LG plasmas (vs Samsung?)

Penquin said:
I'll recommend LG then. :) Happy LG plasma owner here for more than 2 years now. Almost 6 months of research went into buying this plasma. I bought the 42PG60 edge plasma, basically the front of the plasma is just one flat sheet of glass. Beautiful to look at, still makes me smile. My choice was between the Sammy 450 and this LG. And except for the LG looking better, it was lighter, had 3 HDMI's to Sammy's 2, had HDMI v1.3 to the Sammy's 1.2, had a USB input to play music/pics/movies to Sammy's music/pics only, had higher real contrast, HDMI-CEC, none on the Sammy, accepts a 1080p:24 signal. Also no issues in the last 2 years.
Click to expand...

thanks for the response penquin! I'll be sure to compare the specs between the two brands before making the call!
 
PostmanPot said:
I prefer Samsung because they sell more. About 20 - 30 forumites have bought Samsung plasmas specifically in the past 3 months. Although there have been some reported problems of slight jaggering/tearing during panning shots on the PS50C550 you linked to, like what you get a lot of in nature documentaries.

What I will say though, is that once it's mounted on your wall, 1.9cm is honestly not going to make a difference... Unless you're being pedantic. :p

What I will ask though, is do you really need full HD? Samsung PS50C450 for R7,999 is the best value 50" on the market. You could save a bucket load of cash...

Otherwise, perhaps you could find this Samsung at a good price? Probably over R15,000.

Samsung PS50C7000 , 3D plasma TV with tuner , 36.8mm ultra slim , network ready ( wifi optional ) , with light control for energy saving , BD wise , anynet+ , HyperReal picture Engine , ToC , platninum black , 50" wide plasma display with swivel stand + integrated

But, duuude, it's 3D!!! :rolleyes: :D
Click to expand...

Yeah, I couldn't give a rat's ass about 3D, to put it mildly!! And also figured it will be too expensive, which getafix confirmed.

My brother (a recently satisfied plasma buyer) made a good point, and that is that the TV will be mounted above our flat's art deco old-school electric heater thing, which protrudes a good 10-15cm from the wall. So the thick/thinness of it won't be that noticable.
I've also measured out (much to my wife's amusement) the dimensions of a 40" and 50" TV on our wall using masking tape (link: http://min.us/mvnRejo ) and I think 50" is the winner :D Our couch is about 3m from the wall.
Finally, thinking about it this morning, if I get a plasma for R8k, that still leaves me with R4k-R7k for speakers/amp/bluray player/whatever. (Any suggestions on speakers and amp combo?!)

So... I think I have been swayed to the plasma (dark?) side! ;)
 
vaultedskies said:
Yeah, I couldn't give a rat's ass about 3D, to put it mildly!! And also figured it will be too expensive, which getafix confirmed.

My brother (a recently satisfied plasma buyer) made a good point, and that is that the TV will be mounted above our flat's art deco old-school electric heater thing, which protrudes a good 10-15cm from the wall. So the thick/thinness of it won't be that noticable.
I've also measured out (much to my wife's amusement) the dimensions of a 40" and 50" TV on our wall using masking tape (link: http://min.us/mvnRejo ) and I think 50" is the winner :D Our couch is about 3m from the wall.
Finally, thinking about it this morning, if I get a plasma for R8k, that still leaves me with R4k-R7k for speakers/amp/bluray player/whatever. (Any suggestions on speakers and amp combo?!)

So... I think I have been swayed to the plasma (dark?) side! ;)
Click to expand...

Saving cash... Precisely.

Yes! There is a fantastic Yamaha HDMI amp for R3,000 and Jamo 5.1 speaker package for R6,000...

http://www.fotodiscountworld.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1343 (I think it's available for R3,000 or less elsewhere - not an expert on these systems ;))
http://www.dionwired.co.za/JAMO-Speaker-System-Black-S416HCSSUB-200-484025.aspx

This would be an awesome entry-level "audiophile" grade setup...
 
PostmanPot said:
Saving cash... Precisely.

