LCD and Plasma Bargains and Discussions thread

[PostmanPot]

+1, an excellent set and because it's full hd you won't be staring at massive pixels all day...

Indeed, important for those sitting at 1-2m.

 

[Roman4604]

Consider the Samsung PS51E550 at about R8,999. 51", FHD, 3D, SMART.

Why do you continue to recommend this gimmick TV. Surely the HDR PS51E450 would be a better choice based on your knowledge of viewing distance?

Superior PQ to ES6200.

How would you know, you own neither of these TV models (due to enclosure constraints)? Your only day to day experience is with a PS42C430.

 

[PostmanPot]

Good morning sunshine!

Why do you continue to recommend this gimmick TV. Surely the HDR PS51E450 would be a better choice based on your knowledge of viewing distance?

Why would it be a gimmick TV? Are you suggesting their Panasonic 50" FHD plasma was a bad buy? That's not very nice and I'd doubt your negativity would be appreciated.

Perhaps read the OP properly. No mention of budget or viewing distance. Naturally start with the PS51E550 since they seem to like plasma, best value FHD TV on the market. Echoed by others. If by their subjective needs it's too pricey, and if viewing distance is not close, the PS51E450 is a worthy contender. In fact if this isn't the main TV and just used to watch content off the Mede8er which may be a good mixture of SD and HD, the PS51E450 may be all they need, and would even provide a superior SD picture than LCD and FHD plasma.

How would you know, you own neither of these TV models (due to enclosure constraints)? Your only day to day experience is with a PS42C430.

I don't need to own them to know. I read forums and speak to people. I have friends who own them. Are you calling those who say E550 and even 3 year old PSxxB650 is better than modern ES6200, liars? I'd hope not, not very nice.

I have a PS42C450 and sit at 4m. Content is a good mixture of HD and SD. I appreciate SD quality. 42/43" HDR plasma suits me great, thanks.

 

[Thestealth]

For clarity, our viewing distance is 4m. The suggested Sammy is within budget, I'll pop around to Doin Wired and Game later today to check them out. Thanks a million for the advice guys!

 

[PostmanPot]

Wonderful. Do take the obvious precautions of salesmen, LCD looking better under bright shop lighting, and LCD looking sharper from 1m distance.

 

[rorz0r]

Why do you continue to recommend this gimmick TV. Surely the HDR PS51E450 would be a better choice based on your knowledge of viewing distance?

How would you know, you own neither of these TV models (due to enclosure constraints)? Your only day to day experience is with a PS42C430.

I must say that E450 is going for an awesome price for that size screen. I have the E550 and the 450 wasn't around when I got it or it might have been a contender. I paid over 10k for the 550 but such is life. My 42C is still going strong but running off hpms/win7/xbmc/avr I did have to do some tweaking to get the image 100%.

For actual viewing I would not be able to tell the difference between 720 and 1080 content as good quality 720 content looks great on either set. Most of the time it's just series and stuff that's less than 720 anyway.

I'd rather spend on audio instead. I often see 15k tvs advertised set up with 6k htib kits. Proportionally my audio is worth about 6 or 7 times what the TV cost and it's still only 2.1.

 

[ClintZA]

So this is the 'LCD and Plasma Bargains and discussions but if you don't want a Plasma then sorry for you thread'?

I have looked at many plasmas but I just don't like them. They strain my eyes and the picture is often not completely clear which is what I like. It's a personal preference.

Nope, you can get what you want but with the majority seemingly favouring plasma, myself included, you will battle to get anyone to recommend an LCD to you.

 

[Thestealth]

Postman and co., what about the E8000 series everyone is getting all excited about (for my application that is)?

 

[PostmanPot]

Postman and co., what about the E8000 series everyone is getting all excited about (for my application that is)?

The E8000 plasma is the top rated TV on Television Info - http://www.televisioninfo.com/ratings.php. Whether it's worth the premium over the E550 is up to you. Would be good to test both under the correct settings. If you have the cash and want the best, go for it.

The E550 is very, very good, and several grand cheaper.

Edit: Also test for excessive buzz, as there have been a few issues with the E8000 and buzzing. Shouldn't be a problem from 4m, but it's subjective.

