Topic: Looking for LCD Flat Panel, Got PLasma Instead

[DViant]

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

I think you misunderstood

HDTV = 40-43min TV episode @ 350MB (688x384)

HR HDTV (high res HDTV) = 40-43min TV episode @ 700MB (960x540)
http://www.540torrents.com/about.php#whatishrhdtv

720p = 40-43min TV episode @ 1.1GB (1280x720p)

2hr movie @ 700-750MB = is just equivalent to two HDTV episodes.

[Munskie]

ah ok....im not quite familiar, i just download the first one, "HDTV = 40-43min TV episode @ 350MB (688x384)".....looks good though for me na. 

[Munskie]

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 )
 

cable broadcast did improve significantly since I first connected this last saturday.  grain was lessened somewhat.....though honestly, I dont what I can attribute it to.......can it be that the panel is just breaking in?   or nasasanay na lang mga mata ko?  asked my wife too, and she can also say that cable broadcast did improve....

[dB10]

cable signal also vary from time to time during the day, some cable company owners favor some channels over some depending on program, aside from satellite signals feeding these cable providers varying too

but also yours eyes getting acustomed to the difference will contribute to the 'improvement' so to speak.

[bowler]

Sir Munskie,
I am in the market for a 42 inch plasma also and am considering the Hitachi pd9500. There is a thread about the flicking contrast issue in the older pd8900 and i was wondering if it manifested itself in your pd 9500? I have read great reviews on the pd9800 in cnet.asia and am assuming that the pd 9500 has the same features except for the dual tuners and motorized swivel. I can live without the motorized swivel and the dual tuners but the flickering would be a pain. I am also considering a pioneer 42xg but this would be about 37k more expensive than the hitachi. 135k vs 98 k cash. Please help me make the right decision. Thanbks in advance!
Bowler

[Munskie]

so far.. I havent seen any flickering.......tried out movies with dark scenes too....no flickering so far...........or maybe my eyes cant detect it.    Yes, for value in terms of size and PQ, the 9500 is a great deal.   

[vtec3]

sir munskie, parang I want to follow the path you took  kahapon I was again auditioning a 40" LCD pero parang somebody is telling me not to buy. I asked for a side by side audition of a 32" and 40" inch LCD and mas maganda yung picture quality nung 32" as expected.

I inquired about the Hitachi 9500TA and its now selling at 99,950 and for the 42PD8900 109,950 both at zero interest 12 mths. Sir in your opinion which is a better buy? Thanks very much again!

[dannielsimone]

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.   

Congrats to you.  Hitatchi plasma does look sexy in all the shops.......but then again...don't they all.

[MAtZTER]

 Image detail is definitely better than the 96in projected image of Panny ae900 (but of course, iba pa rin theater effect di ba?). 

Uy! Buti walang nag react.

I remember when I said something like this once (AE900 vs 32" LCD TV) last year, an enthusiastic new owner of an AE900 debated fervently that what I saw & observed was impossible.

At least now 2 na tayo na naka experience nito.

[dannielsimone]

Sir Munskie,
I am in the market for a 42 inch plasma also and am considering the Hitachi pd9500. There is a thread about the flicking contrast issue in the older pd8900 and i was wondering if it manifested itself in your pd 9500? I have read great reviews on the pd9800 in cnet.asia and am assuming that the pd 9500 has the same features except for the dual tuners and motorized swivel. I can live without the motorized swivel and the dual tuners but the flickering would be a pain. I am also considering a pioneer 42xg but this would be about 37k more expensive than the hitachi. 135k vs 98 k cash. Please help me make the right decision. Thanbks in advance!
Bowler

DUDE....Pioneer makes a great plasma.  They have many different models to choose from.  (Do your comparisson homework).  I found that Automatic Center in Alabang Town Center was a great place to do just that.  I suggest you bring your own DVD and demo to your hearts content.

[dB10]

hi Bowler, can you tell us the pio model number that was quoted to you at P135t? is it a gray market one or local pio warranty? it will help in your decision to put that into perspective as after sales service will be the most important consideration after the purchase price since you're not exactly spending small change.   

[Munskie]

Uy! Buti walang nag react.

