Please can someone help. I have heard that plasma screens have a short life - the gas deteriorates or goes or something. I have just started look for a 40 inch (ish) screen and I know that I need a HD ready one and have seen some stunning Plasmas and some really good LCD TV’s but the LCD’s do not seem to be available in the larger size. For me the picture quality has to be the most important thing, I’m can handle the over complicated setup etc and the sound isn’t that important as I will be running it through an AV processor. What should I do? Anyone?

Hi Barry,

What you've heard about plasma screens having a short life is really just a myth. It is true that when the technology first came about this was an issue but as the years have gone by and the technology has grown more sophisticated so the lifespan has increased greatly. A good Plasma screen should last for a long time.

A 40" hd plasma will be incredible, especially through your AV processor. It should contribute to a breathtaking home cinema experience. I'm pretty jealous! ;0)

Thanks for the advice Euler,

I now have the unenviable task of deciding which plasma to buy, do you have any personal recommendations to shorten the list?

Unenvialble? Try telling that to my green eyes!

As for recommendations, personally I like the panasonic viera range. The TH-42PV500-CAB is 42" and HD ready with built in freeview, it's not cheap but it does look sensational.

What models have you been looking at yourself?

Yes, Plasmas have a terribly short life-span - only 60,000 hours to half brightness!
That equates to 10,000 days at 6 hours per day. You can still watch it, but it won't be as bright, after that time.
With brightness reduced in usage, the 60,000 becomes a worst case scenario figure.
Panny and Pioneer are pretty much the cream of the crop at the moment, but it might be best to wait a little longer - Mar/Apr time, when new panels will be announced from probably everyone involved in Plasma products. Pioneer are expected to be the first to show Full/True HD native panels (1920x1080).

I don't have a short list of plasmas as I was really out to gat a LCD screen because of the bad press I had heard regarding plasmas. Thanks, I'll certainly take a look at the panasonic viera range.

WOW - 1920 x 1080!!!!! The trouble is I don't think I can wait that long, there comes a time when you have to bite the bullet, otherwise I’ll always be waiting for the next best thing.

Thanks Guys

:):):):):) so do the math... 10,000 days equals about 27 years!!!

the main problems with plasma are about the same as CRT - screen burn-in (dont leave a logo on screen for toolong!! )

the other niggles of plasma are buzzing and 'crackling' noise of the hi-voltage supply that is needed..

LCD are already getting far better, and SED will finally see CRT or better quality...

SED????? I'm afraid this is new to me. What is it and when will it be available?

Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display (http://thetechsage.com/archive/2004/09/29/236.aspx) or Light Emitting Polymer are the future of displays... these create their own light, and are as good as CRT or better...

SEDs were at the CES 2006...
http://gear.ign.com/articles/679/679235p1.html
http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2666&p=8
http://engadget.com/2006/01/08/sed-up-close-and-personal/

If you win the pools, you can afford a giant plasma, or just hold on to your decent CRTs until the new tech gets here... :)

If you don't want to click the links, I'll just say this...

Engadget said it was so real, you wanted to reachout and touch it.... :O

the **prototype** has a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 (plasma is 3,000:1) and the finished product will be 100,000:1 !!! YES, 5 zeroes there!! :):)

worth waiting for??

Hi Barry i have a panasonic viera 37" HD ready etc, wall mounted, bought in july 05 and it is awesome i am a AV Installation manager/engineer so i didnt take my purchase lightly. We have the same plasma in our shop with a HD loop showing off of a euro satellite and i can tell you what a picture. Customers walk in the shop and are mesmorized by the image quality. And yes pioneer are also very good screens. For a panny 42" expect to pay around the £2300 mark plus wall mount if you are going that way. I can send you a pic of mine on wall if you would like to see it in real home setup and not ones of these sales pics. Any questions give me a shout. All the best.

I think I am still happy with my CRT... Not a great TV fan, leave that to the Mrs with all her soaps, I have had to build my own music room - stashed away in the loft/attic so I can get some peace and quiet and listen to an album or two un-interupted!

yes, HD and all that stuff will be similar to most hifi-buffs... only if you can afford it, think its worthit, etc....

80% cannot hear/see any difference, but that top 20% has hearing ability I can only marvel at.... :):)

If you really want an LCD screen it may pay to look at Sony's range of 40" LCD's ref:- KDL-W40A12U,KDL-V40A12U and KDL-S40A12U. Happy hunting.

I acquired my Panasonic TH42-PV500 just before Christmas and have been realy impressed by it's picture quality. The Freeview receiver is excellent quality and its treatment of my DVD's via the component connection is very nice indeed. I have not used the HDMI connectivity yet but am looking forward to that in the near future. Even the missus is impressed!

Thanks to everyone's recommendations and suggestions. I have now bitten the bullet and bought a Sony LCD HD TV. The actual model is a KDLV40A12U and the picture (for me) is stunning. The prices vary from 1881.22 to 2699.99 (curtsey of www.pricerunner.co.uk), they also have some reviews as well.

I will be following the development of SED’s as this looks the long term winner.

Thanks again guy’s

I bought a bush plasma tv in january 2006 and the screen died in september 2006.someone told me i can regass it. could anyone tell me more about this. i'm rather desperate.i'd appreciate any responses.

I used to be a Panasonic fan but I am now completely converted to Pioneer. Have a look at these before you decide. I know they are more expensive in comparison but well worth it.

Thanks Jimbo.A friend has a larger screen pioneer with a superb picture even in standard definition.I'll investigate 37 inch sreens.