Looking for 42in Plasma TV Please help

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.

Thanks for the advice. I went to Andersons TV and saw the Panasonic 42PA20u/P . It was a 2004 model and it blew everything they had in plasmas away including the HD models from Panasonic Sony Pioneer and Fujitsu. Retail price was 4400.00. It had a sony HD decorder, Like I said it was stunning. Since the tech. in this field is changing so fast I think this is a good bet. Please give me your info on this . Would this be the best decorder for this since I really do not know that much about them and what cables should I use. thank you very much for your info Steve