The sales guy said that Samsung and LG are the main plasma manufactures worldwide - could just be sales talk.
I think, Sansui used to be a defunct Japanese company whose trademarks were purchased by the Chinese. Similar story to AKAI I think.
Oh yes THAAT salesman is so correct about Korean companies being the only major players. AFAIK NEC, Fujitsu-Hitachi, Sony, Matshu****a, Phillips
and a number of other makers make LCD panels. Quality wise I'd recommend a Japanese manufacturer although Lucky Goldstar and Samsung are surely OK.
The Plasma vs LCD argument is pure BOLLOCKS. Watch both, see which one you prefer, Plasma has traditionally had more natural colours, faster response, wide angle, is brighter while LCD has less burn-in issues is cheaper for higher definition and delivers a picture just as good. Compare
both types in fact compare different makes
of sets.
When you go to the showroom just get the salesguy to take the plasma/LCD set OUT OF "Torch-mode" for you, ie tune down the brightness and contrast settings to normal daily use.
Also cool, try to get an LCD Display Monitor/Plasma monitor rather than a SET, if you have DSTV. At least you don't have to show that stupid TV licence when you buy one.
BTW Lucky GoldStar customer service in SA is shameful. You fill in their website form asking for the quote, their manager replies, you reply to his reply,
he's like "WTF? Did I quote you that price?" When you call him, the guy can't be bothered to help you, refers you to another ignoramus who can't be bothered to help you either. I don't want to bitch on Korean people, as I've done some business with a few and they're very friendly and honourable but their SA staff is very bad.
