OK! Your Plasma! You Tell Me! Got a new one? post it here - Page 2

1. The "Model" you have.
Panny TH-50PHD6UY

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Research on AVS .
3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Picture quality on HD and DVD performance.
4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Reflection of screen in my very bright viewing room. Did not notice this in viewing this display at least 3 times before purchase.
5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Composite and S video connection work at the same time. I have to use one or the other.
6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Reduce the Reflection of screen.
7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How nice this set looks on my wall the thin black frame.
8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Reduce the Reflection of screen for day time use.
9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
The prices could be lower.
10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Outstanding set everything that folks on this site said it would be. 3D like with HDTV deep rich black and vibrant colors.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY 42" ED plasma

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

Auditioning against Pioneer (Fujitsu was out of the price range, other makes were inferior in PQ in my eyes), specs comparison, reviews (this forum included). My viewings are 99% DVD, this and superior PQ convinced me in ED vs HD. Price, black bezel and absence of unneeded tuner/speakers convinced me in commercial vs consumer.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Overall PQ with good source.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Color banding and flesh tones posterization, visible with some lower quality DVDs. I can't actually blame the plasma for this, but it's still annoying. I used to be sometimes distracted by screendoor effect, but not anymore (no, I didn't get any glasses).

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

Minor - closed captions support. Major - advanced image processing to produce smoother picture even with some inferior source, to eliminate or at least mask the color banding and flesh tones posterization. I know I'm dreaming...

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

Make the bezel for commercial plasma even thinner. And, for more distant future, use this cell carving glass production technology to incease fill ratio, since fill ratio is (IMHO) much more important for the overall PQ then the resolution.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

That I can lift a 42-inch TV by myself.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

None so far (knocking on everything even remotely reminding wood).

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Good question... Honestly, yes, I think yes it's worth it. I had stretched pretty thin to get my plasma, but I still believe it's price is more or less right - by comparison with other TV types. It's the right end of the price/performance curve, and, luckily, in TV displays market we get what we pay for, which is not true in DVD players world .

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Contrast ratio and fill ratio are more important for overall PQ then resolution. That's why Fujitsu and Panny lead the PQ race. I'm strong believer in this... and I'd like to know I'm not alone.

1) Pioneer PDP-4330HD

2) It was given to me by a freind after it was struck by lightning. I had it repaired for $830.00.

3) I like that for one, it was a steal at $830.00! But I am also very impressed with the quality of the picture, and of course, nothing is as impressive as having a large, flat, thin T.V.

4) I don't like that I can see motion artifacts at certain times. I guess that all plasmas are prone to this in one way or other. Since this is not our primary movie watching T.V. I can easily overlook this issue. Besides, it really isin't all that bad.

5) A feature I wish my plasma had would be the ability to move the on-screen menues around the screen. This became an issue when I was calibrating the set using "Video Essentials". The Pioneers on-screen display boxes tend to cover a lot of real estate making some adjustments difficult. Another feature I feel every HD set should have as standard is an HD OTA tuner built in.

6) My only advice would be to add more features - ala HD tuner as standard.

7) My biggest surprise was a 2 shock bash. 1 - I was so impressed with the picture on cable as most reviews said watching cable channels was "unwatchable". Cable viewing is very good - certainly as good as my Mitsubishi 35" direct view. My 2nd surprise was the fact that we have a very nice 43" plasma in our home!!! That is soooo cool!!

8) I have had no problems or issues with my set since it came home from the hospital about 2 months ago. (Knock on wood).

9) I DO NOT think that plasmas are worth the amount that is being charged. Plasmas have sooo many inherent flaws in the technology that justifying $8000.00+ is ridiculous. The goal is to get a picture as close to the medium as possible. With plasmas, as with MP3, copy-coding, etc, we are taking a step backwards for convenience. Plasmas are cool, and definetly convenient. But the picture quality still leaves a lot to be desired for the price. There is definetly a trade-off, a compromise, to have the "cool" factor.

10) I think we all have the same views on plasmas in general. There is a compromise. They need to improve picture quality. They need to drop the price. They need to make them more reliable. No doubt over time manufactures will meet these criterias, that is unless another display technology surpasses plasma.

