Contrast ratio on Panasonic Plasma

[Vancouver]

Ok...why would the enhanced def plasma have a contrast ratio or 4000:1 , but the HD version have a contrast ratio of 3000:1?


EDTV
http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Broadcast/presentation/plasma/th37_42pwd7uy.aspsonic TH-42PWD7UY

HDTV
http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Broadcast/presentation/plasma/th42_50phd7uy.asp

 

[BMXTRIX]

The resolution has nothing to do with it - there is nothing magical that makes a 1024x768 display (or 1366x768) have better picture quality than a 852x480 resolution display. The resolution on the one display is obviously higher, which means more glowing phosphors in the same amount of space, which means it is likely more difficult to reach a deeper black level. Getting blacker blacks really is one of the keys to a high contrast ratio and while those plasmas may be a little brighter at 1024x768, they are also brighter in the blacks.

Anyway, I would personally never spend $2,000 or more for a 'true' HD 42" display that I was going to sit 10+ feet away from. The resolution change between 852x480 & 1024x768 would barely be noticable and 16:9 material would have to be disproportionately scaled to fit the 4:3 resolution of their 'HD' version of the monitor.

 

[Mr.T]

Take it from me, the ED plasma is a better choice, it delivers a brighter, sharp and more contrasty picture, especially when playing a DVD movie on component video.

We have installed quite a few of those models and most of our installers have a strong preference towards the ED model including customers.

Mr.T

 

[Vancouver]

So if the HDTV and EDTV were the same price....which would you buy and why?

 

[Mort Corey]

There seem to be many people that cannot differentiate between HD and ED pictures on a 42" display at a seven foot +- viewing distance. My wife preferred the HD units (of the same manufacturer) over the ED units at a measured eight feet in several stores we visited. Different people seem to have different tolerances for the screen door effect. The HD display came home with us. Generalities that ED gives a better picture with DVD's, etc, may be true within one manufacturers product line but I don't see it as some sort of universal truth. My HD's display has a 770p native rate and DVD's (input over component) are almost HD in PQ.

Mort

 

[BMXTRIX]

So if the HDTV and EDTV were the same price....which would you buy and why?

I would buy the TV that looks best from the distance I will be away from the screen - which is what every buyer should do.

People put to much focus on 'resolution' as a end-all be-all of what a good HD capable television is. The reality is that a good 853x480 display can look better than a poor 1366x768 display. Screen door is not a function of pixel count, but of how large the gap is between pixels. For example, if you have 4 pixels covering 4 square inches and each pixel is barely under an inch square, then there is a very small screen door affect. But, if you have 16 pixels (4 times as many!) covering the same area, but each pixel is only 1/16 square inches - then half the resolution is 'screen door' effect. So, it is easy to see how screen door is not a function of the number of pixels, but the size and distance between pixels.

If price were the same, image appeared the same from my viewing distance, and image quality looked the same, then I would go with the HD unit just because I could hook my PC up to it and run my PC at 1366x768 native and have it look really, really good.

But price is basically never the same (except I got my 50" plasma for $3200) and you have to decide whether the extra $$$ is worth it.

 

[Mr.T]

In most cases, if you need to use the plasma with your laptop from time to time, we recommend customers the HD over the ED, but for programs watching and DVD movies many customers rather save the money and go with the ED.

Very often, customers want to see the performance of the 2 plasmas side by side on the same cable or DVD movie and ironically the majority of them end up with the ED plasma. They claim no visible differences and in many cases they like the ED better then the HD.

Obviously, some people they just know what they want and stick with it.

Mr.T

 

[Vancouver]

In my case I have the choice to get the new Panasonic TH-42PW7UY or the TH-42PHD7UY. Niether is going to cost me anything. I will most likely never plug my PC into it, but picked the HD model over the ED model assuming the if the TV is from the same manufacture the HD would be at least equal to the ED, and once in a while I would play a HD video game or watch HD sports. Did I make a mistake? Unfortunately I couldnt have a look at either of them because today is the first day this generation is available to the public.

I will be sitting sitting 10-11 feet away.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Let me know how you got a deal like that and I will be happy to pick the best one for you!

You won't be unhappy... The bottom line is that most plasmas look pretty darn good. If one looks slightly better, it would be impossible to know without you doing a side-by-side comparison. Since you can't, all you have is personal opinions and reviews of similar product from that manufacturer. I expect you'll be very happy.

 

[Vancouver]

Thanks BMX...its a long story how im getting the TV, has to do with someone paying me back some debt. I supose regardless it will look better then my $1,200 32' toshiba falt screen.

I have been told by the dealer that I will be one of the first to have the new generation Plasma from Panasonic. Ill do my best with writing a review.

 

[Mr.T]

Vancouver, if it's free and you have a choice of the two of them, I would go with the HD Plasma, by the way the new generation Panasonic Plasmas are much improved with video enhancements and higher contrast ratios.

 

[BruZZi]

Ok...why would the enhanced def plasma have a contrast ratio or 4000:1 , but the HD version have a contrast ratio of 3000:1?

The 42" ED Display is about 40% brighter than the 42" HD Model (raw panel).
It uses a darker front filter to achieve the higher CR.

 

[Vancouver]

40% sounds very substantial!

 

[Vikman]

Panasonic TH-42PHD7UY

I too have been looking at the industrial plasmas. I have 2 concerns:
- I am hearing that the lack of infrared/RF shielding in industrial plasmas may interfere with home electronics / wireless computer networks.

- How important is the lack of auto aspect ratio controls?

Just looking for your thoughts on these. Thanks.

 

[Mr.T]

Vikman, the infrared RF shielding problem on the Panasonic industrial line of plasmas has been corrected and it's no longer a problem.

But, the lack of auto aspect ratio control in my opinion is a problem, I personally think (maybe because I am spoiled with my Sony) it's an important feature to have on any HDTV.

I don't know if the new line of consumer and industrial Panasonic plasmas have now the auto aspect ratio control or not. You could find out and if you wish to call Panasonic customer support here the toll free number:
1-888-843-9788

 

[Vikman]

Vikman, the infrared RF shielding problem on the Panasonic industrial line of plasmas has been corrected and it's no longer a problem.

But, the lack of auto aspect ratio control in my opinion is a problem, I personally think (maybe because I am spoiled with my Sony) it's an important feature to have on any HDTV

Thanks for the RF shielding clarification - glad to hear it! On the auto aspect control, the new models have an auto aspect setting but it only works on video inputs (S-video or composite). Turns out my cable box has auto aspect so I think I should be ok. Can't wait to take delivery.

 

[BruZZi]

More Info:

Panasonic Industrial Plasmas also have shielding against EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).
It's just not as good as the Consumer Displays but fine for home use.

The are reports of interference on wireless headphones (Sony) and some remote controls not responding to the command when close to a Industrial Plasma.
Well, I have a Logitech Wireless Mouse, a Wireless Keyboard, a wireless thermometer and use a Home Theater Master MX-500 remote - all very close to my TH-37PWD6UY Industrial Display with no problems. I used to have 2 Panasonic Consumer Displays with the same setup and I couldn't see any difference.

 

[BruZZi]

Vikman, are you getting the TH-42PHD7UY ???

 

[Vikman]

I've ordered the 42PHD7UY - apparently it was on backorder but s/b available anytime now. Also picked up the Chief 4" pivot wall mount on Ebay for a 1/3 of the retail price.