Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2001 5:22 pm
Posts: 498
Location: NYC, USA
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Couple of things...
Since you are looking at a 42" model, an HD unit isn't as great a benefit (1280x768) because that's not the native resolution for HD Programming. There will still be scaling involved with every source so you never get true HD with a 42" model.
Options: Nearly 70%(probably more) of the 42" units sold in the US are ED units (800x600) or 480p. The reasons: The 800x600 provides 1x1 pixel mapping for DVD's (480p->480p), and everything is progressive if you have a Faroudja chip DVD player like me:)), so for DVD's the best PQ is an ED unit. Also for standard definition (like cable and Indian TV), the ED provides a better picture because there is a lot less scaling involved (480i->480p). In addition, ED units are brighter than HD units. However, the HD unit does provide a better picture with HD programming (should be obvious), but most (90%, the other 10% from a little farther) people can't tell the difference beyond 6 feet.
So if you're decided on the 42" size, you'll have to evaluate what percentage of HD programming you'll watch, and whether you'll watch it from within 6 feet. If you're getting it primarily for DVD viewing and some Standard Def, I would seriously consider the ED unit because it provides a much better picture quality for those two sources.
If you have the money for a 50" though, that's what I would recommend. A 50" HD unit is bliss for HD (1366X768) or 720p. Like I said the 42" HD isn't really a recognized solution, so the 720p is your best bet until we get to full HD resolution at 1080p, which is still quite a few years away.
The other main thing I would look for in a plasma is a DVI input, so you can get an all digital path for HD from your STB to the plasma. The elimination of digital-analog-digital conversion gives you much better PQ.
In terms of brands, the best ones here in the US are, in order:
1)Fujitsu - best PQ but expensive
2)Panasonic - best black levels, good color (best compromise for most)
3)Pioneer - good color but average black levels
4)NEC - similar to Pioneer
5)Sony - used to be poor, but are now improving
Finally to slightly correct rana, every decent plasma in the US now has a lifetime of 40,000-60,000 hours (especially the brands I've listed above). So for most of us, that shouldn't be a concern since that's well over 10 years of watching.
Just to point out, all the information pertains to the US, so things might be slightly different elsewhere, but I don't suppose radically different.
Also, pretty much all the information that I've gathered is from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb, where I spent the last year and a half researching for my own plasma. I suggest you check out the site as it has a wealth of information.
Edited By MalFUnXiON on 1078556415
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