OK! Your Plasma! You Tell Me! Got a new one? post it here - Page 11

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic 50PX500U

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

I was looking at 5060; but the supply was short, and personally I don't like the TV stand design (IMO, 5050 has the best design). The 500U has a similar design, plus there are tons of excellent reviews out there. Just have the TV right before Christmas!!! WOW!

After 3 yrs of Sony KV-34XBR800... I am ready to move on to PDP. By the way, KV-34XBR800 is still the BEST TUBE TV out there, IMO.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Super nice performance. The shell design is very nice. Easy to use on screen meun.

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

Extra HDMI input will be nice.... maybe a separated box for all the input like 5060?

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

Better design / quality remote control. Better PnP. I get used to Sony's PnP...

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

Fix the Picture-in-Picture function!!!! Make it more user friendly... look at what Sony does!

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

Size... I know I going to get a 50"; but once it is in my setting room....man.... it is BIGGGG..

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

None so far... crossing my fingers....

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

In the world of electric.... forget it. Just get what you like and try to have as much fun as you can. My old KV-34XBR800 was $2500 three yrs ago... and now worth about 30% only. But I am still very happy about my TV

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

All I am waiting for is HD-TIVO.... and Bur-ray DVD.... man... can't wait.

1. The "Model" you have.

TH-42PWD8

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

Reviews of ED versus HD.
Seeing both ED & HD side by side.
FCC delay with HD adoption.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Everything so far.

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

Nothing not to like.

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

I don't.

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

None - I wouldn't presume to.

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

Just how good everything was. We switched from a Sony 27# to the Panasonic, added in surround sound, new DVD player. It's hard to isolate the monitor/TV with such sweeping changes.

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

None

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

Still a little overpriced. Competition from larger LCDs will help that in the future.

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

1. The "Model" you have.
Maxent MX50-X3 50"

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
The Maxent thread probably did it for me

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Great picture, low price.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
No snob appeal, I have to explain who Maxent is when friends visit.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
One more HDMI port.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Crank some out with a black frame..


7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma. That everything worked great the first time (and shock for how big it looks in my living room)

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I had held off for years on getting a big screen, at what I payed for this, if it's obsolete in 5 years I'll happily buy something better.

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

1. The "Model" you have.
Toshiba 42HP95

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Toshiba's glass is the same as the Panny, w/PC connection on lower priced model than the Panny.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Great picture, low price.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
It's not a 70"!!!!

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
One more HDMI port. (I agree)

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Crank some out with a black frame. (agree again)


7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma?
I'll let you guys know when I get it.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
I bought it yesterday (wed 1/25/06) @ sears), but I wont get it till next wed (2/1/06)

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I had held off for years on getting a big screen, at what I payed for this, if it's obsolete in 5 years I'll happily buy something better. (Ditto)

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

1. The "Model" you have.
Panny TH-50PM50U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Panny picture just looked better than the other models in the price range. Looked at the Vizio, Philips, etc...had a chance to work with both and adjust the settings...for the relatively small price difference, the bettter PQ was worth it to me.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Great picture, great picture, great picture

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
SD in zoom mode is not a good thing. World's cheesiest remote.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
One more HDMI port.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Speakers on the sides rather than the bottom. Would love to be able to zoom HD/DVD material to eliminate letterbox bars...

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma?
pleasant surprises: glare does not seem to be a facor...good viewing even during the day in a farily bright room...

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Needed longer cables! No problem with the TV yet, though.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
It's definitely an indulgence. Worth it? probably not completely, but did it anyway.

