[Ron Smith]

I have narrowed my search down to a 52" Mitsubishi DLP or a 42" plasma. This is a stop-gap purchase, waiting to get a 50" plasma when the prices come down and the burn-in issue is resolved (or almost resolved) -- maybe 2-3 years.


The only thing keeping me from going with the plasma, for sure, is the burn-in issue. But, I have decided, to heck with the burn-in problem if I can pick up a plasma in the $3500 range (integrated tuner not needed). Anything available in this price range?

 

[Ron Alcasid]

where have you been? decent 42" plasmas can be had for $2000.

 

[Ron Smith]

Been to BB, CC, UE -- about everything I have seen is in the $4000-$5000 range. I was hoping to pick up a brand name plasma for $3500, but I think I have only seen one so far for that price -- and it was a last year's model.

 

[jcpzero]

Ron:


There are two types of plasmas: ED (enhanced definition) and HD high definition. You can definitely find a great ED in your price range. And there are many threads you can search on the ED vs HD for 42" plasma TVs. I find the ED to be excellent at a 10ft viewing distance and not worth the extra $$ for an HD set.


There are a few HD sets around your price range. Check the forum sponsors and look at the panasonic 7uy sets -> they are highly rated on this forum.


JCPZero

 

[Ron Alcasid]

Visit Visual Apex, Plasma Concepts or TV Authority websites. The links are at the top of this page.

 

[Ron Smith]

Sorry folks, I forgot to specify I was looking for a HD plasma display. I tried to edit the subject, but can't seem to get it changed.


Yes, you are probably right, an ED is pretty good for now, but I am thinking ahead for a year or two, when most of the sources should be switched over to High Definition.


I did notice that Dell just announced a 42" HD plasma display. Anybody have any experience with these sets yet.

 

[dusty144]

If you are looking for EDTV's my local Big Box store has a Zenith 42pw46 on sale for about $2200. Seems to have an excellent image.


HDTV is more expensive but depending on the quality you want many many 50" plasmas are available in the 3500 to 4500 price range online from very reputable dealers.


Burn in has not been a serious problem with the newer generations.


IMHO if you plan to spend $3500 you should be able to get a product to keep for some time. You don't have to settle for a temporary fix.


I was seriously attracted to the 50" Pioneer 503 which is still available online in the $3500 range. But I decided to save for another month and get the Panny 50phd7uy which is approx $1000 more. Neither have tuners.


Also a few of us are waiting for the holiday season price drop to get the best deals. Who knows the Panny 50" may be in the $4000 range by then. Also in my opinion try to find a big box furniture/appliance store in you area. They often have better deals than BB, CC et al.


Comp USA is selling a rebadged NEC (DAEWOO) for Just under 2 grand. This is a fantastic set that is surely worth more. If I were in the market for a 42" EDTV I'd snap this up.

 

[DJRobX]

We like the idea of the Daewoo from CompUSA but none seem to have it.


-- Rob

 

[dusty144]

My local Nebraska Furniture Mart has the DAewoo in stock for a sub $1900 price. They have had them for over a month.


Other stores carry them. Try calling around.

 

[robert123]

The LG RU-42PZ61 should be available (it just started shipping) for $3800. See
here


Robert

 

[absolutic]

wait, is DAEWOO HD? I thought it was ED

 

[Alex Wetmore]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron Smith Sorry folks, I forgot to specify I was looking for a HD plasma display. I tried to edit the subject, but can't seem to get it changed. Yes, you are probably right, an ED is pretty good for now, but I am thinking ahead for a year or two, when most of the sources should be switched over to High Definition.

You should go watch some HD on an EDTV plasma. From normal viewing distances the 42" displays look really good with HD signals.


If you want a 50" display I would just spend the extra $1000 from your target price point and get one.


alex

 

[dusty144]

I think Ron was looking at a DLP set that is already available in the $3500 range. He was unconfortable spending more than that because of the burn in problem which still exists though much reduced.


Anyone know what the burn in performance is now and how much it has improved?

 

[Ron Smith]

Alex, I'm still not comfortable with the burn-in issue. If I am going to run the risk of burn-in, I want practice be on a less expensive display. As I mentioned earlier, I think they may have most of the burn-in issues resolved in a few years -- and that is when I want to pick up my 50" plasma.


I'm thinking if I can get a decent 42" HD plasma now for around $3500, I should also be able to get a really good 50" HD plasma for about the same price in 2-3 years -- and therefore the total cost will be in the $6000-$8000 range, which is just a little more than I would spend on a very good 50" HD plasma today. In this way, I can have my plasma now, and then have another makes 2 in a couple of years for almost the same price.


I have seen some references to the new Panny 42" HD plasmas above, but I still can't find one for somewhere around $3500 -- am I looking at the right models.

 

[dusty144]

Ron since you mentioned it, Visual Apex has the 42phd7uy at just under $3600. That seems to be a fabulous price and fits your bill perfectly.

 

[Ron Smith]

Dusty, I did look at the specs via a comparison sheet put together by mooneydriver on another thread. Looks like it would be really close to what I am after. The comparison sheet showed Optional for the HDMI, DVI and Component connections, so I need to run down some more information about that. The only thing, from a consumer perspective, that I (my wife) might miss is there appears to be no closed captioning. I didn't realize that it was carrying a $3800 price tag (that's good).


Do you know if the BBs, CCs, UEs carry the 42phd7uy. I guess I am not familiar with Visual Apex -- is that a B&M outfit or are they an on-line retailer. The carry-in warranty would be a bummer if I couldn't get it locally, probably from a B&M establishment.


I had kind of thought I would get a 4-yr additional warranty with this purchase. How about everyone else -- are you picking up additional warranties on these things -- I seem to be seeing from $400-$600 for this additional coverage.

 

[kdviner70]

Visual Apex is a member of this AVS forum "alliance." You can click their logo at the top of the page and go to their site. I have seen some good comments about them on the forum. Have not used them but would consider it.

 

[dusty144]

It is extremely unlikely that you will see a 7uy plasma at a B&M. This is the commercial line of Panasonic plasmas that grown extremely popular because of its customizability.

http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Broa...sma/specs2.asp


Here is alink to the specs. It does have component input. But you can add more with a card. HDMI and DVI are also available with cards. This is neat because if technology changes all you have to do is swap a card.


Visual Apex probably gives you better service than many of the B&M's. They have a one pixel replacement policy for instance. They also have extended warranties of all types. Personally I'm getting my TV on a AMEX which extends my warranty for an additional year.


The way I figure is something is going to go wrong it will be in that time.


I'd call visual apex on their toll free number. They know a lot more than I do about this stuff and all the ratings of them on this site have been stellar which can't be said for BB, CC etc.

 

[RelDudeGOP]

our compusa has a bunch of them in stock

 

[jcpzero]

Quote:

Originally posted by RelDudeGOP our compusa has a bunch of them in stock

Do you work at comp usa? I do not see a panasonic 7uy listed on the comp usa website and I have not seen one at my local store. If some stores are carrying the 7uy I would like to see one in person.


JCPZero