"Commercial" plasma screens the real deal for HT?

I would be intrigued to hear more information, too.

The consumer "features" on most of the plasmas I have seen are really lousy, and every time I ask for no speakers, no tuners etc, salesmen give me a blank stare.

The "real deal" for HT, IMO, might have higher resolution but perhaps there are commercial monitors for HD as well?

Most of the commercial plasmas I've seen have been pretty close to the consumer versions, but without some of the bells and whistles. I bought a commercial Panasonic EDTV plasma--great deal, and quality-wise no different than their consumer models. Like some of the other commercial units, it had blade slots so you could add on other inputs--I added a DVI/HDCP card for that input. Pioneer also has a well regarded line of commercial units. If you don't need speakers, it can be a good deal. Probably not the end all or be all of HDTV, but worth considering. The gurus over at http://www.avsforum.com can give you specifics.

You also have the flexibility, if you are interested, in buying four of them (or nine of them) for a really big plasma screen. ;)

If you are concernced about having some big box between your speakers I would reccommend looking into getting a front projector for your space. You would mount a screen on the front wall, the projector on the back wall and have nothing between your speakers.
I have the BenQ pb6100 which can now be had for about $750 or so. From 14 feet back I have a beautiful 90" diagonal picture on a pull down screen on my front wall. If you are looking for an immersive movie experience at home, that is the way to go. Check out AVSforum.com for alot of info and screen shots on what you can expect from a front projector. There are many that can be had for around what you want to spend and they are alot more fun than a tv. Send me an e-mail if you want some more info.

I have the "Commercial" version of a 42" Panasonic plasma. It is identical to the "residential" model, except for some bells and whistles that an audiophile would not use. You save money not only because some stuff is omitted, but also because the commercial distribution chain has lower markup.

Even though it has no speakers, it does have two ten watt audio amps, with volume control on the remote. They don't play very loud with low efficiency speakers, but if you used high efficiency single drivers they might do the job for you.

Beheme,

I own the consumer version of the current Panasonic 42" EDTV Plasma. I really like it. The commercial version has the same picture quality, but loses the table stand, speakers, hi-def tuner and cable tv tuner. If you don't need those features, the Pansonic is a great monitor (42" EDTV monitor <$2000). Heck, I saw the 37' consumer version at Circuit City last week for $1795. Surely the 37 commercial version would be under $1700.

I really like the Panny EDTVs for the price. I'm enjoying it even more than I expected. The picture is really good at 8' viewing distance. Yes, I would like HDTV, but the EDTV picture quality is so good that I'm glad I didn't spend the extra $1500-2000 for the HDTV version.

Enjoy,

TIC