Is the Panasonic TH-42PX80 still the best?

[admin_exported]

With the Panasonic TH-42PX80 at around £600 now, would it still be considered the best value for money, or would I be better off spending a bit more for a 1080p plasma. I have read on some forums that on a 42" TV, 1080p is not really necessary and would not be appreciated on a screen of this size. I guess the answer would be to see some different plasmas in some shops, but seeing the TV's you want to buy and connected to an HD input is near impossible where I live. I will be connected to Sky HD and will buy a Blu-ray player or PS3 later on.

 

[lobby]

Yes probably is the best plasma for £600, as for 1080p it does seem to make a difference when sitting very close im sure you will see benefits when playing a PS3. As for films and sky you generally sit further a way in your favourite seat and enjoy surround sound.Like you said try and audition a few, Currys have various models and include Panny 42PZ80 which is full hd at £739, taht way you will know for sure and wont regret your decision.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Lobby. I don't mind spending more for a better TV, I just don't want to spend more than I have to. I have been looking at forums for a while now and I am getting a little confused with so much choice on the market.

 

[Anonymous]

John Lewis used to have the 42PZ80 for just £759, including 5 yr guarantee. Seem to be out of central stock at the moment, though some stores might have their own stock in store.

If you sit more than 8ft away, get the PX80.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Rewarb. I went to Costco today and they had a 42PX80 for £575 with a 5yr warrenty. A real bargain. The TV was showing a standard DVD and the picture was OK, but the 42PZ85 a couple of aisles away was showing a SD sky music channel, and the picture seemed much better, even though you would think the sky channel would be a lower quality. I think I would feel cheated if I were to buy the 42PX80, but for £575.......? Very confused.

 

[Anonymous]

Big Red:

Thanks Rewarb. I went to Costco today and they had a 42PX80 for £575 with a 5yr warrenty. A real bargain. Absolutely. Snap it up.

The PX80 has a better SD picture than the PZ80 (despite the way Costcos had them set up when you saw them). The PZ80 will have a better HD picture, but you will have to sit close to see the difference.

 

[Anonymous]

You could also see the Pioneer PDP-4280XD for £1,300.

 

[Anonymous]

Nintendo_Fan:You could also see the Pioneer PDP-4280XD for £1,300.The OP was looking in the £600 range.

 

[Anonymous]

Popped in to Costco today as I was passing by and they had again reduced the price of the 42PX80. Now down to £516 with a 5yr warranty and the option to return the TV back within 90 if not satisfied. It was too good to turn down, so I bought it. Since turning it on I have been more and more amazed by how good this TV is. I connected it to my V+ HD box and the BBC HD channel is just amazing, normal SD channels are so much better than I expected, and I connected my Denon DHT-500SD with a component video cable and a standard DVD just looks great. I have now ordered Sky HD. I can only think that if I were to pay double this price for a top spec 42" 1080p plasma, it would have to do the housework and make a good cup of tea to justify to price increase.

If anyone is in doubt about buying a TH-42PX80, don''t. It is awesome. I can't believe how good it is.

 

[Anonymous]

are cost co also selling the th-37px80?

 

[Anonymous]

have you used this to set it up ?

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry Lebowski, I didn't notice the TH-37PX80 in Costco, but they do have about 5 37" TV's of verious makes and there are some bargains to be had. I can only suggest you take a list of TV's you like with you and have a look.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks andy190, I will give it a go.

 

[Anonymous]

The TV that Costco are selling for £516 is the 42PX8, not the 42PX80.

Whilst still a bargain, the PX8 is a cut down version of the PX80 with inferior processing and less contrast ratio.

Personally, I would rather pay the extra on the PX80.