PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Agreed on all points.
The Logitech Harmony 300/300i is less than R300 and replaces up to 4 remotes.
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Agreed on all points.
The Logitech Harmony 300/300i is less than R300 and replaces up to 4 remotes.
Yeah, the Series 7 built in media player is very good and even handles some files better than my Tvix and WD Live, but when streaming from my QNAP NAS via DLNA, it does not let you FF or REW ... so that is a big problem for my setup ... will probably get a Boxee for it soon.
Dolby
Honorary Master
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Isn't the Series 6 and 7 media player the same?
I find it less responsive than my TviX - and the customisation is non existant. I like have the DVD covers and synopsis available on the TViX. Make no mistake, I tell everyone to go with the built in media player - but I do find a real, stand alone to do the job better.
Which files does the Series 7 handle better than teh TViX?
EDIT : And wtf is a Boxee?
I've been out this game too long ... hehe
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Isn't the Series 6 and 7 media player the same?
I find it less responsive than my TviX - and the customisation is non existant. I like have the DVD covers and synopsis available on the TViX. Make no mistake, I tell everyone to go with the built in media player - but I do find a real, stand alone to do the job better.
Which files does the Series 7 handle better than teh TViX?
EDIT : And wtf is a Boxee?
I've been out this game too long ... hehe
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/267509-Boxee-Box
Isn't the Series 6 and 7 media player the same?
I find it less responsive than my TviX - and the customisation is non existant. I like have the DVD covers and synopsis available on the TViX. Make no mistake, I tell everyone to go with the built in media player - but I do find a real, stand alone to do the job better.
Which files does the Series 7 handle better than teh TViX?
EDIT : And wtf is a Boxee?
I've been out this game too long ... hehe
Yep, definitely with you, dedicated players are just better. A lot of the low quality cartoons I downloaded for my daughter actually plays much smoother on the Samsung ... Tvix gives a very bad "interlacing" effect on them, no idea why. Also found a file here and there that just would not play on the Tvix, but plays on the TV ... the opposite is also true for some other files.
After upgrading my TVix to the latest official firmware that supported UPnP, the Tvix also just froze up every 15 minutes or so on all highdef MKV's streamed from the QNAP. Same files played fine from loacl drive. I went back to previous version of firmware and the problem is sorted out.
Boxee Box by DLink - http://www.boxee.tv/ Awesome little player.
Yeah the comparison on the LA40C530/C550 makes sense .....
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Indeed, both are at similar price points...
ldmelsa
Executive Member
Most (all) of my content will be SD - you say Plasma is better for SD?
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Overwhelmingly!
fusion01
Well-Known Member
Yes true but your PS3 (you'd need one!) has wireless and will stream content from the PC to your D450. Or just put your stuff on a USB stick and walk over to the TV to plug it in
[/QUOTE]Completely not true. On the back of the unit it states 230w. This is MAX usage under full load. I estimate that turning down the 'cell' light effects energy consumption: the higher it is and brighter the light output on the unit, the more energy will be consumed. AFTER CALIBRATION (my cell light is @ '4' out of a total '20') I'd estimate I'm using (based on other reviews I've read of plasma @ 42" in size) that approximately 170w - 200w is the case, but cannot say for sure. A LCD consumes about 60-70w so if you're all about energy consumption, don't look at plasma. Simple.
It's not light but I could handle it on my own! The stand is large and sturdy. Why should this matter?
SABC to broadcast digitally coming... ummm... 2020? Stay tuned for updates
Whatever technicalities you wanna get caught up in, all I can say it view a unit for yourself. All this getting bogged down in resolution issues is BS (and I'm a graphic designer with 18 years work experience so am fairly knowledgeable).
I have my blu-ray player in one port, and the Ps3 (also a blu-ray player) in another. I don't have to have both (Samsung C5500 could be dumped - it's crap compared to the PS3 but plays some movies the PS3 doesn't). Then a USB port if needed in case a movie file can't be played by the others! I don't have DSTV so not sure if that is HDMI? Suppose for the HD decoders yes, in which case a PS3 will suffice for your needs on the other port. But only you know for sure if 2 will be enough. Some external audio receivers are utilise HDMI, so it could be a problem. But those folk who can afford that stuff, normally aren't looking for a base model anyway.
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
+999
fusion01
Well-Known Member
Only one port but the unit will play 99% of everything you throw at it. Failed on one of my movies that only streaming to my Ps3 solved. It sucks though at fast-forward, reverse with only '3x' speeds - whatever that is, it's slow. Also it won't generate chapters with thumbnails that the Ps3 has. Nice as a back-up if the PS3 fails to play something (Cinavia DRM protection etc) but otherwise don't bother with it.
fusion01
Well-Known Member
Agree with every point PostmanPot has made - ideally view the units under lighting similar to your home and set them to 'movie' mode as that is pretty close to how the director intended (on the D450 it was pretty much perfect after running a basic calibration test via an AVSforum disk).
