Plasma Tv/ Lcd Tv

[stumonster]

more questions for the LCD experts

looking at this page for 32" LCDs

http://www.sinsiamelectronics.com/catalog/...t=2a&page=1

is it important to get 1080p in a 32" as they all seem to top out at 1080i ?

the response times seem to be a bit slow compared to my computer LCD monitor - is this an issue?

in the 25k to 30k baht range there is phillips , sharp , samsung and sony - any opinions on any of the models advertised ?

[LivinLOS]

more questions for the LCD experts

looking at this page for 32" LCDs

http://www.sinsiamelectronics.com/catalog/...t=2a&page=1

is it important to get 1080p in a 32" as they all seem to top out at 1080i ?

the response times seem to be a bit slow compared to my computer LCD monitor - is this an issue?

in the 25k to 30k baht range there is phillips , sharp , samsung and sony - any opinions on any of the models advertised ?

Again I think your getting mislead by marketing..

For a start all LCD sets are progressive, none will display native 1080i, they all have to convert it to a p / progressive signal.. So none of those sets 'top out at 1080i'..

What you need to look for is the native panel rez, in that price range almost all will be a 1365x768 resolution panel (I didnt check them but thats the norm for the cheaper end LCD's at that size).. Is that 'enough' depends on what your doing, its ample for SD TV, and in sizes like this I dont think its as important to go full 1920x1080, purists would argue this tho.

Response times that are really slow can lead to ghosting in high motion sources, tho to be honest I havent seen bad ghosting since the early plasma days.. Also depends on if you will be hooking a PC up to it and gaming ??

Sony make great displays but thier good stuff (bravias etc) will be above your price I think.. Of the others Samsung have some great displays, saw a nice 32 inch LCD samsung for 19990 in carrefore recently..

A good image comes from much more than resolution.. Look for contrast ratio as being very important stat.. Also brightness if you have a well lit day room.. Black level on LCD's is improving (and its black level over brightness that gets the contrast ratio anyway).. I would look at these numbers and how the image actually performs over the highest rez panel every time.. Resolution has, like in digital cameras, become an easy selling spec, but theres more to a good image than resolution alone and I would say that at sizes under 50 inches at normal viewing distances its very much a back seat stat.

[sinam]

From the impression I had for whatever reason I thought plasma was on the way out but having done some research I wouldn't be too sure. Plasmas are now in their 10th generation. Panasonic is comparable to pioneer and their prices here in Thailand are just amazing. I bought a 42 inch for 39,000 and it has just been wonderful for tv and dvds. It is also capable of 1080p. I was all gung ho for a lcd when i started the process and people here seem to like to hang out in the samsung section but once I started researching professional reviews on the web I started to look over at the empty panosonic section and wondered to myself why. I realized I can buy a lcd when they catch up on overall picture performance and their prices come down. 2 year warranty too..easy decision...

Si Nam

[LivinLOS]

From the impression I had for whatever reason I thought plasma was on the way out but having done some research I wouldn't be too sure. Plasmas are now in their 10th generation. Panasonic is comparable to pioneer and their prices here in Thailand are just amazing. I bought a 42 inch for 39,000 and it has just been wonderful for tv and dvds. It is also capable of 1080p. I was all gung ho for a lcd when i started the process and people here seem to like to hang out in the samsung section but once I started researching professional reviews on the web I started to look over at the empty panosonic section and wondered to myself why. I realized I can buy a lcd when they catch up on overall picture performance and their prices come down. 2 year warranty too..easy decision...

Si Nam

1080p plasma ?? For 40 k ?? I am having a hard time believing that ??

Or do you mean it will take a 1080p input (pretty meaningless if its a lower rez panel) ??

I do agree tho that there are some great deals on plasmas and the later generation ones have a good image, in fact the slightly 'softer' image may well benefit the awful UBC source too !! LCD does have an edge on eye popping colors tho, plasma tends to win on the black level and dark scenes.

Also dont forget heat and fan noise issues. Its all a matter of whats at a good price point at the time your looking.