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

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK

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

In order of relavence:

Price:Size (both within the realm of reason)
PQ (excellent)
Inputs (defaults were all I needed)
Bezel (sleek, black, wall mount = sexy)
Speakers (didn't need/want any)

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Everything in 2, and brownie points for:

Big handles on the back for lifting/mounting

Vertically aligned inputs (facilitates low profile wall mounting)

BNC connectors (prefer BNC over RCA after learning more about both)

Built-in twist-tie thingies to tie down your input cords (they thought of everything)

Adjustable shades of grey for the 4:3 "Normal" mode side-bars (we like dark grey)

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

One very small issue with one aspect of the tv (and it's avoidable) but I don't like Justify mode. It appears to "bend" 4:3 images so that they are slightly concave (or is it convex? They go "in"). You can see it when scenes pan quickly left or right, you can detect more motion on the left & right sides than in the center. This produces a slight but noticeable inverted fish-eye effect. It's not noticeable when a scene is still, but I find it "obviously noticeable" when the scene is panning or moving laterally. I find it distracting, particularly for video games with frequent lateral panning motion (an FPS where you are constantly looking around is a good example). My wife agrees, she also finds it too distracting to use.

But like I said it's avoidable. We just use "Nomal" mode and watch all 4:3 content w/ side bars, and we're happy with that.

Update: Pixel response time

The pixel response time of Green is very slow. Red is not quite as slow, and Blue is not an issue (it's virtually instant). What this means is, some people (including myself) may be prone to seeing "yellow smearing" when brighter portions of the screen quickly transition to darker ones. While the Red and Green pixels fade in the absence of Blue, this can produce discrete but noticeable yellow hues. This may be an innate plasma issue due to the nature of the gasses used to produce color, as it's been reported on more than just the Panny model. It will be noticeable in modern games where 3D scenes are in constant motion, the slow pixel response will cause discolored blurring (the effect is similar to older LCD computer monitors). Read this thread to see people discussing it.

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

None.

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

See 4.

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

I didn't really buy this thing to watch HD programming, so when I saw my first ESPN/DiscoveryHD stuff I was pretty amazed. When some of these shots have good lighting & focus, they begin to transcend from "looks good" to "looks real". Typical newbie HD reaction probably, but the most memorable wow-factor for the first few hours none the less.

And it was a little surprising to learn that 97lbs really does weigh 97lbs! For some reason when you're looking down at the tv, nestled in styrofoam holsters in the open box, you can't help but mentally dismiss that 97lbs for something more like... I dunno, 75ish. It's so thin, it just doesn't seem like it'll really weigh "a hundred pounds". Then you lift it up out of the box and yea, 97 is a good start - feels more like 115. Bring a friend!

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

None.

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

If they weren't, this thread wouldn't be stickied to the top of the forum.

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

Where to buy is usually the next question after what to buy, so I'll add that I got mine from monitor outlet, got good/curteous response from CS via email & phone, received undamaged from FL to CA and had a smooth purchase overall.

1. The "Model" you have. Vizio P50 HDM 50" (aka Costco special)

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model". Several things really - the thread in this forum, the fact it fit in my bedroom - the picture quality - price point - and Costco's return policy!

3. What you like best about your Plasma. Value, Price, and Picture Quality

4. What you don't like about your Plasma. Cheesiest remote EV4R!!!

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had. Digital Audio IN to compliment the Analog HD IN

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma. Make your remote light up!

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma. The base weighed next to nothing

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma. Since its in my bedroom, I can't really eat a meal while watching it

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it. Heck yah - wouldn't have bought one otherwise!

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged. You know it - check it here for a picture

-Danny

1. The "Model" you have.
JVC PD-50X795

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
I have owned serveral JVC products and have had good results.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Looks, great picture and sound. Stunning picture on most SD channels and great HD. So many extra features to try and list. I like having the additional Media box which allows multiple connections, Plasma has a good internal digital & analog turner. I like the panoramic,cinema and full features which work great. You can switch from 480i.480p,720p, to 1080i and can adjust with the features you want to create the best picture. If the picture is off you can move the entire picture up/down/left/right to center it. I have had no image burn-in retention yet. This set does have picture shift capabilities as well as a feature to periodically erase burn-in which takes about 55 minutes to complete. (Supposedly burns all pixels to the same level of brightness) haven't needed to do this though.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
I don't like to having to actually go thru each input instead of scrolling to select one I want, there are at least 6 inputs including PC input.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
None really, it has so many but still would like what was mentioned above in #4

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
#4

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
The 50" screen size and the looks of this set.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None yet, I do have 1 yr manufacturer 5 years of in-home service warranty, though.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
No they are not, however if you want the toys you have to pay for them. Fortunately, I could afford this set. It lists for $8000 but I got it for [MSRP only please] delivered including 5 years in home service plus 1 year manuf. warranty tolalling 6 years.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
I would like to hear from others on this forum who may have this plasma or know anything pertaining to this model good or bad.

