QUOTE(Lone*Wolf @ Jun 17 2009, 10:57 AM)
Dun worry, I actually do have my own opinion about the NeoPDP, but would just like to hear it from the rest of you guys firstÂ
There's no urgency and I do agree that the best way to conclude the 'value' of the NeoPDP is for a live demo, or at least a sneak peak from people like iamsobloodysick, htkaki, tan, etc. Having said that, its either the S10 or the G10 for me, and I heard the S10 promo with BD will end soon, hence ... kan cheong lo, thats why need some invaluable feedback soonestÂ

There are actual panel differences in a NeoPDP panel as I described in my explanation in the LCD and Plasma Thread.
Actually Neo-PDP is also supposed to give higher luminance values, ie brighter whites. One of the drawbacks of plasma tech is that to display a full screen white screen would be limited due to what is known as the Automatic Peak Limiter. This limiter is there to ensure that the power supply is not driven past its limits. Thus the general tendencies of the man in the street to compare LCD which can have a higher peak white limit making it brighter. The problem is for movie viewing this is not important as the correct "windowed" white peak limit for correct viewing is anywhere between 30-40 ft/L in a dimly lit room (light source behind the panel or 10% of the brightest white). Almost all plasmas are more than capable of accurate grayscale at this range. The correct practices of viewing are not cared by most and they make decisions on what they see in the showroom floor where the lights are full blast.
The quest for plasma was always to get to 5lumens and 10lumens tech that will allow it to show brighter images to counter the "super bright but normally inaccurate" whites that the LCDs put out.
5lumens and 10lumens tech is important for plasma, it evens the playing field in both the areas that are used by the LCD group to downplay plasma, namely, brighter images and lower power consumption. It also will allow for thinner panels. I believe the Z series that Panasonic has out this year might actually be using something close to that.
NeoPDPs are a step in that direction. It is not quite 5 lumens tech (I believe somewhere in the 2-3lumens). Pioneer actually demoed 5/10lumens tech last year in CES and called it extreme contrast (brighter whites, super blacks and very thin panels) but unfortunately, have pulled out. This technology would also make plasma panel manufacturing cheaper with better yield eventually
So there are differences, and if calibrated correctly you will see it. However, if your wallet does not feel the differences are worth it to your eyes, then by all means get what you like.
It is important not to dismiss innovations in technology. This is a step forward. Next year all panels will be NeoPDP and soon all panels will be 5lumens/10lumens tech. It will be different. But it might not be important to you.
The stuff about the 550Hz vs 600Hz sub pixel refresh is marketing gimmick to counter the human fascination to higher numbers (ie, LCDs 100Hz>200Hz>240Hz) refresh rate advertisements.
Plasma displays do not refresh like LCDs, it is almost instantaneous.
In short, value is in the eyes of the beholder, just like beauty. As long as you see the difference and you accept the differences in price for the techology then go for it.
This post has been edited by anfieldude: Jun 17 2009, 11:48 AM