 

[ZeroNeo]

Ok 2 things that I have come across in search for a 50+ flat screen so far

The PS51E8000 beautiful picture way way better when you compared it to the E550.

but

Nobody has any in stock as far as I could find out.

and then there is this

Just this past weekend I was in store and wanted to see how good this LED Sony KL55HX750 that everyone trying to sell for 19K plus a couple of extra goodies.

The salesman played Avatar on the Sony LED and I could see judder not major but a little, the same scene was playing on the PS65E8000 and besides the colour the picture looked similar, I would say the Plasma had a little less judder compared to the Sony LED

but

So he tells me look at this and forwards to the credit section and yes who watches credits really but the PS64E8000 displayed hectic judder compared to the Sony.

Now I wonder how does the relate to sports and other fast moving sports. I was rather disappointed when i saw this on Samsung top of the range Plasma.

Colour wise I prefer Plasma when you compare it side by side to a LED but in the real world when you take it home you don't really have anything to compare it too

I was looking to buy a Flat screen this year but I think i am gonna wait till around April/May next year and see what is available.

How is the Samsung UA55ES6200? ( sorry for the hijack)

 

[Roman4604]

Why would it be a gimmick TV?

You stated it ...

Not true, depends on viewing distance. At 3-4m+ most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference with 50". Most TV rooms I've seen in SA have longer viewing distances than 3-4m as well. Most people seem to sit outside the range where 1080p can be fully appreciated. So for many people, 1080p is indeed a gimmick.

So after arguing for pages that 1080p is basically a gimmick on a 50" at 4m, you advise the first person who has that exact requirment to get a 1080p E550. This is in complete contradiction to your whole argument that a HDR E450 in those circumstances would be more appropriate.

I'm still astonished how people can take advice from a scatterbrain like you.

Are you calling those who say E550 and even 3 year old PSxxB650 is better than modern ES6200, liars? I'd hope not, not very nice.

They can speak for themselves, haven't heard any of them ask you to be their mouthpiece. Fact is you bring nothing of your own to the table, all you do is regurgitate their experiences for your argumentative ends.

 

[Roman4604]

So he tells me look at this and forwards to the credit section and yes who watches credits really but the PS64E8000 displayed hectic judder compared to the Sony.

Now I wonder how does the relate to sports and other fast moving sports. I was rather disappointed when i saw this on Samsung top of the range Plasma.

You should take note that the motion enhancement functionality (especially on mid-to-high LEDs) is highly configurable. So really what you are comparing is the settings that happen to be configured on those sets at that time.

To truly compare the motion output of these sets, you'd need to spend some time to figure out what motion settings each has and adjust them during your comparison to perceive the full range of what each is capable of.

 

[PostmanPot]

You stated it ...

No I didn't. You stated it based on misinterpretation.

So after arguing for pages that 1080p is basically a gimmick on a 50" at 4m

It can be a gimmick for many people if they sit far. Why do you think there are size/distance charts and arguments about it in the first place? Does not mean they shouldn't get 1080p if they have the budget. Food for thought. Why not agree and admit it's a grey area based on the subjective needs and conditions of people instead of being hellbent on it being black and white for everyone? Have some udnerstanding for others.

you advise the first person who has that exact requirment to get a 1080p E550.

Absolutely. I advise it to most people as it's the best value larger TV on the market, and just look at how it's adored. There is no indication they were considering HDR 51" plasma or had a budget of R5k. They already have a 50" 1080p plasma so naturally start at a more modern 51" FHD plasma. I wouldn't advise a downgrade, even though the size/distance is still very much up to debate, and may offer food for thought based on their needs.

This is in complete contradiction to your whole argument that a HDR E450 in those circumstances would be more appropriate.

No it's not. It could be more appropriate however, I'm open to the idea. Especially if they sit far or are on a budget and want the best value for their money. Opposed to getting suckered in to a 1080p sticker on a 40" LCD and suffering from eye strain at 4m thereafter, not to mention lesser PQ.

I'm still astonished how people can take advice from a scatterbrain like you.

