Plasma for £1500 budget

CoolBlue · 09-11-2008, 10:36 PM

Hi,

After initially looking for an LCD TV, I nearly settled on the 9 series from Samsung or the Sony W4500 but each had there downside. I currently have a 3 year old 42" Philips Plasma but feel it is time to upgrade, lack of HDMI etc being the main reason.

I will mainly be using it for gaming and streaming from my Popcorn Hour A110 and was put off with the lag issue on the Sammy LCD and the clouding issue on the Sony.

So, my question is, can I buy a Plasma that will tick all the boxes for a £1500 budget. Needs to be >46".

Much appreciated.

-Ad- · 09-11-2008, 10:46 PM

Pioneer - PDP-5080XD-T - 50-inch KURO with Digital DVB-T Tuner

:D

CoolBlue · 09-11-2008, 11:08 PM

Wow, thanks for the quick reply.

I am going to look around for some reviews on this set as I really like Pioneer but thought it would be well out of my budget.

Many thanks.

CoolBlue · 09-11-2008, 11:15 PM

Ah, was looking for a 1080p set.

I did read the thread regarding HD ready v Full HD but as I am upgrading from a HD ready Plasma, I would prefer to go Full HD.

-Ad- · 10-11-2008, 9:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBlue

Ah, was looking for a 1080p set.

I did read the thread regarding HD ready v Full HD but as I am upgrading from a HD ready Plasma, I would prefer to go Full HD.

Hehe I stuck with a quick reply and not much detail.

I would say try to forget about the FULL vs READY unless you will be using the screen for heavy pc monitor usage, or sitting within about 7ft. The difference really is soo smal, and as I normally put it, just the cherry on the cake. Does the cherry sway the decision over which cake you buy or reflect the quality, e.g. buy a taste the difference cake without a cherry on top, or a sainsburys basics one with a cherry. Which will be the better buy and please you more ?

I did some comparisons at TLC broadcast where Tony actually asked me to point out which pioneer was which (comparing the 508XD and the 1080p LX508). With both running casino royale on blu ray I couldn't tell the difference until a shot without movement came on, but was still not 100% sure. When I put on starship troopers I started to see it more, but I was still having to look hard and only really first saw it when I was about 5ft from the sets. At my normal 10ft watching distance it was nigh on impossible to see. Plus I have 6/4 vision with my contacts which is better than most peoples 20/20.

Hope that helps a little in explaining the picture quality is not governed by the number of pixels on screen, the 8G non-1080p pionners are still better than any LCD I have seen, and better than every panasonic plasma out there, which I regard as the 2nd best brand of plasmas.

CoolBlue · 10-11-2008, 12:21 PM

Thnx for the reply.

I guess it comes down to ensuring (as much as I can) that it is future proof.

I sit approx 14ft away so i guess it would not be too much of an issue but I think the fact that there was an affordable 1080p out there means that i will forever be 'kicking' myself and wondering.

I have swayed back to the samsung 1080 8 or 9 series as people are now saying that input lag is fine.

Decisions decisions...

to be continued.

-Ad- · 10-11-2008, 12:26 PM

Why use the word futureproof if you won't be able to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p at 14ft now, or in 20 years time unless using special super cyber eyes or a pair of binoculars.

But the picture from the pioneer will be better than those samsungs screens. Just consider what is better, being able to tell people that your tv is 1080p and you can't even see it, or being happy with a better built, more reliable, and most importantly a superior picture quality to savour for many years to come.

