Kay Posted November 5, 2004 Posted November 5, 2004 Hi, I am looking at buying a Hitachi 42PMA300 plasma panel (with HD STB included) for $4,999. Does anyone know if this panel is any good/have any opinions????? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Kay
Guest Woodsie Posted November 6, 2004 Posted November 6, 2004 Hi Kay, I've also been looking at buying this plasma, here are a few things to think about... Hitachi as far as I know use a LG plasma panel in this model. I was very disappointed in PQ when connected via DVI using TEAC or LG HD STB. But no sign of PQ problem when connected by Component. Overall, yesterday I was buying a Hitachi 300A, now I'm not to sure! Ta Nick
Kay Posted November 6, 2004 Author Posted November 6, 2004 Hi Kay, I've also been looking at buying this plasma, here are a few things to think about...Hitachi as far as I know use a LG plasma panel in this model. I was very disappointed in PQ when connected via DVI using TEAC or LG HD STB. But no sign of PQ problem when connected by Component. Overall, yesterday I was buying a Hitachi 300A, now I'm not to sure! Ta Nick <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Nick, We've also been looking again today. Had a look at the LG (Flatron) ...PX10 42" SD (which we've heard a few bad reports about), but it looked very nice to us ... really clear picture (?) We were also told today that the Hitachi 42 PMA300 panel is made in China (?) Anyway, we're still confused ... tossing up between the Hitachi SD 42" or the LG. Thanks for replying ... Kay
digitalhome Posted November 6, 2004 Posted November 6, 2004 Take a look at JVC's new offering. Also, unlike the LG and Hitachi, the JVC has 2 years warranty as standard.
Guest Woodsie Posted November 6, 2004 Posted November 6, 2004 Hi, I've moved on from the Hitachi now, seriously thinking about NEC PX-42VR5W (silver) or PX-42VR5W (charcoal) (3 Years Parts and Labour). Lots of inputs inc DVI. @ Around $4500. Great PQ! Made in Japan. any thoughts on this model anyone? also if your looking at LG, take a look at the new LG RT42PX11, Harvey's City West in WA are keen to do it for $3999 plus $599 LG HD STB (stand & speakers obviously included) Best Nick
ijd Posted November 7, 2004 Posted November 7, 2004 Some personal shopping opinions from an NEC 42" HD panel owner: 1. I've seen the SD Hitachi PMA300 look very good when used with a good HD-STB (eg. Toshiba, LG, TEAC) via good quality component leads. I've also seen it look quite poor in the same store when used with the latest DGTec 2000A HD-STB and the same component leads. Get a good STB if you go with the lower-definition panels - it can almost make up the difference at little extra cost. A TEAC HD-STB is only $549 at JB in Brisbane. 2. The Hitachi and LG SD (852x480) panels are very good value with their included stands and speakers. The NEC SD panel (42VR5W or 42VM5W) might have a better PQ (I haven't seen it, but would expect it to be better), but one must add the separate NEC stand and speakers into the price comparison. 2i cents, Ian
Kay Posted November 7, 2004 Author Posted November 7, 2004 Hi, I've moved on from the Hitachi now, seriously thinking about NEC PX-42VR5W (silver) or PX-42VR5W (charcoal) (3 Years Parts and Labour). Lots of inputs inc DVI. @ Around $4500. Great PQ! Made in Japan.any thoughts on this model anyone? also if your looking at LG, take a look at the new LG RT42PX11, Harvey's City West in WA are keen to do it for $3999 plus $599 LG HD STB (stand & speakers obviously included) Best Nick <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Nick, Havent seen the NEC panel as yet - also havent seen the LG PX11 (Betta Electrical were trying to sell us the LG PX10 for $5,000 (what a joke). We're looking to purchase just after Xmas - it will be interesting to see what the prices will be. Many thanks for your input. Kay.
