Page 1 of Plasma/LCD TV advice needed please

First of all is it a good time now to buy? I think I`m right in saying that there were issues with current TV`s that they didnt comply with Sky`s HDTV encryption or HD ready? But with newer sets coming out now, are they generally HD ready? I`m after arounnd a 42" TV but would go smaller with an LCD TV. What are the HD connections? Is it HDMI? So therefore it would need this and also component connections, s-video and RGB scart as I don`t want to have to upgrade again in twelve months or so. So can anyone make any recommendations as it seems to be a bit of a mine field.. Cheers

"I`ve not seen someone taking a beating like that, since someone put a banana down my pants and set a monkey loose.."

Look for sets with the HD Ready logo. To get the full Sky HD content you will Need HDMI or DMI in whith HDCP copy protection. You can do HD via componant but that has no copy protection built in so I think content will be limited. Get a set with componant too as I still think it gives a better picture than HDMI on DVD. As a rule you want as many conections as poss. That way you should be covered for a while.

All the best,

Dr 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Thanks! So would a TV with the HD ready logo be able to take HDMI with HDCP?
Don`t suppose you have any recommendations too... ;)

"I`ve not seen someone taking a beating like that, since someone put a banana down my pants and set a monkey loose.."

HDMI has HDCP built in as part of it`s protocol. DVI (not DMI as I called it) does not as standard.

Pioneer, Panasonic, Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitsu amoungst others. Not Sony, yet.

All the best,

Dr 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Samsung also do HDTV......this one at Currys for £1,699 online

They have Samsung plasma`s in my gym, and the picture quality is superb.

Samsung PS42S5HX 42" High Definition Plasma TV

Samsung brings you this 42`` 16:9 High Definition Plasma Panel with an Integrated TV Tuner, brightness of 1500cd/m2 and a Contrast Ratio of 10000:1 with Intergrated Speakers, HDMI Input and High Definition TV Compatible.

Product Overview :
42`` HD Grade 1024 x 768 Resolution
69 Billion Colours (Dual 12-Bit)
10,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1,500cd/m2 Brightness
DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine)
SRS TruSurround XT
HDMI, 2 Scart, 1 Component, PC Input
Piture In Picture
Blue Eye (Smart Energy Saver)
Visible Diagonal: 42"
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1024 x 768
Brightness (cd/m2): 1,500
Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
Viewing Angle (H/V): 175/175 Degrees
Power Output (RMS): 15W x 2
Surround Sound: SRS TruSurround XT
Stereo: Nicam/A2
Number of Colours: 68.7 Billion
Grey Level: 4,096
DNIe (DNIe Demo on/off)
Film Mode
3D Comb Filter
Noise Reduction
My Colour Control (MCC): 6 Colours
Brightness Sensor
Anti Burn
PIP: 1 Turner
Teletext: 2,100 Pages

This item was edited on Tuesday, 16th August 2005, 20:33

One of the AV mags is doing a LCD/Plasma round up this month. Sorry can`t remember which one but I saw it in Smiths today.

Hitachi`s 32LD7200 is smart. I`ve read good things about the 42PD7200 as well, but can`t vouch personally for it.

The Hitachi is good.

all the best,

Dr 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Was looking at the Samsung LE32R41BDX, I`ve seen it for £909.95. Seems reasonable enough in price..

"I`ve not seen someone taking a beating like that, since someone put a banana down my pants and set a monkey loose.."

Quote:
Was looking at the Samsung LE32R41BDX,

I`ve been looking at that one too. Does anyone know if it`s any good? It seems to be pretty well specced.

Quote:
The Hitachi is good

Is there anything that is great - rather than good - without totally breaking the bank? or is everything going to be majorly improved in the next 12 months, making me wish i`d spent £1200+ on something a lot better. i know this is always the case with electrical goods but some jumps are smaller than others.

cheers for the help

mgns