I would say that a lot of things posted in the LCD forum are based on people loving the set they purchased and not actually properly comparing sets when demoing. A lot of time it is people pimping their own tv, and anyone who suggests it isn't the best set in the world is put down as either a plasma fanboi or someone who doesn't have a clue

Just have a look through the forums, and in the LCD section samsung owners threads are plagued with people seeking help on how to solve problems with the sets that are flawed from the factory, and discussing which new iteration firmware to install in order to attempt to cure said problem. In the pioneer threads the most heated points are the appauling manual, and inability of most of us to understand which drive mode to put it in

SyStemDeMoN · 10-11-2008, 12:45 PM

agreed i would also stay away from the sammys, if u want the 1080p aspect, and cant afford a pioneer to do it, then i strongly recommend a panny.

they are the 2nd best plasma out there, so bang for buck they are well worth it, no problems with IR or screen burn, use mine for SD,HD, bluray, HDDVD and PS3, even after about 5hrs of GTA4, there was no problems with IR or burn.

ozzzy189 · 10-11-2008, 7:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBlue

Ah, was looking for a 1080p set.

I did read the thread regarding HD ready v Full HD but as I am upgrading from a HD ready Plasma, I would prefer to go Full HD.

My 508xd displays blurays better than a 42 inch full hd pana. Although i have not been able to compare the same size screen. I'd buy the 5080xd, superb tv.

ozzzy189 · 10-11-2008, 7:10 PM

By the way, i'm 14 feet away from my 508 and it looks superb. I still don't like lcd and my mate has just had a clouding issue on a 10 month old bravia. They just don't look natural to me.

Lin3ar · 10-11-2008, 7:16 PM

To compare the Pioneer with a Sammy LCD is like comparing a Ferrari to a Ford Fiesta.Never mind the lack of 1080p, it would be an expensive mistake to ignore the Pioneer in favour of a Samsung LCD.

CoolBlue · 10-11-2008, 7:23 PM

Cheers one and all.

I have set my sites even higher and am looking at the KURO LX5090 now.

I think that this is finally going to be the screen for me. I have a 42" Philips just now and although a bit dated, it has never let me down.

So, the Plasma v LCD fight has been well and truly won by the Plasma.

Now to count my pennies.

Lin3ar · 10-11-2008, 7:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBlue

Cheers one and all.

I have set my sites even higher and am looking at the KURO LX5090 now.

I think that this is finally going to be the screen for me. I have a 42" Philips just now and although a bit dated, it has never let me down.

So, the Plasma v LCD fight has been well and truly won by the Plasma.

Now to count my pennies.

Good decision

usman24 · 11-11-2008, 10:04 AM

I would still think the 50pz800 is worth a look at if found at a good price and I think its available in 46" screen size also.

Panasonic TH50PZ800B / TH50PZ800 Review

rewerb · 11-11-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usman24

I would still think the 50pz800 is worth a look at if found at a good price and I think its available in 46" screen size also.

Sorry, no 46" version. 42,50,58,65..

-Ad- · 11-11-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usman24

I would still think the 50pz800 is worth a look at if found at a good price and I think its available in 46" screen size also.

Panasonic TH50PZ800B / TH50PZ800 Review

I would still take an 8G over that, the black level on the LX508 is measured around 0.015 with the 800 still at 0.04, so a good deal lower. Coupled with the better build, reliability, and just nicer picture, I would still take an 8G over the panny, and they cost about the same.

CoolBlue · 11-11-2008, 12:25 PM

Yep, deffo the LX5090 for me.

Best price so far just under £2200.

usman24 · 11-11-2008, 2:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Ad-

I would still take an 8G over that, the black level on the LX508 is measured around 0.015 with the 800 still at 0.04, so a good deal lower. Coupled with the better build, reliability, and just nicer picture, I would still take an 8G over the panny, and they cost about the same.

Ad, have you noticed any uneven black level [screen uniformity] with your lx5090?

I am tempted by a 50" KRP-M pioneer monitor!!

-Ad- · 11-11-2008, 3:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usman24

Ad, have you noticed any uneven black level [screen uniformity] with your lx5090?

I am tempted by a 50" KRP-M pioneer monitor!!

When the tv first powers up the black level isn't very low, around 0.076 if I remember the HDTV review, and it is very noticable. But within about 20 seconds it switches to the normal black level which it remains that.

Sometimes there is uneveness in the blacks, BUT the last time I remember this was when the PS3 is turned off. I have to stress that it happened when there is no video signal being sent to the screen, and once the PS3 is on everything is even and great. Just one of those weird quirks, but it obviously doesn't affect any of the viewing experience.

