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Which 50" Plasma TV?


tDR

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SD performance is very important. It's all down to the upscaler...

1080p on really comes into it's own in big (42"+) TV's and with a suitable source.

 

Upscaling is a very tricky thing. Lots of guess work involved ;) And because not all upscalers are the same I spent the extra on my amp to get an HQV Reon upscaler rather than the std Faroudja DCDi...but then the TV (TH42PZ70B) has a decent upscaler too so hopefully I can't lose.

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i'll wait until most of the TV channels start broadcasting in true HD until I worry about my TV screen being 100% optimised for it. until then, for me it doesnt make much sense to dish out on a screen that is optimised for a format that I dont watch that often and is useless at the ones that I do. ;)

 

Well thats fine if you want to end up buying two TVs, one for now and one for later. I'd just buy one and watch my Blu Ray stuff in all its glory now. Different schools of thought here :)

 

I understand Sky are broadcasting in 1080 and 720 right now, sports and fast moving stuff in 720 as the extra bandwidth it takes to output the signal over any gain in visuals isn't worth it, you get better results with documentary stuff like Discovery - so thats the sort of thing that'd be output in 1080, according to the bloke I spoke to who manages the output at Sky Sports.

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Well thats fine if you want to end up buying two TVs, one for now and one for later. I'd just buy one and watch my Blu Ray stuff in all its glory now. Different schools of thought here :)

 

I understand Sky are broadcasting in 1080 and 720 right now, sports and fast moving stuff in 720 as the extra bandwidth it takes to output the signal over any gain in visuals isn't worth it, you get better results with documentary stuff like Discovery - so thats the sort of thing that'd be output in 1080, according to the bloke I spoke to who manages the output at Sky Sports.

 

If later is 3-5years away, then I am more than happy to buy another TV. I'll be bored by this one by then......

 

For me SD performance is far more important as HD (freeview) is way into the future, plus as you say, if they will be broadcasting mainly in 720 rather than 1080, then even more reason why not to fall for the marketing bollocks. ;)

 

If you spend a lot of time watching Blu-Ray then hey ho to you :D

 

Glad you are happy with your choice, I am thrilled with mine ;)

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I dont have a HDTV, its not mine mate :D

 

If I were to buy one soon I would get 1080p for the reasons I've stated :) Mainly PS3 and Blu Ray at this point in time. I wouldnt specifically go out and buy a new TV for terrestrial stuff as of yet as theres enough output that I watch to justify it. I would do if I was in the US.

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So for an extra £200 are you getting a true 1080p HD screen that is optimised for HD and yet does an excellent job with SD signals unlike most of the others.

 

If so then which screen is this and how much does it cost?

 

If not, then I am extremely happy with my Samsung and am glad you are happy with whatever else.

 

Yes the panasonic that has been discussed through most of this thread. Its better at SD and HD than the samsung is. As already said, the best of them all is Pioneer but they are very expensive.

 

I have a DLP at the moment which gives a great picture but its a little bulkier than flatscreen's and its time to move with the times hence the reason i'm going to be looking at a new tv. I want it to be futureproof while still being able to do all the normal TV stuff well for a decent price... Panasonic!

 

Scott =op

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OK so to summarise as per my other thread, I've spent a fair whack to hopefully make it decent.

 

I went for this TV:

 

http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/dyn_imgs/prods/prod_large/415715.jpg

 

http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/dyn_imgs/prods/prod_large/415715_75491.jpg

 

^^ Which is a Panasonic Viera range 1080p full HD 50" Plasma, model code TH-50PZ70B. It was £1,189 delivered (using discount code AW20 for £20 off) from http://www.dixons.co.uk

 

Blurb about it:

 

If you're looking for the very best in plasma technology, you've found it. The ultra stylish new 50PZ70 Full HD plasma panel is from the Award winning VIERA range which redefines the art of flat screen and sets new standards. From the way it looks, to the way it delivers pictures and sound, VIERA is the ultimate TV for now and beyond.

 

Features Include:

 

Full HD plasma Panel (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Advanced 3D Colour Management

Motion Pattern Noise Reduction

Sub-Pixel Controller

Viera Link

SDHC Card Networkability

2 x HDMI

HD Optimizer

Lead-Free Product

PC Input

High Quality Elegant Design

Dolby Digital

 

Specification

 

50 inch screen

1080p Full HD

Integrated Digital (Freeview)

1 HDMI Connection

HD Ready

10,000:1 Contrast ratio

2 Scart sockets

 

I've combined it with this amp:

 

http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk/uploads/tx-605.jpg

 

^^ Which is an Onkyo TX-SR605 home theatre receiver. It was £359 from http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk but has since already gone up to the rrp of £399 because it's very in demand.

 

Blurb about it:

 

''Processing Todays High-Resolution MediaIncluding Blu-ray Disc and HD DVDwith Effortless Efficiency''

 

Meet the first of Onkyos new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.The TX-SR605 7.1-channel A/V receiver embodies this new generation, with its remarkable processing capabilities courtesy of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).With the ability to keep everything in the digital domain, the TX-SR605 provides complete control of every video and audio format available today. Bringing high-definition A/V processing to Onkyos renowned approach to sound gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatilitysuch as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), room calibration and integrated system controlthe TX-SR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater.

