Yet another HDTV question

[pk500]

Anyone heard of Hannspree LCD HDTV's? Buy.com has a 42" 1080P 120hz set for $469.99, not sure if this is the better deal. The one thing I noticed is the Vizio has 50,000:1 contrast ratio and the Hannspree is 15K:1. Don't know if it makes a big difference or does it?

The blacks on the Vizio will be at least three times darker. That's a considerable jump on an LCD, especially since those sets have fainter blacks than plasmas out of the box.

[Rodster]

Well after some thought I cancelled my order on the Vizio and i'm still deciding. I don't want anything bigger than a 42" HDTV. I saw a sweet looking 40" Sharp Aquos HDTV on sale at Newegg.com and i'm kicking around the 42" 1080P Panasonic Plasma for $599.99 with free shipping also at Newegg.

[pk500]

Well after some thought I cancelled my order on the Vizio and i'm still deciding. I don't want anything bigger than a 42" HDTV. I saw a sweet looking 40" Sharp Aquos HDTV on sale at Newegg.com and i'm kicking around the 42" 1080P Panasonic Plasma for $599.99 with free shipping also at Newegg.

Why nothing larger than 42 inches? Size of room?

HDTV's are like penises: You'll appreciate the extra size. Go for the 50-incher if your room is big enough.

[Rodster]

Well after some thought I cancelled my order on the Vizio and i'm still deciding. I don't want anything bigger than a 42" HDTV. I saw a sweet looking 40" Sharp Aquos HDTV on sale at Newegg.com and i'm kicking around the 42" 1080P Panasonic Plasma for $599.99 with free shipping also at Newegg.

Why nothing larger than 42 inches? Size of room?

HDTV's are like penises: You'll appreciate the extra size. Go for the 50-incher if your room is big enough.

Too heavy, I prefer to move it myself. I can manage a TV around 50lbs by myself and yeah anything above 42" is way too big.

[dbdynsty25]

What a whiney p***y. Get a bigger tv...how many f'n times do you move a tv anyway?

[Rodster]

PK I was reading the difference between the "U" and "S" series Panasonic Plasmas is that the "S" series uses an anti-glare reflective coating. I read one review on Walmart where the buyer said it makes the screen image blurry and he recommended going with the "U" series which doesn't use that filter. Does that make any sense? I'm leaning on the "S2" series because it's only $599 with free shipping at Newegg.

[snaz16]

PK I was reading the difference between the "U" and "S" series Panasonic Plasmas is that the "S" series uses an anti-glare reflective coating. I read one review on Walmart where the buyer said it makes the screen image blurry and he recommended going with the "U" series which doesn't use that filter. Does that make any sense? I'm leaning on the "S2" series because it's only $599 with free shipping at Newegg.

If his picture is blurry,its not because of the anti glare feature,as all of the upper end Panny's have that. Rod, you sound like your on the fence,and you got your nuts hung up on the barb wire I spent a lot of time a few months back,trying to sort it all out,and being a 3 generation Sony man (Trinatron tube -A-10 rear projection-Xbr Lcd) , after reading the Hi Def forum,AV,etc. I decided to go plasma. I was going the "S" series until I saw the PG-25 on display. Pulled the trigger on that instead and went from a 42" to the 50". I sit 7 ft away and the picture is stunning. With that said,stick with the "S" series,and get the friggin 50" for God's sake! If I remember correctly,you live up towards Sarasota,and I live in Punta Gorda,and with some notice I'll come up there and help you move the damn thing if you feel compelled to move it. Of course that might cost you some adult beverages if you get my drift

[HipE]

PK I was reading the difference between the "U" and "S" series Panasonic Plasmas is that the "S" series uses an anti-glare reflective coating. I read one review on Walmart where the buyer said it makes the screen image blurry and he recommended going with the "U" series which doesn't use that filter. Does that make any sense? I'm leaning on the "S2" series because it's only $599 with free shipping at Newegg.