Just tried switching to the HD-dvd input without the player on, and it all seems good, so I cannot really say if it just to do with the PS3.

If you have the money then a KRP I'm sure is amazing, going by what the 5090 looks like, and the KRP is by all accounts better.

CoolBlue · 11-11-2008, 5:15 PM

Ok, looking to order one of these babies (5090) in the next few days but needing some advice as to a reputable retailer. looked at tlcbroadcast.co.uk and I know from previous posts that they kick about in AV Forums.

Looks a fair price also.

Prior to giving them a call (and I will trawl the forums) does anyone have experience of them?

Rgds once more.

-Ad- · 11-11-2008, 5:47 PM

Bought mine from there, went along for 2 demos on successive weekends, and overall fantastic service.

Just give them a call and say AD off avforums says hi

Tony is the main guy there and steve (bumtious on avforums) is their calibrator, both great guys. Ask to speak to either of them.

CoolBlue · 11-11-2008, 6:18 PM

Would they calibrate prior to sending out or do they charge for that?

Ta

rewerb · 11-11-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBlue

Would they calibrate prior to sending out or do they charge for that?

Ta

Calibration has to be done in your home, with your lighting and environment.

CoolBlue · 11-11-2008, 11:13 PM

OK, now I am wondering about my bracket to wall mount the 5090.

I have an existing wall bracket that is very secure on the wall and holding up a 40+ kg plasma. It has a bar fitting if that makes sense.

Do you envisage this being OK for the new TV?

Ta

-Ad- · 11-11-2008, 11:34 PM

Im not in the know on brackets will let others answer.

But for calibration you first have to wait for the set to bed-in. It will take about 250 hours for it to be fully oloosened up, and in that time the picture will improve, especially with the blacks getting darker.

The thing about ISF is that the professional will calibrate your tv for your own specific lighting conditions, and on all the inputs for the sources connected to your screen. Plus there will be day and night presets.

So it isn't just about getting PQ perfect but it is a custom service to make your tv pretty much sing in unision with all the connected equipment

CoolBlue · 12-11-2008, 5:22 PM

OK, I have now ordered the LX5090 from TLC after speaking to Tony.

Very helpful chap, so hopeful of delivery next Wednesday as that is my first free day

Can't wait.

CoolBlue · 13-11-2008, 7:09 PM

OK, I could not wait till wed, so have spent the £50 to get it delivered on saturday before 12.

Hopefully I will get some pics up after I mount it on the wall.

Thanks for all the advice and guidance.

CoolBlue · 15-11-2008, 5:59 PM

Well, TV arrived today and I must say, very impressed.

Slightly delayed getting it up and running as the existing wall bracket I have used different bolts to hold the existing TV to the bracket.

For reference the bolts you require are 8mm X 25mm. You will need a rubber spacer though too but I imagine all TV's wall mounted have these. Anyway, i re used the ones I had and all was well. TV now mounted perfectly on the wall and looking sweet.

I followed the advised settings posted elsewhere and all appears to be well. The Virgin EPG looks a bit blurred though but as these are analogue menus then I guess they will never be perfect.

Scratched my head also with setting up HDMI etc but after about 15 minutes I got there.

A lack of HDMI leads means i will have to wait until next week to properly try out Blu Ray but my Popcorn A110 does not arrive till Tuesday anyway.

Can anyone advise if there are any super secret settings or tips that will enhance things any more than the first settings that I have applied. If not, no probs as it looks insanely immense on these settings anyway.

-Ad- · 15-11-2008, 6:53 PM

Excellent, and the picture will get better as the set beds in.

Just put on the bumtious settings and enjoy

Activating the HDMI socekts gets most people, but turning it on got me

CoolBlue · 17-11-2008, 5:08 PM

Here are a few photos now that I have got the screen wall mounted. As usual, the photos do not do the image quality justice. i had to take them from an angle due to the flash being reflected

this first one is a crop of a photo i took with the lights out and no flash.