Well after much research that started back in Nov, and numerous trips to different stores to check out plasma screen TV's, I finally pulled the trigger today.

I ordered the TH-42PD50U from Panasonic. 42" plasma ED (Enhanced Definition) TV......

I have compared it to al ot of other brands, and for the price I don't think I could go too much wrong with it. I know it's not high Def, but I also saved about a thousand bucks so that works out. Looking at it compared to other high Def and I'm hard pressed to tell the difference.

It is supposed to be in on the 13th of Feb. I decided to say the delivery charge and go to the store myself. My extended cab pick up can handle it.

Funny story, sort of..... This past Sunday, I stopped at Circut City in Spokane and looked at the Panny they had. God, I still oved that picture quality so I asked the salesman if he had any in the bak. Of course he didn't.

But than he pointed out the price shown was a sale price that expired. The actual price was $100.00 more than displayed. But in an act of major generosity, he offered to let me buy the display model at that lower price.

I asked him how long it was on the floor and he said about a month. I told him there was no way I was going to take a floor model thats been used for a month for a mere $100 off the normal retail price. He said it was a low as he could go, so I thanked him for his offer alnd left.

As it turned out, I got this one for $200.00 less than Circut City was asking, and this is brand new, never used, out of the box..... Of course I decided to opt for the 3 year service plan, just in case. For this kind of money, it's at least a little peace of mind if nothing else.

Of course, now I'm having those "second thought" things you always get after you comitt to a large purchase, but damn it, I'm just plain excited. What finally pushed me over the edge so to speak was this.....

We just got back from a few days vacation in Las Vegas. Our hotel room had a 42" plasma TV in it. Now, when you go to the store and look at these TV's, it's nice... But I think the real WOW factor comes when you actually have time to lay on the bed and watch your tv shows like you were at home... CSI, the news, that kind of stuff.... Thats whan it really hit you..... Then you come home and look at your 25 incher, that used to look pretty big, and well.... Your officially spoiled!

So anyway. I just wanted to post some bragging rights, and when it finally comes and we have it all hooked up, I'll report back..... Geez, I remember, back in the day, when you wanted to buy a new tv, the only issue you had to consider was "what size screen"... I sometimes miss the good old days...

congrats on your purchase, looking forward to your follow-up. I to am thinking about a ED panel, could you tell me how standard digital looks? I'm thinking it should look great!!! none of the "hd looks great but sd sucks syndrome".

goodluck and enjoy

Went to Best Buy last weekend and was able to get the Panasonic TH-37PX50U on sale for $300 under MSRP and 36 month no interest financing. This is my first plasma purchase and my first tv purchase since I bought a Sony Wega 7 years ago. I'm very excited about joining the world of the audiophiles. Now, I have my eye on the Sony S70 DVD player. I did most of my research on this board and I look forward to posting questions in the near future. After looking at some of the pictures in the gallery, I'm excited about putting together a killer HTS.

1. The "Model" you have.

NEC 50XR5

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

The NEC thread on these boards. I bought sight unseen and have absolutely no regrets.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Spectacular PQ, aesthetically pleasing.

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

Ugly and poorly-designed remote with minimal usefulness.

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

A tuner wouldn't hurt, but I really didn't need one.

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

Aside from the remote control, keep up the good work.

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

Usual n00b reaction to how mind-blowing HD can look when the incoming signal is better than the one you see at B&M stores. And how gigantic a 50-inch screen really is. I can't even imagine what it's like to have one that's over 60 inches.

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

None, and I don't expect to have any.

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

Plasmas may cost less in the future, but life is short. The NEC provides quality near the Fujitsus and Pioneer Elites and at a gentler price.

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

All the praise for Cleveland Plasma is justified. Chris is great at his job.