I remember when I said something like this once (AE900 vs 32" LCD TV) last year, an enthusiastic new owner of an AE900 debated fervently that what I saw & observed was impossible.

At least now 2 na tayo na naka experience nito.

I could swear by this assessment matt............but of course, apples and oranges yan....kanya kanyang pros and cons......

[Munskie]

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.   

sir vtec, this is my explanation why I chose Plasma over LCD......PQ wise, I like what im seeing.....price-size ratio is also very good......though I have to tell you that this are parallel imports.   Cguro kung yung Toshiba 42WL68E is within my budget (around 110k)..yun cguro kinuha ko......but it isnt.....so I ended up choosing this Plasma over the Toshiba 37WL68E na LCD.

[bowler]

Hi dB10,
The Pioneer Plasma that was quoted at 135k was the PD42xg. That was for cash and last March prices with no freebies. I am not sure if it was a parallel import or not. SM Appliance quoted me 149,999 cash at that time, also with no freebies. Prices might have gone down a bit right now. Interesting thing, I just came from Singapore and Hongkong yesterday, and the prices of the Pioneer 42xg is almost the same as here in the Phil. Converted to pesos around 128K to 130K. But the prices of Song, Hitachi, Toshiba, Sharp, and Samsung LCDs are aroung 20% cheaper there. I am planning to get a 42plasma this month and might get the 9500ta based on the stellar reviews of Sir Munskie. By the way which store is offering the Hitachi 9500 ta at less than 100K, 12 months 0% interest? Which would mean that the cash price should be around 85K to 90K? Correct me ifI m wrong. Thanks

[dannielsimone]

Hi dB10,
The Pioneer Plasma that was quoted at 135k was the PD42xg. That was for cash and last March prices with no freebies. I am not sure if it was a parallel import or not. SM Appliance quoted me 149,999 cash at that time, also with no freebies. Prices might have gone down a bit right now. Interesting thing, I just came from Singapore and Hongkong yesterday, and the prices of the Pioneer 42xg is almost the same as here in the Phil. Converted to pesos around 128K to 130K. But the prices of Song, Hitachi, Toshiba, Sharp, and Samsung LCDs are aroung 20% cheaper there. I am planning to get a 42plasma this month and might get the 9500ta based on the stellar reviews of Sir Munskie. By the way which store is offering the Hitachi 9500 ta at less than 100K, 12 months 0% interest? Which would mean that the cash price should be around 85K to 90K? Correct me ifI m wrong. Thanks

Bowler.....before I bought my sony I did about 2 or 3 months of serious shopping around.  In my experience shops like SM Appliance or Ansons or even Automatic Centre are competitive with one another but not the ones who are gonna give you the Absolut best price and certainly not the best "in home service" after purchase.  I like the smaller mom and pop shops who need to provide a better price and service to gain that "competitive edge".  Before you buy from any chain store go check out "sights and sounds" in Shangrila plaza.  But know your best price quote before you go there...and haggle.

[bowler]

You are right. The store who quoted the price for the Pioneer is Sights and Sounds in Shangri-La. But I have a hard time justifying buying the Pioneer for 135K cash when the Hitachi is less than 100K, 0% interest 12 months to pay. The only thing going for the Pioneer is that it has no known flickering issues while the Hitachi's earlier models PD8900TA have known contrast issues. Could any one tell me what store is offering the Hitachi PD9500TA at 99,950 0%,12 months to pay? I wonder how much discount will be given for a cash purchase. By the way, the Hitachi PD9800TA rated higher in CNET Asia's editor's reviews than the Pioneer PD427XG. I think the specs of the 9500 and the 9800 are similar except for the 9800's dual tuners, and motorized swivel and SD card slot. Food for thought. Moreover the Hitachi has a higher pixel count 1024 x 1080 than the Pioneer 1024 x 768' and a higher contrast ratio. So all in all, I feel that the Hitachi is a better buy!

[barrister]

The only thing going for the Pioneer is that it has no known flickering issues while the Hitachi's earlier models PD8900TA have known contrast issues.

