[jgn]

I might be able to pick up a Sony PFM-500A3WU 42" plasma monitor cheaply. The specs I have list the following connections: 1 x display / video VGA / VBE / 15 PIN mini D-Sub. (I have not yet seen the actual unit to see the connections it has.) I want to use this to watch TV. My question is whether this monitor can accept a video or S-video input, and if not what would be needed to do so. Thanks, John

 

[ats]

jgn,


Welcome to the forum. The standard input board on the PFM-500A3WU allows for 1 video input via BNC connector or 1 S-Video input via 4-pin mini din connector and Component Video also via BNC connectors. I have had 4 of these plasmas in my shop and they all had defective panels. As this is an older model, make sure it works before you buy it.

 

[jgn]

Thank you. I won't be able to see the unit before tomorrow. My concern was that this was a 'presentation' device that only included VGA inputs. Apparently there are several versions. I will also make sure that the unit works. Anything else to look for? (Appreciate your taking time to reply.) John

 

[ats]

John,


The obvious thing to look for would be any type of image burn-in. The best way to check this would be to feed the display with and all white signal. You can also check the total panel hours via the menu. I believe you can also display an all white signal via the menu. Hope this helps.

 

[jgn]

I now have two of the above panels for evaluation. There does not seem to be any burnin. One panel has 13,000 hours and the other 29,000 hours. It looks like these were used at an airport as they wer mounted in huge, custom metal enclosures.


The monitors have some nicks and scratches on the cases and screens and in all seem 'OK'. You were spot-on with your description of the input and output connections. It seems that s-video is labelled 'Y/C' on this unit. What does that stand for? Yo' cable?


Thanks again for your help.