Is this Samsung a good "budget" model?

[bigburner]

I'm looking for a budget plasma monitor that will be integrated with my hi-fi system and used mainly for watching music DVD's (4:3 and 16:9). I'll also connect my satellite TV tuner to watch sport (4:3) occasionally. Are there any obvious shortcomings with this monitor based on the specs below? Can anyone with an equivalent Samsung model comment on the picture quality?

Thank you.
Nigel.


Model PPM42M5H
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GENERAL Size 42"
Power Supply 100-250V (50/60Hz)
Power Consumption 420W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 1027 x 630.5 x 96.5 mm
Weight 34.5 Kg
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Resolution 1024x768
Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.912x0.693 mm
Brightness (cd/m2) 1300
Contrast Ratio 10,000:1
Colours 68.7 Billion
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INPUT TERMINALS Composite Video 1 (RCA)
S-Video 1
Component 1 RCA (Y/Pb/Pr)
RGB 1 (PC 1) 1 (D-sub 15pin)
RGB 2 (PC 2) 1 BNC(RGB HV)
DVI 1 (29pin DVI)
RS-232C 1 (D-sub 9pin)
Audio 2 mini jack(for DVI & D-sub 15pin), 2 RCA(L/R) for component and composite
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OUTPUT TERMINALS Composite Video 1 (RCA)
Speaker - External Speaker Jack(L/R), 10W x 2
Audio - 1 RCA(L/R) for Composite out
RS232C - 1 (D-sub 9-pin)
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SPECIAL FEATURES Burn-in Protection Timer Function
Multi Display Screen Mode (Natural mode, Full mode)
Picture in Picture, Picture by Picture
Digital Zoom (4x), Picture Freeze
Matrix Video Wall (2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 1x5, 5x1)
On/Off Timer, Auto Power Off
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PICTURE Scan System Progressive Scan
Colour System Multi (PAL/SECAM/NTSC3.58/NTSC4.43)
Digital Comb Filter 3D Comb Filter
Colour System Normal/Cool1/Cool2/Warm1/Warm2
Picture Modes Custom, Dynamics, Standard, Movie (RGB(PC)DVI: Entertain, Internet, Text, Custom)
Screen Size Mode 16:9, 14:9, zoom1, zoom2, Panorama

[dyazdani]

My parents bought a 50" Samsung a little while ago. It looks a bit different so it may not be in the same model lineup.

The picture is very good, they only have DSS hooked up but most channels look great. HD channels are simply stunning. They compared the Samsung to other brands and found it to be the best picture for the money. You may try to look at a few if you can.

[peterS]

i dont see how that is cost effective as all of the prices i see exceed current models... this years model has noticeable improvement over lasts... i am assuming that is 2+ years old due to the absence of hdmi... even only that far back black levels are noticeably inferior

[bigburner]

i dont see how that is cost effective as all of the prices i see exceed current models... this years model has noticeable improvement over lasts... i am assuming that is 2+ years old due to the absence of hdmi... even only that far back black levels are noticeably inferior

Thanks peterS. This model is currently selling new in New Zealand, but basically you're saying that it must old stock due to the absence of HDMI. Is that correct? Do all new plasmas include HDMI or just the high end models?

[aud19]

Most new displays should have a HDMI input. If you must buy a plasma I'd recommend the Panasonics first as a "budget" model (Pioneer Elite's if you have money to burn).

Otherwise my vote goes for Sony's SXRD or a 720p Samsung DLP RPTV's over plasma or LCD flat panels. Better PQ, higher resolutions, bigger screens sizes and less money.

... at least for fixed pixel displays...
Otherwise Hitachi/Mitsubishi CRT's still offer the best PQ at the lowest cost...but nobody loves the fat girl :lol:

[peterS]

Most new displays should have a HDMI input. If you must buy a plasma I'd recommend the Panasonics first as a "budget" model (Pioneer Elite's if you have money to burn).

Otherwise my vote goes for Sony's SXRD or a 720p Samsung DLP RPTV's over plasma or LCD flat panels. Better PQ, higher resolutions, bigger screens sizes and less money.

... at least for fixed pixel displays...
Otherwise Hitachi/Mitsubishi CRT's still offer the best PQ at the lowest cost...but nobody loves the fat girl :lol:

add sony xbr lcd panels too :W

lol at fat girl :rofl:

[peterS]

Thanks peterS. This model is currently selling new in New Zealand, but basically you're saying that it must old stock due to the absence of HDMI. Is that correct? Do all new plasmas include HDMI or just the high end models?

i realy dont know prices or availability but it would seem hdmi would be desirable

hdmi is now standard and my argument is that you are going to spend a lot anyways, so may as well be entirely future and quality proof as reasonably possible

current models are good in both regard

it is such that prices have dropped so much on panels that old models cost more (to the retailer) than new ones retail for

ed tvs are always an option but i dont think they are as valid a choice now a days do to the increased HD material and decreased price points