[tuffy]

From the impression I had for whatever reason I thought plasma was on the way out but having done some research I wouldn't be too sure. Plasmas are now in their 10th generation. Panasonic is comparable to pioneer and their prices here in Thailand are just amazing. I bought a 42 inch for 39,000 and it has just been wonderful for tv and dvds. It is also capable of 1080p. I was all gung ho for a lcd when i started the process and people here seem to like to hang out in the samsung section but once I started researching professional reviews on the web I started to look over at the empty panosonic section and wondered to myself why. I realized I can buy a lcd when they catch up on overall picture performance and their prices come down. 2 year warranty too..easy decision...

Si Nam

1080p plasma ?? For 40 k ?? I am having a hard time believing that ??

Or do you mean it will take a 1080p input (pretty meaningless if its a lower rez panel) ??

I do agree tho that there are some great deals on plasmas and the later generation ones have a good image, in fact the slightly 'softer' image may well benefit the awful UBC source too !! LCD does have an edge on eye popping colors tho, plasma tends to win on the black level and dark scenes.

Also dont forget heat and fan noise issues. Its all a matter of whats at a good price point at the time your looking.

In the newer model the heat and fan noises are not near the problem they used to be.

As far as 1080P goes there is such a slight difference to the naked eye that most people can not even tell.

[DragonQuest]

I just bought a sony 32 inch LCD d series and Im very happy with it, UBC and Dvds look way better on it now cause I have a PS3 that upscales the graphics, so not only does the LCD upscale the picture but the PS3 as well^^ I dont think im gonna cough up 2000 baht blu-rays anytime soon though.... lol

[DragonQuest]

thats funny cause when I turn on the PS3 it says 1080P^-^

unless they start making copy blu-ray movies I wont be coughing up the 2000+ price for a disc, but rather 200-500 seems more reasonable^-^

[DragonQuest]

actually shouldnt it downscale to 1080i? if not 1080p. I cant tell the difference .

[pumpuiman]

What decided me was simply their construction. LCD panels make a black pixel by attempting to shut off that pixel's translusence. Of course some light is going to bleed through, and around because of LCD's backlight. Plasma, on the other hand, simply doesn't illuminate that pixel. I will agree that a projector, especially an OLED, DLP, or a lust-worthy LCOS model is a super safe bet for most people.

Don't projection televisions need to be viewed in near total darkness?

Screen size is nice, but you have to watch it in a crypt

[DragonQuest]

ok so what i heard is that the very best plasma is better than a LCD, but most LCD's are better then Plasmas? but overall they are about the same but plasma is older technology and LCD is newer? correct me if im wrong here. and another question why are the plasmas more expenisive????????????? 5 years ago i saw one for 10,000 dollars <deleted>........ not reasonable.....

[jetjock]

I only spend about 3 months a year in Thailand these days so do not know much about TV prices there.

A few days ago, I bought a Sony Bravia 46" Full HD 1080p at Costco in Hawaii for $2000. US (equiv 64,000 Baht) but they added a Sony home theater system costing $500. for free so my effective cost for the TV was about $1500. (equv 48,000 baht). Even at $2000. US, I thought it was a good buy but was curious what a TV similar to this would have run me in LOS . I am sure they have a similar model to mine in Thailand so if anyone has been out shopping for TV's, just out of pure curiousity I am interested in hearing what I would have had to pay there??

BTW, my Sony Bravia has a terrific picture and was very highly rated in the AVS and other forum reviews that I read. Do not know how it would perform in Thailand as I do not know how your good your source feeds are at supplying the signal.

[ronz28]

We just bought a 37 inch 1080i Olevia LED from Target in USA for $675 after discount and this week they have a 42 inch for $799. Hi Def channels on cable TV have incredible pictures just like you are there but we only have about 10 of those channels in my package of 120+ cable channels. I haven't seen better pictures and so many inputs, outputs and controls to work with. I have heard plasma TVs consume far more electricity than LEDs and since the LEDs look so good I recommend the LED 1080i but see for yourself.

[jetjock]

It will be an older model but the 46" Full HD Sony is about 129,000THB in all the big outlets here.

Thanks for the info emperor_tud. Quite a difference ! I guess I should be happy that I am buying my TV's and cars at US prices. Most everything else I prefer Thai prices especially in food, clothing, housing and massages.