Yes! There is a fantastic Yamaha HDMI amp for R3,000 and Jamo 5.1 speaker package for R6,000...

http://www.fotodiscountworld.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1343 (I think it's available for R3,000 or less elsewhere - not an expert on these systems ;))
http://www.dionwired.co.za/JAMO-Speaker-System-Black-S416HCSSUB-200-484025.aspx

This would be an awesome entry-level "audiophile" grade setup...
Click to expand...

Thanks PP!
Never heard of Jamo; are they decent? R9k's quite expensive though!
 
I see that Yamaha amp is the RX-V367. I realise budget is tight, but if you can rather stretch and go for the RX-V467. The 367 has HDMI, but can't decode the latest bluray audio formats where the 467 can.
Speaker wise, you could also look at the Paradigm range. The Cinema70HTiB comes in at R5700 or the Cinema110HTiB at R8900

http://www.balancedaudio.co.za/products.php?p=179
http://www.balancedaudio.co.za/products.php?p=178 - no True HD

http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm/ct-5-1-system/cinema/cinema-70-ct
http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm/ct-5-1-system/cinema/cinema-110-ct

My 2cents worth
 
Last edited:
getafix33 said:
I see that Yamaha amp is the RX-V367. I realise budget is tight, but if you can rather stretch and go for the RX-V467. The 367 has HDMI, but can't decode the latest bluray audio formats where the 467 can.
Speaker wise, you could also look at the Paradigm range. The Cinema70HTiB comes in at R5700 or the Cinema110HTiB at R8900

http://www.balancedaudio.co.za/products.php?p=179
http://www.balancedaudio.co.za/products.php?p=178 - no True HD

http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm/ct-5-1-system/cinema/cinema-70-ct
http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm/ct-5-1-system/cinema/cinema-110-ct

My 2cents worth
Click to expand...

Thanks Getafix33!
Re the speakers, I don't think we've got enough space in our flat for a full 5.1 or 7.1 sound system. Might just go for 2.1 type setup...
 
Might just go for 2.1 type setup...
Click to expand...

If thats the case I would seriously look at the Paradigm Atom Monitor - Retails are R3k for a pair.

http://paradigm.com/products/paradigm/bookshelf/monitor-series/atom-monitor

Along with a PDR8 or PDR10 sub.

http://paradigm.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=156&Itemid=2

I have the Yamaha RX-V2067 and am very happy with it

My advise. Spend a bit more on an amp as this is the heart of your system. That way when you upgrade your speakers, you don't have to update your amp aswell.

Use it, don't use it
 
getafix33 said:
If thats the case I would seriously look at the Paradigm Atom Monitor - Retails are R3k for a pair.

http://paradigm.com/products/paradigm/bookshelf/monitor-series/atom-monitor

Along with a PDR8 or PDR10 sub.

http://paradigm.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=156&Itemid=2

I have the Yamaha RX-V2067 and am very happy with it

My advise. Spend a bit more on an amp as this is the heart of your system. That way when you upgrade your speakers, you don't have to update your amp aswell.

Use it, don't use it
Click to expand...

Thanks for the references!
The RX-V467 looks like its about R5k...not too bad. How do NAD amps compare to Yamaha?
Do you know which stores stock Paradigm speakers?
My parents have a PSB 2.1 speaker setup, not sure which range. Think it might be similar to the Atoms. Any thoughts on PSB?
Thanks for all the advice & sorry bout the questions!
 
PostmanPot said:
I prefer Samsung because they sell more. About 20 - 30 forumites have bought Samsung plasmas specifically in the past 3 months. Although there have been some reported problems of slight jaggering/tearing during panning shots on the PS50C550 you linked to, like what you get a lot of in nature documentaries.

What I will say though, is that once it's mounted on your wall, 1.9cm is honestly not going to make a difference... Unless you're being pedantic. :p

What I will ask though, is do you really need full HD? Samsung PS50C450 for R7,999 is the best value 50" on the market. You could save a bucket load of cash...

Otherwise, perhaps you could find this Samsung at a good price? Probably over R15,000.