1. Model- Fujitsu P42VHA20US.

2. Purchase decision- Stellar rep for picture quality, close out price, available four year in home service plan.

3. Like best- Great picture quality on standard cable and DVD. It also frees up a lot of space compared to direct view.

4. Don't like- no tuner, had to add another piece of equipment to my crowded rack (cable comes straight in from pole, no box).

5. Desired feature would be tuner. I actually like the fact that there are no speakers though.

6. Suggestion- did I say tuner? Otherwise keep up the good work.

7. Surprise- how good it looked out of the box. With a little tweaking it is great, I haven't even got around to running Avia set up which is really out of character for me.

8. Problems- none

9. Price worth it? I probably would have gone with the Panasonic if I had to pay full list of 4K plus for this set.

10. I'm glad I spent a little more for the Fujitsu, despite comment above I am very happy with this set. I am really glad that I didn't jump on one of the el cheapo 42 inchers when I was still saving for a set.

Also for my table top application I am really happy with a set of Gallo Micro speakers I picked up for times I don't want to fire up the full HT system.

1. The "Model" you have.

****Pioneer Elite 910HD

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

****The look of the set when it was off, the vibrant colors, and most of all the energy star rating. PQ wasn't a big issue to me. I read all the forum posts and look at all the models in person. I didn't notice anything to my eye (I was only looking at high end HD models). I want to enjoy my movies and am not going to study the PQ.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

****The look of it when it is off. The external media box is a plus.


4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

****Haven't had it long enough to have any dislikes.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

*****I don't know...maybe one more component input for the back. I'd like to have three for component inputs.


6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

****Don't know.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

****That the TV comes with handles in the back and is remarkeably light.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

****Figuring out what to do with the huges boxes the plasma came with.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Personally, I'd like to see price go up so that more people will be impressed that I have a plasma..LOL. Don't we all want $1K HD plasma sets?

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

installation is so damn easy that paying somebody to do it for you is like throwing money away.

Yup. This is definitively a great thread by Cheridave.

I am amazed at reports of dan noise on the Pio Elites. I have no fan noise from my media box.

1. The "Model" you have ?

Panasonic TH-37PX25
High Definition Plasma Television
NTSC, ATSC/QAM, CableCARD, PCMCIA, SD-card.


2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model" ?

It was a decision between a Sony XBR(42) and the Panny. Because of all of you guys, I went with the Panny. Thank you is all I can say. Besides that, the built-in ATSC/QAM and CableCARD capabilities were the key features that led me to buying this particular Panny. Compatibility for the future in an HDTV were very important when investing this kind of money.

3. What you like best about your Plasma ?

The PQ is great, even on NTSC OTA viewing.


4. What you don't like about your Plasma ?

I shoulda got a 42!!!! The 37 really isnt that much smaller than the 42 though. Also, i wish that using the built in ATSC tuner for OTA was simpler. I still haven't been able to figure it out.


5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had ?

Dual ATSC's.


6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma ?

Multiple DVI/HDMI inputs would prove to be useful in the future.


7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma ?

That despite what everyone says, analog TV looks surprisingly good. Also that the JUST mode only makes people look *slightly fatter. We never use the 4:3 mode. Also, turn down the brightness, it's set on "vivid" out of the box. It's a little too bright.


8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma ?

CAN'T TUNE INTO OTA HD SIGNALS!!!!!!!! It has nothing to do with the tv, i just haven't figured it out yet. (I've only had it for 2 weeks) Also, *slight rolling lines when using component DVD input. Again, I blame it on myself, as I still have not worked out all the set-ups and stuff. It might even be my AR cables.


9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it ?

Worth it? No. Once you have it, of course it is worth it, but parting with that cash was a little tough.


10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

A calibration DVD would certainly be nice. And another thanks to all the members of this great forum for helping me select this amazing television. I genuinely appreciate your information and opinions.

1. The "Model" you have ?

Panasonic 50PHD6UY w/ DVI card and table stand.


2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model" ?

