The very best 42" plasma right now?

[Chippy99]

Having been out of the loop for a while, I wonder if there is a concensus on what is the best 42" plasma to buy right now?

I have an aged Panasonic that I am looking to replace and (sorry to sound chavvy) but the cost is not really important. I paid a LOT of money for my existing plasma 8 years ago! So however much the new screen is, is not really an issue. I should say though that (sadly) I cannot go for a 50". The room its going in just doesn't allow it.

I was considering the Pioneer 428 before it became discontinued. Is there any sign of a Pioneer 42" on the horizon any time?

As far as usage goes, its for general TV and film viewing (I do like decent black levels!) and the *occassional* PC use as I do have an HTPC hooked up to it running Media Center and various. So I am not sure I need 1920x1080 but if the panel has it and the SD performance doesn't suffer, then why not.

What do you guys suggest?

BTW: Hooked up with Sky HD and Blueray player.

[stapoz]

Personally, I would choose Panasonic PZ800 because its superb quality/price ratio.

[scrapbook]

There are still some Pioneer 4280's out there.

The CES is the second week of January so you will find out then if there are any new Pioneer 42" due next year.

According to their blog they recommend an LCD currently for less then 50", which of course they would bearing in mind their current range!

[Chippy99]

Originally Posted by scrapbook

There are still some Pioneer 4280's out there.

The CES is the second week of January so you will find out then if there are any new Pioneer 42" due next year.

According to their blog they recommend an LCD currently for less then 50", which of course they would bearing in mind their current range!

"Kuro" and "LCD" is a bit of an oxymoron isn't it.

Since posting my original question and doing some research, I am quite taken by the Panasonic TH-42PF11. (Having owned a TH-42PW3 for so many years and *still* being impressed by its picture quality!)

Any thoughts on the new Panny commercial model?

[ozzzy189]

Prob a good shout there, and if i was getting a 42, that'd be on top of my list.

[boxrick]

Id say the pioneer 428 was easily still the best 42" screen... Saw the pz800 and personally wasn't that impressed (my px80 has better SD performance...), yet my pdpsx4280 still impresses me!

Current consumer Panny plasmas arnt even anywhere near last years pioneer screens let alone this years !

[Chippy99]

Originally Posted by boxrick

Id say the pioneer 428 was easily still the best 42" screen... Saw the pz800 and personally wasn't that impressed (my px80 has better SD performance...), yet my pdpsx4280 still impresses me!

Current consumer Panny plasmas arnt even anywhere near last years pioneer screens let alone this years !

Thanks for the comments. The problem is finding a 428 or 4280 anywhere. Also, although it's not a show-stopper the 1024x768 resolution isn't ideal for HTPC or gaming use (which I don't do a lot of, admittedly, so not a big deal).

It looks like the black levels on the Panasonic TH-42PF11's could be very close to Kuro too. So I am quite excited about that as an option.

[choddo2006]

Originally Posted by Chippy99

It looks like the black levels on the Panasonic TH-42PF11's could be very close to Kuro too. So I am quite excited about that as an option.

I was going to suggest that.

[boxrick]

Originally Posted by Chippy99

Thanks for the comments. The problem is finding a 428 or 4280 anywhere. Also, although it's not a show-stopper the 1024x768 resolution isn't ideal for HTPC or gaming use (which I don't do a lot of, admittedly, so not a big deal).

It looks like the black levels on the Panasonic TH-42PF11's could be very close to Kuro too. So I am quite excited about that as an option.

For gaming on 1024 x 768 res isnt a problem xbox games and ps3 in the majority (95%) are only 720p anyway so as a result look better on a 768 screen....

PC games on the other hand....

Here is my px80 in my currently messy front room whilst i was re arranging .... The advantage with such a resolution is for web browsing and for using my computer i can actually read the text! Whereas on a 1080p panel that aint too easy unless you purposly use a lower resolution which obviously when using none native turns into a blurry mess....

[Rob.butters]

Don't get the Panny PZ800 i have it as a replacement for a Pio 428XD and the SD PQ is rubbish compared to the Pio in my opinion. The HD PQ is very good but as most viewing is SD it's not worth it.

I have heard good things about the professional Panny range. i didn't get it because wife didn't like the idea of just a monitor????

Failing that TLC are doing a great deal on the 5090LX and the extra inches aren't that much, i am told.

[boxrick]

My local richer sounds have a 42" 8G pio they were looking to sell for about £1000 without the stand an ex display unit.... However apparently they have littered about the company so may be possible to get hold of one from a local store?

However it Pio are meant to be bringing out a 10G 42" Panel with panasonic glass mid next year?

[Rob.butters]

I know they are gonna use Panny glass but not sure what sizes. Glass isn't gonna make to much difference, glass is glass!!!!

[Suave]

Hi,

There are some rumours that there may be a new 42" Kuro Plasma next year so if you are not in an hurry you may wish to wait and see what transpires. Other than that, there really is nothing worth bothering about apart from either the G8 428XD/4280XD (best) or the Panny 42PX80 (best value). I too, just simply cannot fit a 50" Kuro in my room and rather than buy something I am not entirely happy with, I am electing to wait and see what new 42"/46" plasmas appear next year - I just hope Pioneer will cater for these sizes!

Suave!

[choddo2006]

Originally Posted by Rob.butters

I know they are gonna use Panny glass but not sure what sizes. Glass isn't gonna make to much difference, glass is glass!!!!

Not really. There's huge differences between the actual plasma screen on a Panny and a Pioneer, just as much as the electronics behind it.

Unless you meant glass in the "thing you look through to see the garden" sense of the word.

[ozzzy189]

Fanthorpes in hull still have boxed 428xd's in stock. They are willing to move on the price as they are at 1500 or so. here.

Pioneer PDP 428XD Plasma Television