[LivinLOS]

thats funny cause when I turn on the PS3 it says 1080P^-^

People really seem to struggle with this stuff !!

No just because your PS3 outputs 1080p it doesnt mean any device connected to it can display full 1080p signal.

[LivinLOS]

What decided me was simply their construction. LCD panels make a black pixel by attempting to shut off that pixel's translusence. Of course some light is going to bleed through, and around because of LCD's backlight. Plasma, on the other hand, simply doesn't illuminate that pixel. I will agree that a projector, especially an OLED, DLP, or a lust-worthy LCOS model is a super safe bet for most people.

Don't projection televisions need to be viewed in near total darkness?

Screen size is nice, but you have to watch it in a crypt

Projection systems do need darkness yes.. In any projection setup 'black' (which in projection is only the absense of projected light) is only as dark as the darkness of the room.. Hence if you have a white screen the black becomes very white, shrinking contrast ratio down and making a flat dull image. The brighter the projector the more it can raise white level (and colors) thereby giving back contrast ratio and making a watch able image in some ambient light (it doesnt have to be a cave but shades drawn room is ok for a brighter machine).

Personally I love the projected image.. I find there is a way the image feels that fits with how I percieve a cinema image to be and as my goal is to recreate the cinema in my home thats what works. The darkness before I put a film on, even the light beam crossing the room all add to the same perception of how I remember 'movies' to be.. Tho I admit to being a movie nut anbd cinema nut. I even hope in my next home (my villa was just destroyed in a landslide) to make my next media room all done out with rowed seating, dark colors (red velvet, gold ropes, etc).. Do the job properly.

Also tho I dont watch much TV and have a LCD connected for the missus to watch soaps and do any daytime use.. But in the evening, to settle in for a DVD or HiDef movie presentation, nothing matches the projected image.

[LivinLOS]

ok so what i heard is that the very best plasma is better than a LCD, but most LCD's are better then Plasmas? but overall they are about the same but plasma is older technology and LCD is newer? correct me if im wrong here. and another question why are the plasmas more expenisive????????????? 5 years ago i saw one for 10,000 dollars <deleted>........ not reasonable.....

I saw a very large one retailing for about 80k USD this year..

[LivinLOS]

I only spend about 3 months a year in Thailand these days so do not know much about TV prices there.

A few days ago, I bought a Sony Bravia 46" Full HD 1080p at Costco in Hawaii for $2000. US (equiv 64,000 Baht) but they added a Sony home theater system costing $500. for free so my effective cost for the TV was about $1500. (equv 48,000 baht). Even at $2000. US, I thought it was a good buy but was curious what a TV similar to this would have run me in LOS . I am sure they have a similar model to mine in Thailand so if anyone has been out shopping for TV's, just out of pure curiousity I am interested in hearing what I would have had to pay there??

BTW, my Sony Bravia has a terrific picture and was very highly rated in the AVS and other forum reviews that I read. Do not know how it would perform in Thailand as I do not know how your good your source feeds are at supplying the signal.

If you mean AVS forum.. I was a moderator on there for years.. Used to run thier home theater computers forums.

The machine you purchased would probably be double that price here and would not get the HT in a box speaker setups free either..

[LivinLOS]

We just bought a 37 inch 1080i Olevia LED from Target in USA for $675 after discount and this week they have a 42 inch for $799. Hi Def channels on cable TV have incredible pictures just like you are there but we only have about 10 of those channels in my package of 120+ cable channels. I haven't seen better pictures and so many inputs, outputs and controls to work with. I have heard plasma TVs consume far more electricity than LEDs and since the LEDs look so good I recommend the LED 1080i but see for yourself.

LCD !!

There are no LED or OLED ones yet on the market. OLED has been the next big thing for half a decade but yet to actually make product.

[Old Man River]

Personally I love the projected image.. I find there is a way the image feels that fits with how I percieve a cinema image to be and as my goal is to recreate the cinema in my home thats what works. The darkness before I put a film on, even the light beam crossing the room all add to the same perception of how I remember 'movies' to be.. Tho I admit to being a movie nut anbd cinema nut. I even hope in my next home (my villa was just destroyed in a landslide) to make my next media room all done out with rowed seating, dark colors (red velvet, gold ropes, etc).. Do the job properly.

