Which LCD TV..

AjAx30

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Ok, this is not 100% computer related, but i would like to find out what LCD tv / plasma is the best to get... looking at a largish size, 37" or 42"..

I know that LG and Samsung are pretty darn good, but i have not really looked at all the differences before.. I got a PS3 and taking into account that DSTV is going to be HD soon, i want something thats gonna last me a while and and gives good value for money.

thanks in advance!
 

gifs

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If you are going to watch alot of DSTV I would recommend a plasma, rather than LCD. Plasmas have better contrast ration and cope better with SD content IMO.

I am waiting to find out from Panasonic when we will be getting their new Vierra Plasmas which are awesome according to reviews. The 42" models are TH-42PZ80 and TH-42PZ85 and are full-hd. They are rated as almost as good as the Pioneer plasmas which have been taking top honours (but cost around R30,000 for a 42" which isn't fullHD).

The current Panasonic range which these will replace cost around R15,000 so hopefully the new range won't be much more expensive. I will be getting one if/when they are released.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730005
 

eitai2001

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@Gifs ... The new Panasonics are out ... the Full HD Range anyway, but they aren't on the cheap side.

@Ajax30 ... Gifs is right ... for standard TV, a plasma is better as they process SD signals better and there is no or almost no refresh rate ... where on a LCD there is which leaves shadowing in terms of sport ... but when I look at sport, I barely see it.

The best LCD's on the Market are Samsung and Sony ... IMO anyway, but the X series is rated the highest.

Depending on your budget ... go for the X series sony if you can ... they've come down A LOT in price, and are now similarly priced to the Samsungs, in fact I think at this point in time, the Samsung might be a little more (The Full HD one).

The DSTV signal will be a HD Ready format i.e. 1080i ... or maybe 720p ... must double check ... so Full HD won't help you there ... but Full HD will give you an advantage to your PS3 (but I can't clearly see the difference between PS3 on Full HD and HD Ready (By the way, I know HD Ready isn't the true name for 1080i ... but it has essentially become that, and easier when asking about LCD's in a shop). The biggest advantage of Full HD IMO is Blu Ray movies and plugging a computer into it, cause then at least you have a decent res for your PC ... I think it is limited to 1680 x 1050.
 

eitai2001

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If you in Jhb, call Cats Digital if you want a TV ... ask for Ross or Jon Katz, they the most knowledgeable ... Jon is a nicer guy to deal with ... I can tell you my costs are more then their selling prices :p ... number is 011 784 1925
 

greg_SA

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I've been wanting to by a Plasma for ages... every time I check reviews, etc I end at the same conclusion... Panasonic FTW! :D

However, on a tighter budget, the Sinotec range of panels look like great value for money, especially with the 5 year warranty.
 
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eitai2001

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On a tighter budget ... look at the Samsungs as a possibility ... although only 1 year warranty.
 

eitai2001

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Is that the one with the funny hole in the middle which is also a touch sensitive power button in case ur watching pron and get funny ideas :D ... I don't like the design with that button hole in the middle ... but that my opinion
 

11masoodt

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Is that the one with the funny hole in the middle which is also a touch sensitive power button in case ur watching pron and get funny ideas :D ... I don't like the design with that button hole in the middle ... but that my opinion

i quite like the design, 1 of the best i've seen IMO
 

AjAx30

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kewl, thanks guys so far for the inputs and i will have a look at the tv's mentioned so far... What is the ave life span of a plasma tv, considering it will be used for normal viewing like sport on weekend, ps3 occasionaly, some week soapies etc?
 

arf9999

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Philips makes the panels for LG ... so if u like LG ... u got no worries :p
vice versa... LG make the panels for Philips.

What is your price range? Makro has a Sony BRAVIA 40" at a really good price.
 

eitai2001

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I've had this argument with many managers and fellow staff (I also used to think LG made them, and would argue that LG made them, and say they were wrong) ... and when I did some research ... it turns out Philips makes them. Unless I have bad sources :p
 

arf9999

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LG & Philips had a joint venture for LCD, LG has just taken over the company...

I'll look for a linky...

edit:
Some investors also sold LG Display shares on concerns that Kwon did not give details on the future of the 13.2 percent stake still owned by Dutch Philips . Philips has been reducing its participation in the joint venture and may sell the remaining shares when a lock-up period expires in June.
http://www.portfolio.com/news-marke...6/lg-display-shares-slide-on-lehman-downgrade

New company name is LG Display (Used to be LG-Philips LCD).
 
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eitai2001

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Oh maybe thats the case now ... cause there is ambiguity about who makes the panel at work ... so LG and Philips make for LG and Philips ... and then LG just bought the company :p ... who cares ... same thing ... same panel ... yada yada
 

arf9999

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Oh maybe thats the case now ... cause there is ambiguity about who makes the panel at work ... so LG and Philips make for LG and Philips ... and then LG just bought the company :p ... who cares ... same thing ... same panel ... yada yada
True :)
I still think the Sony/Samsung panel is better tho', and the Sony video processing is rivalled only by the Pioneer Plasma.
 
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