Plasma TV Review

SONY PLASMA PFM 50C1

Before discussing the pros and cons of PFM 50C1, let’s not forget the fact that Sony Electronics was one of the first company to introduce plasma. But Sony’s involvement in producing 50-inch market plasma was much later to the surprise of experts. PF 50C1 features a display that looks similar to many other brands’ plasma. However Sony promises to be different in their quality and other structures.

This model gives the consumers, a flexibility of vertical and horizontal viewing called as ‘layout-free’ design. Offering an outstanding picture quality, PFM 50C1 has looks similar to that of PFM 42B1 by using thin silver bezel. For family who doesn’t prefer to mount their TV in wall can use the optional stand. This clever design has invited a lot of positive reviews about it. The VGA-style connectors used for both video and computer signals are a major advantage of this system. In order to make the connector options simple, it replaced a lot of input and signal loop jacks with a pair of 15-pin VGA connectors, used for both component video and computer signals. BNC and S-video jacks are supplied by a single BKM B10 plug-in card. However the major drawback of connector is that you will need a proper break-out cable, 15-pin on one end.

As far as the display is concerned, the monitor measures 49.2 by 29.8 by 3.9 inches and weighs about 95 lbs. The stereo amplifiers are new to Sony as it was not found in other recently released models of Sony. But if you want a surround-sound system, the 7W stereo on-board amp can be used, of course with external user provided speakers. This model has screen-saver function and picture zoom feature too.

With the intention of delivering a new range of plasma, the changes are effected in the way the menu is displayed too. There are two image modes and three user settings. The user settings are made customizable that the user can name and save their blue, red and green settings. Changes like colour adjustments which require the users to go into the menu has been revolutionized and altered completely in this model. The menu options also include Cinema Drive and Dynamic Picture.

The remote control is integrated with lot of other options than just changing channels. User will no longer have to fiddle with the menu system, not knowing what changes are exactly made. There are direct access to brightness, contrast, chrome level adjustments and many others.

The display feature of this model is not very satisfying. Blacks and whites are easily over-ridden and hence its brightness may drop from the factory default settings. But in spite of the disadvantages, Sony has managed to make the picture cleaner and more accurate with contrast and gray-scale tracking technology. It’s an ideal for use in audio/visual presentations, point of purchase advertising in malls, video monitors and themed entertainment venues.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features :

• Product Description: Sony PFM-50C1 – 50″ plasma panel
• Packaged Quantity: PFM-50C1 (specifications are for single item)
• Diagonal Size: 50″ – widescreen
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 124.6 cm x 10 cm x 75.5 cm
• Weight: 43 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Digital Television Certification: HDTV monitor
• Resolution: 1365 x 768
• Display Format: 720p
• Video Interface: Composite, S-Video
• PC Interface: VGA (HD-15)
• Technology: Plasma (PDP)
• Progressive Scan: Yes
• Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• TV Tuner: No tuner
• Analogue Video Format: NTSC, SECAM, PAL, PAL-N, PAL-M, NTSC 4.43, PAL 60
• Sound Output Mode: Stereo
• Speaker System: Speakers not included
• Remote Control: Remote control – infrared
• Power: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
• Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years warranty

Technical Details

Main Specifications :

• Product Description: Sony PFM-50C1 – 50″ plasma panel
• Packaged Quantity: PFM-50C1 (specifications are for single item)
• Diagonal Size: 50″ – widescreen
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 124.6 cm x 10 cm x 75.5 cm
• Weight: 43 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Digital Television Certification: HDTV monitor
• Resolution: 1365 x 768
• Display Format: 720p
• Video Interface: Composite, S-Video
• PC Interface: VGA (HD-15)
• Technology: Plasma (PDP)
• Progressive Scan: Yes
• Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• TV Tuner: No tuner
• Analogue Video Format: NTSC, SECAM, PAL, PAL-N, PAL-M, NTSC 4.43, PAL 60
• Sound Output Mode: Stereo
• Speaker System: Speakers not included
• Remote Control: Remote control – infrared
• Power: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
• Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years warranty

Extended Specifications

General :

