Hi, I would like some advice on which tv to buy. Ive decided on two models that are very different from one another. One is and LCD SonyKDL46V3000 and the second is a Plasma Pioneer PDP428XD. I am aware of the difference in plasma and LCD. My only concern is that the plasma is only HD ready and the LCD is 1080p (full HD). My query is that i dont have Sky HD or a HD ready DVD player - i am not planning on switching to Sky in the future, and if i do buy another DVD player, i very much doubt i will spend the extra punds on a blu-ray or HD DVD. So considering the above factors, would you suggest the pioneer or sony to be a better investment for the future? i.e. would it make much visible difference to me? I know the Pioneer model has come top of the hi-fi awards for 2007. Why was it so much better than the rest? Also would the normal TV signal come clearer on the SONY or PIoneer? and would the fact that one is 46" blur the quality of the picture ? Please advise me. Your response would be very appreciated. Thanks Jay.
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Sony KDL 46V3000 or Pioneer PDP428XD?
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Hi Jay
As you're not planning to invest in HD in the near future, I'd definitely go for the Pioneer plasma. The lack of 1080p really isn't a problem, and even if you do invest in Sky HD or Blu-ray/HD DVD in the future, HD images will still look outstanding on the Pioneer.
As we've said many, many times before, don't get hung up on the specs: the Pioneer PDP-428XD may 'only' be HD-ready, but at that screen size the difference with 1080p is negligible.
Despite the lack of HD resolution, the Pioneer is light years ahead of its rivals when it comes to picture performance. Why, you ask? Well, the key to the Pioneer's success is its ability to display blacks better than anything else out there, and by some margin.
This ability is the reason the PDP-428XD has such startling picture quality: its just as capable with DVDs and TV broadcasts as it is with HD material. That's why it's our 2007 Product of the Year.
As you're not planning to invest in HD in the near future, I'd definitely go for the Pioneer plasma. The lack of 1080p really isn't a problem, and even if you do invest in Sky HD or Blu-ray/HD DVD in the future, HD images will still look outstanding on the Pioneer.
As we've said many, many times before, don't get hung up on the specs: the Pioneer PDP-428XD may 'only' be HD-ready, but at that screen size the difference with 1080p is negligible.
Despite the lack of HD resolution, the Pioneer is light years ahead of its rivals when it comes to picture performance. Why, you ask? Well, the key to the Pioneer's success is its ability to display blacks better than anything else out there, and by some margin.
This ability is the reason the PDP-428XD has such startling picture quality: its just as capable with DVDs and TV broadcasts as it is with HD material. That's why it's our 2007 Product of the Year.
Jay,
I can't comment on the 46in Sony, but I have KDL40V3000 and I am delighted with with the freeview tuner on it. Anyway, a few points to note. I think you also need to consider the fact that you are comparing a 46inch LCD with a 42inch plasma and so you need consider how close you will be sitting to the panel and and how much standard def content (freeview) you will be viewing as a proportion of overall viewing. The usual viewing distance from the screen could be most important factor to consider here. Sitting too close to the 46inch to standard def and you may be distracted by the usual SD defects such as pixellation and "mosquitoing". Also you will only notice 1080p sitting close to a HD DVD/Blu Ray output. Sky HD I think only outputs 1080i. The 46in may make sense if you will usually be sitting quite far away and would like that screen size. I'm not entirely convinced that for typical consumer requirements the 1080p price premium makes sense right now anyway, but if you already have a blu-ray/PS3 or HD DVD player then it is far more compelling.
In your case, I would suggest some measurements of your typical viewing situation and try to get a direct comparison (usign your viewing distance) and advice at a good independent dealer or some of the better chains who want to spend time with you. On a straight compare of images, the plasma will have the edge.
Hope this helps
Frank
I can't comment on the 46in Sony, but I have KDL40V3000 and I am delighted with with the freeview tuner on it. Anyway, a few points to note. I think you also need to consider the fact that you are comparing a 46inch LCD with a 42inch plasma and so you need consider how close you will be sitting to the panel and and how much standard def content (freeview) you will be viewing as a proportion of overall viewing. The usual viewing distance from the screen could be most important factor to consider here. Sitting too close to the 46inch to standard def and you may be distracted by the usual SD defects such as pixellation and "mosquitoing". Also you will only notice 1080p sitting close to a HD DVD/Blu Ray output. Sky HD I think only outputs 1080i. The 46in may make sense if you will usually be sitting quite far away and would like that screen size. I'm not entirely convinced that for typical consumer requirements the 1080p price premium makes sense right now anyway, but if you already have a blu-ray/PS3 or HD DVD player then it is far more compelling.
