Panasonic or Philips Plasma

DamoKen

Ok, 2 questions sort of, first is are plasmas a better buy, and second is which manufacturer to buy from?

Been wanting to buy a decent set for ages so from reading on boards plus other sites I've sort of decided to go with plasma over lcd as there seems to be a general consensus that they're a better buy?

I have a standard sky box so would the lower feed quality be noticable or will I still see an improvement in picture?
Also I watch all my dvds in divx format as I rip everything to my modified xbox or stream from my pc.
I might if possible hook up my pc and play some games on it (need to check if my 640mb 8800GTS will support it).
I've heard or read somewhere that the plasmas seemed to have a smoother picture at lower res, is this true?

Anyway, spent the last few days going around pricing different ones, have decided on 42" as that is the largest I could put in the room, tight fit even at that in the corner where it will go!

So last thing to decide, what manufacturer, again from reading boards the general consensus would be panasonic or pioneer would be the best buy. Is it worth the extra few hundred though, I mean is there an appreciable difference in picture?

Here's a few 42" models and prices from the different manufacturers:

Philips 42PFP5332 €899.99
Samsung PS42Q96HD €1099.00
LG 42PC56 €1099.99
Pansonic 42PV7EY €1199.00
LG 42LC46 €1279.99
Panasonic 42PV70EY €1349.00


Sorry don't have the full specs for each at home, as you can see though the Philips would be €450 cheaper than the last Panasonic which going on its prices 50% cheaper. So would the Panasonic be worth that extra outlay? For the difference I could get a stand and home theatre too!

Cheers

Vic Vinegar

Try this http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/selector.php

I found it very handy for helping me choose!

ongarite

Panasonic are the no.1 Plasma brand for a good reason. They are the best TV for the price, better than LG, Philips and Samsung.

Of your list there, the 42PV70EY is the model to go for. Its going off the market very soon but is still a superb screen.

Its €1250 at Alliance Electric:
http://www.allianceelectric.ie/products/tv/plasmalcd/th42pv70.htm

DamoKen

cheers for the replies guys, so there would be a big difference in picture quality between the Panasonic and any of the others? Edging me closer to my first choice and buying it!

One thing I forgot to ask, is the 5 year warranty still available on the Panasonics or is that finished? [Edit]just rang Alliance Electric, warranty is finished . Not to worry, think I'll still go for it [/Edit]

Thanks again, advice well appreciated!

DamoKen

Was in Alliance today so should be getting delivery of the 42PV70EY by Thursday

Thanks again!

dietrich

Hi Pioneer 428xd is best by all accounts but pricy and the panisonic pz700 comes a close second both kick the ass of ones u listed ! More confused? I thought so!

big_moe

dietrich wrote: »

Hi Pioneer 428xd is best by all accounts but pricy and the panisonic pz700 comes a close second both kick the ass of ones u listed ! More confused? I thought so!

Dietrich,
you have to take cost into account here.

yes the 428 is the best out there with the panasonics in a close second. but you have to factor price in. obviously, if you drop over 2k on a Pioneer you'd want it to be better than a panasonic @ 1299. if the panasonic was better then Pioneer wouldnt sell any tvs.

AT THE PRICE, the panasonic 42pv70 is a stunning set. im watching one now and its deadly.

if i had over 2k for a new tele then yes i would buy the Pioneer, but unfortunately im a broke student!

so if you want the best, you pay big bucks for a Pioneer 428

if you want the best at 1299, its the Panasonic 42pv70

ceejay

I agree, Pioneers win from a picture quality point of view, but Panasonic from a value for money point of view. And if you can stretch to €1599, the TH42PY70 gives you a 1080p panel. I went from a 28" widescreen Panasonic CRT to one of these, and I'm continually impressed by how well it looks and how well it handles SD content, which was one of my concerns moving to LCD or Plasma. And of course the HD stuff looks amazing!

Ciarán.

DamoKen

agree with the cost/quality ratio. Just took delivery of the 42pv70 from Alliance and streamed the opening scene from Star Wars Revenge of the Sith through my xbox via scart. Have to say it was better than I could have hoped for, was a bit worried about how divx would display but this is amazing!

cheers guys