Lack of tuner & speakers were a big plus. I wanted a 50" for maximum enjoyment. I chose Panasonic for the contrast ratio and overall picture quality. I did not like the way the consumer panel looked.

3. What you like best about your Plasma ?

Overall picture quality. Looks good in room, takes up less space.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma ?

Occasional pixelization & blotchiness. Still unsure whether Picture setting is working correctly.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had ?

ability to change aspect ratio on 1080i & 720p.


6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma ?

More DVI inputs for future expansion without sacrificing composite.


7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma ?

How good SD programs looked from my old TiVo. How bad Six Feet Under looked in HD.


8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma ?

Pixelization on some programming. In addition to Six Feet Under, I'm seeing a lot of pixelization in Finding Nemo in shadowy areas.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it ?

Absolutely.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Just to say that my six months of research in this forum was invaluable. I don't think I would have been able to make as educated a decision otherwise.

1. The "Model" you have.

Fujitsu P50XHA30WS

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

PQ and form factor.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

CR

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Paranoid about burn-in (ya ya ya, I read the thread)

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

a) Access to finer adjustment of grayscale. As mentioned in the The Perfect Vision Issue #55 article, "...adjustments, unfortunately, do not allow control of both the high and low ends of the grayscale; they are simply overall gain adjustments for red, green, and blue."

b) Ability to stretch/zoom 720p/1080i signals input via DVI for 4:3 OAR material watched on HD channels (e.g., ATSC HDTV transmissions at 720p/1080i).

c) Pillar bars

d) Multiple DVI/HDMI inputs

e) Not "lose" memory setting when DVI is disconnected. I'm using a Dtronics 4x1 and when changing inputs on the DVI switch, it is necessary to "recall" the memory setting. Also, it would help if one could directly access a memory instead of cycling through (to ease programmable remote macro creation).

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

See 5 above and 1080p.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

My previous display was a Toshiba 57HLX82 LCoS RPTV. I don't miss the extra resolution at all. Contrast ratio beats resolution!

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

None.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

I bought it, didn't I?

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

I built a HTPC just for the Fujitsu and am b l o w n a w a y by WMVHD. Mpeg artifact free 720p/1080i is a sight to behold! Too bad people are so afraid of MS, there really is no need to wait for Blue ray/HD DVD.

1. The "Model" you have.

pioneer elite 1000hdi.

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

got a good deal, really liked the colors, shiny black bezel had big 'wife appeal'

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

HD PQ is phenomenal

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

no NR via DVI, what's up with that?

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

better and more sensetive settings, "this one goes to 11"

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

work on those black levels, see #4.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

that after the investment it was never just 'watching TV' again, now it was a hobby/obsession.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

pink blooming in corners, was able to calibrate this away.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

yes and no, for whiz-bang appeal yes. for what you actually get no, see below.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

i think plasma displays should have better ability to be upgraded away from black boxes. wouldn't it be great to have the manufaturer offer you a choice of scalers, deinterlacing chips, and various other technologies upon order, or at least provide the ability to have expansion standards across manufactures. with this i would also really like to see more uniform standards for connections. also easier installation. is this really too much to ask?

What a GREAT thread!!! I really enjoyed reading it and found it very informative. Thanks.

Wow! Great thread here. As a complete AVS newbie my expertise pales in comparison to most of the folks here, but not seeing my model represented in any of the responses here I feel compelled to jump in "in defense" of my choice of plasma display. It's a...

1) Samsung HPN5039

2) Lots of things. PQ was definitely high on the list... I looked at a lot of 50" displays and for the money (which was also a consideration) it more than held its own in the picture department. The big selling point for my wife was the cabinet style... we found the simple, small grey frame around the display much more pleasing to look at than the larger (and flashy) silver frames around several of the other units we looked at. Oh, and the DVI input was also a factor (though a lot of units had this feature). Last but not least - Samsung's 2 year warranty played into the decision.

