DTVCity :Consinder a sony flat plasma tv?

The (5UY) replaces the (4UY) in September, 2002 as the new model. There are very few technical differences (not related to performance differences) to note as follows:

1) The new 5UY has some built in real gamma correction circuitry to further the number of levels of gray from 1024 to 2048.

2) The pixel cell structure has been changed and improved to an asymmetrical design to further “purify” reds and blues. This new structure may also improve light-emitting balance in the three primary colors.

4) One of the most noticeable differences is the new automatic contrast tracking control. With this feature selection the plasma display automatically adjusts the contrast of the display according to roomlight conditions.

5) The unit has an improved remote control with enhanced menu functions notably image reversal (to further prevent phosphor burn on display units)

6) The new unit has a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) optional video board that is available for purchase.

That’s it. Same pixel resolution. Same contrast ratio. Basically, the same unit at a lower price.

PT-42PD3-P

This model is the consumer only version of the TH-PWD5UY. It is sold through consumer retail outlets. The units are exactly the same except for the BNC style inputs on the 5UY and the RCA type inputs on the 42PD3-P. Prices are normally higher for the consumer version. EMI (radiation) output ratings are the same for the units. This is a frequent question so let me repeat, EMI (radiation) is both negligible and exactly the same for both units. Plasma display TVs put out as much as 10 times less EMI than CRT (tube TVs).

INTRODUCTION

The ultimate test of all plasma display monitors is how well they show when they are actually tested for video quality. Forget the native pixel resolution, the built in progressive scanning converter, the astronomically unrealistic contrast ratio figure shown. The manufacturers wanting to sell their product provide the specifications. Comparing TV’s of any kind side by side with the same input source at the same starting point is the way to truly understand how the signal information is converted, processed and shown. Call it the eyeball test. With plasma display monitors the differences are much more apparent than with conventional CRT direct view televisions due to pixel formation and lighting considerations.

The new TH-42PWD5UY and PT-42PD3-P offer a few nice improvements as stated above from their predecessors. In sum, they are excellent improvements to an already exceptional performer. Better picture, gray scaling, color balance, automatic contrast tracking (to preserve the unit), just to name the major differences. The unit also runs very cool due to the low power levels it requires (under normal use Max. Amps 4.0). It should run for many years and gives a 30,000 hour time frame before phosphor burnout starts to occur. The unit is very sound technically, and easy to use for the average consumer. Panasonic, striving to get ahead of the game in the plasma market purchased PlasmaCo Technologies in Y2K, not only acquiring the company’s leading technology but also their leading plasma technology engineers.

Since plasma monitors are primarily visual devices the picture displayed is really omnipotent in consideration for which one to purchase. There are a few other considerations (listed in this review under “Other Considerations”) but image quality is of primary importance unless computer presentation scaling is the call. The Panasonics showed the best picture I have seen on a plasma display. With higher end signals of HDTV 1080I or progressive scan 480P the unit is unmatched (except with its own TH-42PHD5UY which has 1024X768 pixels) though the NEC 42MP3 (and MP4), and Fujitsu PDS 4242, and new Sony 42B2U are getting closer. This was the unanimous feeling of all three reviewers.

Images are sharp and crisp for all input signals we tried. Color reproduction was superb but the words most often used to describe the unit’s on-screen image versus the other flat screen TV’s was, “deep, rich and clear, amazing.” I know the description of the picture sounds a bit like a good cabernet but that was the thoughts as I canvassed the group. The reason behind the superior performance from the top end signals is due to the unparalleled black levels and contrast caused in part by the new Real Black Drive System the company has incorporated. Though I don’t buy the advertised contrast ratio Panasonic lists (3000:1), I do believe they have the best technology in showing video imagery. We tested the contrast ratio at 723:1 ANSI, which is still far better than other models.

With progressive 720P, 1080I, or 480P I would not hesitate to pit the Panasonic TH-42PWD4UY (or PT-42PD3-P) against any CRT direct view set. I think it is actually worth the extra $2000.00 for the Plasma with a 42” diagonal viewing area compared with the high definition Panasonic Direct View CT-WX34X50 (34” viewing area).

