Looking for 42in Plasma TV Please help

First of all, check out www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com (plasma tv buying guide.com) to educate yourself. I spent countless hours on there, and I have owned a 42" Panasonic for about 6 months.

LCD is supposed to last longer than plasma. However, it has not reached 42" size or larger due to brightness issue as a result of a single light bulb, which is replaceable. Plasma can resolve the brightness issue. However, it has problem with achieving blackness. Darkness level on plasma cannot be like a tube TV. However, Panasonic has achieved the best blackness level based on my research 6 months ago. Technologies may have changed for other brands. Do your research. Unlike light bulb of LCD screen, plasma gas cannot be recharged. Plasma life is about 20K-30K hours of watching TV. If I watch 11 hours of TV/day, that would last me ~ 5 years minimum, based on conservative calculation, which amasses about 20K hours. By then, I ought to purchase new TV. As far as the buzz noise, it can be due to the fan noise since plasma consumes lots of power and generates lots of heat. Panasonic is considered to consume least power in its class, i.e. average about 280-300w (which is equivalent to a HOT 300w halogen lamp). Others consume up to 500w. Since Panasonic consumes relative little heat, it does not have a fan. Thus, there is no fan noise. I don't know what it's like to own a plasma in Arizona in the summer since I live near coastal area of Los Angeles. However, it will keep you cozy in the winter.

By this summer, Panasonic should have released new plama panel with Digital Video Interface (DVI) port. With DVI, signals can be processed pure digitally, which is at High Definition signal or ~ 1280 dpi. However, a 42" HD panel w/ such high resolution costs almost twice as much as a 42" EDTV plasma (native resolution is 480 dpi). If you decide to purchase an EDTV panel (480 dpi), DVI port does not help b/c signals has to derez (deresolution) from HD 1280 down to ED 480 dpi.

You should always look at the signals and resolution of source and target. If you use cable for signals, get EDTV w/o DVI to save $. If you use Dish or Direct TV w/ regular standard free decoder, get EDTV b/c signals from such satellite dish provider often come at maximum 480 dpi or less. Those satellite dish companies often try to squeeze as much programs through as much as possible, signals has to be compromised in order to push many programs through, meaning it is less than 480 dpi. If you want the best, get HD plasma w/ DVI port & HD decoder. HD plasma is very expensive. HD decoder is still very expensive ($500-$700/ unit depending mostly on how fast it can change channel). Since most satellite programs currently do not broadcast in HD signals, you probably will get standard satellite dish decoder to process at a max rate of 480dpi. Matching signals are the best since there will be no conversion. Converting up or down is not optimal. Try to keep native resolution matched. For example, get EDTV 480dpi w/ standard free decoder for satellite dish broadcast mostly at 480 dpi for most programs. Don't get HD plasma and get standard 480dpi decoder. You will waste your $ for not spending wisely.

To improve plasma resoln', use component cable for video and power conditioner to minimize noise on plasma screen. I have seen improvement on my part. All I can say is that I saw T3, Matrix Reload, and Italian Job in theater -- I didn't like any of them b/c giant theater screen is so blurry compared to plasma. When you magnified so big from a little 35mm film, things will get blurry. As far as cinemic sound, that's what Audiogon is for. Personally, I like to watch new release on DVD more than to watch new release in theater.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, neither do I b/c it's 1 AM right now. JK. Just ask more.

My comments are a little off target with the user's initial question, but I just thought I'd mention that I saw TV ads for Gateway's 42inch plasma for a mere $2,499. It seems like such a great price point. I hadn't really considered a plasma at prior pricepoints, but it's getting mightly tempting.

Also, I'd recommend waiting a litte to get the plasma (even about two months) because the CEDIA show is taking place in early September and that's where manufacturers come out with the latest plasmas, as well as other video gear. So prices typically go down and technology goes up following the show. Just a thought. Also, if you do go for a plasma with DVI input, my understanding is that the picture is jaw-droppingly good on DVD, but you are quite restricted in the DVD player you can use. I believe you can only use a "Bravo" DVD player made by V.Inc.(which is very cheap, but looks, and likely sonics are below par) - believe it or not it's the only player on the market now with DVI out, or you would need a Home Theatre PC with a video card with DVI output - preferably a high-end Radeon Card (I heard issues with the nVidia DVI). Good luck in the search.

Gateway 42" plasma is actually made by Sampo. They just slap the brand on. Brightness ratio is not as bright as that of Panasonic (3000:1 even though a somewhat unreal number). Moreover, blackness level is far from par of Panasonic. It's grey.

If you want the best value, I spot an AKAI 42" plasma on sale at Costco during the last week of August. This silver EDTV unit comes w/ 2 matching side speakers (15watt ea). It has not 1 but 2 built-in TV tuners, meaning it can do split screen. My brother-in-law needs this feature b/c he is a sport fan. It has DVI port. It has table stand like most others. Brightness is only 1200:1, and I could see the greyish blackness. The price was $2700 for all those features.

I saw a 42" EDTV Panasonic on sale for $3400 at the Good Guys. Unfortunately, it was an open box. I highly recommend Audiogon member not to buy any open-box plasma unit b/c pixel burns in quickly. I have seen recommendation not to pause a DVD player for more than 90 seconds on plasma.

DVI is best used for HD plasma (1080i) w/ HD decoder that comes w/ such port. One would be looking at pure digital signal being processed w/o being converted to analog and derez. HD plasma and good HD decoder are still very expensive. Many satellite & free NTSC programs are currently not broadcast in HD signals. Therefore, signals often have to be derez if HD panel is used. Might as well get EDTV w/ standard satellite decoder to best match signals. The ideal goal is not to covert any signal up or down. If your EDTV plasma does not have DVI port, don't get the DVI card b/c I have seen forum on Panasonic official website that such card does not improve the resolution. If you decide to get EDTV, you probably save yourself some $ buy getting an older version w/o DVI port. If you have EDTV unit (480i), get progressive DVD player which will give 480i resolution. If you have 1080i HD plasma, it will be limited by the output of progressive DVD player. There are many reasons why I do not encourage people to get any HD unit as FTC signals are not standardized yet.

Unclejeff was right about DVI with copy protection. With digital signals, they have fire wall for protection. You can't copy programs broadcast in HD signals. Those programs can be from free NTSC, HD Net, HD Discovery, or Pay Per View. He was also right about Plasma Depot. It was listed as one of the trust-worthy Internet businesses by Plasma TV Buying Guide.com. Check out such website. There are many other trustworthy-rated Internet dealers. Pick one closest to you, and make sure to spend extra to get White Glove certified delivery group. No UPS, DHL, or FedEx. The glass and screen are very expensive.

My intention is not to shoot any body down. These are info which I found from doing research. I am just sharing these info with Audiogon members. The buyer is the ultimate decision maker. Cash was my biggest factor b/c it's costly to be labeled early adaptor. Buy whatever makes you happy. That's what counts.

Lej,

A the above post by you is pure poetry. Sell said!

Just pure opinion from doing research. I forgot that Htsteve has $6K to spend. 42" HD unit costs around $6K + S&H. If there's no money left, he can charge a Sony HD decoder for $700 + few more $ for good cables.

"For a beautiful picture, it's priceless. For everything else, it's Master Card." Citicards.