On the issue of HD vs FHD, I'd only bother with the latter (and paying for the priviledge) if (a) you watch a copious amount of blu-ray movies / content and (b) have cash for a 50" + screen. On the issue of plasma vs LCD/LED: I'd still go plasma personally - picking up a 51" D550 shortly, on order. Better value for money.
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fusion01
Well-Known Member
I my honest opinion I'd say yes, and that's comparing it to R16k - R18k LED's, purchased (and returned) only a few months ago. It's fantastic. I have a 65GB cap and dl 95% of that in std def content and am very happy. But you must be further than 1.5m away or the dithering will be noticeable. LCD has no dithering.
Dolby
Honorary Master
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With respect, it may depend on other factors - for example compression on the SD?
I ditched my plasma for an LCD and there's nothing wrong with my SD. I also went shopping a few months ago and we walked out with an LED that again has no issues.
Yes - the plasma is the better value product offering a great viewing experience at an awesome price. No - it's not the only choice or a clear 'winner'
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
It is the only choice at the entry level when comparing to entry level 60Hz LCDs.
Entry Samsung 4 Series plasma beats Samsung Series 7 LCD at SD according to some forumites. That's quite something since it's about a third of the price !
You can argue all you want but fact is that Plasma is not for everyone. It has clear shortcomings but for someone who only uses the thing to watch DSTV it may well be the way to go. That is all I am saying. You talk about the D450 as if it is the holy grail of TVs. It is absolute great value for money but buyers should be aware of the shortcomings, whether they care or not is their own decision. When you try to convince people to buy the holy D450 you should tell them about these points.
Fact is:
If you care about power consumption and environmental impact, Plasma is not for you. It uses up to 4 times more power then an LCD TV and produces more toxic waste upon disposal. Many people don't care but it would be a concern for me. The same goes for having to buy and run a DBT converter and a media player (there are conflicting views in this forum what the D450 can play while according to Samsung's website it doesn't support movies).
If you want to make full use of FHD sources such as BR, some PC applications and future generation consoles, entry level Plasma is also not for you.
If you have an extensive media library on your PC which is in a different room or have multiple TVs in your house WiFi/LAN and DLNA may well be important to you. People should be aware of this when buying a TV like the D450, if they care is their own choice.
2 HDMIs are too little for some people. Again, if they care is their own choice.
To me these points matter and I would be more than happy to give up the little extra picture quality that plasma has to offer and get an LED 5 or 6 series (or equivalent). I am certain I am not the only one who thinks this way.
Fact is:
If you care about power consumption and environmental impact, Plasma is not for you. It uses up to 4 times more power then an LCD TV and produces more toxic waste upon disposal. Many people don't care but it would be a concern for me. The same goes for having to buy and run a DBT converter and a media player (there are conflicting views in this forum what the D450 can play while according to Samsung's website it doesn't support movies).
If you want to make full use of FHD sources such as BR, some PC applications and future generation consoles, entry level Plasma is also not for you.
If you have an extensive media library on your PC which is in a different room or have multiple TVs in your house WiFi/LAN and DLNA may well be important to you. People should be aware of this when buying a TV like the D450, if they care is their own choice.
2 HDMIs are too little for some people. Again, if they care is their own choice.
To me these points matter and I would be more than happy to give up the little extra picture quality that plasma has to offer and get an LED 5 or 6 series (or equivalent). I am certain I am not the only one who thinks this way.
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Oh come now. Give it a rest.
*facepalm*
It is the holy grail of entry level TVs and will whip any entry level LCD at anything besides 1080p media if you are a pixel phreak and prefer pixels over sheer picture quality. It is for this exact reason that literally ±25 forumites have bought this TV over the past 6 months over similarly priced LCD. They've all compared them, with what ever media they choose including SD, sport, 720p and 1080p, and all agree it's better. Like I said, in some cases, even 1080p media is perceived better as it has better blacks, colours and motion than entry level 60Hz 1080p LCDs. Also because most people sit far out of the needed viewing distance to get a full 1080p viewing experience.
To say that people aren't told about these points is a complete lie on your part, the benefits of entry LCD (1080p) over entry plasma (720p) are always mentioned (i.e. LCD is better for PC use/work, and it may be better for 1080p media/Blu-ray). Yet, people still go along with their 1080p rips and choose plasma, LOL. I think you need to come to terms with the clear cut and dried fact that entry plasma creams entry LCD at 90% of tasks thrown at them.
