Hi!

OK, I'm an idiot. I just bought a 42" Panasonic gas plasma display. It has 480 lines of resolution, which (I think) makes it NTSC compatible, but not really capable of HDTV (although it's supposed to be 'compatible' - I assume by squishing the image).

I spent a fair amount of change, but I guess my question is - is HDTV really make that much difference in a 42" format? And, anyone have any opinions on the Panasonic plasma unit?

Yes, these are questions I should have asked BEFORE I bought, but at least I got 30 days to send it back...

Thanks for everyones help!

480 lines is pretty much the bare minimum -- it's ideal for DVD (which is also 480 lines) and the 480p HDTV format. However, the NTSC spec allows up to 525 lines, though it's never reproduced that high. HDTV, on the other hand, has higher formats like 720 and even 1080 -- and the only way you'll be able to get those is by "dropping" lines.

The problem is all "economical" plasma screens have 480x852 pixels, while the "expensive" ones have 1024x1024.

Hey Pat,
I'm pretty sure that you bought your plasma display not because it boasts the highest possible picture resolution capable. You probably got your set because of it's amazing ability to display a large picture from a cabinet roughly the size of the screen. Yes almost all plasma display panels are only capable of displaying a 480p signal, except for two models. The Panansonic by far that I've seen has had the best picture possible from any source. Contrast ratio is high, brightness is good, uniformity of color is perfect, and the depth is very very thin. My company Sound Advice is the number one retailer in the United States in terms of plasma display sales. The Panasonic by far is the best out there for the price and performance.
If you really prefer to go with a true HD plasma set, you have two options. One, you can go with the new Pioneer 50" plasma display monitor. This is the one and only plasma unit that is greater than 42". The panel is made by Pioneer, not bought from Fujitsu. It is capable of displaying 1080i, and I tell ya, it really smokes everything out of the water.. Out of the box, the unit looks better than the PRO700HD RPTV!!! At $20 000, the unit is not for everyone, but you'll give up your kid's college tuition to get one!!!
Another alternative would be the Sony PFM510 HD plasma display. This unit is 42" and has the same frame as their less expensive 480p brother. The 510 is capable of 1080i also, but on a smaller panel. The picture is much much better than the 480p model. This unit runs for $16 000.
Pat, if you have any questions about plasma display monitors, please feel free to send me an email..

John

John:

Small world!!! I ordered my screen from the Altamonte Springs store - it's supposed to be delivered Friday. I did like the way it looked in the store, other than black saturation seemed low compared to a tube. I was bummed they didn't have the other screens so I could do a eyeball comparison...

. I guess I'm struggling with whether I want to spend another $4K-$7K for the higher end units. I am tempted to switch it to the 50", but that's WAY too much money - especially if there's not really that much of a visible difference (but, again, without seeing it, how do I know - hence the request for opinions).

I couldn't figure out where your email address is - drop me a note when you get a chance and let's compare notes.

Thanks again!

My email address is [email protected].

peace,

pat