OT-Recommended Plasma’s

[Bob Zelin]

this monitor is 1024×768, not 1366×768. You will get better resolution on the 50″ Panasonic. Resolution is everything.

The “pro” models have BNC’s, not RCA’s. It’s probably the same monitor.

Bob Zelin

[Kevin Wild]

Actually, Bob, the 2 that I’m comparing are the “Consumer” TH-42PX60U and the “Pro” TH-42PHD8UK. They are both 42″ models and both 1024 x 768.
I guess the connecters and the color (Silver vs Black) are mostly what is different. The specs on the consumer one actually are a little better…of course, Panny has announced their new line to ship this month…

That said, I think I’ll probably stick with the Pro version…if nothing else to get the BNC inputs. I’m sure I’m paying a little more for the “Pro” label, too. 🙂

Thanks!

Kevin

[Kevin Wild]

Sorry if I’ve misunderstood. Are you saying that the picture actually looks BETTER and not just bigger on the 50″ models? Seems to defy logic, but I’m not the best at understanding res & pixels.

Thx again.

KW

[Walter Biscardi]

[Kevin Wild] “Sorry if I’ve misunderstood. Are you saying that the picture actually looks BETTER and not just bigger on the 50″ models? Seems to defy logic, but I’m not the best at understanding res & pixels.”

Yes, the larger resolution of that screen gives you true 720p resolution with no anamorphic squeeze which can be prevelant on 42″ plasmas. We used to have a 42″ plasma which had a slight anamorphic squeeze on it. So we switched to the 50″ Panasonic plasma and both 720 and 1080i show beautifully on it.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Bob Zelin]

yes Kevin – if you are talking about picture accuracy, the higher the resolution of the monitor, the more accurate the picture looks (not the better it looks). When you say “better”, I can show you A/V Plasma monitors, like the Samsung 460P, which “look” better than anything, but they are not accurate for color correcting and editing, but sure make a nice looking picture (lots of bright colors, oh boy !).

When you look at the “cheaper” Plasma screens, you will see that the same 42″ or 36″ plasma monitors that are CHEAPER have LOWER RESOLUTION (800 x 600 or whatever that resolution is below 1024×768). And monitors that can do 1920×1200 – like the Dell, Apple, and HP 24″ monitors will show a more accurate image for 1080i VTR’s than the Panasonic monitors that “only” show 1366×768, which are designed for 720p products. When you see these “really great buy at Costco for a big TV” – they are lower resolution TV monitors. It doesn’t mean that reruns of the Simpsons won’t look good, but they ain’t for critical editing applications.

Bob Zelin

[Walter Biscardi]

[Bob Zelin] “When you see these “really great buy at Costco for a big TV” – they are lower resolution TV monitors.”

actually, the quality of the Costco monitors has dramatically increased in the last few months. We had a new store open up a few months ago and they have the very top of the line Sonys over there along with some other models. Still not something I would use for color correction, but definitely models that would work well as a client monitor.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Kevin Wild]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did end up getting the pro model and went with the 50″. I’m currently wondering if it isn’t too big for the room…hmm…never TOO big, right?

So, it looks fantastic with all the Canon H1 footage I’ve shot so far. Thanks for the info…

KW

[Walter Biscardi]

[Kevin Wild] “hanks for the suggestions. I did end up getting the pro model and went with the 50″. I’m currently wondering if it isn’t too big for the room…hmm…never TOO big, right?”

NEVER too big! 🙂 It’s a bit too large for our suite, as it’s only about 12′ deep, but I have the client sit on the sofa in the back of the room and it looks fantastic.

I also ordered a second set of Component inputs so I can watch the HDTV feed off our cable system. One of the best pieces of advice I got when we started posting in HD was to be sure to actually “watch” HDTV shows. Definitely helped when it came to color correcting and just the overall ‘look’ to posting in HD. It’s great to be able to watch broadcast and my HD Post on the same exact screen so I can a good “apples to apples” look at two completely different HD feeds on the same monitor.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Kevin Wild]

Same here, Walter. I’m ordering the component input card, as well. I do wish it came with the 2nd set…if even RCA inputs. Oh well…

My room is about the same size. I went with the 50″ because when you view 4 x 3, suddenly your monitor becomes much smaller. We are doing a lot of HD stuff, but still have plenty’o SD, as well. It was still surprisingly large…especially for the editor sitting closer to it.

Thanks.

Kevin

[Jeff Bernstein]

Couple other notes regarding the Panasonic “Pro” Plasma. It supports native 23.976 and true 24 FPS. The consumer models have these frame/refresh rates disabled.

Also note the additional frame delay (up to 7) when going through both Plasmas and LCDs.

On a related note, Samsung announced they are about to release a LED lit DLP. This should lead to very natural color with a super wide gamut. Unfortunately, since it is Samsung, one can assume that the color will never be accurate out of the factory. With a few tweaks, though, it may be good. Should be out in a few weeks.