Meron din daw yung bagong Hitachi, sabi sa xtremeplace.com http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=42096.90:

dennis: I did exeperience a few time and at first I thought that it was due to the SCV but after checking in the net, I come to know that many people are facing the same problem as me.

dB10 (Is this our very own dB10?): hi dennis, what unit do you have? how long have you owned it?

dennis: Hi dB10,  I bought the 9500 and I had mine for almost 1 month now.



Another forum:  http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=1516863

Hi Folks,
To all Hitachi plasma 9500 owners....can u help verify if this problem exist on yr set?

I got my 9500 two wks back and notice something peculiar.

Whenever there a dark image (quite dark scene).....it seems to adjust itself for the contrast/brightness......It only happens in dark tunnel or cave scenes. xxx

Whenever dark scene appear, I see a quick change on the contrast..Strange.  ...

[Munskie]

Meron din daw yung bagong Hitachi, sabi sa xtremeplace.com http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=42096.90:

dennis: I did exeperience a few time and at first I thought that it was due to the SCV but after checking in the net, I come to know that many people are facing the same problem as me.

dB10 (is this our very own dB10?): hi dennis, what unit do you have? how long have you owned it?

dennis: Hi dB10,  I bought the 9500 and I had mine for almost 1 month now.


Another forum:  http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=1516863

Hi Folks,
To all Hitachi plasma 9500 owners....can u help verify if this problem exist on yr set?

I got my 9500 two wks back and notice something peculiar.

Whenever there a dark image (quite dark scene).....it seems to adjust itself for the contrast/brightness......It only happens in dark tunnel or cave scenes. xxx

Whenever dark scene appear, I see a quick change on the contrast..Strange.  ...

i havent seen some flickering so far....or maybe im not sensitive to it at all.   my sweet spot is 9 feet away, and i watch with some lights on.   

[Munskie]

You are right. The store who quoted the price for the Pioneer is Sights and Sounds in Shangri-La. But I have a hard time justifying buying the Pioneer for 135K cash when the Hitachi is less than 100K, 0% interest 12 months to pay. The only thing going for the Pioneer is that it has no known flickering issues while the Hitachi's earlier models PD8900TA have known contrast issues. Could any one tell me what store is offering the Hitachi PD9500TA at 99,950 0%,12 months to pay? I wonder how much discount will be given for a cash purchase. By the way, the Hitachi PD9800TA rated higher in CNET Asia's editor's reviews than the Pioneer PD427XG. I think the specs of the 9500 and the 9800 are similar except for the 9800's dual tuners, and motorized swivel and SD card slot. Food for thought. Moreover the Hitachi has a higher pixel count 1024 x 1080 than the Pioneer 1024 x 768' and a higher contrast ratio. So all in all, I feel that the Hitachi is a better buy!

got my 9500 a month ago for 104950 12 months to pay.....nagbaba na sya ng 5k no.  got it from LIS in Shang.  theyll give you something like 7% if youll pay cash...

[barrister]

i havent seen some flickering so far....or maybe im not sensitive to it at all.   my sweet spot is 9 feet away, and i watch with some lights on.   

I hear that it's very obvious on the older 8800 and 8900, but less obvious on the newer models.

Since you're an experienced user, you would surely notice any flickering if it's present.  But since you haven't seen any, I have a feeling that your unit is actually flicker-free.  ---  Suwerte!

[Munskie]

I hear that it's very obvious on the older 8800 and 8900, but less obvious on the newer models.

Since you're an experienced user, you would surely notice any flickering if it's present.  But since you haven't seen any, I have a feeling that your unit is actually flicker-free.  ---  Suwerte!

maybe if I set the conditions to see it....dark room.....3-4 feet viewing distance......then dark scenes.........maybe I could see some, just like what some forumers have seen.   But I guess I dont want to condition my mind to see something I havent seen in my regular viewing conditions.

[jvm]

...But I guess I dont want to condition my mind to see something I havent seen in my regular viewing conditions.

You're right, because when you have seen it, even the slightest shifts in contrast can become obvious to you .

[barrister]

That's true.  Once you've seen it, the tendency is to always look for it.  The viewing experience is ruined because it becomes difficult to just relax, concentrate on the movie, and enjoy.    :'(

[Munskie]

That's true.  Once you've seen it, the tendency is to always look for it.  The viewing experience is ruined because it becomes difficult to just relax, concentrate on the movie, and enjoy.    :'(

so im in denial mode right now.....hehehehe

[vtec3]

Could any one tell me what store is offering the Hitachi PD9500TA at 99,950 0%,12 months to pay?