3) PQ, and appearance when turned off (see #2 above)

4) Hard one... not much, really. Probably the location of the inputs is my only complaint. They're in back, facing down, but not too far up the backside of the display. Makes it hard to conceal the cabling. I had to slide the boots off the Canare connectors on my AV cables in order to turn them sharp enough to keep them routed behind the display. Just a minor point, really.

5) More than just contrast and brightness adjustment on the DVI input... nature of the beast, I know.

6) See #4

7) How heavy it was! Just kidding... but it was a bear to get up and mounted on the wall bracket. Other than that, no real surprise.

8) None to date (knock on wood).

9) The price is what the price is. I bought the set when we moved into our new ("used") house, and the family/HT room layout dictated going with either FP or a flat panel display. Cable routing issues (would have had to fish everything through a finished plaster basement ceiling to feed a projector) drove me to plasma. At that point I was sort of "stuck" with what they cost. If I had the option I likely would have gone with a RP set, but I just didn't have the space.

10) I read the "Official HPN5039 Thread" on this forum, and would appreciate receiving additional info from other owners of this unit. I'm very happy with my choice so far, though it's definitely not the "plasma of choice" for most of the folks on this site.

YMMV

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic 42PWD6UY

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

Space available (recessed installation), viewing distance (12'+), stellar reviews from this forum, R Harkness's photo gallery.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Out of the box picture quality. Quiet operation. Lean appearance. Panasonic's Just mode is surprisingly watchable (unlike my Samsung DLP's panorama mode - unwatchable).

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

No discrete IR codes (except PC input).

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

Discrete IR codes ()

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.

Discrete codes for everybody!

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

The back panel was not conducive to the kind of mount I wanted to use.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

Possibly cooling, but I'm still working on it, so the jury is out.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Well, having purchased one of the lowest priced plasmas available, I'm probably not qualified to answer this. But, I would say that for my own purchase, I place its cost to value ratio at the upper end of my own threshold of pain...

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

No regrets, not one. Visual Apex did me right, and AVS Forum help was, and continues to be, invaluable.

Let me bump this great thread one more time.




.

Well, let's see:

1) toshiba 42HP84
2) Great looking picture, nice looking set.
3) It's mine.
4) Does not have ASTC tuner.
5) ASTC
6) Include ASTC (if they were still making plasmas)
7) No big surprise.
8) No problems so far.
9) Not until there is more HD content on TV.
10) Need more HD content and reduce the prices for HD cable and HD dish services before widespread acceptance.

1. Panny TH50PHD7UY

2. After reading reviews here and elsewhere, this model provided the best PQ per $$$ per square inch.

3. All media inputs (DVD, HDTV, SDTV) look great. HDTV is stunning!! DVD is great!! SDTV is clear and very watchable. (not as bad as some ppl have been saying) Most of the SDTV I've been watching is almost equal in PQ to my old CRT set.

4. Unable to adjust color saturation on HDTV signals via DVI input. Some HD channels produce overly vivid colors that provide that WOW factor, but are unrealistic in nature and the DVI menu doesn't allow adjustment.

Although "burn-in" isn't suppose to be an issue anymore, I still think about it and have been following the 100-1000 hr break-in advice.

5. The picture menu for the DVI/HDCP slot to have color saturation control.

6. Keep up the good work Panasonic!...You have a winner here,

7. How glad I was I got the 50" instead of the 42". Based on my viewing distance of 7-9 ft, the 50" to me IS NOT overwhelming at all.

8. "knocking on wood" It's only been less than a month. No issues to speak of.

9. Once the prices for a 50" went under 4K, that seemed to be the turning point for me to pull the trigger on this unit. The joy and happiness this TV
is providing for me, my family, and friends, is worth every penny.

10. Visual Apex has done well by me. A week after I rec'd my PDP they lowered the price on this set $150. I called them and they immediately issued me a $150 credit. That's what I call service!!!

1. NEX 50XM4

2. Bright colors, decent blacks, inputs, handling of SD and Stadium strech mode.

3. Quality of SD. I knew HD would be awesome (and it is), but I feared that after spending over 4K, my viewing experience during inevitable SD programming would suffer.

