How would the Panasonic TH42PV500 stand up against todays TVs?

[admin_exported]

I have had this HD ready TV for 5 years now and have been considering an upgrade, but just how much better are today's TVs? It cost me £2500 at the time and was the premium Panasonic model.

I look forward to hearing your comments and especially from WHF as I believe this was a 5 star TV back in 2005!

 

[StanleyAV]

I'd at least wait til next Spring, Fish2000, you may be none to happy with the 50hz issues on the 2010 models.

I'm reasonably happy with my Z1. I suspect there have been many improvements in contrast, black level, scaling etc etc since your model but recent years models haven't been without problems.

 

[Anonymous]

Not that much has happend on plasma since the 500, better black level and the new brighter cells. If you watch a lot of SD, you will find present models poor performers. I have the PX600.

2010 is kind of a "walk-over" year, 3D is first generation and with glasses, only two TV sets supports full internet even we are in the year 2010. Many models have quality issues such as buzzing - they dont make models like the 500 and 600 any more ( except perhaps for the Z1 wich also has its issue ).

If HD is good on the 500, I would spend the money on changing what you view to HD, and give the old 500 1-2 years more. How is HD on a 500 ?

 

[brendonw]

and the 600s had the purple snake issue too!

That is/was widespread

 

[The_Lhc]

brendonw:
and the 600s had the purple snake issue too!

Guh! The 600s series had rubber skin, everybody knows that!

That is/was widespread

Yeah but they were easy to spot...

 

[brendonw]

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the responses guys. I do get the impression I should wait a while before upgrading!

I have always been pleased with the HD, although I haven't been able to make many comparisons. Motion is faultless and the colour balance is just right, in fact I have never had to adjust any of the picture settings. The TV is hooked up to Sky HD and a PS3 for BluRay.

When you say they don't make models like this anymore - what is missing from today's TVs?

 

[Anonymous]

I was thinking of product quality and SD quality. You gave 2500 back in 2005 - today they put more features in the set for less than half the price - this must clearly have some consequences.

Back in 2005/2006 the flagships were focused on performing on SD, using high quality SD scallers. Todays TV sets are focused at Blu Ray performance, SD has low priority.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Not to mention the fact than in 2005 the exchange rate was around 210yen/£1. Now it's 130yen/£1, and yet prices are still much lower, when they should actually be at least 30% higher.