Don't blame your muddledness on me. Bottom line is 1080p is a gimmick for many people and they need to be within range to tell a difference. If they're out of range there is less need. If they have a budget of R5k and sit far, a 51" HDR plasma would provide a better experience than a 40" FHD LCD.

They can speak for themselves, haven't heard any of them ask you to be their mouthpiece. Fact is you bring nothing of your own to the table, all you do is regurgitate their experiences for your argumentative ends.

They indeed are, and have. I'm free to do what I want and use their findings as I please when helping others. Remember the industry has created a generation of pro LCD droids due to marketing gimmick and incorrect viewing condition judgement. Not everyone has the time or means to wade through every post, some which may be so simple and concise that they answer all the questions begging by laymen who get confused by marketing.

 

[Lupus]

Could this thread be closed again. There is hardly any bargains just two posters going at it.

 

[PostmanPot]

Could this thread be closed again. There is hardly any bargains just two posters going at it.

This is the bargains and discussions thread. Join in or move along.

 

[Demon7]

I just recently purchased the 46ES6200 as an upgrade to my 37# Sammy LCD...
for 9.5K at Game. comes with 6 pairs of glasses.
OMG, the picture quality is amazing... 3D is simply orgasmic...
Compared plasma to LED, sizes etc.. and have absolutely no regrets about my purchase...

The difference in picture quality is just too much for words... seriously.

Plasma is good for sports and SD content.... from my experience...
I'm no expert and dont pretend to be one, but as a consumer, my purchase has just made life a lot more enjoyable.

 

[Seriously]

I just recently purchased the 46ES6200 as an upgrade to my 37# Sammy LCD...
for 9.5K at Game. comes with 6 pairs of glasses.
OMG, the picture quality is amazing... 3D is simply orgasmic...
Compared plasma to LED, sizes etc.. and have absolutely no regrets about my purchase...

The difference in picture quality is just too much for words... seriously.

Plasma is good for sports and SD content.... from my experience...
I'm no expert and dont pretend to be one, but as a consumer, my purchase has just made life a lot more enjoyable.

Oh my word, seriously? but, but it's not a HD ready plasma, how can it be? Are you sitting 10 meters away? just never try a seat closer than 3 meters at least, that may spell disaster.

 

[Pooky]

When have they strained your eyes, and where have you tested? Which models?

At what distance will you be sitting, and what will you be using the TV for?

I'm perfectly happy gaming on 50Hz LCD, if you sit far, size becomes important to ensure a good experience.

Will be sitting around 4-6 meters away most of the time. Not watching any sport, watching series, some Xbox, and some movies. Also some dstv shows eg BBC and Discovery channel.

I know Plasma is better for SD content and can see it looks quite a bit better when viewing both side by side, it's a personal preference. I'm not saying LCD is better or anything, just that I would like to purchase an LCD not a Plasma.

 

[bavmorda]

Very well said Roman. Something i wanted to do for a long time myself, but did no want to start an useless argument with someone like PP. PP i don't want to be rude man, honestly i don't but you know jack s**t about visual technologies. Simply it is not just distance from the screen and resolution on the screen. And this is all that you know. You are not making any good to any one here on this forum by keep saying the same over and over. Peace.

 

[PostmanPot]

Will be sitting around 4-6 meters away most of the time. Not watching any sport, watching series, some Xbox, and some movies. Also some dstv shows eg BBC and Discovery channel.

I know Plasma is better for SD content and can see it looks quite a bit better when viewing both side by side, it's a personal preference. I'm not saying LCD is better or anything, just that I would like to purchase an LCD not a Plasma.

I would take the 46" then due to the size difference since I am happy gaming at 60FPS. I think it will benefit you more especially for competitive gaming as well as a more enthralling experience overall, from that sort of viewing distance, than the PQ edge and 100Hz of the smaller UA406030. I must emphasise that people tend to wish they went bigger. You could measure out 4m from either TVs at the shop to see if you are comfortable, as you may not have preferance for a larger screen from viewing distance. Weigh up size vs PQ and 100Hz of the UA406030, maybe you are willing to sacrifice size for better motion. Also a 5 Series LCD TV is a helluva lot better than a common PC LCD, so I think you will be extremely happy and not in the slightest disappointed with the PQ of it.