1. The "Model" you have.

Pioneer 505cmx

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

I sold my other plasma before christmas to buy the new NEC 50, and then they took forever to get in the country. I was having a New Years party and I needed something to put back on my wall to cover up my beautiful metal plasma bracket with wire sticking out of the wall.
I knew that this new gen. of plasmas was going to be great, no matter what I got, and I could get the Pioneer fast. Plus Key digital makes a sick scaler card for it. The idea of interchangeble video/data cards appeals to me.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

How much it completely exceeded my expectations, they are finally getting it right with these new ones.

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

I cant have sex with it. It's that pretty sometimes.

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

A lifelike vagina on the side of it.

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

See #5

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

That I didn't blow 3 grand on a POS plasma. Or mabey it was relief. I had never laid eyes on one until it landed on my doorstep.

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

None. But I'm still in the honeymoon stage.

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

Yeah, if you're a dealer and you can buy wholesale. Or if you have an easy way to sell it if you don't like it.

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

Don't drive yourselves crazy when shopping for these things. As long as you don't go bargain bin shopping for plasmas and stick with one of the 4 main players you'll be very happy with it.

Please see quote below:

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK

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

The great reviews on the Internet. The small form factor. It is simply a monitor with a rectangular rim. That's all I needed.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

The picture quality is superb. The guy who calibrated the set said it was one of the best he had seen. Watching movies is now a real pleasure.

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

i) The fact that Panasonic and other plasma manufacturers are blatantly lying by saying that plasma's have no worse problems than CRT's with burn-in issues

ii) The warning's about being "careful" during the first 100 hours of viewing should be displayed in big, bold letters on the first page of the manual - ie turn down contrast and brightness, view at full screen, don't display static images

iii) The out of the box settings are the settings most likely to cause burn-in! Come on manufacturers, make the out of the box settings a little less harmful...

iv) I had burn-in by accidentally leaving input 2 on the default settings and displaying a bright static image from a media player. Even though I would only display these images for a max of 10 mins at a time, I still got burn-in. From browsing these forums I learnt to use the screen savers and leave a DVD running at full screen for hours at a time. This has reduced the burn-in but it is still there.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Wobbling and Peak Limit to be turned on by default (to reduce likelihood of burn-in) and out of the box settings to be less harmful.

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

See #4 and #5

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

How good it looked in my living room.

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

See #4

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

No way. I spent $4000 on something that I have to be very careful with when displaying static images. This means I have to be very careful when playing games, using my media centre, using it as a PC monitor and when watching channels with a bright logo.

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

If you want a 50" TV, are prepared to pay the money and are willing to live with the limitations then a plasma is the way to go. I wanted a 50" TV today and I tried rear projection (I got the rainbow effect) and LCD (fast moving objects were a problem and I didn't feel the picture quality was as "warm" as plasma), so plasma was my choice. I just wish I didn't accidentally hit "normalise" when playing with the menu choices when I was on input 1....

Hi Snappy,

I'm going to get my pe4200n tomorrow.... any more things you could let me know for settings and connections, etc that you may think is helpful to me?

Thanks!

1. The "Model" you have. panny 42hd8uk

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model". Cheep, everyone seemed to recommend this one here.

3. What you like best about your Plasma. Form factor, been an rptv man.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma. Floating black level problem..only see it when the lights are completely off, but annoying.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had. DVI.Hdmi on board would have been nice

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma. Please fix Number 4.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma. Didnt know the pc input could double up as a component in.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma. I though mounting to metal studs would be a problem, but didnt have any issues at all, just get the biggest sheet metal screws you can.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it. For the 42 and 50 in sizes yes. Used to be you paid anywhere between 2-3x the price of comprable rptvs, but now you pay a very small premium, like 10%. Def worth it.

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

1. The "Model" you have.

Pioneer 5061

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

Was certain I was going to get the Panny 50". Compared the 2 side by side at Best Buy and preferred the less glare of the Pioneer (my room has a lot of windows). I also much preferred the glossy black finish. It also came with the mount, which helped with the price difference over the Panny.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

I previously had a 32" Sony POCT (plain old crappy tv) that was the max size for my built in entertainment center. I am absolutely stunned with the HD picture, especially sports. Even HD commercials are worth watching, at least until the newness wears off.

