Plasma TV purchase help needed

dragon1952
dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
edited April 2007 in Electronics
OK, it seems like every thread like this turns into an LCD vs Plasma debate. As a result you have to sift through 5 pages of responses to try and find any useful info. So please, I am looking at Plasmas.....no LCD comments .... or DLP or whatever ;)

1. Budget of $1500 or less out the door (no sales tax here :D )
2. 42" is fine
3. I am not nor will I ever be into gaming .
4. This will strictly be for watching DVD's and mostly sports on TV. Most likely DirectTV and probably HDTV programming.
5. I don't care if it's the latest model out.
6. I want to hang it on the wall.

I'm looking of course for the best in this price range. I've seen the Panasonic TH-42PX75U for as little as $1265 shipped. Is this one any good?

Thanks for the help!
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
Post edited by dragon1952 on
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Comments

  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited April 2007
    th42px60 from panasonic they are a steal right now but if you can get the 75 for that cheap go for it

    other than the pioneer I've seen that panasonic has an awesome picture..........and this is coming from a non plasma fan


    http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=TH42PX75U


    get one of these to go with it, I love mine

    http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=URC6960
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    Thanks for the info! I'm a little confused at all the different models. What the hecks the difference between some of these anyway?
    Panny TH-42PX75U $1265
    Panny TH-42PH9UK $1145
    Panny TH-42PX60U $1125


    Here's a couple Pioneers. Aren't they supposed to be hot ****? Why is that one only $845?
    EDIT: OK..I see, it's just a monitor :rolleyes:

    Pioneer PDP-425CMX $845
    Pioneer PDP-427CMX $1275

    http://www.tvauthority.com//Plasma-TV-Monitors-and-TVs/Plasma-TV-Monitors-and-TVs.asp
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited April 2007
    its the end of the 2006 season so most older electronics are being dumped off. This is always the best time of yearto buy a tv
    2 CHANNEL
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    I can get an open box Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42" Plasma HDTV for a little over $900 out the door. I think I'm going to jump on it :D
    Thanks for all the help guys......I mean Jim! :rolleyes:
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited April 2007
    I recently purchased a Panny TH37PX60 and Im thrilled with it.If you can get a 42 for $900 you are crazy not too.
    If it is an open box there is a way to find out how many hours it has been used.
    Id make sure you have a return policy in case it has a ton of hours on it.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited April 2007
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    Thanks for the info! I'm a little confused at all the different models. What the hecks the difference between some of these anyway?
    Panny TH-42PX75U $1265
    Panny TH-42PH9UK $1145
    Panny TH-42PX60U $1125


    The TH42PX75 is a brand new model that repalces the TH42PX60

    The TH42PH9UK is the pro monitor version that has no tuner or speakers etc.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    Thanks for the info! Yeah, I just finally figured out some are just displays and some have tuners. I'm way behind here guys.....sorry. I've been happy with my Mitsu 35" tube for quite awhile now.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited April 2007
    You are right about the LCD/Plasma debate. After evaulation I opted for a 50" Panasonic Plasma. The seating distance IMO is one of the main factors. I am sure you will be happy.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!

    NORTH of 60°
  • Cursed1
    Cursed1 Posts: 66
    edited April 2007
    I like the Samsung for the money.
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    janmike wrote: »
    You are right about the LCD/Plasma debate. After evaulation I opted for a 50" Panasonic Plasma. The seating distance IMO is one of the main factors. I am sure you will be happy.

    My seating distance will probably be about 12 ft. I'm sure a 50" would be good for that distance. I had a 50" rear projection many moons ago and sat closer than that. I've been pretty happy with a 35" from about 8-9' for several years though so I'm hoping this 42" will do the trick.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited April 2007
    I think 42" will be fine as I am about 12' feet away from the screen as well.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!

    NORTH of 60°
  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,664
    edited April 2007
    I finally decided on projector instead. That way I could chose any size I wanted up to 106". (room size controls scren size)

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited April 2007
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    I can get an open box Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42" Plasma HDTV for a little over $900 out the door. I think I'm going to jump on it :D
    Thanks for all the help guys......I mean Jim! :rolleyes:


    anytime man thats a SMOKING good price. we were selling them 6 months ago for 2999 CAD
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
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  • Cursed1
    Cursed1 Posts: 66
    edited April 2007
    engtaz wrote: »
    I finally decided on projector instead. That way I could chose any size I wanted up to 106". (room size controls scren size)

    engtaz


    As long as you have the room for it.
  • G-2
    G-2 Posts: 533
    edited April 2007
    Cursed1 wrote: »
    I like the Samsung for the money.

    We also own a Samsung 42" Plasma and couldn't be happier, but that Panny is less expensive and has an outstanding picture.

