Can A Plasma & Recv'r Be Up Close & Personal?

[GeorgeM]

I want to place my Yamaha RX-V2400 directly under the 42" plasma; they'll be about one-inch clearance on the top and several inches on each side. The plasma is supported by two pedestals which I have raised to about eight-inches to accomodate the receiver.

Can anyone tell me if there will be any electric/electronic problems that will result because of the close proximity of these two components?

I don't see heat being an issue but comments welcome if you think so...

-GeorgeM

P.S. Wisdom to derive from this dilemma: Make sure that your component stand is the very last thing you buy when configuring your system .

 

[mjones73]

Shouldn't be any issues having them that close to each other.

 

[GeorgeM]

I drove over to a reputable sound store last week and a couple of the guys there stated that there should be no problem unless the plasma was of inferior quality (I hope a Sampo does not fall into that category ). So I think I'll make the equipment move and monitor the results...

Thanks for your response!

-GeorgeM

 

[BMXTRIX]

Sampo, I would say, falls into the 'not best in the world' category for sure. On the other hand, I am allowed to say this, because I own one of their 50" models.

But, in my opinion, it is not at all the actual build quality is poor. The build quality seems very good and the electronics that run it are straightforward. They are also kind enough to provide a FULLY functioning remote with their plasma with instructions that let you get into full configuration menus.

The down side of their displays is that contrast is really low. Their blacks aren't close to black, and when you have a large white field, the power supply definitely can't muster up enough power to really light everything clean.

But, at just over $3K for a 50" plasma that I haven't had ONE problem with at all in the (about) year I have owned it, I would say it is worth every penny I paid for sure.

My vote is that you will have zero problems.

 

[GeorgeM]

I think that you have a more educated eye than me and are able to distinguish the contrast and blacks with more precision. Maybe if I had a second, superior quality plasma adjacent to my existing set the differences would be more apparent!

I viewed The Incredibles this week and there was a THX Optimizer available on the set-up screen. The video option was to adjust the contrast for optimal viewing via a series of 'white squares' presented on the screen. This resulted in me reducing the contrast from the factory set '100' down to '80' and it seemed to work fine for this DVD; in fact, I left it at this position.
(Impressive sound on this DVD as well, and if you have a sub as part of your system, you'll not be able to doze off for the duration ).

A short history on this HD ready plasma:

As I prepared a cemetary plot for my Sony KV-XBR-32 I set a goal $4000.00 plus for its replacement. After comparing detailed specs for many plasmas in this price range (and other info) I opted for the Sampo (with Gateway's logo)and that was the price, $4000. A few weeks after that there was a price increase to $4500 (demand, I guess) and it remained at that level until recently.

About six months after purchase the image disappeared and after two service calls (modules were swapped) there was no success so the unit was replaced and there have been no problems since. It will be two years old in October.

At the time of the repairs I solicited info from the technicians about the reliability of the plasma thus far. They service many brands and stated that there were less maintenance calls for Gateway than for many of the other well known brands. I don't know how many thousands Gateway has sold but I hope the track record continues...

Has your 50" been trouble free? ...and it seems you did well for close to three grand!

-GeorgeM

 

[BMXTRIX]

Yes, it has been 100% flawless in operation. I really need to calibrate it, but I put it up on my apartment wall to become the main viewing display instead of my projector... The apartment complex I live in will have a fit when they see all the holes in their walls.

Anyway, I was supposed to be in my new home LAST November and I still have no received word that the house is ready to move into, so I am (kind of) patiently living with the current image setup. I have it connected via component, s-video, and composite to my Yammie Z1 and control it with Crestron gear via RS-232. It just works great though.

I still don't see 50" plasmas in the sub $4,000 area, and I got it NEW with a 5 year warranty on it. I think my total was right about $3,500. A good deal for sure and I am definitely not complaining since it has been so wonderfully reliable in every aspect.

 

[RLA]

Hello
You may or may not have problem's with IR commands from your remote control due to the Plasma in close proximity

 

[GeorgeM]

RLA: No problems noticed yet for the IR commands; hope it remains that way!

BMXTRIX: I noticed on the Dell site this week they are selling a 42" (their only one) for $2800.00 and it has its own HD tuner (for those who need it). I'm still trying to compare specs with the major mfgrs to determine who makes it but I've had no success thus far. I suspected it was Samsung but cannot prove it out. Have not seen any reviews so I don't know the quality.

Nice to hear that you're satisified with your rig and that it has been trouble free.

-GeorgeM