Kay Posted November 7, 2004 Author Posted November 7, 2004 Some personal shopping opinions from an NEC 42" HD panel owner:1. I've seen the SD Hitachi PMA300 look very good when used with a good HD-STB (eg. Toshiba, LG, TEAC) via good quality component leads. I've also seen it look quite poor in the same store when used with the latest DGTec 2000A HD-STB and the same component leads. Get a good STB if you go with the lower-definition panels - it can almost make up the difference at little extra cost. A TEAC HD-STB is only $549 at JB in Brisbane. 2. The Hitachi and LG SD (852x480) panels are very good value with their included stands and speakers. The NEC SD panel (42VR5W or 42VM5W) might have a better PQ (I haven't seen it, but would expect it to be better), but one must add the separate NEC stand and speakers into the price comparison. 2i cents, Ian <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Ian - we're thinking of spending up to $6,000 (incl. STB) max. Do you think an LG PX10 with say a Teac HD STB would be okay? We're a little concerned with everything we've heard about problems with LG - lip sync problems etc. (although I think that problem has been solved with a good STB); clown faces and stuff - or do you think we should avoid LG and spend the extra on a better panel? Just one more thing - should we get a straight "panel" only and avoid the plasmas with built-in tuners? I read somewhere they were better. Kay.
ijd Posted November 7, 2004 Posted November 7, 2004 Thanks Ian - we're thinking of spending up to $6,000 (incl. STB) max. Do you think an LG PX10 with say a Teac HD STB would be okay?We're a little concerned with everything we've heard about problems with LG - lip sync problems etc. (although I think that problem has been solved with a good STB); clown faces and stuff - or do you think we should avoid LG and spend the extra on a better panel? Hi Kay, If you are waiting until after xmas to purchase, then for $6k you should be able to pick up an NEC HD 42XM3W (the same as mine) and a TEAC DVB-800 and have the best PQ available (ie. at least equal to the $8-10k Pioneer and Fujitsu models). Just one more thing - should we get a straight "panel" only and avoid the plasmas with built-in tuners? I read somewhere they were better. * Once you 'go digital', an inbuilt analogue tuner will just be an extra-cost annoyance - put the money into better PQ! * Also avoid inbuilt speakers - unless you don't have a 'home theatre' amp and speakers yet. The inbuilt speakers will give 'ok' stereo sound, but with the big HD screen you need some decent sound quality to complement the outstanding picture quality. * You will also need to spend a couple of hundred dollars on an optional NEC stand (get them to throw it in!) unless you plan to wall-mount the panel as soon as you get it home. Hope this helps, Ian
Kay Posted November 7, 2004 Author Posted November 7, 2004 Thanks Ian - we're thinking of spending up to $6,000 (incl. STB) max. Do you think an LG PX10 with say a Teac HD STB would be okay?We're a little concerned with everything we've heard about problems with LG - lip sync problems etc. (although I think that problem has been solved with a good STB); clown faces and stuff - or do you think we should avoid LG and spend the extra on a better panel? Hi Kay, If you are waiting until after xmas to purchase, then for $6k you should be able to pick up an NEC HD 42XM3W (the same as mine) and a TEAC DVB-800 and have the best PQ available (ie. at least equal to the $8-10k Pioneer and Fujitsu models). Just one more thing - should we get a straight "panel" only and avoid the plasmas with built-in tuners? I read somewhere they were better. * Once you 'go digital', an inbuilt analogue tuner will just be an extra-cost annoyance - put the money into better PQ! * Also avoid inbuilt speakers - unless you don't have a 'home theatre' amp and speakers yet. The inbuilt speakers will give 'ok' stereo sound, but with the big HD screen you need some decent sound quality to complement the outstanding picture quality. * You will also need to spend a couple of hundred dollars on an optional NEC stand (get them to throw it in!) unless you plan to wall-mount the panel as soon as you get it home. Hope this helps, Ian <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Many thanks Ian - we will go and have a look at the NEC. Kay.
ijd Posted November 7, 2004 Posted November 7, 2004 Many thanks Ian - we will go and have a look at the NEC.Kay. Kay, If you are in Melbourne, check out the NEC at eHome in Carnegie. They are absolute champions with expert advice and after-sales service, and they know how to set it up properly for a fair demo. Their prices are currently a little over your budget - but by post-xmas, who knows!?! Cheers, Ian PS. I'm in Brisbane, but ordered my 42" from eHome. They couriered it up to me the next day.
Kay Posted November 7, 2004 Author Posted November 7, 2004 Many thanks Ian - we will go and have a look at the NEC.Kay. Kay, If you are in Melbourne, check out the NEC at eHome in Carnegie. They are absolute champions with expert advice and after-sales service, and they know how to set it up properly for a fair demo. Their prices are currently a little over your budget - but by post-xmas, who knows!?! Cheers, Ian PS. I'm in Brisbane, but ordered my 42" from eHome. They couriered it up to me the next day. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks - yes we're in Melbourne ... K.
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