Samsung PS50C7000 , 3D plasma TV with tuner , 36.8mm ultra slim , network ready ( wifi optional ) , with light control for energy saving , BD wise , anynet+ , HyperReal picture Engine , ToC , platninum black , 50" wide plasma display with swivel stand + integrated

But, duuude, it's 3D!!! :rolleyes: :D
Click to expand...

OK, so I was at Tafelberg Furnishers yesterday. They had a PS50C430 up next to a Series 5 LCD and a Series 6 LCD, all showing the same HD feed. The plasma looked terrible :( It looked like there was this dull layer over the screen, while the LCDs were both sharp, clear images. The LCDs also had deeper blacks.

Then I went to AudioVision and they had a PS46C550 (R11,5k) up along with a UA40C6200 LED (R11k). These two screens look almost identical, with the plasma having just slightly deeper blacks. For almost the same price, you get an extra 6" then.
We were in a bit of a rush, so I didn't have time to ask the sales guy to put on some SD content, but presumably the plasma will fair better there. I do still want to see exactly how terrible LCDs are at SD though. I also still want to see a PS50C450 in action. I'm leaning towards the PS46C550 at the moment, if I can convince my wife it won't take over the living room, ie. a 50" is probably not even an option :/
 
vaultedskies said:
OK, so I was at Tafelberg Furnishers yesterday. They had a PS50C430 up next to a Series 5 LCD and a Series 6 LCD, all showing the same HD feed. The plasma looked terrible :( It looked like there was this dull layer over the screen, while the LCDs were both sharp, clear images. The LCDs also had deeper blacks.

Then I went to AudioVision and they had a PS46C550 (R11,5k) up along with a UA40C6200 LED (R11k). These two screens look almost identical, with the plasma having just slightly deeper blacks. For almost the same price, you get an extra 6" then.
We were in a bit of a rush, so I didn't have time to ask the sales guy to put on some SD content, but presumably the plasma will fair better there. I do still want to see exactly how terrible LCDs are at SD though. I also still want to see a PS50C450 in action. I'm leaning towards the PS46C550 at the moment, if I can convince my wife it won't take over the living room, ie. a 50" is probably not even an option :/
Click to expand...

Firstly, plasmas aren't as bright as LCDs. LCDs win buyers in stores because they are beneath intense shop lighting, so LCDs appear better. You need to play with the settings yourself. Trust me, plasmas are more than bright enough for home viewing, i.e. not under shop lighting.

Secondly, the LCDs probably looked sharp because you were standing within 1.5m - 2m from them. From normal viewing distance, LCD's crispness levels out.

Thirdly, yes, put SD content and sport on the plasma and then test again, then you will see where plasma excels.

You are confusing model numbers - the LCDs are LAxxxxxx. Plasmas PSxxxxxx. :)

PS50C450 has the same picture quality as the PS50C430, just extra features which I have explained before.

I guarantee you the PS50C450 is better overall than the LA46C530/C550. Especially at SD and sport.

Gtg, cheers.
 
... There's another conspiracy ; perhaps the salesman gets more commission on the LCD and has played with the settings to make the plasma appear terrible?

Even worse, he could have added something to degrade the feed into the plasma - resulting in false figures?

Or perhaps it was just broken and fault?
 
PostmanPot said:
Firstly, plasmas aren't as bright as LCDs. LCDs win buyers in stores because they are beneath intense shop lighting, so LCDs appear better. You need to play with the settings yourself. Trust me, plasmas are more than bright enough for home viewing, i.e. not under shop lighting
Click to expand...
Cool, I'm still going to go check out my brother's newly bought PS50C430/450 to see it under "normal" conditions.

PostmanPot said:
Secondly, the LCDs probably looked sharp because you were standing within 1.5m - 2m from them. From normal viewing distance, LCD's crispness levels out.
Click to expand...

At Tafelberg we stood pretty close yeah, but at AV we specifically stood 3m back (the distance between our couch and wall) and thinking about it now, they were probably equally crisp.


