Plasma/LCD TV Recommendation?


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Gymrat76

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May 10, 2004
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Hi,

I'm looking for a plasma/LCD TV in the region of $2500-2800. So far have seen the Sharp Aquos 37" and a 37" Phillips model which are quite nice. However, those showrooms only display HD DVDs or HD SCV channels for most part. I would be using the TV primarily for:

1. Watching regular SCV programs (StarWorld, MTV, AXN, Channel 5) through the SH Digital Box (not the HD box) for most part

2. Occassionally playing movies (DVD and HD) from my PC linked to the TV via HDMI

The few I've seen at th showrooms playing free-to-air channels (Channel 5/8) have all had pretty crappy, pixelated pictures, but the sales ppl always explain that awat by saying that it was because they split the input to so many TVs, it will be better once you play via the Starhub digital box etc. But nobody actually has one on display connected to a non-HD Starhub box.

Any opinions on this? Dennis, I can't afford THAT $10k plasma TV you're recommending :bsmilie:
 

I am using the free 32" Sony Bravia from Singnet BB promotion, so far so good on image quality...but the on board sound really weak...a little unSony whom usually excel in their sound system during their Tinitron TV era :sweat:
 

Always try to look for features rather than brand for any electronic stuffs.

A recommended one from me is a 42 inches Full HD if you can afford. Pay by instalment if allow, esp from BEST or HN. BEST might be better as they might give u some free warrently.

Esp target those with 2 or more HDMI input as RCA is consider weak on LCD TV. Other than that, most LCD TV contrast is a standard by now, unless u go for samsung ones.

The choice is urs anyway, happy hunting! ;)
 

am using sharp aquos, pretty good
 

I am using the free 32" Sony Bravia from Singnet BB promotion, so far so good on image quality...but the on board sound really weak...a little unSony whom usually excel in their sound system during their Tinitron TV era :sweat:

Hi, actually sound not such a big factor la... I'm more concerned with the PQ (picture quality) when watching normal TV programs from the digital cable box :)
 

Always try to look for features rather than brand for any electronic stuffs.

A recommended one from me is a 42 inches Full HD if you can afford. Pay by instalment if allow, esp from BEST or HN. BEST might be better as they might give u some free warrently.

Esp target those with 2 or more HDMI input as RCA is consider weak on LCD TV. Other than that, most LCD TV contrast is a standard by now, unless u go for samsung ones.

The choice is urs anyway, happy hunting! ;)

those full HD panels are all 4k and above.. don't think I wanna splurge so much $ on it... :sweat:
 

am using sharp aquos, pretty good

Hi, my colleague bought the 37" PC5 series... looks good in showroom playing back HD content, but he's not happy with the quality when watching TV programs via aerial... he doesn't have SCV so can't make a comparison at his place :(
 

I thought one of the pioneer 43" plasma panels was for sale for $1999 at the recent IT show.

That I think is a VERY GOOD buy.
 

Hi, actually sound not such a big factor la... I'm more concerned with the PQ (picture quality) when watching normal TV programs from the digital cable box :)

Picture quality is very subjective thing.....I formerly uses a Toshiba 29" CRD....this LCD definately beat the crab out of it...I am also running a starhub cable TV and occasional DVD movies and I thought the image quality looks much much better than those low end model like Akira, Paladin etc :sweat:

I think you need to figure out more if you are into Hi defination, in this case you need to take note on the resolution......btw I am using this model http://www.sonystyle.com.sg/sonysty...vel2=2045&Level3=4209&MaterialNumber=17499200 it says HD ready :lovegrin:
 

Thanks BK... HD ready means up to 720p, not the same as Full HD which supports 1080p. Anyway, 1080p TV's are out of my budget at the moment.

I quite like the Sharp Aquos series, prob the 37" one, else the Samsung 40", but I think overkill for my bedroom la :sweat:

Now have to call up Starhub and see how much it cost to install another SCV point in my bedroom, cause I only have 1 currently in the living room. There are existing 'holes' in the walls for the electrical wires, hope can squeeze the SCV cabels through those, else have to drill through the wall :confused:
 

I thought one of the pioneer 43" plasma panels was for sale for $1999 at the recent IT show.

That I think is a VERY GOOD buy.

Eh? Probably a lower end model? Did that support HD?
 