I used to love the projected image, but now that my Barco Cine 7 has died and the hi end shop that sold the system to me now says they no longer are affiliated with Barco and hence, can no longer service the hi end system they sold me, I will never buy a projector again. Going forward, it will always be either an LCD or Plasma TV where I know the manufacturer has multiple service centers in Bangkok. It is a shame as the Barco picture with the Stewart screen gave such a good picture, but the risks of buying these systems from hi end shops in Bangkok's malls has turned out to be way too big a risk to be taking. Parts are hard to come by unless you buy parts retail at inflated prices from the now French owned Barco consumer company and figure out how to install the parts yourself.

If buying in Bangkok, best to stick with a LCD or Plasma over a projector and make sure the manufacturer has multiple servicing centers in Bangkok.

[ronz28]

LCD !!

There are no LED or OLED ones yet on the market. OLED has been the next big thing for half a decade but yet to actually make product.

Right, I meant LCD but said LED.

I have LEDs on the brain as I would like to replace all my mercury filled fluorescent bulbs with the new LED lights when they become a little more practical.

[DragonQuest]

so a FULL-HD signal would downscale to 1080i or 720p? or depending on the disc? my friend says 720p looks better up close or with ps3 games.

[LivinLOS]

Personally I love the projected image.. I find there is a way the image feels that fits with how I percieve a cinema image to be and as my goal is to recreate the cinema in my home thats what works. The darkness before I put a film on, even the light beam crossing the room all add to the same perception of how I remember 'movies' to be.. Tho I admit to being a movie nut anbd cinema nut. I even hope in my next home (my villa was just destroyed in a landslide) to make my next media room all done out with rowed seating, dark colors (red velvet, gold ropes, etc).. Do the job properly.

I used to love the projected image, but now that my Barco Cine 7 has died and the hi end shop that sold the system to me now says they no longer are affiliated with Barco and hence, can no longer service the hi end system they sold me, I will never buy a projector again. Going forward, it will always be either an LCD or Plasma TV where I know the manufacturer has multiple service centers in Bangkok. It is a shame as the Barco picture with the Stewart screen gave such a good picture, but the risks of buying these systems from hi end shops in Bangkok's malls has turned out to be way too big a risk to be taking. Parts are hard to come by unless you buy parts retail at inflated prices from the now French owned Barco consumer company and figure out how to install the parts yourself.

If buying in Bangkok, best to stick with a LCD or Plasma over a projector and make sure the manufacturer has multiple servicing centers in Bangkok.

Well yes and no.. Your now talking about a CRT 3 gun 7 inch monster.. While I worked on and installed a few of those in the old days I have to say that your talking about an obsolete technology now (yes I know CRT is a great image.. But the work, the weight, the maintenance, the tuning, etc etc etc).. Really CRT is so far at the extreme end of the DiY hobbyist curve that as you say its fully self install and repair for that technology now. It doesnt even have any digital iunputs, no DVI or HDMI, no HDCP copy protection systems, sorry to say but its had its day. Digital projection has well passed the old CRT days in every aspect except absolute blacks and even those are very very close.. In a room that isnt a total black CRT specialist cave then a digital is the answer. Those can be bought and have service centers and dealers (tho they rarely need it) and are far more a consumer electronics item. Plus probably cost less than having a single gun retubed on the CRT beast.

I admit I am biased.. Firing up a 120 inch screen for a hidef film is one of my luxuries.. It makes movies 'special' in a way that watching them on TV or small display doesnt.. Prevents that feeling of video overload and puts some cinema magic back into them.

Edited December 31, 2007 by LivinLOS

[LivinLOS]

so a FULL-HD signal would downscale to 1080i or 720p? or depending on the disc? my friend says 720p looks better up close or with ps3 games.

Firstly any plasma or LCD will never display 1080i natively.. They are progressive display technologies so will always display a progressive output. They will scale any incoming signal to thier native panel resolution.