PostmanPot said:
Thirdly, yes, put SD content and sport on the plasma and then test again, then you will see where plasma excels.
Click to expand...
That's the plan :)

PostmanPot said:
You are confusing model numbers - the LCDs are LAxxxxxx. Plasmas PSxxxxxx. :)
Click to expand...

Yup, and LEDs are UAxxxxx, but I didn't get it wrong. We were comparing the 6200 LED with the PS46C550 plasma (at least, that's what the rep said it was). R11.5k vs R11k. Maybe it was the PS50C550, though it didn't look big enough for a 50"...

PostmanPot said:
PS50C450 has the same picture quality as the PS50C430, just extra features which I have explained before.
Click to expand...
sorry, think I missed that post :(

so, what I'm saying is, at the moment, I want to get the plasma (46" C550, if that's an option), not a LCD ;)
 
vaultedskies said:
Cool, I'm still going to go check out my brother's newly bought PS50C430/450 to see it under "normal" conditions.



At Tafelberg we stood pretty close yeah, but at AV we specifically stood 3m back (the distance between our couch and wall) and thinking about it now, they were probably equally crisp.



That's the plan :)



Yup, and LEDs are UAxxxxx, but I didn't get it wrong. We were comparing the 6200 LED with the PS46C550 plasma (at least, that's what the rep said it was). R11.5k vs R11k. Maybe it was the PS50C550, though it didn't look big enough for a 50"...


sorry, think I missed that post :(

so, what I'm saying is, at the moment, I want to get the plasma (46" C550, if that's an option), not a LCD ;)
Click to expand...

I haven't seen a PS46C550. If it exists, then great. But, the PS50C550 can be had for cheaper - sometimes as low as R10,000. My guess is you saw that one. :)

The differences are that the C450s have a better anti-reflective coating, extra HDMI port, USB media player, FM tuner capability, and better menus.
 
PostmanPot said:
I haven't seen a PS46C550. If it exists, then great. But, the PS50C550 can be had for cheaper - sometimes as low as R10,000. My guess is you saw that one. :)

The differences are that the C450s have a better anti-reflective coating, extra HDMI port, USB media player, FM tuner capability, and better menus.
Click to expand...

Mmm...I'll have to go establish exactly what it was then...! (PS46C550 doesn't seem to exist according to Google :S ) It would be great if I could get it for R10k or less!
Thanks for the specs. I'll keep you posted.
 
vaultedskies said:
Mmm...I'll have to go establish exactly what it was then...! (PS46C550 doesn't seem to exist according to Google :S ) It would be great if I could get it for R10k or less!
Thanks for the specs. I'll keep you posted.
Click to expand...

But do you need full HD? That is the question. From what I recall you don't, therefore stick with PS50C450.
 
PostmanPot said:
But do you need full HD? That is the question. From what I recall you don't, therefore stick with PS50C450.
Click to expand...

I don't. I'm going to go check my brother's C430 to see what it looks like under normal lighting conditions. I know showrooms are extreme lighting conditions as you mentioned above, but somehow it just seems "wrong" to buy the one that looks the worst of the lot (in the showroom at least). Maybe seeing it at my brother's place will change my mind ;)
R8k is a bargain though and it will free up cash for better speakers...
decisions, decisions!
 
vaultedskies said:
I don't. I'm going to go check my brother's C430 to see what it looks like under normal lighting conditions. I know showrooms are extreme lighting conditions as you mentioned above, but somehow it just seems "wrong" to buy the one that looks the worst of the lot (in the showroom at least). Maybe seeing it at my brother's place will change my mind ;)
R8k is a bargain though and it will free up cash for better speakers...
decisions, decisions!
Click to expand...

Did you check the light settings though? Could have been set to a low level.

No one here has ever complained about their plasmas not being bright enough. So unless you have shop lighting in your lounge, you won't have a problem. ;)
 
Come to think of it. my plasma wasn't bright enough
 
Okay so one anti-plasma forumite basing their opinions on a 3.5 year old plasma has complained.

Go figure. ;)
 
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