Our plasma monitor tests were conducted with several inputs including the RCA DC10 high definition decoder box, Pioneer 47A Elite progressive scan DVD player, a DVD-Ram.HD player iDVR100, a VCR, a PC signal with several resolutions, and of course regular cable. When changing the signal from a DVD player to 480I from 480P, there is now an almost imperceptible decrease noticed in the picture quality on this plasma TV. This is due to the new and improved internal progressive scan conversion circuitry in the unit. It does an excellent job of line doubling the signal. An excellent 3:2 pulldown conversion chip for film and video processing is also included to deliver clear, smooth images from film sources. The new PWD5UY also upconverts satellite and cable signals to progressive scan quality, thus giving much better picture quality than before on television grade signals.

While NEC has almost caught Panasonic in black level production and contrast, the Panasonic models continue to display the deepest blacks and smoothest gray scaling that I have seen. The picture from the Panasonic plasma monitors always deliver the most realistic colors, in part because these units do not get offensively warm with the reds as do so many other models.

With a PC I found the unit to display SVGA (800X600) resolution the best. Panasonic has really improved computer compatibility and operational effectiveness.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 93

The TH-42PWD5UY runs virtually silent. It is fan-less and has one of the lowest power consumption ratings of any plasma display.

The onscreen graphic user interface on the TH-42PWD5UY is excellent and easy to use. There are options available for color temp adjustment, sharpness, color, picture, brightness, tint, and picture. There is a sound adjustment menu if you are using the built in 8 watt amplifiers from which the outputs are neatly placed on the lower right and lower left back of the unit. The five aspect ratios options include Zoom, Normal (for 4:3 picure), Full, Just (displays 4:3 picture at its maximum size but with aspect correction applied), Panasonic Auto (used to handle a mix of 16:9 and 4:3 programming). I like to adjust the color on almost any input signal I’m watching and I found the Panasonic’s color adjustments for red, blue and green to be simple, straightforward and effective.

The monitor has plenty of inputs for all connection applications. S-video, composite video, audio L&R, a row of 5 BNC connections for component/RGB, a serial port, a 15 pin VGA, a DB25 Tuner in connection, and the two speaker output terminals from the built in amps. The back bottom input cavity is conveniently located for wall mounting and accessibility.

The bezel comes in a dark charcoal gray or silver (consumer version only). It is straightforward sharp and updated next to its competitors with a wide black ribbon band framing the picture. The sleeker bezel is approximately one inch on all sides. The construction is solid, and the outputs allow for input cables to be easily hidden and routed out of the bottom of the unit. The unit is 3.5 inches in depth and around 69 pounds light.

The remote control is a simple little device, easy to navigate with – unimpressive looking, but the onscreen menu more than makes up for it.

SPECIAL FEATURES

UXGA (1600X1200) computer input acceptance

Built in 8 watt amplifiers

Real Black Drive System for highest contrast and deeper blacks

Full range of signal inputs (now optional DVI video board)

Improved Grey Scales

Low Power Consumption – No fans necessary,. very quiet operation

Most realistic color reproduction in the market

Automatic Contrast adjustment feature

VALUE RATING - 95

With a new street price of around $4000 the new TH-PWD5UY (or PT-42PD3-P for a little more) is probably the best buy in the market place. The competing Korean and Taiwanese brands are the only plasma displays selling for less and do not compare quality-wise.

OVERALL RATING – (picture double weighted) – 95.5

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TH-42PWD4UY (4) vs. TH-42PWD5UY (5)

PT-42PD3-P

INTRODUCTION

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 93

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of Plasma, DLP and LCD TV

TH-42PWD4UY (4) vs. TH-42PWD5UY (5)

PT-42PD3-P

INTRODUCTION

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 93

Choose DTV City: An Authorized Dealer of Plasma, DLP and LCD TV

Choose DTV City: An Authorized Dealer
of Plasma, DLP and LCD TV