2. home-theater
  3. 1086170541

Bigger is Better...

Hi guys,
Well it may not be better, but it's certainly more impressive. Orginally I was going to go with the Panny 32" LCD, but it turns out (from some furniture movement) that I have more than enough room, in my bedroom, for a 42" plasma. Here's where I'm at now, in my mini bedroom system:
-purchased used NAD 320 integrated
-Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers on the way-
-newest Bravo, on the way, as well-
What is the 42" plasma to own. $$ are not a factor if the set delivers. I'm looking for a September purchase. Enough time, then, to do my homework, and hopefully fall into a good price. Also, with all the plasma specs, I do not understand the contrast ratio number. What should I be looking for? Thanks in advance.

peace,
warren
128x128warrenh
edesilva
768 posts
 
I think the Fujitsus and Pannys both get quite high marks for PQ--definitely second the recommendation regarding the "golden eyes" of the AVSForum and their discussions. I won't buy anything video related w/o their blessing...

After looking a bit, I ended up buying a 42" Panny commercial EDTV, not the HDTV version. From my viewing distance (9'), the HD v. ED was not noticeable. The 42" commercial is a good deal, and an amazing box. I had been waiting for the 1080p DLPs to show up and this was just to tide me over, but I'm now thinking I'm not going to bother changing anytime soon. Its *that* good.
lej1447
117 posts
 
Since you are looking for 42", I recommend the Panasonic. The current model has contrast ratio of 4000:1. My last year model has 3000:1. Panasonic makes it own glass and for others. If I recall correctly, this is the 6th generation of Panny making plasma. It could be 7th by now. Besides avsforum, you can visit PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com for plasma TV buying guide. I got all my info from such website when plasma was in its infancy as avsforum did not have much info then.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
Can you explain what that contrast ratio stat is all about? 4000:1 is obviously better than 3000: 1. Or is it? I have seen some very costly plasmas with ratios of 850:1. What's that about? Thanks in advance.
sutts
701 posts
 
The 42" plasma to own is the Runco (with their outboard scaler). I was blown away...
videohydra
59 posts
 
"Contrast ratio is the ratio of luminance between the brightest white that can be produced and the darkest black that can be produced. Contrast ratio is a major determinant of perceived picture quality" So, the bigger the better.
More to discover