Based on measured data, plasma's still have the upper hand compared to latest gen LED backlit displays. Its getting closer but still plasmas hold the edge for ANSI contrast and simultaneous contrast. With that the contrast ratios are still better on plasmas.

True. I believe that unless they can go to one to one pixel, it will be difficult to get the contrast ratios close to plasma. RGB vs white does not do too much in terms of contrast but improvement in colour accuracy. However, I think LCDs have come a very long way and I think they will close the gap within the next 2 years.

Only one question remains, will plasma last that long to find out? If Panasonic pulls the plug, its the end...I dread thinking of that day.

Pioneer has pulled out of the market.

Turn on too long will not cause burn in. Chances of burn in increase with viewing of bright static images for long periods of time.

Yup, its a pretty good test disc.

There is especially one test there for chroma multiburst that was surprising. Apparently, there are a lot of displays/BD players that fail this test.

They have another pattern for that. This one tests the bandwidth of the chroma channels. I have seen quite a few players fail this, also displays.

50PX10 is in ur price range. Shd be good for your needs. I do not know where in Ipoh u can get it. PM commontan as they might deliver. from Penang/KL.

Sorry, Panasonic.

As I said, the price is about RM4500 only. PM commontan and see if they can deliver to Ipoh.

No. It all depends on panel yields at the factory. At larger sizes plasmas are cheaper to manufacture than LCDs. To make small size plasmas is not cheap, hence the smallest size plasma was 42in. Panasonic and LG used to make plasmas at 37 and 32 in but it was not cost effective.

32 - 37in LCD panels are the sweet spot in the manufacturing plants, thats why the prices are so low. The panel maufacturers are also improving the yields at 40in > however its still not too cheap yet.

It has nothing to do with being better, its all about cost to manufacture.

There are large capacitors in there, it takes time to discharge. Part of the power supply circuit I think.

Whats the freebie?

Price dropped quite a bit. Do u know if there are limited units left?

LGs main problem is mediocre black levels..

Decent greyscale, good CMS, but not that great black levels.

I would reckon yeah. The 650 has better black levels, has a 3D CMS and a 2 point greyscale.

The only point to LGs favour is the 10 point greyscale, but IMHO both don't do greyscale that well.

Yes, unfortunately it is true.

LCD panel manufacturers marketing strategy has done its job well. Better margins for shops, better incentives to sell. As well as a good deal of "burn in" marketing has made LCD more popular. Most people looking to upgrade that 29in CRT moved to 32in or 37in LCDs.

However, this year saw a slight shift as Panasonic dropped prices of the 42in and 50in entry level plasmas. The cost of manufacturing has also dropped. Armed with >3 Lumens/Watt technology they became brighter and could compete with the LCDs in teh showroom environments. This year, nothing new came out of the LCD camp, LED backlighting that came last year saw some hype over edge lighting but it did not improve anything too much, slightly better black levels and the main improvements were in thickness.

Next year, Panasonic (which is the pushing hard on plasma) is pushing 3D tech and no real news of 5Lumens/Watt implementation. 5Lumens/Watt I believe is the real deal for plasmas to pull thru. However, with Pioneer pulling out of the market, not sure if Panny will soldier on in progress. They have licensed the Kuro patents from Pioneer and we shd see them in full force in 2011 if they start working on them instead of 3D.

Anyway, end the end, there will be something that gives. Let's see.

Yeah, I know they will definately do their best, however, it irks me that they are pushing so much into 3D and not making some corrections to their display to make it better. There are some known technical problems that they need to fix. Not having a set with greyscale adjustments are just not acceptable. Also they have problems with rising black levels with time that needs quick fixing...

KRP-500M or KRP-500A?

If u have the M, then put it in Pure mode and Colour Space 2. That shd give u a very accurate picture.

Keep contrast for starters around 25, slowly crank it up.

If the A, then there is no pure mode. U shd get it calibrated as the 500 series with ISFccc is pretty darn good.

True, Quality alone does not sell a product these days.

I agree.

The future for plasma is really in 5Lumens/Watt and 10 Lumens/Watt.

Coupled with the lower cost of manufacturing, it will revive plasma sales.

Samsung and LG are still in the market for plasma for this reason alone.