4. Faint Image Retention is short lived but cheesy.

5. 2nd DVI input

6. Sell them in stores. I bought mine based on reviews on this forum without ever seeing one in person. Most people will not do this.

7. The quality of newer DVDs on my 4 year old nonprogressive scan DVD player.

8. None

9. Yes, I waited until I could buy a quality 50" for around 4K.

10. If you are on the fence between a 42 and 50 model, go for the 50!

I want to hear from you guys about your Plasmas. This is not a "Mine is Better than Yours" thread. Be thoughtful and honest.

Tell me the following:

1. The "Model" you have.
Panny TH-42PD50U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
This set is a good balance between PQ, size and cost to get into wide-screen

3. What you like best about your Plasma. - PQ

4. What you don't like about your Plasma. -
After a 3 weeks, really can't find anything wrong. I don't seem to be getting the green push others have reported.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had. -
A second HDMI port. No PIP or Cable Card slot is important to me.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Increase production and lower prices

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How well it displays 480i SD satellite broadcasts. I was prepared to upgrade to HD Satellite service and now delaying the extra expense to upgrade. I'm blown away how well this Panny displays SD. The PQ is wonderful and 480p DVD viewing is totally amazing.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Zero

9. Do you really think that today's "Prices" are worth it.
It's relative. I was able to afford a reasonably priced TV to meet my viewing needs.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Viewing Distance is important to consider - if you watch from 10feet or greater, an ED set may be a better decision than an HD set - you'll loose HD detail if you don't have a LARGE enough HD Set (Screen Height X 3). Price points for HD sets (IMHO) are too high given the amount of HD content available today. 90% + of all viewing (OTA, Cable, Satellite, DVD) are 480i and 480p and best matched for ED sets of today. In a couple of years, I think HD content will become dominate AND the cost of HD sets may drop to today's ED prices. In the meantime I'll enjoy my ED set till then and move it into the bedroom.

For me the jump from a 27 Sony (non-XBR) to the 42 ED Panny was a huge. For the cost, I didn't think it was worth it and reports have indicated that watching SD (480i) signals on HD isn't as good as ED. The store I got the Panny at moved it away from the HD sets because HD sets weren't selling. The PQ of the PD50U is that good

Good luck in your search. I like your approach.Steve

1. Panasonic TH-42PD25UP

2. Cablecard & ATSC tuner, PIP, PC input, HDMI

3. HD PQ just floors me. Particularly bright outdoor scenes. DVDs via HDMI are so filmlike I finally prefer to watch from home.

4. "Limited" 10-bit color processing. If I had to do it over again, I'd hunt for a 12-bit display. False contouring on DVDs/SD is admittedly minimal, but it's my only gripe.

5. I wish it had an on-screen program guide, HD stretch modes, a "negative" setting to remove uneven wear

6. My advice to Panny is to bring back a loaded ED like the 25U and use only clean black bezels. All I hear are complaints from people about silver or multi-toned units. Also, keep the PC inputs on the back of the unit and offer separate picture memory settings for each input on consumer units as well.

7. My biggest "Surprise" was SD PQ via CC. JUST stretch took only a few hours before I didn't even notice it and the clear, noise free picture via CC shocked me.

8. Only problems I've had is a slight uneven black level on analog inputs (which Panny service is seeking to correct), red push on SD, and minor false contouring on SD cable and DVD.

9. Today's ED prices are well worth it to me. I've gotten a great deal of enjoyment out of my set over the last 6 mths. Life's too short to sit and wait years for prices to hit the floor and around $2k was my comfort zone.

10. I've learned the two most important specs on a plasma are it's color palette and black level. Panny has CRT level blacks which are a joy to watch in the dark. I watched a Pio Elite and found it's grayish blacks very distracting. When Panny finally offers 12-bit processing, I'll be hard pressed to find a fault in their PQ.

1. The "Model" you have.
Pioneer 433CMX

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
During the time, it was "upgradable" where you could add a DVI input card.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
The Color on the Picture

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Size, wish it were larger. (I sit about 12' back)

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
I bought the A303 DVI card, wish it had two DVI or a DVI and HDMI.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
More inputs.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
SD (via DirecTV) looked better than expected.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
So far so good.
Some SD channels got blotchy, but I expected that.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I bought mine about a year and a half ago and I thought they were worth it.
IMO, today's prices (especially commercial versions) are worth it.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Based on what's commonly asked.
43" looks good at 12' but 50" would look even better.

