Best 42" for around £650?

thecremeegg · 13 Dec 2008 at 23:01

In a few weeks I'm looking to purchase a new television and need some advice as they seem to vary in price between models so much.

It will be mainly used for the PS3 and blu-rays so which would likely be better, plasma or LCD?

Definately looking to get 1080p

Cheers

MikeHunt79 · 14 Dec 2008 at 00:19

PS3 and blu-rays? I'd get an LCD

photoshop · 14 Dec 2008 at 00:57

PANASONIC TH42PZ80 42 INCH PLASMA TV

Now close thread

-Ad- · 14 Dec 2008 at 13:26

42PZ80

Or the PX80 if you don't have the cash for the PZ.

MikeHunt79 · 14 Dec 2008 at 15:51

Do they even do a 1080P plasma?

Stag · 14 Dec 2008 at 15:58

The PZ's are all 1080p.
The PX's are the ones that are not.

MikeHunt79 · 14 Dec 2008 at 16:30

Gotcha, that's the first time I've heard of a 1080p plasma, I guess they've improved somewhat.

Stag · 14 Dec 2008 at 16:38

You've been able to get them for a couple of years now.

thecremeegg · 14 Dec 2008 at 23:37

cheers guys, saw that tv recommended in Stuff this month - gonig to see if i can stretch budget to the PZ

thecremeegg · 17 Dec 2008 at 12:29

Just been reading on AV forums and it seems that seeing as I'm using the set mainly for gaming it would perhaps be better to get an LCD instead due to the risk of IR and screen burn? Anyone else agree with this?

Prophet · 17 Dec 2008 at 12:33

I've got the 42PX80. I highly recommend it.

In the 3 Months I've owned one the picture has never failed to impress me. It did take a few weeks to settle in but now the PQ and black levels are fantastic.

Wouldnt worry about the 1080p unless you're sitting ontop of the screen. I sit about 10' away and can't fault 720P Blueray or any HD/SD I play on it.

Picked mine up for £599 with a 5 year Panasonic warranty.

edit - No IR on my screen after gaming on my set. I left it on Sky+ pause for 30 minutes the other day by accident and didnt see any IR at all.

thecremeegg · 17 Dec 2008 at 19:40

Thanks, thats settled my mind somewhat regarding the IR. Its the only thing thats stopped me buying a plasma straight away

Hen_Dawg · 17 Dec 2008 at 21:29

I've gamed for a few hours straight on my PX80. When I check afterwards there's some retention but it always goes away pretty quick. As long as you show a tiny bit of care you'll be fine.
Plasmas ability to handle motion so well lends itself to gaming. On top of the lovely, natural image the produce.

The 1080 v 720 debate again - depends on the size but at 42" many people will say you can't tell the difference. Plus how many PS3 games are actually 1080? Not a lot when I last checked

-Ad- · 17 Dec 2008 at 22:53

Hen_Dawg said:
The 1080 v 720 debate again - depends on the size but at 42" many people will say you can't tell the difference. Plus how many PS3 games are actually 1080? Not a lot when I last checked

I know of 2, wipeout definately and I think GT Prologue. That's it. Hahha.

PX80 to save monies or PZ if you have the moonas !

Prophet · 17 Dec 2008 at 23:33

-Ad- said:
PX80 to save monies or PZ if you have the moonas !

Its not quite as simple as that. The PX80 also delivers a slightly better SD picture do to the lower 720P resolution. So if you watch a lot of SD or low quality DivX's the PX80 is the better option. The PZ is better if you're watching mostly HD media while sitting around 6' from the screen.

leigho · 18 Dec 2008 at 06:01

There's actually loads of PS3 games in 1080p. I can't list them off hand but when I've checked when browsing I've definitely noticed 1080p on the back of plenty of them.

dbmzk1 · 18 Dec 2008 at 06:24

leigho said:
There's actually loads of PS3 games in 1080p. I can't list them off hand but when I've checked when browsing I've definitely noticed 1080p on the back of plenty of them.

Doesn't matter what they can display at, it matters what they are rendered at, and it doesn't say that on the box. Most games are rendered at or around 720p. The ones that are rendered in 1080p do look fantastic though.