisions. And although DLP technology certainly does help rear projection sets with a brighter and sharper image, you still are faced with the problems of finding the right viewing angles.
One trend we saw at CES was the use of LCOS technology in rear projection sets. LCOS stands for Liquid Crystal on Silicon and it is sort of like a combination of LCD technology built into the rear projection TV's. In my opinion, plasma's still hold the best picture quality, followed by traditional CRT sets, rear projection sets and then LCD displays/TV's.
Graphicgreen
02-11-2003, 04:45 PM
Agreed, the angle thing can be a bit annoying but my angle is only affected badly if I'm basically standing a few feet away from the tv. Were I look down on it. Otherwise nice so far.
Also it is not prone to burn in such is Plasma, nor will gas from the Plasma need to be refilled after a few years.
It all depends on what you intend to use your set for. Me my Xbox/Ps2 and Computer System all run on my set. No burn in worries, plus the price for Plasma was more expensive for the same thing.
What kind of noise or other issues does plasma deal with btw?
Ioman
02-11-2003, 05:35 PM
Plasma does have burn in, thats the only problems. So be careful not to leave it on a still image for a long period of time. Plasma's have around a 30K hour lifespan, which is about the same as a CRT traditional set, so that is positive. Plasma's have come down in price and you can find 42" sets for under or around $3k. I would not worry about whether it has a tunr or not in it. I mean we all either have satellite or digital cable which require external boxes anyways right? ;)
Just make sure it supports true HDTV signals. Oh, I also recommend buying the extended warranty for around $500 it will protect your expensive investment for years to come. You would hate to ruin a $3K set and lose your money wouldn't you? Philips makes a great extended warranty which actually covers other brand sets as well.
mikeywalnutz
02-11-2003, 06:14 PM
42" plasmas for around $3k? Are they only available online? And are they HDTV ready?
Ioman
02-11-2003, 06:47 PM
Look in the Best Buy and Good Guys ads. Good Guys sells a Viewsonic 42" for just a little over $3K and Best Buy sells their house brand at $2999.
The Gateway 42" monitor has been getting good reviews and sells for $2999. I believe it's actually made by Sampo.
mikeywalnutz
02-17-2003, 12:11 PM
I've never seen the Best Buy housebrand before. i've looked for it on the website and at the store but no dice.
viewsonic makes great monitors...whats the scoop on their plasmas? They any good?
good guys has the viewsonic 42" for $2999 w/ $1000 instant rebate!
http://www.goodguys.com/adtemplate.asp?invky=170182&sourceid=00399153197554287522&bfinfo=6584906
mikeywalnutz
02-17-2003, 01:01 PM
I'm going to check the Viewsonic at Good Guys in the next few weeks. It's not a bad HDTV ready plasma for its price and size. I trust Viewsonic over Sampo, but I'm just going on name there.
Not sure how long that $1000 off lasts, but thats a good deal.
mikeywalnutz
02-24-2003, 01:48 PM
Originally posted by Graphicgreen
Don't forget DLP TV...
Anybody have any comments on those?
(Dlp.com) very light, but kind of new. Better then Plasma and LCD. Least that's what I've heard, I've got one but so far the faint high pitched sound it emits randomly can get bothersome but seems that what DLP does. Otherwise, beautiful.
http://www.bestbuy.com/HomeAudioVideo/Televisions/hr/DLP10_6.asp
Maybe this is just a way for Best Buy to sell their new Samsungs.
Archon
02-28-2003, 09:31 PM
155" or bust!
llbbl
03-01-2003, 07:42 AM
Originally posted by mikeywalnutz
http://www.bestbuy.com/HomeAudioVideo/Televisions/hr/DLP10_6.asp
Maybe this is just a way for Best Buy to sell their new Samsungs.
Ya when you can actually buy them. It says that they are not available for in store pick up.
AgentSmith
04-15-2004, 08:33 PM
I was offered to buy a 42" PDP HD Plasma TV while I was in korea for 2,700,000 won which comes out to about 1800 US. It was an off brand and I was wondering is that worth the price or not. I over heard that plasma don't have much of a live span as far as hours so I didn't buy it. Thanks in advance.
Ioman
04-15-2004, 09:41 PM
Originally posted by AgentSmith
I was offered to buy a 42" PDP HD Plasma TV while I was in korea for 2,700,000 won which comes out to about 1800 US. It was an off brand and I was wondering is that worth the price or not. I over heard that plasma don't have much of a live span as far as hours so I didn't buy it. Thanks in advance.
Actually the lifespan of Plasma TV's are about 30,000 hours, the same as a regular CRT television! So I would not worry too much about it.
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