If his picture is blurry,its not because of the anti glare feature,as all of the upper end Panny's have that. Rod, you sound like your on the fence,and you got your nuts hung up on the barb wire I spent a lot of time a few months back,trying to sort it all out,and being a 3 generation Sony man (Trinatron tube -A-10 rear projection-Xbr Lcd) , after reading the Hi Def forum,AV,etc. I decided to go plasma. I was going the "S" series until I saw the PG-25 on display. Pulled the trigger on that instead and went from a 42" to the 50". I sit 7 ft away and the picture is stunning. With that said,stick with the "S" series,and get the friggin 50" for God's sake! If I remember correctly,you live up towards Sarasota,and I live in Punta Gorda,and with some notice I'll come up there and help you move the damn thing if you feel compelled to move it. Of course that might cost you some adult beverages if you get my drift

I've got the same 50" Panasonic G25 being delivered tomorrow, I hope it is as good as you say.

And Rodster, get the S2 over the U2. I've got a Panasonic plasma from 2008 that has the exact same anti-glare coating on it, and it doesn't make anything blurry at all. Just make sure to put it in cinema or custom mode if you do buy it, many people complain of a grainy looking picture in the other modes.

[snaz16]

PK I was reading the difference between the "U" and "S" series Panasonic Plasmas is that the "S" series uses an anti-glare reflective coating. I read one review on Walmart where the buyer said it makes the screen image blurry and he recommended going with the "U" series which doesn't use that filter. Does that make any sense? I'm leaning on the "S2" series because it's only $599 with free shipping at Newegg.

If his picture is blurry,its not because of the anti glare feature,as all of the upper end Panny's have that. Rod, you sound like your on the fence,and you got your nuts hung up on the barb wire I spent a lot of time a few months back,trying to sort it all out,and being a 3 generation Sony man (Trinatron tube -A-10 rear projection-Xbr Lcd) , after reading the Hi Def forum,AV,etc. I decided to go plasma. I was going the "S" series until I saw the PG-25 on display. Pulled the trigger on that instead and went from a 42" to the 50". I sit 7 ft away and the picture is stunning. With that said,stick with the "S" series,and get the friggin 50" for God's sake! If I remember correctly,you live up towards Sarasota,and I live in Punta Gorda,and with some notice I'll come up there and help you move the damn thing if you feel compelled to move it. Of course that might cost you some adult beverages if you get my drift

I've got the same 50" Panasonic G25 being delivered tomorrow, I hope it is as good as you say.

And Rodster, get the S2 over the U2. I've got a Panasonic plasma from 2008 that has the exact same anti-glare coating on it, and it doesn't make anything blurry at all. Just make sure to put it in cinema or custom mode if you do buy it, many people complain of a grainy looking picture in the other modes.

Congrats Hip...you are gonna luv this tv. I would strongly suggest you,follow the breakin period,,i.e. keep contrast at 50 for the 1st 100hrs. or if you want to use the breakin slides go ahead. Its a little of a pain in the butt for 2-3 weeks,and you don't really have to follow this,but once this tv is broke in....wow! I personally don't stray off the THX setting,I prefer around a 68 setting on the contrast mode,and a little higher if I'm on the Ps3. I'm sure your gonna luv this tv.

[Rodster]

PK I was reading the difference between the "U" and "S" series Panasonic Plasmas is that the "S" series uses an anti-glare reflective coating. I read one review on Walmart where the buyer said it makes the screen image blurry and he recommended going with the "U" series which doesn't use that filter. Does that make any sense? I'm leaning on the "S2" series because it's only $599 with free shipping at Newegg.

