Samsung PS42Q97HDX or Panasonic TH-42PX80?

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I've been using a Sharp LC37RD2E LCD and have been happy with that, but I have since relocated this TV. I have narrowed down to the above 2 units as I believe that plasma will offer a better performance than an equivalently priced LCD. I don't think I really need 1080p and budget isn't necessarily an issue, however value for money is and I don't want to shell out loads for something that will be obsolete or replaced within a few months. Are the 2 above future proof enough, or should I spend almost double for a 1080p LCD or Plasma? The 2 I've chosen are 42", 1024x768 and 15,000:1 contrast, both have similar reviews and in the same price range, from what I gather differences are: Samsung - £559.01 and looks more stylish. Panasonic - £664.01 is 1080i but has 100HZ. I prefer the look of the Samsung and its over £100 cheaper, however does anybody have any experience or opinion. I'm looking at buying this week. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

How about the latest generation of Samsung plasmas to replace the Q97/Q96 range?

The Samsung PS42A456P would be well worth checking out, and seem to be in stock in a number of places now.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for reply, I saw this new one in Curry's today before reading your post so didn't pay massive attention. However it did look nice, certainly a better spec, may hang fire until these get tested. What did catch my attention was the quality of the Pioneer 508 Kuros, it looked a lot better than the adjacent Sharp LCD. 40-42" would be the ideal size, but will wait till the new furniture arrives on Friday and gauge how daft a 50 incher would look on it!!
Any other feedback/opinions would be appreciated however.

 

[Anonymous]

I work in a shop and have seen both the models you have mentioned above. Out of the two I'd go for the Panasonic. Just seemed to give a better picture to my eye. However, you can't go far wrong with the Pioneers. They're great on standard def and high def TV, and if budget isn't much of an issue I'd say they're well worth it.

I'd personally be happy with the Panasonic and it costs a lot less than a Pioneer would, so it's still definately worth considering. If you're particularly fussed with 1080p then Panasnoic do some decent 42" sets, but the cost then creeps towards the Pioneers, and although their 42" TVs don't have 1080p they're still absolutely superb. The Pioneer PDP428XD is great.

To sum up my opinion, if you're gonna go to the cheaper end get the Panasonic. If you're willing the spend the money the Pioneers are what I'd go for.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I have a Samsung PS50 (not sure about 1080p though)

its a really great TV, but I have got some trouble with it at the moment, concerning the HDMI connection

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I'll take a closer look at the 42PX80, I could have 2 of these for the price of the Pioneer! Or should I look at the LCD's again... why isn't this choice simple! As you see the comparison in your shop, is Plasma the way to go???

I can pick furniture or clothes in seconds (albeit maybe not the trendiest!) but I take ages with gadgets..

 

[Anonymous]

definatly choose plasma over LCD, youll get better motion handling aswell as deeper black levels.

and go for the PX80 it is a great set and i dont think the samsung Q97 is as good or better in any way

 

[Anonymous]

Agreed, definately go for plasma over LCD. If you spent the same money on a similarly sized LCD as you would on the PX80 you'd end up with a worse picture. As the gent said before me, plasma will give you better motion handling and better black levels. I have a PX60 and that still outperforms many LCDs in the price range I payed for it.

 

[Anonymous]

How about the Panasonic being compared to the Sony KDL-40V3000 LCD which is available at a similar price? The sony is 1080p and may be more future proof, may also suffer less trail/retention. However will the Sony have more motion blur as it's LCD and not even 100Hz? I guess worse blacks is a given, however it could be better for gaming..

 

[Anonymous]

Just asked John Lewis to price match Sound and Vision on the new Panasonic TH-42PZ85B, JL have it at £1,299.00, SV at £1,043.90, if they can I'll go for this with the 5yr guarantee. Apparently there's a lot of demand for these price matches and it may not be until next week until they can advise! I know I've jumped from one model to another but though may aswell enquire on a brand new model. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Anonymous]

JL just phoned and agreed to match price at £1,043.90, brilliant! Ordered it and it arrives next Tuesday with 5 yr warranty and free delivery, can't be bad eh. Looking forward to it.