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Can old timer still compete with the new kids?

post #1 of 16
4/8/08 at 7:46am
Thread Starter 
I have come across a Sony Wega KE-P50MRX1 (UK version of an KE 50XBR900 ) 50" plasma, the futuristic one with the floating screen in a clear glass surround and separate media box, in a shop near where I live from old stock reduced down to a fraction of its original price, its a bargain at $1200. Even though its picture is not HD it has a native 1024 x 768 and its picture was gorgeous but was the non HD model. it stood out from other tvs in the store which were full HD, such a nice picture and the looks are from another world.

I know that I can hook up a HD DVD through something like one of those new Onkyo receivers that allows me to hook up 4x HDMI devices and output to the tv through composite video, meaning it can still hook up with current sats and dvds. Composite video should have the tv operating on maximum resolution.

This model is at least 3 years old now and cost thousands of dollars when it was originally released so do you think that this tv is still viable today and should I buy it?
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post #2 of 16
4/8/08 at 7:53am
I would probably avoid it. I know here in the US (I assume you are in UK), you can get a Panasonic 50PX80U for only a couple hundred more. Aside from advancements with PQ, you will want to have HDMI. Anything else will likely result in playback issues down the road.
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post #3 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:00am
Thread Starter 
I know what you mean, but tvs these days dont have the physical presence that this one has, the one you mention is 720p which would be the same in resolution but comparing it to 1080p in the shop, this tv's picture seemed so much more involving, and not so artificial.
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post #4 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:05am
In the UK you can get a Panasonic TH-42PX80B online from DigitalDirect.co.uk for £640 approx. plus delivery. I'd say that's a pretty good plasma buy if you don't need the size, and its HDMI compatible etc etc. I'm sure there are a couple of threads on here at least that rave about the model
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post #5 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:18am
Thread Starter 
I already have a 42", so a 50" would be nice
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post #6 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:21am
Considering that Sony left the plasma business a couple years ago...and they were never considered top tier (as far as plasma) I would stay away from it unless the price is rediculously low (much lower than $1200) and you don't have much to lose.
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post #7 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
shame that, it seemed like such a good deal.

I found one or two sites that were selling it and it was at least $7000.00 in its time.
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post #8 of 16
4/8/08 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jazzdude View Post

shame that, it seemed like such a good deal.

I found one or two sites that were selling it and it was at least $7000.00 in its time.

Oh, don't let us talk you out of it if you have your heart set....we're just saying that the PQ won't equal the latest plasmas and you may have issues if it ever needs repair.
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post #9 of 16
4/8/08 at 11:45am
Even when they were being sold new the Sony plasmas didn't look as good as some of the other brands (like Panasonic and Pioneer) and they were WAY overpriced compared to better brands.

IIRC the Sony plasmas used Samsung plasma panels, but Sony's own electronics so the panel isn't all that great. Parts are NOT AVAILABLE anymore so if something goes wrong with it, you probably won't be able to get it repaired.

If it were selling for $600 i'd consider it, but $1200 sounds like too much money to risk.
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post #10 of 16
4/8/08 at 12:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jazzdude View Post

shame that, it seemed like such a good deal.

I found one or two sites that were selling it and it was at least $7000.00 in its time.

Didn't people used to pay $500 for a calculator?
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post #11 of 16
4/8/08 at 10:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by joemama127 View Post

Oh, don't let us talk you out of it if you have your heart set....we're just saying that the PQ won't equal the latest plasmas and you may have issues if it ever needs repair.

what does PQ mean and how will it have changed from then to the latest plasmas?
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post #12 of 16
4/8/08 at 11:36pm
PQ=Picture Quality...........newer plasmas tend to have better PQ compared to older models.
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post #13 of 16
4/9/08 at 7:00am
The Panasonic 50PH10UK is a far better deal for about $100 more (as long as you don't need an internal TV tuner).
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post #14 of 16
4/9/08 at 9:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shade00 View Post

The Panasonic 50PH10UK is a far better deal for about $100 more (as long as you don't need an internal TV tuner).

.... Or a table stand, or HDMI inputs, or speakers, or the ability to stretch an HD signal.....
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post #15 of 16
4/9/08 at 10:57am
Don't forget that burn in was much more possible in older plasmas than todays plasmas.
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post #16 of 16
4/9/08 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

.... Or a table stand, or HDMI inputs, or speakers, or the ability to stretch an HD signal.....

The 50PH10UKA has two HDMI inputs, but you are correct about the rest. Perhaps not the best option for some. Personally, I wall mount with a surround system. Point taken though.

But there have recently been deals on some Samsung plasmas for $1100-1200 shipped. I consider that to be a much better deal than an old Sony.
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