In your case, I would suggest some measurements of your typical viewing situation and try to get a direct comparison (usign your viewing distance) and advice at a good independent dealer or some of the better chains who want to spend time with you. On a straight compare of images, the plasma will have the edge.
Hope this helps
Frank
matthewpiano
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2007
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I agree with all of the above and second Andy's suggestion that 1080p is not that important. Frank's point about viewing distance is crucial and I would recommend considering the Sony KDL40W3000. Thanks to the Bravia Engine EX, the W is vastly superior to the V, particularly with standard definition and you may find that 40" gives you a better size/viewing distance ratio. If you really want to go 46", the W3000 is available in this size as well. I think it would be a tight contest between Pioneer and Sony W-series. The W's black levels, excellent SD performance, and overall picture and sound quality are outstanding.
Thank you all for your advice. My approx viewing distance would be about 3.5 to 4metres.
I have looked at the W series and the X series of Sony LCD's, and have noted the differences in viewing, the X-series being exeptionally brilliant. However, the reason i have chosen 46V3000 model is the piano black look it comes in. I know this is common with other makes too, ie. samsung, lg, panasonic etc. However, i am usually a sony customer and have never had any issues with their products.
Also something else that concerns me about the pioneer is the screen burn issue - would that be a major factor on this product??
So far it seems the pioneer stands out to me as Andy has confirmed that pioneer is top.
thank you all again.
I have looked at the W series and the X series of Sony LCD's, and have noted the differences in viewing, the X-series being exeptionally brilliant. However, the reason i have chosen 46V3000 model is the piano black look it comes in. I know this is common with other makes too, ie. samsung, lg, panasonic etc. However, i am usually a sony customer and have never had any issues with their products.
Also something else that concerns me about the pioneer is the screen burn issue - would that be a major factor on this product??
So far it seems the pioneer stands out to me as Andy has confirmed that pioneer is top.
thank you all again.
[quote user="Jay04"]something else that concerns me about the pioneer is the screen burn issue [/quote]
Don't be. Type in 'screen burn' in the search engine at the top of the page and you will find plenty of posts that will help put your mind at ease.
I did a post 'ugly sony' a few months ago. I agree with you. The cheaper the Sony the better they look (switched off).
Don't be. Type in 'screen burn' in the search engine at the top of the page and you will find plenty of posts that will help put your mind at ease.
I did a post 'ugly sony' a few months ago. I agree with you. The cheaper the Sony the better they look (switched off).
I have been a dedicated Sony man for many years as I always thought they produced the best TVs. I was in need of a new TV as I still owned one of the last CRTs. After months of deliberation, researching and auditioning, I finally bought a new TV a couple of days ago. I looked at the W3000, the V3000 (because of it being piano black) and the Pioneer 428XD. I went for the Pioneer and can honestly say I think the picture is astounding. Not only that, but it is also easy on the eye when switched off.
As far as the difference between HD ready and full HD is concerned, am I not right in thinking that all HD broadcasts are 720 at the moment and the only way to watch something 1080 is with a blu-ray or HD DVD player. Also I have been told that an HD ready TV is probably better for watching SD than a full HD TV. This was quite important to me as I watch SD more than anything. I don't have Sky although I do own a PS3.
My advice to you would be to audition both of the sets that you are interested in as taste can differ. But you can't go far wrong with the Pioneer for picture quality or aesthetics.
As far as the difference between HD ready and full HD is concerned, am I not right in thinking that all HD broadcasts are 720 at the moment and the only way to watch something 1080 is with a blu-ray or HD DVD player. Also I have been told that an HD ready TV is probably better for watching SD than a full HD TV. This was quite important to me as I watch SD more than anything. I don't have Sky although I do own a PS3.
My advice to you would be to audition both of the sets that you are interested in as taste can differ. But you can't go far wrong with the Pioneer for picture quality or aesthetics.
If i was you id go for a panasonic like a th42px70 or if you have abit more money the 50px70 both are great tvs in my opinion picture quality in freeview is great and dvds look really good on both.
[quote user="dc1986"]If i was you id go for a panasonic like a th42px70 [/quote]
You must sell them as well as install them!. Panasonic was not mentioned, Very good tv but different budget and different league. The Sony D3500 comes close but as an owner of the Pioneer you know which I would recommend.
You must sell them as well as install them!. Panasonic was not mentioned, Very good tv but different budget and different league. The Sony D3500 comes close but as an owner of the Pioneer you know which I would recommend.
You could wait a few months and go for the new 46" Panasonic plasma. The specs look good and it might give the Pioneer a serious challenge if it can live up to them.
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