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

Haven't found anything yet that I don't like. Again, I came from a 32" POCT.

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

Beats me.

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

Lower the price!

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

At how tremendous the picture quality is. It looks far better than in the store. Even older movies shown on the HD channels look great.

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

None.

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

I spent my annual bonus on it, so it is not rent/food money. The only thing I spend more time using is my bed, so that's how I justify the price.

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

1. The "Model" you have.

Pioneer PDP-4214

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

The $400 price drop at Costco brought the price down to lower end HD Plasma's. Beautiful black finish.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Bright vivid colors. Has none of the black level problems that I hear everyone on this site talking about.

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

I find myself watching HD channels only because they are HD.

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

Cable card slot.... maybe. Not a big deal for me, but could be for others.

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

None yet, we will see after a few months.

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

No real surprises. The picture looks phenomenal, but that was expected.

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

None.

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

Sure. Who wouldn't like to pay less though?

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

1. The "Model" you have.

Pioneer 4360HD

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

I was sold on the Panasonic pro model, but supply problems got in the way. I started looking at alternatives and started looking closely at this model. The more I looked, the more I liked.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Beautiful picture (even with the setting toned down for the burn-in period) and ease of connections (the separate media box makes it a piece of cake).

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

The stand mount that comes with this unit is cheap. I'm only using it temporarily so it's not really an issue, but they should include the swivel mount (Elite model) with all their plasmas.

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

So far so good.

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

Uhhhh... continue to slash prices so I can buy one for the bedroom.

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

I was seriously considering a 50", but this thing is big. A 50" would have been too big for my space.

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

None yet... <<fingers crossed>>

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

IMO they're still a bit on the high end. $50/inch for Pio/Panny quality should be what the industry strives for.

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

My four year old daughter almost jumped out of her seat last night during a snake attack scene on INHD... I think she thought it was coming out of the TV.

HITACHI 42HDM12

I was sold on the Panny 42PX50U, but they were not avaiable, and the Hitachi was a better value.

Excellent PQ particularly on HD, and acceptable SD.

I only wish it had more inputs

See number 4

Include better set-up instructions, it took me 15 minutes to figure out that I had to go to the HDMI screen to get the picture from the cable box.

How much better the picture looked at home as opposed to the store. I have a feeling that the settings were intentionally turned down as compared to the more expensive models.

None so far,I have just completed my 100 hour break-in and I'm ready to do my Avia calibration.

I still feel they are too high and they will decline as DLP and Micros fall below 2K plaza will do the same.

I must have spent four months doing research and reading this forum. It was a good exercise for me , and I learned that will always be a new model, so just pull the plug and enjoy it!

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-42PX50U

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

A lot of research and Consumer Reports "Best Buy" rating

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Picture Quality

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

Worrying about uneven phosphor aging. (Not that concerned by everything I've read so far).

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

It has all the feature I wanted so no complaints here.

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

Make the supplied stand more attractive. Work with the satellite providers to develop a card like the cable card some models have now.

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

How well it looked (PQ) in our well lit family room.

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

None so far except for some HDMI issues that I have addressed in other threads.

9. Do you really think that today's "Prices" are worth it.

After watching this thing on HD channels......YES.

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

I just like saying Plasma!!!!

1. The "Model" you have.

NEC 42XR4A

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

Wife vetoed a 50". Brand loyalty to NEC.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Picture Quality, viewing angles, the panel itself is pleasing to look at even when off. The connectivity the panel offers is great.

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

Buzzes a little bit. I put some fabric behind it to absorb the sound. Its mostly eliminated. I think the sound was amplified by being wall mounted on drywall with a 5 degree downward tilt.

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

HDMI 1080P.

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

Get your panels into more high end stores.

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

SD picture quality was better than expected, very watchable. Stadium stretch mode is very good.

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

Little bit of buzzing.

9. Do you really think that today's "Prices" are worth it.

Of course I want it cheaper, but don't sacrifice the quality. Make it cheaper/better, not just cheaper.