If his picture is blurry,its not because of the anti glare feature,as all of the upper end Panny's have that. Rod, you sound like your on the fence,and you got your nuts hung up on the barb wire I spent a lot of time a few months back,trying to sort it all out,and being a 3 generation Sony man (Trinatron tube -A-10 rear projection-Xbr Lcd) , after reading the Hi Def forum,AV,etc. I decided to go plasma. I was going the "S" series until I saw the PG-25 on display. Pulled the trigger on that instead and went from a 42" to the 50". I sit 7 ft away and the picture is stunning. With that said,stick with the "S" series,and get the friggin 50" for God's sake! If I remember correctly,you live up towards Sarasota,and I live in Punta Gorda,and with some notice I'll come up there and help you move the damn thing if you feel compelled to move it. Of course that might cost you some adult beverages if you get my drift

I appreciate the offer Snaz but i'm still on the fence waiting for my a killer deal as we get closer to Christmas and maybe after Christmas sales. I still don't know if I want a plasma or LCD both have pros and cons.

[MizzouRah]

To each their own I guess, but I would NEVER buy a Panasonic plasma TV.

My dad payed $3800 for his a few years ago and it's a dead weight on his wall now.. won't even come on.

He just bout a Sony Bravia 55" LCD TV and loves it, the picture is even better than my 46" Sony Bravia when watching sports since mine is only a 60hz.

TV's are like cars though, everyone has a horror story with a certain brand.. but I would never buy a plasma TV. My next TV will probably be a Samsung LED, this time going to 55".

[Rodster]

To each their own I guess, but I would NEVER buy a Panasonic plasma TV.

My dad payed $3800 for his a few years ago and it's a dead weight on his wall now.. won't even come on.

He just bout a Sony Bravia 55" LCD TV and loves it, the picture is even better than my 46" Sony Bravia when watching sports since mine is only a 60hz.

TV's are like cars though, everyone has a horror story with a certain brand.. but I would never buy a plasma TV. My next TV will probably be a Samsung LED, this time going to 55".

Very true and good advice Mizz. I almost pulled the trigger on a 42" Sharp LCD for $559 at Walmart. It's a 1080P set but is only 60HZ...Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[MizzouRah]

Very true and good advice Mizz. I almost pulled the trigger on a 42" Sharp LCD for $559 at Walmart. It's a 1080P set but is only 60HZ...Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I don't notices any viewing issues except motion blur every so often on hockey games and when say, a football field is zoomed out - everything else minus sports, always looks excellent.. and honestly, I only notice it because of my dad's TV.

I've been a Sony TV man my whole life, but when I turn my TV on, it has a pink line on the right side from top to bottom on the screen. After it warms up, it goes away.. but I'm not happy it's even there in the first place. Sony wants $90 to step into my house, so until it stays there for good, I'll live with it.

Samsung is probably getting my business next.

[sportdan30]

Rodster,

I'm in the same boat. I've been looking and reading up on reviews and just can't seem to pull the trigger on a hdtv at this time. I'm targeting either Super Bowl weekend or more than likely, March Madness as to when I'll finally purchase a new set.

I don't want to have to settle on a tv that I'm not in love with, therefore I've pretty much excluded the plasmas at this time. They do indeed have great picture quality, but in my mind there are more cons than pros. Plus, I really want a 55" LCD-LED for the main family room. I saw a nice Vizio at Walmart, but it was still a little more than I want to pay.

I'm not in a huge rush, and I'm hoping prices will come down even further over the next month or two, or after the holiday season. I gotta think there will be some pretty good deals around mid to late January.

[vinny-b]

picked up the 46 Samsung LCD (LN46C530) via Walmart, 2 months ago.

via scale of 1-10, would have to rate it an 11.


http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... gMethod=rr

[Rodster]

Nice Vinny

How does live sports look on the TV? I've been looking at 120hz TV's because of the blurry/ghosting when watching live sports on a 60hz LCD HDTV.

[vinny-b]

Nice Vinny

How does live sports look on the TV? I've been looking at 120hz TV's because of the blurry/ghosting when watching live sports on a 60hz LCD HDTV.

good question. Having did research before the purchase, this was a concern to me. Yet in all honesty, i don't notice any adverse effects when viewing football/sports. To date, have mainly been viewing football and movies on this set.

