Just joined. I would love some input on what 50" plasma to buy. If this helps, my set up and viewing habits are:
-Will wall mount -Using time warner HD box (only has DVI) -Will use DVD with the best cable you sugg -Watch HD shows 30%, SD 50%, DVD's 20% of the time -Occassional On-Demand user so no need for Card -Have a plethra of DVI,HDMI,Optical,S-vid,Component, Composit cables already -For the time being, I will not set up my home theater for now, but want to purch with that in mind (if it even matters) -I watch 3-4 hours of tv/day -No PC use, or anythng other than above usage.
I have seen dozens of plasmas and I guess I am drawn to the ones that are brighter. While I prefer a slim bezel and understated look, I know speakers are a must and hope to find the least gaudy one out there. Even when I use my home theater, I typically utilize the tv speakers unless watchng a DVD, so I guess that rules out commercial units.
My other question is in regards to buying plasmas on-line. Is there any way to know if a unit is anything less than "Brand New", i.e. refurb, used, faulty? Money is not a big issue other than I would feel foolish paying over 5k for a tv (unless it is REALLY REALLY worth it). I am willing to fork out the extra money to buy local if you all recommend it.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you all may have. It is a CRAZY process trying to weed through it all. And I dont arrive here with any bias towards one brand or another - please advise...
Thanks! Matt
Perrey Z.
Unregistered guest
Posted on
Welcome aboard, Matt!
Samsung has what you might be looking for. The HP-R5072 is one of their newest 50" sets., with it's high-gloss Black "Floating-in-the-air" bezel design it looks awesome set on a wall. The unit has plenty of inputs, picture and audio settings to get the best out of your plasma TV.
Another one it's the LG 50PX1D similar features and inputs as the Samsung., the only difference is the speakers are built-in on the sides.
Another good one is the Pioneer PDP-5050HD., this Pioneer will be the last consumer model with a separate media receiver. There's enough inputs, picture settings and audio setups to satisfy anyone including 2-HDMI inputs. the display itelf has no fans., the fan, only one, is built-in the media receiver and will only activate when it's necessary. When it comes to top of the line Pioneer and NEC are there., you'll defenitely get what you paid for when you get one of these.
There's a few good online retailers., the golden rule is always buy from factory authorized e-tailers. NEVER EVER settle for their word., investigate and authenticate with the manufacture prior any purchase.
If the price sounds to good to be truth, it most be from a Brooklyn dealer., thouse are unathorized professional scam artists pretending to be honest resellers., Everything they sell and claim to have in stock is grey market, refurbished and/or sometimes stolen merchadise.
You can tell when a product is new or a return. The first thing to check is the tape on the carton., if you see it has only one layer that means the box has never been opened., the protected bag covering the unit MUST NOT be wrinkle and properly seal with small pieces of tape. The accessories MUST be in their respective plastic bags seal with tape.
NO fingerprints other than yours must be present. Some brands place a clear film on their screens to protected when removing the TV from the box., if that film is removed and re-attached it will not look the same as it was originally place at the factory., another clear film is place around the bezel when the bezels are high gloss Black, {Pioneer} to protected it from scratches., This film, like the one protecting the screen cannot be re-attached.
The power cord plug and inputs MUST NOT have scratches from previous connections. That new smell will last for approximate 3-days. The first few times you turn it on the odd burn out smell MUST come out from the circuits.
Thanks for the great info Perry and the time you spent replying. A few of your tips on "signs of previous use" were new to me and really good suggestions that I will employ.
Of those thre plasmas you mentioned, which one would have a higher rated, or better image? I know my initial posting stipulated various criteria I have, but at the end of the day, I guess the picture is the most important thing. Just curious.
Also, when I connect my dvd player directly into the tv(one of those upscaling or upcoverting? type dvd players)for best audio/video should I connect w/ fiber optic+dvi, or would hdmi work? I know the hd cable box to tv will be dvi (T.Warner only offers dvi), but I want to make sure that whatever the "best" connection/cable is for dvd player to tv is, that the tv I buy has adaquate inputs.