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

I have bought NEC in the past (computer monitors) and always loved their displays. I'm glad to see that the high quality of NEC continues

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK

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

I've wanted a 60" or larger plasma for years. The prices finally dropped
enough for me to justify the cost of a 50". The consensus on the web was
that the new 8UK is a high-quality product. So far, I must agree.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

#1) Awesome picture quality in all light levels. Every once in a while, the local
stations broadcast HDTV material which is almost three dimensional. For a
fleeting instant, I feel like I'm looking out an open window rather than
staring at a piece of glass on the wall. That's fun. I can't wait to watch
the Masters this Spring.

#2) Separate video adjustments for each HDMI card I've installed. I can tweak
my DVD player and HDTV tuner separately. Total geek-out!

#3) Removes a bulky 32" CRT telly from between my speakers for even better
soundstaging.

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

Babes are not as impressed as I could have hoped. No fawning or swooning
when they see my big ol' plasma, amps, and speakers. It's almost like that
stuff isn't important to them! Go figure. They do say, "Oh my..." when they
walk in the house, but I get the feeling they don't mean that in a good way.

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

I wish Panny made a HD tuner card for their commercial models. It would be
a nice option when/if this plasma is moved to the bedroom someday.

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

Sell the 8UK for $1500 and you'll own the plasma market.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise"...

How easy the install went. After installing an HDMI card and abandoning
S-video, I was also shocked how great a $100 upscaling DVD player looks.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had...

Large, subtle color gradiations are often "bands" of discreet color. I first
noticed this effect on the "krill: Swim Away!" scene in Finding Nemo. The
murky ocean in the background is moving bands of color rather than a mist of
grey/blue. It can be distracting now that I've noticed it, especially since the rest
of the movie looks so good.

I strongly suspect this artifact is caused (or at least exacerbated) by taking a
source with only 480 lines of resolution and scaling to 1080. I rarely see this on
HDTV broadcasts. When I do see it OTA, I suspect the station is upscaling before
they broadcast. The effect is less pronounced and it usually only happens on
station logo screens.

I hope that a BlueRay edition of Finding Nemo make the bands go away.
If not, que sera whatever. The Panny still suits my tastes better than any
other technology at any price. No regrets.

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

I wouldn't have purchased the plasma if I felt it wasn't worth the cost. That's
how I knew it was time to buy. The price was right. I couldn't NOT buy it.

10. Any additional information...

I'm very happy with the purchase. Visual Apex gave me a very pleasant
e-shopping experience.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-42PX50U

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

Wanted the best 42" on the market. The forum convinced me this was it.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Picture, Picture, Picture

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

I would prefer a round or oval stand.

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

Hope I have all the hookups necessary for the near future.

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

Get a better looking stand.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise"...

How simple to get hook up and use.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had...

None

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

If I say no, then I look pretty stupid.

10. Any additional information...

I was concerned about glare. I have lost of glass in front and behind, but not to the sides. My seating is in a semi-circle and except for the one directly in front, no glare. So no more chair directly facing in front and problem solved.

1. The "Model" you have.
Toshiba 50HP95

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Reviews, features, price, picture quality and overall appearance.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Picture quality, especially HD.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
SD doesn't look so good anymore.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
None so far. Maybe a second HDMI port.

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

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
This thing is heavy! Not as bad when I took of the base to mount on the wall. I was also blown away by HD picture quality.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None with the plasma.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Debatable. Retail prices are still a little steep. Fortunately my wife works for one of the big stores.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
A lot of what other people have said is true. Stop waiting for the next greatest thing or you'll never get anything. I've had this for two weeks and it's great. DOn't worry about what's coming out tomorrow.