If you are into energy saving and tree hugging then yes plasma may not be for you. Unfortunately, nothing you do will be able to stop the way the world is going where waste and pollution is needed to keep capitalism and economic growth going, something we have to come to terms with and be thankful we live in the time we do. If it helps you sleep better at night then sure, don't buy plasma, although I still disagree with the pedantry. Never been a problem for anyone in this thread. I pay for my electricity to use it how ever I want. Better picture quality and overall experience comes at a slightly increased price. Up to 4 times is complete nonsense, more like up to 2.5 times which works out at what, an extra R20 per month on average? If I am a sport lover, and lover TV and everything 720p and below (and often even 1080p) and I don't need the screen as a PC monitor to do work on, there is no doubt I will pay extra per month for better picture quality and overall experience. If I was to pay the extra R2,000 needed for a smaller 100Hz LCD that is still inferior at playing SD, it would take 8 years of R20 per month in order to cover the R2,000 extra it costs.
No, the Samsung site says it plays movies, the link was provided to you, and everyone knows it replaced the C450 and uses the same media player which even plays .mkv's.
Dedicated media player is for the most part always better, period.
That's what we've said all along. Yet when you are looking at 50" and up, which many people go for these days, 1080p plasma is cheaper, bigger and provides better quality than similarly priced, smaller 1080p LCD.
If people need this they will mention it! Wait, do entry LCD's even have those options? AFAIK minimum is Series 6 LCD.
HDMI splitters are cheap. And many people buy HDMI AV receivers these days, meaning they only need 1 x HDMI port in their TV.
Little extra? Lol. You obviously haven't compared LCD vs plasma enough, especially at media below 720p. I agree that at 720p and up the quality difference is less noticeable. The point is, plasma is cheaper, bigger and better, and offers the consumer better bang for buck. Boo hoo, it uses more electricity and creates a bit more waste every 5 years one replaces their TV. Tiny carbon footprint!
Series 6 LCD/LED-LCD is in a completely other league, please do not even mention it with Series 5. And again, the thing is, at Series 6 prices, one can get a bigger, better, 1080p plasma for less.
*facepalm*
It is the holy grail of entry level TVs and will whip any entry level LCD at anything besides 1080p media if you are a pixel phreak and prefer pixels over sheer picture quality. It is for this exact reason that literally ±25 forumites have bought this TV over the past 6 months over similarly priced LCD. They've all compared them, with what ever media they choose including SD, sport, 720p and 1080p, and all agree it's better. Like I said, in some cases, even 1080p media is perceived better as it has better blacks, colours and motion than entry level 60Hz 1080p LCDs. Also because most people sit far out of the needed viewing distance to get a full 1080p viewing experience.
To say that people aren't told about these points is a complete lie on your part, the benefits of entry LCD (1080p) over entry plasma (720p) are always mentioned (i.e. LCD is better for PC use/work, and it may be better for 1080p media/Blu-ray). Yet, people still go along with their 1080p rips and choose plasma, LOL. I think you need to come to terms with the clear cut and dried fact that entry plasma creams entry LCD at 90% of tasks thrown at them.
If you are into energy saving and tree hugging then yes plasma may not be for you. Unfortunately, nothing you do will be able to stop the way the world is going where waste and pollution is needed to keep capitalism and economic growth going, something we have to come to terms with and be thankful we live in the time we do. If it helps you sleep better at night then sure, don't buy plasma, although I still disagree with the pedantry. Never been a problem for anyone in this thread. I pay for my electricity to use it how ever I want. Better picture quality and overall experience comes at a slightly increased price. Up to 4 times is complete nonsense, more like up to 2.5 times which works out at what, an extra R20 per month on average? If I am a sport lover, and lover TV and everything 720p and below (and often even 1080p) and I don't need the screen as a PC monitor to do work on, there is no doubt I will pay extra per month for better picture quality and overall experience. If I was to pay the extra R2,000 needed for a smaller 100Hz LCD that is still inferior at playing SD, it would take 8 years of R20 per month in order to cover the R2,000 extra it costs.
No, the Samsung site says it plays movies, the link was provided to you, and everyone knows it replaced the C450 and uses the same media player which even plays .mkv's.
Dedicated media player is for the most part always better, period.
That's what we've said all along. Yet when you are looking at 50" and up, which many people go for these days, 1080p plasma is cheaper, bigger and provides better quality than similarly priced, smaller 1080p LCD.
If people need this they will mention it! Wait, do entry LCD's even have those options? AFAIK minimum is Series 6 LCD.
HDMI splitters are cheap. And many people buy HDMI AV receivers these days, meaning they only need 1 x HDMI port in their TV.
Little extra? Lol. You obviously haven't compared LCD vs plasma enough, especially at media below 720p. I agree that at 720p and up the quality difference is less noticeable. The point is, plasma is cheaper, bigger and better, and offers the consumer better bang for buck. Boo hoo, it uses more electricity and creates a bit more waste every 5 years one replaces their TV. Tiny carbon footprint!
Series 6 LCD/LED-LCD is in a completely other league, please do not even mention it with Series 5. And again, the thing is, at Series 6 prices, one can get a bigger, better, 1080p plasma for less.
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Lol, someone is getting really irritated
. Don't get too worked up at once. Wait for it...P
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