• Width: 124.6 cm
• Depth: 10 cm
• Height: 75.5 cm
• Weight: 43 kg
• Enclosure Colour: Silver
• Product Type: 50″ plasma panel

Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support: 2 years warranty
• Service & Support Details: Limited warranty – parts and labour – 2 years

Power

• Power Device: Power supply – internal
• Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
• Power Consumption Operational: 490 Watt

Connections

• Connector Type: 2 x VGA input ( 15 PIN HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) – rear ¦ 1 x remote control ( 9 PIN D-Sub ) – rear ¦ 3 x audio line-in ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) – rear ¦ 1 x composite video input ( BNC ) – rear ¦ 1 x composite video output ( BNC ) – rear ¦ 1 x S-Video input ( 4 PIN mini-DIN ) – rear ¦ 2 x Control S ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) – rear ¦ 2 x speakers output

Audio System

• Sound Output Mode: Stereo
• Speakers Included: Speakers not included
• External Speakers Amplifier Power (Total): 14 Watt

Remote Control

• Type: Remote control – infrared

Television

• Technology: Plasma (PDP)
• Features: On-screen menu, colour temperature adjustment, 3:2 pulldown compensation, anti-reflection coating, screen saver
• Diagonal Size: 50″ – widescreen
• Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1365 x 768
• Series: PlasmaPro
• Viewing Angle: 160 degrees
• Pixel Pitch: 0.81mm
• Widescreen Modes: Conventional 4:3, Auto Wide, Wide Zoom, 16:9, letterbox
• Colour Temperature Control: Yes
• Display Menu Language: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese

Video Features

• SDTV Compatible: Yes
• HDTV Compatible: Yes

Sony KDL-40XBR2 Plasma TV

The KDL40XBR2 is a Bravia XBR Sony television model. Model features: Full HD 1080p, BRAVIA Engine™ PRO, 8-bit display panel and processing, changeable designer color bezels (optional). As specified by SONY – the manufactures. Stand out features with this Plasma that has impressed everyone are: BRAVIA Engine™ PRO Full Digital Video Processor, Full HD 1080, Live Color Creation System, HDMI™ and PC Connectivity & 1920 x 1080 Panel Resolution. This HD Plasma TV has a resolution that is HD read. Aimed at improving the color on the widescreen LCD television, the Bravia Engine Pro video processor has been designed with such high technology.

To display high definition pictures on the screen, the Sony KDL-40XBR2 Plasma TV has 16:9 aspect ratios and an image resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels. With power consumption of 227 watts, the Plasmas two 11 watt speakers are equipped with Vesa mounting. The Plasma screen displays wide angles of picture ranging from 178 degrees by 178 degrees. There are a lot of ways to define high-definition but BRAVIA Full HD means you’re getting the best resolution that high-definition has to offer consumers. With Sony BRAVIA XBR HDTVs, Full HD 1080 means 1920 x 1080 pixels and 1080p video inputs. Your lifestyle demands the best in high-definition and with BRAVIA Full HD 1080 products you get it.

NTSC, ATSC and QAM that can capture over-the-air broadcasts from non-terrestrial affiliate networks, such powerful tuners are provided with this Plasma. Various other features that are essential for a Home Plasma are embedded with tit: channel setup, closed captioning, parental control lock, last channel recall, sleep timer, and multi-lingual menu for English, Spanish, and French are a few to mention. Sony KDL-40XBR2 Plasma TV has inputs for PC, HDMI, S-video, composite video, and RF.

Sony being the leading brand and producer of electronic gadgets has developed this beauty to satisfy its customer’s needs of perfect Plasma. Performance wise, Sony KDL-40XBR2 Plasma TV delivers the deepest black shades with 1080 natural resolution and Off-angle viewing. Moving on to the design aspect, the Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 is sleek and chic. The small issue that this Plasma possesses would be the small 40 inch screen size. Beyond that, the Plasma brings utmost joy to the viewer in terms of picture clarity, sound clearness and design. Among most HDTV’s, Sony KDL-40XBR2 has got its own class.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Audio Features

• Digital Amplifier : Yes
• Dolby® : Dolby® Digital (AC3/ATSC only)
• SRS® : SRS® TruSurround® XT Audio Effect
• Sound Mode : Dynamic, Standard, Custom
• SteadySound® Automatic Volume Control : Yes
• Stereo System : A/V Sync (Off/1/2/3)

