SONY PFM42B1U Plasma TV
Apr 06 '01
The Bottom Line If you are sensitive to noise (fan noise) and not ready to go for the extra miles to get HD signal, I'd not recommend Plasma.
Here are the features I'd like to see improvements in plasma TVs, using the Sony plasma as subject:
1. Fan noises - - make night viewing, typically with lower sound volumn very annoying experience. It's louder than the Bosch dish washer machine when running thus an expensive/hi-end audio system would be a waste for the audibles difference.
2. Input selections - - need to accomodate existing/std equipments. The Sony input selection is soooooo weak, they should have included the 3RCA (component) to VGA cable for DVD, and RCA to composite for TV with the package. Additional effort to get the specialize cables after having spent thousands of $$$ is not good marketing.
3. Wall mounting bracket - - needs to accomodate different stud width and mouting situations. Also, the bracket I ordered is very heavy. The 2 screws to anchor the bracket to the back of the plasma is too small for the Sony plasma thus required another trip to the hw store.
4. TV tuner built-in - - a SVHS is needed as TV tuner and to provide S signal. Not sure if plasmas with higher resolution add advantages to TV signal?
5. Built in amplifiers for speakers - - an advantage to have but they would be extra for folks with sofisticate home theater system.
Otherwise, here are strengths of Sony comparing to other plamas...
6. Remote control - - have chroma, sharpness, contrast, aspect adjustments. Sony rc is great!
7. Brightness, sharpness, contrast adjustments - - While most review has downgrade the Sony as "Hazy" black; I found temporary remedy by tweaking sharpness/contrast/brightness. My favorite setting is sharpness=MED; contrast=92; brightness= -12
8. Built in scan converter - - makes it true HDTV. Need to validate HD sources/providers to utilize HD potential
9. 1024X1024 native pixel resolution - - test with various sources eg. computer, games...
10. Look - - the Sony brushed silver is an artwork, having thin edge with slope like a modern picture frame. No distraction from the sleek metalic frame when viewing. The tilt-wall mount added few more inches to the thickness. Having it mounted above the fireplace, one have to look up to view. Not sure how to minimize heat and fumes coming from fireplace yet?
The 42" plasma doesn't seem bigger than the conventional 36" thus it is not considered an upgrade in size.
11. Maintenance/Warrantee - - How long does it last? Who provide the services? To many unknown in this area.
12. Price - - $6200 with additonal cost for cables, mounting bracket, and SVHS to get TV signal.
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Epinions.com ID:
indofunk
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Location: Fremont, CA, USA
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 2 members
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