Videophile
byWayo Foster

The plasma price plunge

In the market for a 42” plasma? Here are two whose price and performance will knock your socks off.

Electrograph 4230

How does $1699.00 for a 42” plasma TV sound? Electrograph has been distributing plasma sets since the beginning and this model is a testament to the progress of plasma technology. The 4230 is EDTV plasma monitor; meaning speakers and a tuner are sold separately (you can pick-up these for around $200.) Weighing only 86 pounds the 4230 packs great video performance for its price. Boasting a contrast ratio of 4000:1 the Electrograph can produce deep, rich images from DVDs, and Hi-definition video sources. Also impressive is that this unit features built-in progressive scan processing (also called 3:2 pull down) which dramatically improves video performance by eliminated video artifacts that are common with DVD discs. Priced at $1699, this unit provides images that are sharper and more realistic than other models close to twice its price. It is truly a must see model and is currently on display at our showroom.

LG DU42PX12X

$3199.00 for a full-fledged HD plasma TV? Even last year this was unheard of, at least from a reputable company. But the Korean consumer electronics giant has pulled it off. The 42PX12X has a true High Definition resolution of 1024 x 768 and a contrast ratio of 5000:1. Most impressive is the LGs XD™ Video Engine, which uses six distinct processes to improve picture quality. It takes low resolution analog video, such as basic cable TV, to near HD quality resolution by enhancing brightness, contrast, detail, and enhancing color as well as reducing signal noise. Also, included are two component video inputs, a built-in HDTV tuner, and extensive picture-in-picture functions.

What you need to know

before you buy

• Plasma sets are available in two distinct categories; monitors and TVs. Monitors as the name implies are designed only to display an image. They do not come with speakers or a tuner, so before you take it home be sure you have some speakers and a tuner (either by using a VCR, cable box, or DBS box.) Plasma TVs come with all that built in so you can take one home and hook it up just as you would with any TV.

• Another important piece of information to have is the difference between EDTV and HDTV sets. EDTV refers to Enhanced Definition Television and plasma sets with this designation have a lower resolution than their HDTV counterparts. Usually EDTV sets have resolutions around 852 x 480 while HDTV sets have resolutions around 1280 x 720, or 1024 x 768. While EDTV is definitively inferior to HDTV don't assume that it's not good. EDTV quality is still very high, much higher than what most people are used to and remember that just because a set is EDTV doesn't mean that you cannot view HD content. You absolutely can. An EDTV set will accept an HDTV input and simply re-adjust the resolution of the input signal to match the sets resolution and the resulting image is quite remarkable.

• Depending on the manufacturer the plasma set may or may not come with a stand. And no set I've ever seen has been sold with a wall mount bracket. If you plan to mount the TV on the wall be sure to buy the wall mount or you'll find yourself running back to the store as soon as you unpack you new TV.