LIS Shang offers it at that price also Listening Room Megamall 

[vtec3]

Cguro kung yung Toshiba 42WL68E is within my budget (around 110k)..yun cguro kinuha ko......but it isnt.....so I ended up choosing this Plasma over the Toshiba 37WL68E na LCD.

Auditioned this baby kanina and was adviced by the Toshiba sales person that there will be a new model coming up within two weeks. As a result magkakaroon daw ng price reduction itong model na ito. Isip-isip tuloy kung alin bibilhin ko 

[bowler]

Sights and Sounds is offering me a Panasonic Viera 42px600 for 120k cash. This tv has apparently gotten very good reviews on cnet.uk. Just as the Hitachi 42pd9800ta has gotten rave reviews in cnet.asia. However it is only available in 110 volts. I called the store and the promo personnel told me that the unit is made in Mexico. As much as I like the reviews of the unit, I am not very confident about the build quality if it is made in Mexico, due to the fact that years ago I had gotten a Sony crt tv with integrated vhs player made in Mexico and its quality sucked! Am I being judgmental or not? I looked up the specs of this unit and some sights said it was 1366x768 and others said that it was 1024x768. Furthermore some said that it had two tuners, meaning analog and digital?,while other sights said only 1 tuner. So I am more confused than ever. Does any of our forum members have this unit? I talked with Victor of Sights and Sounds and he told me that cable viewing on all plasmas are basically the same, a little worse that that of crt tvs. Since I am going to make my purchase within the month, I have basically narrowed my choices to the Pioneer pd427xg at 135k, the Viera at 120k and the Hitachi pd9500 at 95K, these are all cash prices. Help me decide!

[vtec3]

If I have the cash I would get the Pioneer, maganda ang noise filtering plus the quality of the picture but again since I can't afford to pay cash, I am leaning towards getting the Hitachi PD9500 best value kung specs ang paguusapan. Siyempre zero interest pa din for 12 months (99,900)  Will likewise get it next month kasi will be leaving for the US later this month, baka magdeposit na lang ako para hindi maubusan ng stocks 

[dB10]

Sights and Sounds is offering me a Panasonic Viera 42px600 for 120k cash. This tv has apparently gotten very good reviews on cnet.uk. Just as the Hitachi 42pd9800ta has gotten rave reviews in cnet.asia. However it is only available in 110 volts. I called the store and the promo personnel told me that the unit is made in Mexico. As much as I like the reviews of the unit, I am not very confident about the build quality if it is made in Mexico, due to the fact that years ago I had gotten a Sony crt tv with integrated vhs player made in Mexico and its quality sucked! Am I being judgmental or not? I looked up the specs of this unit and some sights said it was 1366x768 and others said that it was 1024x768. Furthermore some said that it had two tuners, meaning analog and digital?,while other sights said only 1 tuner. So I am more confused than ever. Does any of our forum members have this unit? I talked with Victor of Sights and Sounds and he told me that cable viewing on all plasmas are basically the same, a little worse that that of crt tvs. Since I am going to make my purchase within the month, I have basically narrowed my choices to the Pioneer pd427xg at 135k, the Viera at 120k and the Hitachi pd9500 at 95K, these are all cash prices. Help me decide!

these are all good models from the top plasma makers, i think actual viewing of each unit will now have to supersede specs comparison. would you be able to get these 3 or 2 on a side by side comparison on a single source feed? this will be the best way to compare sets not just specs as different companies ALWAYS present their specs sugar sweet one way or another. You will be surprised what you will find out, just make sure each Promo sales guy for each brand is there to put their unit at their best setting for watching the source. (different settings apply for cable and dvd viewing, would really be helpful if you can download best settings from forums) ,just my 2cents though 

[Archie]

Any guys got experience with Hitachi's 50PD9900TC.
I think its at 16000 to 19000 yuan, but somebody's offering it to me at 110k.

http://product.pcpop.com/000038965/Picture.html