    Good luck and keep us posted!
    Home Theater
    Chane
    A3rx-c's, A2rc-c, A1rx-c's|Miller & Kreisel V-125's|Sony XBR65X810C 65" 4K LED TV|
    Earthquake Cinenova Grande-5|Pioneer Elite - VSX-84TXSi-AVR|TRIPPLITE LCR2400|
    Ultrasonic Amp Stand|Blue Jeans,Audioquest,Monster Cables|

    2 - Channel
    Polk
    RTA 12c's w/RDO194 TWEETS, clarity ESA caps mills resistors (full mod)|Turntable|
    Anthem MCA 2|Acurus Act 3 Pre Pro|Parasound P/Ph 100|Pioneer Elite N-30|Adcom GDA600|
    Premier Rack|Blue Jeans,Audioquest,Monster Cables|
  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited April 2007
    Love my Panny 42" TH-42PX60U :D

    Enjoy it.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    Well I'm still waiting to hear back about the warranty for the open box Panny. In the mean time, assuming the source will allways be a DVD player/cable box/satellite receiver and the sound will allways be external components, is just a plain display the way to go? I mean for the same money or a little less can you get an even better quality display vs something with built-in tuner, sound and HDTV decoder.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,664
    edited April 2007
    Cursed1 wrote: »
    As long as you have the room for it.


    I have only 14 ft deep of a room. projectors work from 10 ft out. I have the Mit HD1000U 899 at projectorpeople and 99 for 3 year lamp warranty.

    More affordable then plasma or LCD and as big as you want and no screen burn or out of focus scenes from any angle.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited April 2007
    engtaz wrote: »
    I have only 14 ft deep of a room. projectors work from 10 ft out. I have the Mit HD1000U 899 at projectorpeople and 99 for 3 year lamp warranty.

    More affordable then plasma or LCD and as big as you want and no screen burn or out of focus scenes.

    engtaz

    yep I cant wait to get mine, I bet that huge picture is quite the experience.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited April 2007
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    Well I'm still waiting to hear back about the warranty for the open box Panny. In the mean time, assuming the source will allways be a DVD player/cable box/satellite receiver and the sound will allways be external components, is just a plain display the way to go? I mean for the same money or a little less can you get an even better quality display vs something with built-in tuner, sound and HDTV decoder.


    That model you listed above 60U has a built-in tuner which can pick up both old analog channels or HD channels.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited April 2007
    My 2 cents (all within your budget):

    #1 (quality - amazing): Pioneer (but pricey).

    #2 (quality for the price): Panasonic (outpost.com Fry's had a really good deal on 42" a couple of weeks ago, not sure about now).

    #3 (cheap, but still good) - Samsung, Hitachi... (saw a really cheap 42" Samsung at CompUSA, which was closing down, but that was 720p/1080i panel).
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    I was also looking at the Samsung HP-S4253 for $1145 shipped. Evidently there is a newer replacement model the HP-T4254 I can get for $1225 shipped. I heard the HP-S4253 had a few problems, like with greens and something else and I wonder if the new one has addressed those. The new one does have improved contrast at 15000:1 and a nice anti-glare screen though.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,664
    edited April 2007
    My mom and dad came down and were floored by the size. They had bought a 42" HDTV. They really like the fact that the was not a bad seat in the house. They could walk right beside the screen and still see it perfectly.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited April 2007
    I have a pioneer 50" and I can tell you that with my head 10 feet from the screen it is a little too large. At 12 feet you should be fine. Its not that big of a deal, just feel that something around 40" would have been more suitable.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited April 2007
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    I was also looking at the Samsung HP-S4253 for $1145 shipped. Evidently there is a newer replacement model the HP-T4254 I can get for $1225 shipped. I heard the HP-S4253 had a few problems, like with greens and something else and I wonder if the new one has addressed those. The new one does have improved contrast at 15000:1 and a nice anti-glare screen though.

    go for the sony grand wega lcd projo. they are much better

    http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=1003131&navigationPath=32050n45260
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited April 2007
    JimBRICK wrote: »

    Sorry, but you must be reading impaired. OP's original post quote: So please, I am looking at Plasmas.....no LCD comments .... or DLP or whatever .
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited April 2007
    I quoted his own quote, you need to read before you post
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited April 2007
    ViperZ wrote: »
    Sorry, but you must be reading impaired. OP's original post quote: So please, I am looking at Plasmas.....no LCD comments .... or DLP or whatever .
    Did you not notice that engtaz is suffering from the same impairment? ;)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    Well actually :o uh, I have been kinda sorta looking at the DLP's recently :D
    No LCD's though!!! :mad:
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2007
    Some choices so far:


    Panasonic TH-42PX75U (new model) Plasma $1265 shipped
    Panasonic TH-42PX60U Plasma - $918.96 shipped (open box)
    Samsung HP-T4254 Plasma (new model) - $1390 shipped
    Samsung HP-T4253 Plasma (old model) - $1145 shipped
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones