Pros and Cons on EDTV

[luszer]

I have an interest in a Panny 37 inch plasma EDTV. Is anyone familiar with this display? What is the deal with EDTV, my simple understanding is that HiDef programming will not be upconverted to a true HiDef resolution. Other than that, not quite sure. Please advise, also does this set have a ton of fan noise?

Thanks for your help and advice


Ron

[Shane Martin]

my simple understanding is that HiDef programming will not be upconverted to a true HiDef resolution

It will be downconverted to that 480P resolution.

Considering how much the 37" sets run, I think you'd be better off buying a 42" version. You can buy a 42" Industrail panasonic for $1700 or $1900 with a wall bracket.

[Kevin P]

EDTV is basically a 480p resolution (480 lines, progressive). HDTV is 720p or 1080i. So naturally, a HDTV plasma offers higher resolution (though rarely full HDTV resolution), while EDTV has to downconvert HD signals to be displayed on the lower resolution panel.

A EDTV plasma is perfectly matched to DVD, so if you primarily watch DVDs (or non-HDTV TV) the EDTV set will be fine, and possibly better for you than a true HD set, since no scaling is required for these resolutions.

But if you want the best HDTV image you can get, steer clear from the EDTV sets.

[Shane Martin]

But if you want the best HDTV image you can get, steer clear from the EDTV sets.

I wouldn't go that far. With a 42" plasma, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the HD and ED version while watching HD material. Given the price difference of atleast $800-$1k now, I'd personally buy an ED w/o question.

[luszer]

Shane and Kevin

Thanks for the comments, the Panny 37 is a really nice price currently. I was planning for a bedroom system, so the highest quality is not required.

Interesting comment on the industrial 42, were can I locate that price? What's the difference with "industrial", I'm thinking the kind of displays in airports and office buildings?

Thanks again

[Nick M]

I hope to purchase a 42" EDTV plasma this summer, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I cant see the difference between a 480p panel and a 720p panel when feeding a 480p signal. I'm fairly critical about stuff, and can see a good difference in smoothness with 720p panels.

Having said that, with the prices being $1700 for a EDTV 42" panny, and over $4k for a true 1280x720p panel, I plan on buying an EDTV. I'll buy an HD plasma when 1080p panels are down around $3k.

[luszer]

Nicholas

thanks for the input, were can I locate an 42 EDTV plasma for for $1700 - $1900. The best I'm seeing is a 37 for $2k

regards, Ron

[Shane Martin]

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?chPartNumber=TH-42PWD7UY&MFR=Panasonic

[luszer]

Just circling back, to let you folks know I went with the 37 Panny EDTV. What a wonderful TV, particular at this price point for a bed room system.

Thanks again for the help

Ron

[kode3]

I have a Denon DVD-1600, and I was looking at buying a Pioneer 43, or 50 inch EDTV Plasma. I was wondering if I could still watch progressive scan DVD's on an EDTV unit?

Any help with this would be great, thanks!