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plasmas

Posted by Joe Murphy Jr (A) on June 18, 2003 at 17:41:02

In Reply to: Plasmas posted by RFGumby on June 18, 2003 at 12:51:53:

Actually, the number is not 5ft -- it's about 8ft for a 42" plasma screen. And the concensus amoung plasma owners is that for a screen this size, you will not regret ED over HD. That is, provided you choose a high quality plasma manufacturer like Fujitsu, Panasonic or Pioneer.

I'd suggest that you steer away from the Sampo/Gateway/etc units. They seem to consume more electricity and run on the bright side (the heat output gives this away) compared to the above manufacturers.

Samsung is making a push in the plasma game, but they are not quite there yet. Maybe next year's models with compete better with the "Big 3". I would classify Philips in the same boat.

Sony is also behind in plasma technology by about a generation (that's in plasma-speak, not years). However, some of their designs are eyecatching and very futuristic looking. But if you're after the best quality for your $s, pass on their models. By that I mean the plasma models, not the hot chicks that accompany some of their demos!

Pioneer may be releasing some new panels in the fall/spring. Noone seems to know for sure. Their current panels are highly rated and you can usually find good deals on them. A few 3rd party manufacturers also offer video cards to upgrade the standard Pioneer cards. While this doesn't make them futureproof, it is a nice option should you want to upgrade.

Fujitsu just came out with their new models a few months ago. They are condidered to be THE BEST by plasma afficiados. They incorporate Fujitsu's electronic know-how with Panasonic glass. As expected, they are not cheap -- the best usually isn't.

Panasonic comes in a close second to Fujitsu. They will be releasing new models in July and August. Their new design will use silver for the consumer model (with attached speakers) and black for the commercial model (no included speakers). The consumer model will have many video inputs -- including DVI -- and have a list of $4999 (I've seen preorders for $3999, but the price may go further down once they are released and competition takes over). The commercial model can usually be purchased for a bit less ($500 or more, depending on demand, seller, etc). This unit will not include a DVI connection, but DVI will be offered via an upgrade card (no, it's not free). Some people prefer the commercial route over the consumer version. There are pros and cons to each.

By the way, this is not an all-encompassing progress report on plasma. My suggestion is that you research, research and while your at it, do some more research. Last time I checked, $4k - $6k was not chump change. What's right for you may not be what's right for me. Be informed before you purchase and learn as much as you can about the technology, the different designs and the manufacturers of plasma monitors. Trust me -- you'll be happier and satisfied if you do.

Here's a link to some good information:

• http://www.VideoAsylum.com/ht/messages/15662.html   (Open in New Window)

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