 

Features

 

Advanced Features

 

- DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus Decoding

- HDMI (v. 1.3a) Audio and Video Processing

- HDTV-Capable HDMI (2 Inputs and 1 Output) and Component Video (50 MHz) Switching (3 Inputs and 1 Output)

- HDMI and Component Video Upconversion

- Bi-Amping Capability for Enhanced Musicality and Power

- Audyssey 2EQ to Correct Room Acoustic Problems and to Calibrate Speakers

- Onkyo RIHD for System Control

- Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for the iPod

 

Audio Features

 

- 140 W/Ch Minimum into 6 ohms, 1 kHz, IEC (1 Channel Driven)

- DTS�-ES Discrete/Matrix, DTS� Neo:6, DTS� 96/24, Dolby� Digital EX, Dolby� Pro Logic IIx

- H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer

- 192 kHz/24-Bit DACs for All Channels

- WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)

- Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip

- 5 Digital Inputs (3 Optical/2 Coaxial)

- Subwoofer Pre Out

- CinemaFILTER

- A-Form Listening Mode Memory

- Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry

- Non-Scaling Configuration

- Tone Control (Bass/Treble) for Front L/R Channels

- Color-Coded 7.1-Multichannel Inputs

- Independent Crossover Adjustment for F/C/S/SB (40/50/60/80/100/120/150/200 Hz)

- Double Bass Function

 

Video Features

 

- 5 S-Video Inputs and 2 Outputs

- 5 Composite Video Inputs and 2 Outputs

- Front Panel Auxiliary Input (for Camcorders, Game Consoles, etc.)

 

Other Features

 

- Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback in Another Room (Separate Source)

- Deinterlacer with Faroudja DCDi Edge (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) Technology

- Pure Audio Mode

- Color-Coded Dual Banana Plug-Compatible Speaker Posts

- A/V Synchronization Function (Up to 100 ms in 10 ms Steps)

- 40 FM/AM Radio Presets

- RDS (PS/RT/PTY/TP)

- 5 A/V Inputs and 1 Output

- 2 Audio Inputs and 1 Output

- Late Night Mode (High/Low/Off)

- Digital Upsampling

- Display Dimmer (3 Modes)

- Headphone Jack

- Sleep Timer (via Remote)

- Battery-Free Memory Backup

- Aluminum Front Panel

- Preprogrammed RI (Remote Interactive) Remote Control with Mode-Key LEDs

 

I added the fully compatible Onkyo iPod dock from the same place for £59 extra which gives me full control of a docked iPod using the amp remote or supplied remote and displays onscreen what you would normally see on the iPod screen. Plays back audio and video from the iPod:

 

http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk/uploads/front-ds-a2.jpg

 

I then chose to match everything to this surround sound speaker setup (but in the beech finish with silver fronts):

 

http://www.hifi4less.com/shopimages/products/normal/1000package.jpg

 

^^ Which is a Q Acoustics 1010i Home Cinema Speaker Package. It was £449 also from http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk

 

Blurb about them:

 

The Q Acoustics 1010i Cinema Package offers a truly astonishing home cinema performance at a very affordable price. Comprising of 4 x 1010 speakers for the front left and right as well as the rear channels, 1 x 1000C Centre Channel Speaker and 1 x 1000Si Subwoofer, 5.1 Surround Sound allows you to fully enjoy and appreciate a full cinema surround sound experience in your own home.

 

Every part of the new Q Acoustic range is bespoke, optimised specifically for each new model. The tweeters, bass/midrange drivers, magnets, cone material, crossovers, terminal panel and fully braced cabinets are all designed with the sole purpose of creating the very best performing loudspeakers.

 

The Q Acoustics 1010i speaker package has stormed the home theatre market since it's arrival. The package is now complete with the release of the new 1000si subwoofer.

 

The 1000si subwoofer has 40% more power than it's predecessor and we have found it has the ability to create a powerful, dynamic sound, perfect for any AV setup.

 

The Q Acoustics 1010i speaker package had won prestige awards from audio magazines left, right and centre. What Hi Fi rated it one of the best 5.1 systems to be released this year.

 

To hook it all up I went for this speaker cable:

 

http://www.futureshop.co.uk/images/qed/saxt_m.jpg

 

^^ Which is QED Silver Anniversary XT @ £99 for 20 metres from http://www.futureshop.co.uk

 

Combined with this sub cable:

 

http://www.futureshop.co.uk/images/qed/srsw_subwoofer_m.jpg

 

^^ A QED Qunex Silver Reference SR-SW Subwoofer Cable 3 metre for £42 also from http://www.futureshop.co.uk

 

Figured I needed a nice new unit to sit most of the stuff on so went for this:

 

http://www.allcam.biz/catalog/imagemagic.php?img=images/fs205.jpg

 

^^ For £89 delivered from http://www.allcam.biz

 

Also needed some speaker stands for the rears so went for these:

 

image

 

^^ For £24 delivered from http://www.ebuyer.com

 

Price breakdown:

 

TV - £1,189

Amp - £359

iPod Dock - £59

Speakers - £449

Cabling - £141

Unit - £89

Speaker Stands - £24

 

Grand Total for my new home theatre setup £2,310

 

I knew this would get expensive! :)

 

Will post up how I get on with it all at some point next week once it's all here and setup. Thanks for your help and advice everyone :thumbs:

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I'm sure Eastenders will look and sound amazing now ;)

 

Was thinking more about how I'd enjoy the F1 when it starts back :eyebrows:

 

And upscaled films on DVD!!

 

Will go for the Panasonic Blue Ray player when it's out next month I think to complete the setup.

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Yay :D Good work Bri, that TV is on a bit of a mega deal...I just *might* be able to convince the trouser wearer to let me have that instead of the 42!! :)

 

Really hope you enjoy it all.

 

Ahhh the all important old pass the WAF test (Wife Accecptance Factor)!!! :D

 

Cheers guys.

 

Brian.

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