1. The "Model" you have.
TH-42PD50U
2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Read all the threads on AVS forums and did lots of looking at the B&M stores. My wife and I watch about 50/25/25 DVD/HD/SD and based on this the ED model was the best bang for the buck.
3. What you like best about your Plasma.
DVD's look unbelievable. BUT, only got that way after calibrating with DV essentials DVD. Looked good before that but now the effect is really jaw-dropping. Family and neighbors are transfixed by the image quality. HD looks great and SD varies from decent to mediocre depending on the channel and whether it's digital or not.
4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Not crazy about the silver bezel and finish. But it's actually not as bad as I thought it would be.
5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Auto-calibration would be nice :-)
6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Get rid of "Torch" mode completely from the user available menus. It looks terrible even on the store floor.
7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How much more there was to see in a DVD and HD. Textures and color saturation are amazing.
8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Option-itis. I had all the MPEG whatnots and Video NR whosits turned on because they were there. Going with the "Less is more" approach yields better PQ.
9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Bought mine from Manolia in July for $2499 and they did a $500 drop in price matching 90 days later. For me that was a pleasant surprise. I'd love it if these things were $150 but that might be a touch unrealisitic. Overall, I'm very happy with the TV and glad that my money was not spent on something I don't like now.
10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
If you're considering a Plasma TV, ask yourself:
1) How much can I spend?
2) What are my viewing habits? (DVD, HD, SD, etc.)
3) What kind of environment will the TV be in (Dedicated HT, family room, bright light, etc.)
Knowing the answer to these questions will really help narrow down your choices. I just want to say a big THANKS to everyone on this forum for all their advice and hard work. This forum is the go-to place for anything Audio/Visual

Cheers!!
Mike

p.s. My Setup:
Panny TH-42PD50U
Panny S97 DVD player (via HDMI to plasma and upconverted to 720p... i know it shouldn't look better, but my eyes tell me different!)
Panny XR-55 (brand new, haven't even tried it out yet!)
Mirage Omnisat (L C R) (also brand new)
Mirage Omni S8 sub (also brand new)

1. The "Model" you have.
TH-50px50u

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Going to B&M stores, reading reviews, both here, CNET, and pretty much everywhere i could find people's opinions.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
PQ is fantastic, no glare from glass.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Cannot change aspect ration on HD feeds.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Day/Night button to change picture settings for each input.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
How about they sell them already broken-in!! That way the consumer doesn't have to worry about burn-in as much.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How spectacular the PQ was for hd and how poor SD pictures are.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Only problem is not having a wider selection of HD channels to watch!

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I still think they are expensive, but at least the prices are not as high as they used to be.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Just to make sure that you get the right screen size for your viewing room, and to consider any potential change in viewing room and lighting conditions.

So after nearly 3 years of delays....

1. The "Model" you have.
TH42PM50U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Kind of leaned towards 8UK, but Costco return policy adds serious peace of mind

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
PQ out of the box was far better than I expected. Glare was much less than expected.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Miniscule remote, no discreets. Will have to think about a Harmony finally.

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

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

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
Out of the box PQ. Using composite input, 6 year old DVD, not even progressive scan and it was still very impressive.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Nothing yet.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Pushing the pricey side still, but worth it to be sure.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
I'll echo Hedonist in make sure you get the right size. While I think a 50 might work in here (smaller room), the 42 is already looking like a giant after replacing the 27 inch crt.

1. The "Model" you have.
Vizio P50HDM 50"

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Lots of inputs, great price, with reportedly great PQ for the money. The store's return policy was also a huge selling point.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
PQ is great with the right source material. Some DVD's look near HD. I was concerned about glare, but it's actually much better than the 35" tube TV we upgraded from. The piano black frame also looks much nicer in the house than it did in the store.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The silver speaker bar at the bottom. Makes it look like an RPTV. If it were just a little thinner, or painted black instead, I would have no complaints. That said, this set is still a very nice addition to the room. Not an eyesore by any stretch.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Built-in tuner. Detachable speakers.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
See #4 & 5.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How bad a lot of HDTV programming is. Some channels look great, but others have a lot of compression artifacts. For instance, the Olympics on Universal HD look amazing. On our local NBC HD channel, they're pretty ugly.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Slight buzzing during bright scenes. Can only hear it with the volume muted and at < 5' away. Probably never would have noticed it if I didn't read these forums obsessively. Our track lighting is noisier. Not sure if I think it's worth calling tech support over.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Probably not. It's definitely a luxury purchase (one I probably can't really afford - but that's what credit cards are for!). If it were $1000 cheaper, it would be a no-brainer.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Moving from Tivo to the cable company's DVR has been a challenge. You don't realize how well-done Tivo is until you have to deal with another company's clunky interface.