Topic: Looking for LCD Flat Panel, Got PLasma Instead

[Munskie]

Guys I need your help, my 6 year old Tosh RPTV just conked out this day (convergence problem) and the estimate for repairs is quite costly.  Me and my wife reckoned it wouldnt be worth spending that much for repairs and have decided to go for a flat panel. 

The Flat Panel will be used mainly for:

1.  Cable TV viewing around 50-60% of the time
2.  Divx/bootleg viewing
3.  Occasional Gaming for PS2 and PS3 (and some Blu-ray viewing)

Some of my minimal requirements are:

1.  At least 37 inches
2.  At least 720p resolution

Thanks in advance for any inputs...

[paolorenzo]

Sorry to hear about your RPTV. 

I got the Aquos LC-37BX5M for 85k, and I'm loving it.  Wala pa lang ako cable TV subscription, so I rely on the trusty Baron Antenna.  Decent TV reception naman, better than my 29" and 21" CRTs.

Strengths may be with PC use and gaming, with its 6ms response time.

Read through the Aquos thread.

Samsung and Sony only have 32" and 40" available locally.  Other 37" you might want to consider are Toshiba Regza, Hitachi, LG and Philips.

[Munskie]

saw the specs...quite good huh?  where did you get it?   im also open for 40 inchers, basta ba pasok sa budget......we're inclined to get something on  installment basis only.....

[Clondalkin]

The Flat Panel will be used mainly for:
1.  Cable TV viewing around 50-60% of the time
2.  Divx/bootleg viewing
3.  Occasional Gaming for PS2 and PS3 (and some Blu-ray viewing)

A 42-inch Panasonic is not an option Munskie? I may have a 37V Aquos at the moment but looking at your application, I think a plasma would give you more satisfaction.

[pchin]

Marvin, since you have experienced in RPTV, how about the advanced & improved SONY 42" 3LCD HDTV 720P now selling at less than 100k (while waiting for the LCD 1080p to drop in price)? At 42" size...it makes a lot of difference! 

But if budget is no problem or you have limited space, yes go for LCD or Plasma.

[Munskie]

A 42-inch Panasonic is not an option Munskie? I may have a 37V Aquos at the moment but looking at your application, I think a plasma would give you more satisfaction.

can be an option too...but is there a 42in 720p plasma within my budget range of 110-120k?   im quite concerned with burn-in issues too.....coz im gonna use it for gaming too.....

[Munskie]

Marvin, since you have experienced in RPTV, how about the advanced & improved SONY 42" 3LCD HDTV 720P now selling at less than 100k (while waiting for the LCD 1080p to drop in price)? At 42" size...it makes a lot of difference! 

But if budget is no problem or you have limited space, yes go for LCD or Plasma.

100k?  wow!!......what model paul?  space aint a problem, the rptv that I had is much bulkier than the models now right?

[pchin]

100k?  wow!!......what model paul?  space aint a problem, the rptv that I had is much bulkier than the models now right?

Since you mentioned your unit was a 6-year old Tosh RPTV, I assume it's the old fashion, bulky floor standing type? (yep, I just saw it in your HT Gallery)

The newer generation of SONY 3LCD projection TV is sleek looking & doesn't consume that much space tho it's bigger than LCD & Plasma....doh! What am I doing??  I, myself own a 3LCD 42" 720P hehe. Pls refer to my HT Picture Gallery 

[Munskie]

its still quite pricey paul....145k at sony website....but ill consider and inquire about this on local shops.    paul, have a question, and  to flat panel gurus here.........in terms of picture qulaity.....whats better?   a 3lcd projection TV or a LCD flat panel?

[pchin]

The one in SONY website is the newer model. Yesterday I just saw a unit in Anson Makati 42" selling at 99.9k.

In term of PQ, 3LCD is far superior than the older gen RPTV but LCD is still the best choice...hence, the high price of LCD. As for the PQ of LCD vs Plasma...that is another story which has a thread on it. 

[Munskie]

yup of course, my old rptv is just a crt projection unit....I might go now for a flat panel, my wife would surely love the looks too.........and after some research, im quite leaning for a Toshiba 37WL68E, it is also in the sub 100k range.........after reading the Plasma and LCD threads last night, and evaluating my needs and viewing habits, im more inclined for the latter now.  Plasma has advantage in PQ I believe, especially in DVD viewing, but I dont think I ill get one with  720p resolution within my budget.  I also factored in my gaming needs........Im quite concerned with burn in issues...

[paolorenzo]

A 42-inch Panasonic is not an option Munskie? I may have a 37V Aquos at the moment but looking at your application, I think a plasma would give you more satisfaction.

