Panny 42" plasma 4 version versus new 5 version

[brlaw]

Hello, everyone

Does anybody know if the new 5 series of panasonic 42 inch plasma screen is a signficant improvement over the 4 series? i have the 42pwd4 and i'm recommending it to a friend, but just want to be sure that i shouldn't encourage her to wait until the 5 comes out.

Thanks very much for all your help. I've bought every piece of equipment i have from this site and am very grateful.

 

As far as the technology is concerned I doubt there have been any major advances between the models. The model 4 is bound to be discounted and will be a very good buy, I'd be wary of going for the higher definition model 5 purely because more pixels = more pixels that can go wrong and believe me if you get one duff pixel it'll irritate the hell out of you!
I'd get the 4, I had the 3 model and the picture was fantastic on that, if the 4 is any better I fail to see how it could be improved much to be honest..

Cheers
Andy

 

[ajb]

Hi

I have heard (can't remember the source) that the 5 series is not as bright as the 4 series. More pixels to light I suppose means that not as much brightness to go round.

Anyway, what on earth do you need the extra resolution for if you are not using the screen for computer use? TV is only about 500 or 600 lines and DVD players (e.g. Pioneer 747) output around 550 lines.

I'd say if you see a '4' for about 3 grand then mug the dealer for it!

Regards
Andrew

 

[KBDVD]

Hi brlaw,

I currently own a NEC 42MP2 and am considering upgrading to a Panasonic due to it's unbeatable 3000:1 contrast ratio....oh those blacks!

But like you, do I go 4th or 5th generation?

With all due respect to the previous poster, I can't agree with the more pixels = more to go wrong theory, wasn't this the same argument that all the western car manufacturers used to level at the Japanese manufacturers use of electric windows etc?...and look which way that went!

In line with the present panny 50" hi-def model, I believe that the newer 42" model, (TH-42PHD5UY in USA & out now) will have a 500 cd/m2 panel brightness. This is in contrast to the 780 cd/m2 panel brightness of the present TH-42PWD4BX. However, I ask you this, do you drive your Panny screen at it's peak brightness now? I know I don't with my NEC! it's set at about 40% of it's capacity and the unit shall no doubt last a lot longer as a result!

The previous post quite correctly states that the 852 x 480 resolution of the present 42" model is more than adequate for DVD, however, think ahead, how many owners of the present model will be looking to trade this in when in 3/4 years time,
Hi-Def DVD becomes a reality as it surely will, and a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution ( which the gen 5 model sports ) becomes an absolute essential in order to get the best from the new medium?

Those years soon go round and the model you buy now will most definately still be performing perfectly well, think what you will have to let it go for! who will want a 852 x 480 panel then?

These are just my oppinions and I may be way wrong, but Iv'e decided to wait and buy the Gen 5 model knowing that Iv'e future proofed my purchase for HD-DVD.

Best Regards,
KBDVD.

 

[browellm]

Originally posted by KBDVD
Hi brlaw,
These are just my oppinions and I may be way wrong, but Iv'e decided to wait and buy the Gen 5 model knowing that Iv'e future proofed my purchase for HD-DVD.

Best Regards,
KBDVD.

That's absolutely your perogative m8, and great if you can afford it. I think ajb was just weighing up the pros and cons, given that there is likely to be a £1500-£2000 price difference when the '5' hits the streets.

 

[KBDVD]

Originally posted by browellm


That's absolutely your perogative m8, and great if you can afford it. I think ajb was just weighing up the pros and cons, given that there is likely to be a £1500-£2000 price difference when the '5' hits the streets.

Hi browellm,

Hope you didn't feel that I was "DIS"ing zAndy 1 / ajb! I was simply adding a different perspective to the debate.

My point is simply that it's very important not to fall into the trap of basing a purchase decision simply on price alone. We all need to think ahead (especially in the ever changing world of AV).

I'd be happy with either screen NOW, as the 42PWD4 is clearly the best out there (I.M.H.O.), but for now, as Iv'e already got the NEC 42MP2, (which is a 852 x 480 resolution by the way) my situation dictates that I can afford to wait.

p.s. FYI......I can't afford either model at the moment!

Take it easy,
KBDVD.

 

[ajb]

Hi all

With regard to my statement on brightness above, see the following links:

1. http://www.av-sales.com/plasma/html/panasonic_th-42pw4b.html which lists the '4' series with brightness of 650 cd/m^2

2. http://www.av-sales.com/plasma/html/panasonic_th-42phd5uy.html which lists the '5' series with brightness of 500 cd/m^2

As far as waiting to get a '5' series, that might suit some people, agreed. For a 24 year old living at home, he might just have bought his screen now knowing that when he moves out, he is going to allow himself a cinema room with the best plasma of the day in it...

Regards
Andrew

 

[phil_evans]

Empire Direct are now listing one of the new Panny 5's at £3555, so pretty much the price point where the 4B left off.

http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/productdetailsnew.asp?modelcode=PAN-TH42PW5B

This is the WVGA model with few, if any, differences to the outgoing 4B (consumer). The XGA model will be called the TH42PHW5B and no doubt be nearer £5000.

I'm sure we'll see lots of confusion on the new Panasonic model numbers, especially when the commercial models appear on the scene too.

Phil

 

[davejw]

Hi
I have two screens one a high res 1024x 768 fujitsu and an nec mp3 852 x 480 The biggest difference is that the DVD scaling for a 16:9 picture is closer to 852 x 480 than 1024 x 768 so the picture uses the internal scaler on and looks slightly odd on the higher res model. I use a Faroudja processor on both units for pro displays at customers and find that the 852 x 480 gives a more natural look on widescreen dvd but the 1024 x 768 is a better screen for presentation with text.

There was a write up on this some time ago but best advice try them side by side and see what you think.

 

[benji_m]

As far as I am aware the 5 has come about through a desire in Japan to reduce production costs with a mind to price repositioning later on down the life of the model - Not to improve the quality! the saving on 'high street' price I believe is around #500

 

[phil_evans]

davejw,

My understanding is that at 42" scale, Fujitsu do both WVGA (852 x 480) and ALiS (1024 x 512 native, 1024 x 1024 interlaced). There is no Fujitsu 1024 x 768 native panel at the moment.

The new XGA panels from Panny, NEC and the existing Pioneer 433 model do native XGA which may provide a significant improvement for those who find WVGA and ALiS distracting or in the case of jmack and his Philips ALiS experiences, plagued by vertical banding.

The new Panny price at Empire is encouraging and I'm sure a price battle will emerge with 3 screens offering 42/43" XGA. Initial prices may hover around £5000, but I would expect to see prices in the £4000 - £4500 bracket within a month or 2.

Phil

 

[davejw]

Sorry mail obviously not clear my scaler and most of them I have tried and my HTPC do 1024 x 768 which is as close as you can get to the native pixel res of the fujitsu.
This as you mention causes a few issues.

Dave