Secondly in theory a higher res source shouyld always look better than a lower res source and downscaling (throwing data away) is better than upscaling (interpolating data to 'pad' out the pixels).. However some scalers are not good and if thats the case driving the panel at its native resolution is best.. As for the discussion on 720p or 1080i thats a huge topic, many argue that 720p is better than 1080i for high motion like sports as even though 1080 has more data the deinterlacing can create artifacts, thats quite a videophile argument and not relevant to most people, it is fair to say tho that it depends on the source (like running a game at high resolutions may slow the game down) and if its high motion fast paced or not.

[sinam]

From the impression I had for whatever reason I thought plasma was on the way out but having done some research I wouldn't be too sure. Plasmas are now in their 10th generation. Panasonic is comparable to pioneer and their prices here in Thailand are just amazing. I bought a 42 inch for 39,000 and it has just been wonderful for tv and dvds. It is also capable of 1080p. I was all gung ho for a lcd when i started the process and people here seem to like to hang out in the samsung section but once I started researching professional reviews on the web I started to look over at the empty panosonic section and wondered to myself why. I realized I can buy a lcd when they catch up on overall picture performance and their prices come down. 2 year warranty too..easy decision...

Si Nam

1080p plasma ?? For 40 k ?? I am having a hard time believing that ??

Or do you mean it will take a 1080p input (pretty meaningless if its a lower rez panel) ??

I do agree tho that there are some great deals on plasmas and the later generation ones have a good image, in fact the slightly 'softer' image may well benefit the awful UBC source too !! LCD does have an edge on eye popping colors tho, plasma tends to win on the black level and dark scenes.

Also dont forget heat and fan noise issues. Its all a matter of whats at a good price point at the time your looking.

1080p plasmas have only just arrived in Thailand. Power Buy has the Samsung 50" at 109,000THB. Its 50" 720p little brother is still at 79,000THB.

Sinam - your Panasonic 42" has a much lower resolution than 1080p (1920x1080) and is not capable of displaying full HD 1080p pictures so it will downscale any 720p or 1080p inputs.

It is a shame you could not have tested a fully Hi-Def source such as a Blu Ray disc on a full HD 1080p set as you really will see the difference in overall picture quality.

Yes I think its accepts 1080p from your devices but I'm still trying to figure out what is meaningless or not. At 42 inch the pros says 1080p display is meaningless. They even say lower may display sports better but in the end I think what you should be doing is at the moment you buy you should find the best possible HDTV picture for the money on the market. I think I've done that. In a couple of years I'll do it again. At that point we will see where 1080/24 and 1080/60, HD-DVD, Blue Ray, HD content et al are at. I'm not an early adopter as I don't have the time and money. I don't think many are or do. My intended budget was double what I paid. In a couple more years I'll have 2 big screens for the price I thought I would have to pay for one. Next week I'm sure there is a better deal on the market. I would like to hear about it as I find that the most useful info in these forums.

Si Nam

[Old Man River]

Personally I love the projected image.. I find there is a way the image feels that fits with how I percieve a cinema image to be and as my goal is to recreate the cinema in my home thats what works. The darkness before I put a film on, even the light beam crossing the room all add to the same perception of how I remember 'movies' to be.. Tho I admit to being a movie nut anbd cinema nut. I even hope in my next home (my villa was just destroyed in a landslide) to make my next media room all done out with rowed seating, dark colors (red velvet, gold ropes, etc).. Do the job properly.

I used to love the projected image, but now that my Barco Cine 7 has died and the hi end shop that sold the system to me now says they no longer are affiliated with Barco and hence, can no longer service the hi end system they sold me, I will never buy a projector again. Going forward, it will always be either an LCD or Plasma TV where I know the manufacturer has multiple service centers in Bangkok. It is a shame as the Barco picture with the Stewart screen gave such a good picture, but the risks of buying these systems from hi end shops in Bangkok's malls has turned out to be way too big a risk to be taking. Parts are hard to come by unless you buy parts retail at inflated prices from the now French owned Barco consumer company and figure out how to install the parts yourself.

If buying in Bangkok, best to stick with a LCD or Plasma over a projector and make sure the manufacturer has multiple servicing centers in Bangkok.

