Also the non square pixels make it unusable as a HTPC display with 1:1 mapping IMO - you really need to have square pixels for PC use since no software can really handle non-square ones and still display things in the correct aspect (Other then software to create content that is) - VLC etc can still play on it ok, but the userinterface will either be squashed of be scaled by the TV..
cyril7: Manhinli, have you looked at the availablity/price of Plasma displays with resolutions above that of the Panasonics?
Even though its got a lower resolution than most LCD's it still rates as an HD display and can handle all commonly available HD formats. Add to that the fact both LCD and Plasma have major image issues, some folk find LCD unwatchable, but Plasma acceptable, and some folk vice versa, in the end a 42" display in a typical NZ dwelling with a resolution of 1024x768 with either SD or HD material will provide more resolution than most folk are able to determine the difference, and at a reasonable price.
Cyril
That I will agree with. I know that there are other factors to buying a TV, and of course there isn't much HD content right now.
Thanks for the feedback fellas, it's always good to read.
richms: Also the non square pixels make it unusable as a HTPC display with 1:1 mapping IMO - you really need to have square pixels for PC use since no software can really handle non-square ones and still display things in the correct aspect (Other then software to create content that is) - VLC etc can still play on it ok, but the userinterface will either be squashed of be scaled by the TV..
No prob really, seeing I'm offloading my htpc here
I have a 37" Panasonic Viera plasma, res of 1024x768 and run my HTPC thru it and it's fine. I use to have a 29" Sony Trinitron CRT before, excellent picture but was hard on the eyes with the flickering of the interlaced signal (only noticeable when not playing video/tv) Now, with the Plasma, it is great. Couch is about 2.5m away from the tv, and no noticeable artifacts on SD TV (freeview), but I wonder if it's upscaled by the GPU before it hits the tv? I have it connected by VGA & HDMI, vga for normal use, HDMI so i can watch HD programming if the ICT flag is enabled when the HD service is launched. I have not found the display out of aspect or squashed in any way (in comparison to my CRT) I prefer plasma to LCD as I prefer action movies and motorsports - LCD ghost too much for my liking.
Lounge: WIN7 HOME x64 HTPC - E6420 2.13Ghz - 4Gb 800MHZ PATRIOT RAM - ASUS HD5670 1GB ASUS P5B-VM MOBO - LG BLU-RAY DRIVE - BG3595 TUNER - 1.5TB STORAGE PANASONIC 42" FULL HD PLASMA - PIONEER VSX1019AHK RECEIVER - WHARFDALE DIAMOND 10 SPEAKERS
Man Cave: XBOX 360 MODERN WARFARE 2 EDITION - PANASONIC 37" PLASMA - SONY MONSTA 5.1 SURROUND SYSTEM
What resolution is the PC set to tho? the non square pixels are only a problem if you want 1:1 mapping. IMO thats pretty essential since you dont want to be scaling the image multiple times since that makes the fuzzy stuff on edges get more pronounced.
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