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42" Plasma HDTV Ready @ Fry's $2499
- Thread starter rk0
- Start date
I'm guessing (and I could be wrong), they're using the very loose interpretation of HDTV ready for this plasma. It can accept 1080i and 720p signals, and then convert them into the native 852x480 resolution for output.
The $1999.99 SVA 42" plasma panel from Costco is the same way.
SVA from Costco
The $1999.99 SVA 42" plasma panel from Costco is the same way.
SVA from Costco
FuzzyPalms
Member
The CostCo one clearly indicates it is EDTV and HDTV compatible, not ready.
If the Fry's set is truely HDTV ready and supports HDTV native resolutions, then it's a pretty good deal.
Personally though, I would not be spending large cash on a plasma set just because of the risks of pixels dying or the picture fading.
If the Fry's set is truely HDTV ready and supports HDTV native resolutions, then it's a pretty good deal.
Personally though, I would not be spending large cash on a plasma set just because of the risks of pixels dying or the picture fading.
Can someone who knows about these post an FAQ of some sort? I am in the market for one but I really don't know what to get, and I don't want some commissioned salesman to tell me what I need since I could potentially drop 7 grand on one of these.
I hear that these plasmas have different resolutions or something to that effect, what resolution is ideal?
I also hear that you have to have them recharged. Is this true and if so, how often and how much?
Can I expect a 10 year life out of one of these?
Are they prone to any particular problems, like image retention?
Thanks in advance!
I hear that these plasmas have different resolutions or something to that effect, what resolution is ideal?
I also hear that you have to have them recharged. Is this true and if so, how often and how much?
Can I expect a 10 year life out of one of these?
Are they prone to any particular problems, like image retention?
Thanks in advance!
If those are the qualites that you seek, go do some research on DLP's.
DLP's:
-720p native resolution (for the samsungs and RCA's anyway)
-Impossible to burn (the functional unit is an array of mirrors)
-much longer life (just change the couple hundred dollar bulb every ~8000 hours or so)
-potential problems???? some peolple see "rainbows"
FuzzyPalms
Member
-Potential Burn-In: Because of the phosphor technology in Plasma TVs (see How Plasma TVs Work), it is possible for traces of an image to be 'burned-in' to the display. This is generally only a concern in commercial uses, where images are displayed for long-periods of time. Those that watch stations that offer news tickers may also need to be careful. Burn-in can generally be avoided by making sure that you do not keep a constant image on the screen for extended periods (sometimes as little as 20 minutes), either by turning the television off, or changing the channel.
-Lower Brightness: Although still considerably brighter than rear-projection TVs, direct v-iew and LCD TVs often are able to provide a brighter picture. This is generally only readily noticeable if watching in a very brightly lit room. Latest generation Plasma TVs have improved on the brightness issue considerably, and our only real warning would be to those that plan to do the majority of their viewing in a room exposed to afternoon sun.
-Not the Lightest or Slimmest: Although Plasma TVs are MUCH lighter and thinner compared to direct view and rear projection TVs, a lighter, slimmer technology does exist: LCD TVs. LCD TVs use the same technology as used in most laptop computers. However, it should be noted that LCD TVs are not generally available in the same sizes as Plasma TVs, and in those rare cases that they are, they generally cost considerably more.
-Shorter Life: Compared to other television technologies, Plasma TVs do generally have a shorter life span, and there is no option to repair a burnt out tube or backlight. Most Plasma TVs have a life span of 20,000-30,000 hours based on manufacturer's estimates. This life span is commonly referred to as the Plasma TV half-life, as it is the number of hours over which the Plasma TV will loose approximately half of it's brightness.
Of course, we should note that a Plasma TV with a 20,000 hour life would allow you to watch 4 hours of TV per day for approximately 13.7 years. Even at 8 hours per day, your Plasma TV should provide you with nearly 7 years of enjoyment. So, for most of us, this should not be an issue, and a Plasma TV is a worthy investment.
-Fragility: Plasma TVs are a very fragile technology, and the units are quite easy to damage. Extreme care must be used when moving them, as even laying the Plasma display on it's side can have adverse effects, possibly damaging the unit irreparably.
-Lower Brightness: Although still considerably brighter than rear-projection TVs, direct v-iew and LCD TVs often are able to provide a brighter picture. This is generally only readily noticeable if watching in a very brightly lit room. Latest generation Plasma TVs have improved on the brightness issue considerably, and our only real warning would be to those that plan to do the majority of their viewing in a room exposed to afternoon sun.
-Not the Lightest or Slimmest: Although Plasma TVs are MUCH lighter and thinner compared to direct view and rear projection TVs, a lighter, slimmer technology does exist: LCD TVs. LCD TVs use the same technology as used in most laptop computers. However, it should be noted that LCD TVs are not generally available in the same sizes as Plasma TVs, and in those rare cases that they are, they generally cost considerably more.
