Best 42" Plasma on the Market!
Pros:
Amazing Color and Clarity, Sleek Black Finish, Pioneer Quality
Cons:
Speakers that come with the set are average, Pricier than other 42" models
The Bottom Line:
Best 42" Plasma on the market as of 11-2006 for the money.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I spent about 16 hours researching different brands of Plasmas and LCD's. Models I looked at were Samsung, Panasonic and Pioneer.
I went to many of the large national retailers; Best Buy, Circuit City, Tweeter, and Abt Electronics to view,compare and hear the different explanations and opinions of the sales associates (that in itself was entertaining).
Here is the cliffs notes version of my findings:
LCD: A little more pricey than Plasma and Good for Brightly lit areas. The Color was a little brighter than Plasma, but did not replicate the "true" colors than that of a plasma. I also noticed during action scenes, or sports events a bit of a "catch-up" with the picture in LCD's. There are 1080p units available, but at the current time, there is no broadcasting in HD format that airs this, along with the fact that a Blue Ray player or HD DVD player costs about a grand.
Plasma: Price has come down tremendously to compete with LCD market. Colors are richer and the blacks were true blacks (especially in the Pioneer PDP-4270). The Pioneer had exceptional color and richness. Samsung touts a higher contrast ratio, which when you bring the set home, you will have to adjust the majority of sets down anyway...what a hoax! Panasonic is most popular because of it's entry into the plasma market...they were the cost leader being the first to drop the price down, thus selling the most. Don't be fooled, the best selling Plasma TV doesn't necessarily equate to the best quality. I found the Panasonic to be "grainier" in picture quality and not as rich blacks as the Pioneer.
Since I have had my Pioneer for about 3 months now, I am extremely satisfied that my research paid off and I am now addicted to the amazing clarity and picture sharpness of the PDP-4270. It is a MUST to have HD programming to enjoy the set. I would recommend picking up a 720P DVD player in the interim (about 100 bucks)to enjoy DVD playback through HDMI cables.
All in all, you might pay a couple of hundred dollars more on this TV, but in the end you will be happy you did.