This is a good suggestion, since the PW8 (EDTV) is 720p already.  Best for cable viewing and standard DVDs.  May have slight issues with your "occasional gaming".  The PW8 can be had raw for 85k, 24 months?  I haven't verified this, but it's stated on the other thread.  If this is true, then this will be my only regret for getting the Aquos a week earlier (they only gave 6 months installment on the PW8, on that fateful weekend I bought my unit at Westeren Mega).

and after some research, im quite leaning for a Toshiba 37WL68E, it is also in the sub 100k range

Sir, you might be looking at the 66E or 67E unit.  The 68E series just came out, and I think the 37" is around 140k.  I really liked the 68E features, particularly the twin-tuner PIP, and the 100Hz feature.

As for the 3LCD units, these are really good, if you maintain a fixed eye level for viewers.  But if you stand or walk around, or some viewers aren't at the right level, picture isn't optimal.  This was my observation with the Samsung DLPs, and the 1st gen Sony Grand Wegas.

[Munskie]

Sir, you might be looking at the 66E or 67E unit.  The 68E series just came out, and I think the 37" is around 140k.  I really liked the 68E features, particularly the twin-tuner PIP, and the 100Hz feature.

  got a quote......sub 100k.....though cash price sya....and its confirmed 68e series....will be coming in middle of the month...  the 100hz feature and fast response time (6ms) are quite good....

[Munskie]

im really close now in acquring a Toshiba 37in LCD.....a 37WL68E.....thanks for all the inputs..

[pchin]

Tosh LCD to match your Tosh HD-A1 player..perfect match! 

Don't forget after you've acquired it...pic pls! 

[dB10]

im really close now in acquring a Toshiba 37in LCD.....a 37WL68E.....thanks for all the inputs..

im just wondering why not get the 42 instead of the 37?

[Munskie]

im just wondering why not get the 42 instead of the 37?

the plasma? or the Tosh 42WL68E? if the latter.....budget concerns...the 42in version is expensive by 40k......and 37in will be good enough in size for me, as this will be used in my bedroom set-up.....though I always believe bigger is always better (thats why i have a front PJ for my main HT), i could have a 42WL66E, but im intrigue by the 100hz feature and faster response time...

im just close to it based on my preferred specs....gonna do some major auditioning this saturday, and Im gonna bring some of my DVDs....I could bring a HD player too, but that would be too much hassle for me....

[Clondalkin]

....I could have go bring an HD player too, but that would be too much hassle for me....

I wouldn't hesitate to lug my heavy artilleries if I were you.  A good 37 or 42V Plasma or LCD is a significant investment and can very well replace your PJ as the main HT display.  Might as well test it as much as the store would allow.

FYI, the top of the line Toshiba Regzas in Japan (the award winning Z series) have the so called "HD DVD Fine Tuning" feature.  Not much technical data is given but I think the phrase is self-explanatory.  I hope that Japanese model is equivalent to the 68E model you are interested to check. 

BTW I tend to prioritize quality before size in the end.  I find it tough to ignore a better looking overall image albeit smaller face when placed beside a less stellar but bigger one.  Japanese sellers are darn good at creating that dilemma at the store.  But that's just me and I can imagine how much bigger your viewing rooms are compared to what I've got to live with.  Have fun!

[Munskie]

I wouldn't hesitate to lug my heavy artilleries if I were you.  A good 37 or 42V Plasma or LCD is a significant investment and can very well replace your PJ as the main HT display.  Might as well test it as much as the store would allow.

yup, ill try to bring one... an easier decision if the HD-A1 is small, but its not.......as for the 37 or a 42 in display replacing the PJ, I dont think so at the moment, PJ and its 96in display still rules.....nevertheless though, P100k is still P100k, thats why im already listing a number of scenes (fast action sequences for motion blurring, and dark scenes for contrast performance) in movies that would help me audition a monitor's video performance. 

BTW I tend to prioritize quality before size in the end.  I find it tough to ignore a better looking overall image albeit smaller face when placed beside a less stellar but bigger one.  Japanese sellers are darn good at creating that dilemma at the store.  But that's just me and I can imagine how much bigger your viewing rooms are compared to what I've got to live with.  Have fun!

yup.....i agree, quality before size. Though the 42WL66E is cheaper, I believe the newer model 68 series will deliver better PQ.  If only I have an additional 40k in budget, I could readily go for the 42inch version of the 68 series.   

[dB10]

the toshiba 68 series is really better than the '66. i demo'ed them at avant last january and the 100hz was really a difference between the two when i played several scenes from iRobot including the  car-truck scene, there was less lag on the car and the diving robots as they jump and swerve. and this was on the 42inch model, so im sure the 37 will produce even better display.  good panel to get imho

[Munskie]

the toshiba 68 series is really better than the '66. i demo'ed them at avant last january and the 100hz was really a difference between the two when i played several scenes from iRobot including the  car-truck scene, there was less lag on the car and the diving robots as they jump and swerve. and this was on the 42inch model, so im sure the 37 will produce even better display.  good panel to get imho

nice to know that.....

[Munskie]

ate up anything I have posted regarding LCD and Plasma......