Pioneer Plasma support HD (Not full HD i.e. 720P/1080i) from day 1.
BTW if you are looking for anything above 37" go for plasma unless you are looking at the Aquos 46" which is OK. If you can wait another 2 mths prices of 720p are going down as more 1080p are launch in the market. However bear in mind plasma full HD panels are still expensive, advise if you going for 1080p than LCD is the way.
Also check out on comfort in viewing and distance, LCD are suitable for small size while plasma is OK for larger size. Watching a 40+ LCD screen makes my eye tire easily.


Eh? Probably a lower end model? Did that support HD?
 

Pioneer Plasma support HD (Not full HD i.e. 720P/1080i) from day 1.
BTW if you are looking for anything above 37" go for plasma unless you are looking at the Aquos 46" which is OK. If you can wait another 2 mths prices of 720p are going down as more 1080p are launch in the market. However bear in mind plasma full HD panels are still expensive, advise if you going for 1080p than LCD is the way.
Also check out on comfort in viewing and distance, LCD are suitable for small size while plasma is OK for larger size. Watching a 40+ LCD screen makes my eye tire easily.

OK, thx Dennis... don't think I will go for 42" and above because:

1. I can't afford it, unless got super cheap sale or something :sweatsm:
2. No point since I live in a tiny HDB apartment
3. Most likely i wanna wall mount for my bedroom :sweatsm:

Good information on the possibility of 720p panels going down in price in the coming months, I'll just wait and see as I'm in no hurry to buy one. Also will not go for 1080p panels cause they're far too expensive and 1080p content is limited now anyway.

Quite like the Sharp Aquos PX5 37" model, but still unsure as to the PQ when viewing normal cable channels or free-to-air channels
 

This is regarding StarHub quality. I was using the very old analogue set top box (no RCA connections, on RF) connected to my 37" LCD TV since I bought the TV. Images were soft and lacked detail.

Recently I upgraded to a digital set top box. The image are a little sharper but I can see little boxes all over the image. Kind of like highly compressed JPEGs (think its called artifacting). This is even worse for videos that have a lot of movement, especially scenes with water.

I am not going to subscribe to StarHub HD yet because it provides only 2 channels! And I heard that the programs are repeated. Waiting for a better offer from StarHub.
 

Either samsung or sony... base on what i gather from hardwarezone forum. I use samsung N series 32" LCD TV. Normal SD TV programs look acceptable to me. DVD video look great. Also what i learnt... Sony has better service than Samsung but more costly. Samsung is better if you play games.
 

Eh? Probably a lower end model? Did that support HD?

I don't think Pioneer has 480 Panels. The panel is a OLD verision of the 720 Panel. BUT this old version was a really good panel at its time around 2 years back, it was one of THE panels to buy costing $5k+.
 

firstly i would recommend plasma over LCD for the following reasons:
1. live of LCD and plasma is approx the same at 60,000 hours thereabouts.
2. plasma has a higher contrast of 10,000:1 vs LCD 6,000:1
3. despite LCD looking sharp, plasma still looks more real. one analogy is like over sharpening.

secondly, i would recommend the following brands:
1. pioneer 42" 1080p. price $2.8k (IT fair) to $4k. also pioneer uses a black panel so they can display true black.
2. panasonic 42"
 

The Samsung LCD TV LA32N71B

Extra Wide Color Gamut - XWCG. Better colors and contrast. :bsmilie:

Wiselink - able to slot in CF, SD cards into TV to play out directly. :cool:

Absolutely fantastic for gaming. Tried with the XBox 360. Amazing! :thumbsup:

link: http://www.samsung.com/sg/products/tv/lcdtv/la32n71b.asp

They have 40" as well but much more expensive. I bought this for 1950 with 380 vouchers. i.e. only 1570 !!
 

Do you know the disadvantages of plasma ?? Do you know the trend and why people are opting for LCD rather than Plasma?

firstly i would recommend plasma over LCD for the following reasons:
1. live of LCD and plasma is approx the same at 60,000 hours thereabouts.
2. plasma has a higher contrast of 10,000:1 vs LCD 6,000:1
3. despite LCD looking sharp, plasma still looks more real. one analogy is like over sharpening.

secondly, i would recommend the following brands:
1. pioneer 42" 1080p. price $2.8k (IT fair) to $4k. also pioneer uses a black panel so they can display true black.
2. panasonic 42"
 

how come 40+" LCD can make your eyes tired?

i'm thinking of getting LCD/plasma also but i think i'll use my nss shares to buy
 

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