To the contrary talkshop.
Quote:
If I was buying a Plasma now, it would have to support HDTV (1024x1024 res), but not many do at the moment.
Many plasmas ARE available with 1024 x 1024 res, although this is not the required res for HD. Our Fujitsu we have just bought does have 1024 x 1024 and we feel that the pic quality is superb. Couple this with the fact that the space saved is superb, normal CRT`s are HUGE !! We used to have a 28" widescreen, yes the 42" plasma is bigger but after about 2 weeks it doesn`t feel as huge as it did when it was first installed.
Make sure you are far enough away from the plasma screen. Our dealer reccomended 2.25 x the screen diagonal. = 2.25 x 42" = 94.5" = 7ft, 10". minimum.
They are not exactly cheap, the main cost of a plasma is the glass panel technology. The remainder is the electronics, chassis, etc. Please note however that it`s not just the resolution that will give u a good pic. The other main ingredient fo picture quality on a plasma is the `chipset` or the electronics. You could get a panel which has 1024 x 1024 res, but like u say, it could look awful. So don`t skimp on the electronics.
The main protagonists atm are 1.Pioneer and 2.Fujitsu. Speak and visit a GOOD dealer. Their advice and help when choosing your new kit is worth every penny. DO NOT go to the main consumer shops like Currys, Dixons, etc. They will not care about you. They just want to sell u something, anything. They will not either be fully conversant with the pro`s & con`s of HDTV for example.
If you do buy now, and are interested in HDTV, look out for screens that are HD ready. Sky, along with most HD decders (when it arrives) will output using HDMI socket. This is the digital connection that carries pic & sound in one cable. If the screen you`re looking at has DVi, don`t worry, a simple HDMI to DVi convertor does the trick. Many people don`t know this yet but Sky will also provide `Component out` sockets on the back of their HD box too.
In summary then : Ensure you find a good dealer. Try Sevenoaks Sound & Vision. Don`t be put off by the prices. Like i say, their advice is worth it, and they are willing to negotiate discounts. (we got £800 off our £4300 package ! thats -18.60%) and they often have longer warranties on certain products exclusively for their customers. After sales support and continued advice is also second to none.
Tell them you want it to be able to do HD when it arrives. 1024 x 1024 for example.
You will need either HDMI or DVi ~ but at the very least Component inputs. They will tell u all u need or want to know.
720 lines Progressive Scan @ 50 Hz is what Sky is recommending for HD. See a thread on this forum posted by penzance entltled `Does uk have Hi Def` for more info.
Get a good demonstration.
The Pioneer is a fantastic panel and was offered to us for £3200. Our Fujitsu was the HHS model which we got incl a table top stand and HK dvd player for £3500 ( We preferred the Fujitsu surround)
Like i said above, not cheap but will last us proud well into the next 10 years. - We are beginning to think we should have bought the 50" though. !!!
LCD`s are crap above about 24", and plasmas crap below 42".
ENSURE that your plasma has HDCP software `built-in`. This is the copy protection that will be part of sky`s transmissions.
Happy shopping, like i say, steer clear of the Dixon`s, Curry`s of this world.
davo
All Threads
General
Television
Blu-rays/DVDs/Films
Hardware
PCs & Mobiles
Photography
Music
Gaming & Consoles
Sports
Bargain Buckets
Region Hacks
Trading
Retailer Reviews