[pk500]

Nice Vinny

How does live sports look on the TV? I've been looking at 120hz TV's because of the blurry/ghosting when watching live sports on a 60hz LCD HDTV.

Football won't look too bad on a 60Hz set because most action on each play is confined in a small area. Fast-motion sports like hockey and auto racing look lousy on a 60Hz set, at least to me. We have a 24-inch 60Hz LCD upstairs, and I can't watch hockey or racing on it. The motion blur and "screen door" effect drive me nuts.

That's one of the reasons why I went with the 600Hz of a plasma for our big basement TV, as I watch a lot of racing and hockey.

[Rodster]

Glad you like it, Vinny. I remember going to a Best Buy and watching a replay of a baseball game in 60Hz then 120Hz and the big difference was when the ball was moving it didn't have that slight motion blur you get from a 60Hz set. Also the uniform looked where you can actually see the stitches on the uniform when the player was running around the bases. That sold me on 120Hz.

I think with the arrival of 3D HDTV's prices will drop on non 3D HDTV's. I'm like Dan where i'll just wait for the price to drop even more.

[sportdan30]

My 42" Vizio which is a 60hz and for which I've owned for three years now has been a very nice sports viewing experience. I honestly don't see the motion blur or whatever you're supposed to see on a 60hz set. I think 120hz obviously would look even better, and that's what I'm aiming going for when I make my purchase. I don't care about the new 240hz. 120hz should be just fine.

[wco81]

Pay attention to motion resolution.

http://hdguru.com/how-to-pick-the-right ... #more-2630

I remember seeing a real expensive Sony Bravia a few years back at a showroom. It was showing a simple aerial shot over some mountains. You could see the trees smear as there was motion. When it slowed down or stopped, then the detail came back.

[MizzouRah]

My 42" Vizio which is a 60hz and for which I've owned for three years now has been a very nice sports viewing experience. I honestly don't see the motion blur or whatever you're supposed to see on a 60hz set. I think 120hz obviously would look even better, and that's what I'm aiming going for when I make my purchase. I don't care about the new 240hz. 120hz should be just fine.

I see it every now and then, but nothing to ruin my hockey sports viewing.

[Rodster]

Thanks for the link but according to the article motion resolution is tied to the refresh rate, unless I read it wrong.

"60Hz/120Hz/240Hz

Standard LCDs incorporate a 60 Hz refresh rate. This produces motion resolution of around 320 lines (per picture height) out of a possible1080 lines. 120 Hz refresh ups the motion resolution to around 600 lines, while 240 Hz kicks it up to 900 lines or higher.

Once the refresh rate is increased to 120Hz or higher, a number of image artifacts appear (see related story here link). In addition, test material reveals unwanted artifacts present in all types of 120, 240 Hz LCD HDTV.

For the best LCD picture, either traditional or LED backlit, choose one with either a 120Hz or 240Hz or 480 Hz refresh rate. Note the are LED LCDs that claim 480Hz refresh, really just use a 240 Hz circuit and sequentially fire the LEDs within the backlight.

1080p plasma sets produce artifact free, full 1080 line motion resolution. Panasonic’s VT20/ VT25 series and Samsung’s 8000 model plasmas offer a 96Hz refresh rate that produces images free of the judder (seen as uneven pans) found in all 60 Hz panels (plasma and LCD) without any of the artifacts associated with 120/240Hz LED/LCDs."

[wco81]

Look around that site. They used to have a chart with the motion resolution numbers for several models. I don't know if they've kept updating it with new models.

But they're saying even with the highest refresh rate, the best LCD is around 900 lines while plasma is the full 1080.

[Rodster]

You know after all this HD and Plasma talk I got to thinking why Sony who at one time had the best CRT's (Trinitron) never got into doing plasma HDTV's? I find that somewhat odd.