Video Features

• 3D Comb Filter : Yes
• DRC® Version : Yes (DRC MF V2.5)
• Display Technology : LCD (178° wide viewing angle LCD display panels)
• Game Mode : On/Off
• High Definition : Yes (Full HD 1080)
• Live Color Creation™ Technology : Yes
• Noise Reduction : Yes
• Picture Mode : Vivid, Standard, Custom
• Video Processing : Yes (BRAVIA Engine™ PRO)

Convenience Features

• Channel Surf : Yes
• Favorite Channel : Yes
• Freeze : Yes
• ID-1 Detection : Yes
• Input Skip : Yes
• Label Inputs : Yes
• On-Screen Clock : Yes
• On-Screen Display : Menu
• On/Off Timer : Yes
• Parental Control : Yes
• Power Save Mode : Standard, Reduced, Picture Off
• Programmable Timer : Yes
• Remote Control : Yes
• Show/Hide Channels : Yes
• Sleep Timer : 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, Off
• Timer Events : Timer 1, Timer 2

Display

• Aspect Ratio : 16:9
• Display Resolution : 1920 x 1080
• Display Response Time : 8ms (gray to gray)
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio : Up to 7000:13
• Native Resolution : 1080p
• Screen Size (measured diagonally) : 40″
• Viewing Angle (Right/Left) : 178°
• Viewing Angle (Up/Down) : 178°

Inputs and Outputs

• Analog Audio Input(s) (Total) : 5 (4 Rear/1 Side)
• Analog Audio Input(s) for HDMI™ : 1 rear input included L/R audio inputs
• Audio Out : 1 (Rear)
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input(s) : 2 (Rear)
• Composite Video Input(s) : 3 (2 Rear/1 Side)
• Digital Audio Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• HDMI™ Connection(s) (Total) : 3 (2 Rear/1 Side)
• Headphone Output(s) : 1 (Side)
• PC Audio Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• PC Video Input(s) : 1 (Rear)4
• RF Connection Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• S-Video Input(s) : 1 (Rear)

Display Features

• Backlight Type : WCG-CCFL (Wide Color Gamut – CCFL)

Energy Saving & Efficiency

• Energy Star® compliant : Yes
• LightSensor™ Technology : Yes

Sony FWD – 42LX1 PLASMA TV

Sony FWD-42LX1 is a new model in plasma TV arena which has ClearMotiv technology. Human vision allows images shown at 24 frames per second (fps) to be perceived as smooth motion video. ClearMotiv fast video-response technology allows frame rate up to 200fps for true broadcast quality full-motion video. It also has OptiColor true color technology. The 7 presets can be easily accessed monitor color settings depending on the displayed content using a shortcut key. The 7 presets are Standard, Ext, Cinema, Game, Photo, Scenery and Vivid. Another important technology involved in it is OptiSync technology that supports both analog video (VGA) and direct-digital input (DVI) for superior image quality. The digital interface delivers optimized image quality with minimum adjustment for ultimate configuration flexibility.

It consists of Bezel-integrated stereo speakers where the two 5-watt built-in audio speakers provide superior audio quality for all multimedia applications while reducing desktop space required by separate speakers. There is a feature called RGB Color Management that ensures color accuracy from screen to print when used with other sRGB-compliant peripherals. Another feature called XtremeView ultra-wide viewing angles extend your viewing angles and provide enhanced image legibility from all directions.

It weighs 6 Kg with a display area measuring 42 inch. It has true resolution with a good contrast ratio. The viewing angle is 170° horizontal and 160° vertical. It has an anti glare panel surface. It also meets the Energy Star standards. This Plasma TV is thin and wall-mountable and can generally achieve deeper black levels, thus giving a more cinematic movie watching experience. Also they do a better job of handling fast motion. It usually looks brighter and often has fewer problems with glare. There is no doubt about it: sleek and sexy. With HDTV compatibility, exceptional color accuracy, no scan lines, and beautiful, slim, space saving design are just some of the advantages.

