LG Plasma HDTVs

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huxtable

83 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Topic # 57917 28-Feb-2010 23:42

Hi,
I am in the market for a Plasma HDTV. Wanting 42-50" (leaning towards 50" of course :) , wanting a Full HD screen, but wanting to spend less than $2500. Definately angling for Plasma (lots of sports & movies, a bit of gaming, etc). Also, must be purchased from Harvey Norman, as we have a large amount of vouchers from there.

At the moment, tossing up between 2 models: the Panasonic "S" series 50", selling for around $2500, and the LG 50PS30, selling for $2300.

I'm quite tempted by the LG, as it appears to have better features than the S series. However, I've found virtually no decent online reviews for the 50PS30.

Is there a comparable overseas model I can compare it to? Does anyone own one or have much experience with them or other LG plasma screens?

The one bit of common negative feedback I can find is that they seem to be quite reflective, which is a concern considering our lounge at present receives a lot of natural light (unless of course curtains are pulled).

Or if you can suggest any other comparable TVs in a similar price range, please do so.

ANY feedback is greatly appreciated, thanks.

DaveB

941 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 389

Reply # 303240 1-Mar-2010 11:53

If i can give you one piece of VERY useful advice - ALWAYS get a non reflective screen.

Cheers DB

robjg63

2563 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 479

Reply # 303261 1-Mar-2010 13:04

Plasmas tend to all have glossy finish because they are glass - LCD/LED tends towards a plasticky surface and is often non glare. That said - you will see some LED/LCD tvs with a glossy screen finish.

If you lounge is very bright this may cause you problems - but dont forget - shops are the worst place in the world for reflections and harsh lighting. On the plus side, if you can negate the bright background lighting in your room, a glossy screen does tend to look awesomely rich - compare glossy laptop screen with non-glare finish.

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Dunnersfella

3307 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 434

Reply # 303476 1-Mar-2010 21:43

I think Panasonic are the best current plasma manufacturer in the market at the moment.
Their picture does seem to have the most realistic colour representation of any plasma on the market to my eyes.
If the glare is a big issue, check out the new range of Sony LCD's...
They do look quite nice, and the pricing looks sharp! I saw the equivalent to the 2009 W series today (40") and it looked hot, for around $1800 RRP.
I can't remember the serial number, but it's worth checking out.

huxtable

83 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Reply # 307531 15-Mar-2010 20:34

Is there ANYBODY who has bought an LG plasma in New Zealand, and can provide some feedback, thanks?

Kiwipixter

246 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 307554 15-Mar-2010 21:27

I don't own a plasma, i have a Bravia LCD, but all the LG plasmas i have seen on display in shops are horrible comparing to side by side next to Pana and Samsung showing the same content. your experience may be different to mine but i can recommend the following when picking a screen.

1. for movie watching bring along a couple of blurays and dvds of your favourite movies. Not CGI cartoons, but ones with dark and fast panning scenes. Whilst you can't calibrate the screen but ask the shop assistant to turn down brightness and contrast settings from demo settings. make sure the connection is through HDMI.

2. Examine SD content through fta broadcasts like freeview and sky. Each manufacture has different video processing methods on how they render digital SD contents.

3. Don't be fooled by the spec sheet. For example, i find 200Mhz refresh rate horrible, especially with movies. Movies should be shown at 24 frames/ps so make sure it support this.

good luck.

samwooff

219 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 308014 16-Mar-2010 21:34

LG doesn't make terrible plasmas it's just that this year the best plasma for $2500ish was the panasonic G10. With a bit of haggling many people have got the 50" model for around this price.
The samsung plasmas are probably next best if you dislike panasonic, blacks not quite as deep but some colours are more accurate.
If you're willing to put a bit of effort into making sure as little light as possible is shining directly on your screen the panasonic g10 has the best picture available without spending more than double the money.
Otherwise an LCD with a matte screen is probably what you want but don't expect the same quality or size for the money.

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huxtable

83 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Reply # 308127 17-Mar-2010 07:55

The problem is though, that the G10s are no longer available. Actually, I have to purchase the TV from Harvey Norman (I have quite a decent sum of vouchers), & I'm in Dunedin, but I haven't found a G10 anywhere in town.

Also, the issue regarding degrading black levels on the 09 Panasonics is enough to be niggling in the back of my mind if I bought one, which would really annoy me (whether it was actually having an effect or not).

samwooff

219 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 308232 17-Mar-2010 12:12

Valid points, I'd probably go for a samsung plasma then, the 650 series in particular as long as the rumoured buzzing issue doesn't bother you :P
Or possibly wait til the 2010 models come out, can't be long now...

Dunnersfella

3307 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 434

Reply # 308459 17-Mar-2010 20:35

The 50" S series Pana's can still be found around the place...
Maybe buy the TV elsewhere, but pick up anything else you may need (wall mount / cabinet / Blu Ray etc) at H/Norman?
The Pana range isn't going to be previewed until the end of April apparently - don't know when they'll actually hit the stores though. When do your vouchers run out?

Byrned

453 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 27

Reply # 308584 18-Mar-2010 07:55

I purchased an LG plasma about 4yrs ago and its been fine. At the time the difference between it and the next model (which was also a Pana) was about $800. For only $200 though, I'd go the Pana now!