Well yes and no.. Your now talking about a CRT 3 gun 7 inch monster.. While I worked on and installed a few of those in the old days I have to say that your talking about an obsolete technology now (yes I know CRT is a great image.. But the work, the weight, the maintenance, the tuning, etc etc etc).. Really CRT is so far at the extreme end of the DiY hobbyist curve that as you say its fully self install and repair for that technology now. It doesnt even have any digital iunputs, no DVI or HDMI, no HDCP copy protection systems, sorry to say but its had its day. Digital projection has well passed the old CRT days in every aspect except absolute blacks and even those are very very close.. In a room that isnt a total black CRT specialist cave then a digital is the answer. Those can be bought and have service centers and dealers (tho they rarely need it) and are far more a consumer electronics item. Plus probably cost less than having a single gun retubed on the CRT beast.

I admit I am biased.. Firing up a 120 inch screen for a hidef film is one of my luxuries.. It makes movies 'special' in a way that watching them on TV or small display doesnt.. Prevents that feeling of video overload and puts some cinema magic back into them.

OK, let's say the budget is THB 100,000 and the use will be for TV, DVD's and home movies only. I think this covers the most of us average users. What LCD or Plasma or ??? would you suggest I (we) buy?

Thanks,

[LivinLOS]

Yes I think its accepts 1080p from your devices but I'm still trying to figure out what is meaningless or not. At 42 inch the pros says 1080p display is meaningless. They even say lower may display sports better but in the end I think what you should be doing is at the moment you buy you should find the best possible HDTV picture for the money on the market. I think I've done that. In a couple of years I'll do it again. At that point we will see where 1080/24 and 1080/60, HD-DVD, Blue Ray, HD content et al are at. I'm not an early adopter as I don't have the time and money. I don't think many are or do. My intended budget was double what I paid. In a couple more years I'll have 2 big screens for the price I thought I would have to pay for one. Next week I'm sure there is a better deal on the market. I would like to hear about it as I find that the most useful info in these forums.

Si Nam

1080p will be noticeable on a 42" screen only if you are very close to the screen itself.

HD DVD at the moment is still only 1080i and the lower end players are only 1080i. Inferior technology that it is.

A few PS3 games and Blu Ray are realistically the only Full HD 1080p sources at the moment.

Sorry, but thats totally not true..

Every single currently released HD-DVD has been encoded at 1080p for the feature (extras and bonus material often 480).

Early model gen 1 HDDVD players did output 1080i.. However since Gen 2 / Euro Gen 1 released players they have had 1080p output. Secondly most high end displays will perform a reverse telecine (3:2 pulldown) on the 1080i signal to create a full 1080p from film based materials. 1080i60 carries all the data required for 1080p24 film based sources but does require a display that can do this conversion.

[LivinLOS]

Personally I love the projected image.. I find there is a way the image feels that fits with how I percieve a cinema image to be and as my goal is to recreate the cinema in my home thats what works. The darkness before I put a film on, even the light beam crossing the room all add to the same perception of how I remember 'movies' to be.. Tho I admit to being a movie nut anbd cinema nut. I even hope in my next home (my villa was just destroyed in a landslide) to make my next media room all done out with rowed seating, dark colors (red velvet, gold ropes, etc).. Do the job properly.

I used to love the projected image, but now that my Barco Cine 7 has died and the hi end shop that sold the system to me now says they no longer are affiliated with Barco and hence, can no longer service the hi end system they sold me, I will never buy a projector again. Going forward, it will always be either an LCD or Plasma TV where I know the manufacturer has multiple service centers in Bangkok. It is a shame as the Barco picture with the Stewart screen gave such a good picture, but the risks of buying these systems from hi end shops in Bangkok's malls has turned out to be way too big a risk to be taking. Parts are hard to come by unless you buy parts retail at inflated prices from the now French owned Barco consumer company and figure out how to install the parts yourself.

If buying in Bangkok, best to stick with a LCD or Plasma over a projector and make sure the manufacturer has multiple servicing centers in Bangkok.