FUJITSU P50XHA40US


Fujitsu's reputation.
Always wanted one.
Warranty.


Almost everything.
PQ is PHENOMENAL, more so after ISF calibration.
Black level.
Discrete codes.
Did I say PIC quality?!


Silver bezel. Though it doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would.


DVI.


DVI!
For the amount of $$ they charge, bezel color options would have been nice.


How much brighter it was compared to my previous RPTV.
Silver bezel didn't bother me as much.


NONE!!!


Sure, life is short.
You get what you pay for.


Do your homework before buying.
Viewing distance is very important with ALL PDPs.
If you keep waiting for the next best thing, you'll miss out!

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH-37PWD7UY
2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Research, info on this forum, saw the consumer version at Best Buy. Physical size perfect for our area. Familiar with Panny industrial gear.
3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Picture quality on DVDs, and physical appearance of the unit
4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Some times hard to get good flesh tones. Although SD quality is surprisingly good, video tape playback is an issue
5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
More picture settings memories, discrete IR commands for each setting.
6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
see #5
7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
That my wife was so satisfied with the PQ! She is normally VERY critical of PQ. Also amazed at the difference progressive scan made with DVDs.
8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
none, really.
9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Yes!
10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Bought from Visual Apex, they were great! Wish I had remembered to tip the delivery driver! As someone else pointed out, I do get tired of defending my purchase to the "plasma experts" who know things like "the gas has to be changed out" and "plasmas can't be repaired." Sigh.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic 657UY

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Black Level and Size.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Size and Black Levels do not disapoint. This can
can produce a huge stunning picture.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The gradients sometimes show banding and some color shift.
Not a huge problem, but I am a perfectionis.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
I would like to run 2 DVI's and one HDMI.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Make an HDMI board that can take native rate. Support 72H or 48HZ for
film mode.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
It is huge and heavy.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Bad S-Video board, but I hear they fixed that problem.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I bought it didn't I

This is a great Plasma. Let's hope the prices and black levels keep falling.

-- Rich

1. The "Model" you have.
TH-42PX25U/P

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Liked plasmas, exhaustive research, Circuit City deal popped up and I jumped on it.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Bright HD scenes (Discovery HD/Hi-Def sports) look fantastic.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Despite how much everyone raves about Panasonic black levels I think this is the weakest part of this set. "Black" is at best a really dark grey - better than most RP sets I've seen, but not black. My $250 CRT blows it away as far as black levels go. Also I'm starting to see burn slight burn in from watching about 40% SD, non-stretched . Gotta start stretching all the time now.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Native 720p support.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Support 720p natively on all plasmas.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How crappy SD looks especially games (PS2, GameCube).

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Burn in starting, gotta stretch 100% of the time now.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Not to the average consumer, but for me I guess.

10. Still waiting for inky blacks...

sticky

1. The "Model" you have.
-Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
-Price, Contrast Ratio, Black Level.
-Reviews on this forum
-Didn't need speakers, tuner, so commercial model was perfect and cheaper.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
-Brightness, color saturation, HDTV picture quality

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
-False contouring, solarization, Color banding on every fade
-Not enough gray scale steps

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
-Discrete remote control of the various inputs
-Programmable names for the screen settings. I could rename them to something meaningful, instead of dynamic, cinema, etc

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
-Fix the grayscale problems to get rid of false contouring
-Black levels or contrast still needs to be better.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
-Looks pretty good on SD digital sources,
-Spectactular HD from HD video sources

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
-None, no warranty work yet

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
-Yes, price has dropped a lot in the last 1 1/2 years

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
-Plasmas have problems with false contouring and its not talked about on the forum. I don't think it can all be blamed on DVD mastering..
-Broadcasters need to do a better job with their HDTV quality, some shows are so oversaturated you have to adjust the set to get the skin tones right