-Shorter Life: Compared to other television technologies, Plasma TVs do generally have a shorter life span, and there is no option to repair a burnt out tube or backlight. Most Plasma TVs have a life span of 20,000-30,000 hours based on manufacturer's estimates. This life span is commonly referred to as the Plasma TV half-life, as it is the number of hours over which the Plasma TV will loose approximately half of it's brightness.
Of course, we should note that a Plasma TV with a 20,000 hour life would allow you to watch 4 hours of TV per day for approximately 13.7 years. Even at 8 hours per day, your Plasma TV should provide you with nearly 7 years of enjoyment. So, for most of us, this should not be an issue, and a Plasma TV is a worthy investment.
-Fragility: Plasma TVs are a very fragile technology, and the units are quite easy to damage. Extreme care must be used when moving them, as even laying the Plasma display on it's side can have adverse effects, possibly damaging the unit irreparably.
The burn in on these sets has been exaggerated. Read the plasma section on the AVS forum and you'll find more than you'' ever want to know about burn in. AVS forum thread on burn-in
Basically, you can burn an image into a screen but it will take several months (at least) of watching the same channel logo or watching 4:3 material continuously.
As for the recharge myth. this was started by unscrupulous warranty salesmen. There is no such thing as getting a plasma recharged. The cells are sealed and there is no way to recharge them. Nor would it ever be needed.
There is no exact number for what the half life of a plasma actually is, but it is estimated at between 15,000 - 30,000 hours. that ought to be good for at least 10 years for normal viewing.
As for resolution, this is a never ending debate. In 42" units, you have basically a choice of either EDTV or HDTV. The HD native versions will run about 30-50% more than ED versions. You have to decide if you care about the improved resolution to spend the extra money.
Basically, you can burn an image into a screen but it will take several months (at least) of watching the same channel logo or watching 4:3 material continuously.
As for the recharge myth. this was started by unscrupulous warranty salesmen. There is no such thing as getting a plasma recharged. The cells are sealed and there is no way to recharge them. Nor would it ever be needed.
There is no exact number for what the half life of a plasma actually is, but it is estimated at between 15,000 - 30,000 hours. that ought to be good for at least 10 years for normal viewing.
As for resolution, this is a never ending debate. In 42" units, you have basically a choice of either EDTV or HDTV. The HD native versions will run about 30-50% more than ED versions. You have to decide if you care about the improved resolution to spend the extra money.
A. 42" plasmas have one of 3 resolutions:
1. 852x480 progressive
2. 1024x768 progressive in 16:9 format (nonsquare pixels)
3. 1024x1024 interlaced in 16:9 format (nonsquare pixels)
The second and third are often called HDTV, eventhough they clearly are not. HDTV requires a minimum of 720p, which is 1280x720. What manufacturers actually do is they lie about it. 🙂 They completely ignore the horizontal pixel number (1280 pixels) and just fixate on the vertical (the 720 pixels).
B. No, recharging is a myth told to customers by some uninformed Circuit City and Best Buy sales people.
C. It depends. The current generation of plasmas have a halflife of upwards of 60k hours (ie. The excellent $2500 Panasonic 42PWD6UY). That means, they fall to roughly 1/2 brightness in 60,000 hours. At half brightness, they're still quite a bit brighter than you'll get with a typical tube TV. Let's take a look at some basic numbers. Let's say you pretty much watch TV and do nothing else with your day. Let's say you watch 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, year after year without skipping a day. That means you're watching 3640 hours of TV a year. With a 60k halflife, this plasma set will experience a half brightness in roughly 16.5 years. If you want to wear it down to 1/2 brightness in 10 years, you would have to watch 16.5 hours of TV a day. I would be very sad for you if this was the case.
D. Yes, they are prone to some image retension. This being said, the current crop of plasmas are far FAR better than those even a year or two ago. They can still burn in, but if you use common sense, they will not. Simply calibrate the brightness and contrast to proper levels. Don't leave a static image for hours. Just basic common sense. Burn in is related to overall plasma life. So, the longer the plasma panel's halflife, the more resistant it will be to burn in. These 60k life plasmas are much more resistant to burn in than the 10-20k hour ones that stores originally had. If you pick a good brand (ie. Panasonic's latest are great panels, NEC makes great ones as well, as does Pioneer), they'll be noticably more resistant to burn in than say, the Gateway ones.
porciniman
Junior Member
These tv's will last more than 60,000 hours, they do not have to be recharged, they are not prone to burn in, and you preference to resoution is all that mattere, whether it's 720p or 1080i.
I mdid lots of research on these units, and purchased 2. The Panasonic 6HUY is considered one of the best for the $$ spent.
If you want to learn more, go to AVS FORUM. These people can teach you a lot.
Cheers, VB
For all you want to know about Plasmas and HDTV go here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=1000&forumid=40
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=1000&forumid=40
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