With so many products in the market, it is so very hard to select the right kind of product that suits you. You have to look at few things while reading plasma TV reviews. Things like screen type, resolution, built in tuners, enough rear and side inputs, wide viewing angle, high contrast ratio, PC compatibility, reliability rating, good warranty, etc should be kept in mind while looking to buy a plasma TV. There are tons of manufacturer specific features that you should evaluate and keep all these things in mind when you do your shopping and you will find a great quality plasma TV at a fantastic price like this one.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

FEATURES –

• WXGA HDTV Ready 1366 x 768 Progressive LCD Panel
  Featuring the Sony WEGA Engine, this 16:9 aspect ratio display delivers outstanding video performance.
• New Stylish Sony Design
  The new Sony design features scratch-resistant crystal look bezel, combining an attractive look with robust design.
• New LCD Panel
  The FWD-42LX1 features up to 60,000 hours of panel life, 16 ms response time, 500cd/m2 high brightness panel, 170 degree H/V viewing angle and a 14W stereo audio amplifier.
• New Network Options
  Extend the functionality of this display with the following optional networking devices:
  Internal network management adaptor w/ Ethernet connection (BKM-FW32)
  Network streaming device provides status, control and streaming video/audio over IP (EBS-N200)
  Content, status, control and storage sent over IP (NSP-1)

SPECIFICATIONS –

Model : FWD-42LX1

Screen Size :42″

Resolution : WXGA 1366 x 768

Pixel Pitch : .68 x .68 mm

Color : 16.7 million

Panel Type : a-Si-TFT active matrix LCD display panel

Screen Protector : Anti-Glare/Anti-Reflective

Color Systems : NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC4.43, PAL60, PAL-M, PAL-N

Audio : 14W Stereo AMP (7W x 2 Digital AMP)

Video Inputs : RGB/Component (HD-15), DVI-D HDCP, Composite (BNC), YUV (Composite),

For Component Video Input an adapter cable will be required.

Picture Modes : Custom (3), Vivid, Standard

Color Temperature Control : Discrete Control RGB

Contrast : High Contrast (Sony never discloses contrast ratios)

Brightness : 500 cd/m2

Remote Control : RS232C and Multi-Function Remote

Closed Caption Decoder : Yes

Weight : 62.7 lbs.

Dimensions : (W x H x D) 40.7 x 24.4 x 4.9

Power Consumption : 170 watts (typical)

Design Color : White

On-Screen Control : Yes

Safety Regulations : FCC Class B(Residential), Ul1950, CSA No.950 (c-UL), CE LVD (EN60950), , VCCI Class B, CE EMC (EN55022 Class B, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3), C-Tick (AS/NZS 3548/95, AS/NZS 4252.1), CCIB, JEIDA, CB, KTL, MIC

Limited Warranty : 2 years parts and labor, 1 year panel

Extended Warranty : Optional Plans for up to 2 year and 4 year extensions.

Supplied Accessories :

• DVI-D Cable
• AC Power Cord
• Operating Instructions
• AC Plug Holder (2)
• AA/R6 Size Battery (2)
• Cable Holder (4)
• Remote Control

Optional Accessories

• Networking Boxes:
  NSP-1 (Content, Status, Control and Storage sent over IP)
  Internal card: BKM-FW32 (Status and Control sent over IP and connectivity to PJNet)
  ESB-N200 (Status, Control and Streaming real time Video sent over IP and connectivity to PJNet)
• Internal TV Tuner and Hospitality System:
  ICS-SP20 (TV Tuner with hotel networking)
• Mounting Solutions:
  Adjustable Wall Bracket (Wall Bracket), Wall Mount Kit (PLP-91/D)
  Table Top Stand (SPM-TRI/C)
• Input Boards:
  Component/RGB Input Adapter (BKM-FW11)
  RGB Component Loop Through (BKM-FW12)
• Speakers: Speaker System 32″
  (SS-SP32FW/S (Silver, for Black and Silver models)
  SS-SP32FW/W (White))
• Software:
  PJNet (Asset Management tool to control up to 255 Sony Plasmas or Projectors)
  DCDS (Asset Management tool to schedule and control up to 10,000 points.)