[Munskie]

A 42-inch Panasonic is not an option Munskie? I may have a 37V Aquos at the moment but looking at your application, I think a plasma would give you more satisfaction.

said the above post coz I followed this option, just brought home a 42inch Hitachi Plasma display....42PD9500TA........will post my findings later....

after consultation with close forum mates.....and actual audition, I got the plasma after really bent on getting the Tosh 37WL68E.  Price was not an issue, coz they were priced almost the same at 12month terms.  The size (42 vs 37), and overall PQ...and IMO, I like cable TV viewing in Plasma than in the LCD....but I have to admit, cable TV viewing in HD flat panels doesnt look good.....mas ok pa yung CRT rptv ko na nasira.  But nevertheless, I brought Blu-ray and HD DVD titles, and the Hitachi did shine in that department.   

[jdg]

sir magkano kuha niyo sa hitachi 42PD9500TA and anong store? tnx!

[Munskie]

yung trade in promo nila....P104950.....12 months installment....pwede rin cash, 7% off.   Listening in style. 

[pchin]

Nice Marvin, hope to see your finding soon...enjoy your new baby! 

[Munskie]

ok..heres my intial findings........(warning from an enthusiast whoisnt a videophile ha......and is on eyeglasses....and is subjective )

The Plasma: Hitachi 42PD9500TA 



On Cable Broadcast:  Im not surprised that  my old CRT projection TV did better on this part.  While the CRT produced a smooth but flat video output, PLasma's output is grainy on almost channels.  Its not very good, but aint that bad either.  But I'm not diasppointed, coz I believe the source has to take the grunt of the blame on this.....Versus LCD, I did find this plasma to be more tolerable.  (I auditioned the 42WL66E...no WL68s to be found).  The LCD has some noticeable pixelization on most channels. (my rating:  3 stars, I can live with grain.....but not pixelizations )

On DVDs:  First hooked my old and trusty Philips 642k player through component video.  Played Spiderman, Gladiator and The Incredibles.  What I saw was not the result I was expecting.  All suffered in less image clarity and detail....and was already feeling some form of regret..... "shikes...even the projected image of my Panny ae900 was so much better than this......and thats the strength of LCD...picture detail".  Then after some breather (medyo pagod na mga mata ko sa kaka-audition almost the whole day), I thought of hooking my Denon 2910 player to the Plasmy thru HDMI.  PLayed the same titles.  The result was (in my super relief)  night and day!!!   Upconverted DVDs do look great in this plasma.     Image detail is definitely better than the 96in projected image of Panny ae900 (but of course, iba pa rin theater effect di ba?).  (my rating: 4.5 stars, if I have a 65 inch Plasma, it would defintely be the star in my HT. But still this 42 incher shines, but hook it up with an upconverting player...and through HDMI if you can)

On HD:  WOW!! Even if the resolution of this Plasma aint full HD (1024x1080), I hooked up the PS3 thru HDMI and find the video output truly rewarding.  Image detail pops out....so did the 3D effect. Colors were vibrant but still natural.  Saw Casino Royale and Open Season.......I could swear the fur on the bear is almost so real.  (my rating: 4.5 stars.....nothing to complain about, if its full 1080P...it will get a 5)

(additional comments)
On Gaming:  Tried God of War...which before was playing on my CRT.  Again the smooth but flat images on the CRT was trumped by the much improved picture detail on the Plasma.  Colors and sharpness is very good too.  I still dont have PS3 games so later na lang comment ko dito.  PLaying in widescreen is so much better!!

On avi files:  As long as the downloaded file is from a HD broadcast or a DVD rip....the video output is still great.  DVD-like I say.

Paumanhin na po sa mahabang post.....sa mga naghahanap, maybe could help in your decision.   One small factor din that persuade me.....eye strain.  I was playing PSP (LCD screen)for a while now, and though you could reason out that I play that up close, i did experienced eyestrain on the 30th-40th minute.  I feel theres no reason why I wouldnt get that on a LCD panel, when our room lacks ambient light when its my time to watch.   

[gearhead]

congrats, sir marvin. buti ka pa, you ended your quest na. kami, baka maging lifelong quest na ito. 

[DViant]

On avi files:  As long as the downloaded file is from a HD broadcast or a DVD rip....the video output is still great.  DVD-like I say.

Plain old HDTV .avi files that weigh in at 350MB, HR HDTV .avi files that weigh in at 700MB or 720p/1080p .mks or .ts file that weight in north of 1.1GB?

[Munskie]

congrats, sir marvin. buti ka pa, you ended your quest na. kami, baka maging lifelong quest na ito. 

thanks sir.....

Plain old HDTV .avi files that weigh in at 350MB, HR HDTV .avi files that weigh in at 700MB or 720p/1080p .mks or .ts file that weight in north of 1.1GB?

i think the first two....40-43 minute TV episodes that are around 350mb and 2 hr movies that average around 700-750mb.