LCD and Plasma Bargains

[PostmanPot]

IMO best to get a R800 WD Live dedicated media player.

Where is the 40" for R4999? I think the Makro special ended today, though I dunno if a new one has started??

EDIT:
I see a 42" HD Ready Plasma for R4999 here: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/853a8bfd#/c8b2abfd/8
What's the built in media player like for this baby? I see they are offering a DVD player with it for that price.

Is this the 42" that u recommended at catsdigital going for R4.5k?

Just remember it's HD Ready. So it's good for anything up to 720p. If you need 1080p you might want to look at entry LCD, although picture quality won't be as good (motion, blacks, colours).

 

[CoolBug]

apparently some of the new sammy plasmas don't output 5.1 using the fiber optics when given 5.1 through HDMI, and makes it 2 channel even though it's optical?

 

[Tim182]

apparently some of the new sammy plasmas don't output 5.1 using the fiber optics when given 5.1 through HDMI, and makes it 2 channel even though it's optical?

Not just new and not just Plasma, not even just Samsung. Most entry and even mid-range TVs don't support this, no matter if Sony, Samsung... Its just a point to consider when setting up your audio system, that's all

 

[CoolBug]

Not just new and not just Plasma, not even just Samsung. Most entry and even mid-range TVs don't support this, no matter if Sony, Samsung... Its just a point to consider when setting up your audio system, that's all

I could imagine that this could be kind of a big issue for some people.

rofl, what's the point of having optical output if it cant do 5.1?

 

[Tim182]

I could imagine that this could be kind of a big issue for some people.

Not really. Most devices (including xbox, ps3, HTPCs, DSTV) support seperate HDMI and SPDIF output. In fact, I can't think of a single device which doesn't.

Alternatively most modern AV-receivers support HDMI input and throughput.

 

[PostmanPot]

Not really. Most devices (including xbox, ps3, HTPCs, DSTV) support seperate HDMI and SPDIF output. In fact, I can't think of a single device which doesn't.

Alternatively most modern AV-receivers support HDMI input and throughput.

Also media players like WD Live, Mede8er, Playon, etc.

 

[CoolBug]

I suppose even laptops these days even have HDMI and 5.1 optical output with the mini TOSlink

 

[RogueTr00per]

IMO best to get a R800 WD Live dedicated media player.



Just remember it's HD Ready. So it's good for anything up to 720p. If you need 1080p you might want to look at entry LCD, although picture quality won't be as good (motion, blacks, colours).

Thx, how does it look when an HD Ready tv downscales a 1080p movie? Damn... it would be a no brainer if i didn't have the odd 1080p movie

 

[PostmanPot]

Thx, how does it look when an HD Ready tv downscales a 1080p movie? Damn... it would be a no brainer if i didn't have the odd 1080p movie

Well Avatar 1080p looks amazing in 720p on 42" plasma via my Mede8er (similar to the WD TV). I don't have any complaints. I'm not sure of any problems associated with downscaling. Can't be that many.

 

[rorz0r]

Well Avatar 1080p looks amazing in 720p on 42" plasma via my Mede8er (similar to the WD TV). I don't have any complaints. I'm not sure of any problems associated with downscaling. Can't be that many.

+1...

 

[Tim182]

Thx, how does it look when an HD Ready tv downscales a 1080p movie? Damn... it would be a no brainer if i didn't have the odd 1080p movie

Depends on how far you sit away, what size TV and whether its a 1024x768, a 1280x720 or a 1366x768 resolution Plasma. Generally it still look very good but obviously you will loose some detail. After all a 1080p TV has 1.98x more pixels than the 1366 TV, 2.25x more than the 1280 and 2.64x more than the 1024. Of course, some of that detail will get lost the further you sit away from the TV.

Anyway, it will still look very good and if you only have the odd 1080p movie than it shouldn't be an isssue.

However, keep the following in mind. You probably don't want to buy a new TV every second year so you have to think about the future. Ask yourself how many full HD sources you will be using then. DSTV will likely still be 720p. However, 1080p blurays will be the standard. Consoles will also be 1080p. The internet will likely also be cheap and fast enough to stream/buy/download FHD movies without a problem.

Since I got my FHD TV I solely use FHD content, 720p doesn't cut it for me and I can definately tell a difference.

But if you're just worried about problems with downscaling then don't worry. There won't be any.

 

[PostmanPot]

+1...

Wanting to do a comparison between my PS42C450 1024x768 720p plasma and LA32C550 1080p LCD. Just need to get my hands on a fast video camera (GoPro's are nice). The LCD may have more definition when closer up, but I think the sheer PQ of the plasma will be better.

 

[RogueTr00per]

I see a 42" HD Ready Plasma for R4999 here: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/853a8bfd#/c8b2abfd/8
What's the built in media player like for this baby? I see they are offering a DVD player with it for that price.

Is this the 42" that u recommended at catsdigital going for R4.5k?

Does anyone know is this the PS42C450 at Game? PP, does it play MKV format movies?

 

[PostmanPot]

Does anyone know is this the PS42C450 at Game? PP, does it play MKV format movies?

Game/Makro/etc. tend to only do the PS42C430 - the one without the better media palyer in the C450 and C/D550 LCDs.

PS42C450 is very scarce, available as a request item at one of my suppliers. Price will be more than the PS43D450 though.

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Buying this today:

Samsung 51" D550 Series FULL HD, Plasma TV, Clear image Panel, 600HZ Subfield Motion, 0.001 MS response time, AllShare (Wireless DLNA), Eco Sensor, PC input, 4 HDMI, USB Movie, Crystal Design TOC

R8999

 

[PostmanPot]

Buying this today:

Samsung 51" D550 Series FULL HD, Plasma TV, Clear image Panel, 600HZ Subfield Motion, 0.001 MS response time, AllShare (Wireless DLNA), Eco Sensor, PC input, 4 HDMI, USB Movie, Crystal Design TOC

R8999

Holy cow, it's usually R10,000, where you getting it?

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Holy cow, it's usually R10,000, where you getting it?

I am fortunate enough to own my own IT company...so save on VAT and getting it directly.

 

[PostmanPot]

I am fortunate enough to own my own IT company...so save on VAT and getting it directly.

Who's the supplier/distributor?

 

[CoolBug]

Buying this today:

Samsung 51" D550 Series FULL HD, Plasma TV, Clear image Panel, 600HZ Subfield Motion, 0.001 MS response time, AllShare (Wireless DLNA), Eco Sensor, PC input, 4 HDMI, USB Movie, Crystal Design TOC

R8999

mmMMm I want that one too... but I've just spoilt myself with this so the 51D550 will have to wait... for now.

 

[Tim182]

I am fortunate enough to own my own IT company...so save on VAT and getting it directly.

Lucky! That's a great price!