Page 1 of Plasmas - Prime v Cheap Brands

I read some where that the majority of Plasma models use screens sourced from only a couple of manufacturers, has anyone any idea as who uses who. Are there situations when say a Samsung is the same as a Panasonic, does it follow that a prime brand will be better than say an LG.

I don`t think anyone will disagree that a Pioneer or Panasonic 42" is better than a Samsung or LG 42"

The main point to make is that : Is it worth £2k more?

I have a Samsung 42" which I bought from Dixons, which has everything included for £3k. I am more than happy with it, and the picture quality is outstanding. You can pick up the monitor only, for £2k at Richer sounds, although stands, wall brackets, speakers, tuner box are extra!

I do believe the Pioneer and Panasonics are marginally better, but not that much, and certainly in my opinion, they do not warrant another £2k on top of what I paid. I viewed several and there is not much difference.

At the end of the day it all depends how deep your pockets are and if you can spare that extra couple of grand.

This item was edited on Sunday, 2nd March 2003, 11:19

Ready to be corrected but here it goes.

There are 4 manufactures of gas plasma panels. Panasonic, Pioneer,LG and Fujitsu. Fujitsu who invented the technology acount for about 75% of all plasmas out there. Sony, Revox, Electrograph Delphi, B&O, Loewe ect. LG are next and tend to be the panel of choise for the cheaper sets like the Samsung.

At the moment I have the Pioneer and Samsung on the shop floor and yes the Pioneer is beter but the Samsung is bloody good for the price. Is the Pioneer worth the extra? I think so but thats up to you.

If you are looking to get a plasma take a film along with you with lots of fast moving bright reds like Driven. Bad film but great test disc. (please no discs with a rating above PG) A word of warning. Even the s***est plasma looks good with Monsters Inc on it. Insist on live action.

Over the next year keep your eye on DLP (Digital Light Prossesing) rear projection sets. Thats my tip anyway.

All the best,

The 42%er.

Thank you both for your replies, zipman interesting to hear of your experience, 42%er concise answer to my original question, so that`s why they`re always showing Monster Inc as they were yesterday in Bournmouth and Poole!!

I did read that Plasma screens are graded for quality with lower quality ones having more dead pixels and so sold by cheaper makes. Also that the better screens show black better than the cheaper ones.

Make sure you see the screen you are buying or make sure they will take it back if you are not happy with any dead pixels.

I still think that unless you have money to burn or are limited by space, then a CRT is still a better buy.

The new Pixel Plus sets from Philips have the best picture ever for a CRT, from the reviews I have read and at under £2000 for a 36" are a better buy.

Just my opinion.

All Plasma screens, however priced, must have a guaranteed 99.999% operating pixels. This means no more than about 4 dead pixels on a 852x480 screen. Any more and you can demand a refund.

By the technological process involved in construction, 100% cannot be guaranteed, even on the most expensive screen. I have scanned my plasma thoroughly and have no dead pixels. Samsung PS42

And yes the better screens, ie, Panasonic do show the black better, as they have a claimed contrast ratio of 3000:1

This item was edited on Sunday, 2nd March 2003, 22:48