Well yes and no.. Your now talking about a CRT 3 gun 7 inch monster.. While I worked on and installed a few of those in the old days I have to say that your talking about an obsolete technology now (yes I know CRT is a great image.. But the work, the weight, the maintenance, the tuning, etc etc etc).. Really CRT is so far at the extreme end of the DiY hobbyist curve that as you say its fully self install and repair for that technology now. It doesnt even have any digital iunputs, no DVI or HDMI, no HDCP copy protection systems, sorry to say but its had its day. Digital projection has well passed the old CRT days in every aspect except absolute blacks and even those are very very close.. In a room that isnt a total black CRT specialist cave then a digital is the answer. Those can be bought and have service centers and dealers (tho they rarely need it) and are far more a consumer electronics item. Plus probably cost less than having a single gun retubed on the CRT beast.

I admit I am biased.. Firing up a 120 inch screen for a hidef film is one of my luxuries.. It makes movies 'special' in a way that watching them on TV or small display doesnt.. Prevents that feeling of video overload and puts some cinema magic back into them.

OK, let's say the budget is THB 100,000 and the use will be for TV, DVD's and home movies only. I think this covers the most of us average users. What LCD or Plasma or ??? would you suggest I (we) buy?

Thanks,

Its a difficult question as everyones needs are different.. Me I would probably get a widescreen LCD projector, mid range receiver, high quality upscaling dvd player etc.

Also depends on what you use the display for.. If you do any gaming then plasma can suffer burn in.. Also LCD's are generally higher resolution at the same price points and so are better if you hook a PC or hidef sources in..

As to brands ?? I like the samsung range, seems like nice displays at the right prices.. Sony makes great displays but costs a chunk more.. It all depends on whats on sale at the time you look.. Just make sure it has as many hidef inputs as possible.

[LivinLOS]

Yes I think its accepts 1080p from your devices but I'm still trying to figure out what is meaningless or not. At 42 inch the pros says 1080p display is meaningless. They even say lower may display sports better but in the end I think what you should be doing is at the moment you buy you should find the best possible HDTV picture for the money on the market. I think I've done that. In a couple of years I'll do it again. At that point we will see where 1080/24 and 1080/60, HD-DVD, Blue Ray, HD content et al are at. I'm not an early adopter as I don't have the time and money. I don't think many are or do. My intended budget was double what I paid. In a couple more years I'll have 2 big screens for the price I thought I would have to pay for one. Next week I'm sure there is a better deal on the market. I would like to hear about it as I find that the most useful info in these forums.

Si Nam

1080p will be noticeable on a 42" screen only if you are very close to the screen itself.

HD DVD at the moment is still only 1080i and the lower end players are only 1080i. Inferior technology that it is.

A few PS3 games and Blu Ray are realistically the only Full HD 1080p sources at the moment.

Sorry, but thats totally not true..

Every single currently released HD-DVD has been encoded at 1080p for the feature (extras and bonus material often 480).

Early model gen 1 HDDVD players did output 1080i.. However since Gen 2 / Euro Gen 1 released players they have had 1080p output. Secondly most high end displays will perform a reverse telecine (3:2 pulldown) on the 1080i signal to create a full 1080p from film based materials. 1080i60 carries all the data required for 1080p24 film based sources but does require a display that can do this conversion.

I was under the mistaken impression HD DVDs were not encoded at 1080p. I stand corrected.

Its not uncommon.. Sony put a lot of FUD out to that effect in the early days and that built up and was repeated and spun etc..

[sinam]

OK, let's say the budget is THB 100,000 and the use will be for TV, DVD's and home movies only. I think this covers the most of us average users. What LCD or Plasma or ??? would you suggest I (we) buy?

Thanks,

I think it depends on the size you are looking for (and where your putting it). When I first started looking I was set on a full hd 40 inch sony which was in 90s. As another poster mentioned samsung seem to be a little cheaper and look great. For Plasma I'm sure you can get a much larger screen for that budget. One thing I didn't spend much time researching and comparing was the audio performance. I invested in a quality sound system previously for listening to music and added speakers for surround sound for movies. It has probably been the biggest wow factor for me to date if I compared it to going to larger displays. For those who don't have a sound system I would save some dosh on the tv and start building a sound system. It will last a long time and you can upgrade piece by piece. Perhaps others know of lcd/plasma model that has the best sound performance?

Si Nam