Sorry if i jump on ur nerve.
Yes, those are magazines reviews (now they have online version). You want to know why i go for magazines rather than those "institutions" that you so called "have the authority". It simply because it cater for the mass opinions through usage and reviews in one personal home/experience. It gave you the "normal user" perspective, having experience the product. It uses products that the masses like u and me would use, in a normal environment - not in some dark room with special cable and google.!!

To say that they in UK doesnt know squat about hi-def Video source is like saying YOU are a FOOL. I do not know any authority that claimed themselves of being the authority/ or have the final say who's/what the expert is. If there was one, the just set a standard - so that other can follows and make inprovement on the said "specs". If you look at the way they tested the system/TV/hi-fi - the test subject is always the only variable. Hence, it gave the most accurate test result your EYES and EARS can appreciated (be my guess if you wanna get all your test guns to measure the chroma/ambient,etc.. )

And yes, i was sceptical when i first knew about Kuro being 1024x768. But after i demoed it and compared my personal experince with other people opinion/input (online mag being the cheapest/fastest source now), I concured that even with that hated resolution of yours, it still the BEST Flat TV outhere - not to mention the latest 9th gens. You may be have a bad experience with that kind of resolution - but hey mind sharing what model lasma u used for 3 years? Maybe i can google its past review. But to say that all those people in the mags are putting rubbish into their mags?? Well i let other be the judge of your statement.

I've nothings again the Yanks. I like some of the reviews, but the little differences e.g: voltage ( and they drive on the right side of the road) put me off a bit. Maybe my upbringing was more UK-oriented ( and I know they make/have high standard for AV, mind you), hence I like to source for UK reviews.

Coming back to the point you made - Yes, that was 2007/2008 award. Why did i point u to that.. It simply because now the price of Kuro is "affordable" and "competitive". No point talking about the best product if it cost a bomb, right??
And we, malaysian has the opputunity to get it - somewhere else in this world ppl already enjoying the 9th gen Kuro and now talking about the 10th gens. You see how lucky we are..
And before I forget, if you bought a TOP product, no matter if it is already past 2-3 years - you'll find it better than the "latest" average. Then again we need to compare Apple v. Apple..

To suggest some one tho choose a 50pv80 over a 428xg is totally up to their choice. The mags reviews/awards are just guidences. At the end you still need to trust ur eyes and ears.

p/s: and if you wanna have a peek at the Yanks review on Kuro, be may guest...you can google it ( i'm sure a self-confess-high-tech guy like you would have no problem with google.. )

This post has been edited by ic-klass: Jan 11 2009, 08:37 PM

Video Testing is more objective than Audio, the fact that UK video mags still use the audiophile methodology of review (i.e. trust those golden ears or in this case golden eyes) shows that they assume videophiles are uninformed fools. if you want to read good video reviews, you should browse thro US mags like Home Theater, Home Entertainment, Sound and Vision, Widescreen review etc.
Who would review a TV professionally without doing a proper Calibration (and some of those us mags actually perform ISF calibrations on those TVs that they review).
I really dunno how you can comment so much about TVs when you don't even use HD sources or have a proper HDTV with at least 1280x720 pixels ...
saying the 1024x768 kuro is best based on DVD and Astro source.. sure I agree with you but when you move to HD, the scenario changes... even the best SD TV means little when upgrading to HD based source.
sorry I can't really take these comments seriously.. until you upgrade your equipment to be able to display HD and use HD sources like Blu-rays and even MKVs.
no point arguing about how good the sound system is when you are only using FM radio..

as for liking yanks or not, nothing to choose as far as Video is concerned..they defined the current ATSC HDTV standard and churn out reference Movies.. so it's only natural to follow the standard bearer..

what's kuro 428XG? never heard of it oso...

Bro.. how much did you pay for it?

well, that the 42in (1024x768) that is currently available here.. or to be exact PDP-428XG

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Added on January 12, 2009, 1:29 amFirst I thought you ask me to point out what "award" Kuro had won in the western market, hence the pasted link.
(if you are asking for a US base, well i know u can google it.)

To say that one has to own everything in order to give comment, means that one has to be filthy rich like you.
If the review hence the method of testing isnt done properly and give doubts - then i think you can summit your complaints to the editor, coz i know, their mags has many follower around the world - and these ppl should thank you for it. Of coz the yanks like to invent everything and a step ahead in the tech world. But to dismissed reviews from the other side of the atlantic is totally immature - just because all the best studio are there, for many reasons. The european also has their technical advantages over the yanks - if you know what i mean.

Yap, true I dont have a emm let me put it this way.."I really dunno how you can comment so much about TVs when you don't even use HD sources or have a proper HDTV with at least 1280x720 pixels ...". All i shared here are based on my personal eyes viewing and reading from here and there. and i certainly dont claim to be expert in any of these field. To me, numbers can be one thing or many, but, to see/hear the quality and appreciate it is another thing.

And on you last comment.. "no point arguing about how good the sound system is when you are only using FM radio.." - you hav got to be joking!! (may be we need to amend the rules in this forum ehh??

And one last thing that irked me the most, is you trying to discredit all the hardwork and done by the ppl in the AV magazines tp give us the consumer a "sneak-peek" before buying a produc; just because u have a HD/Full HD display and probably use the HD/Full HD sources (like for few hours or may be week) playing ur PS3 and BR disc; make u an expert (above the ppl who did the testing day-in-day-out)

To judge ppl for not following you jumping into Full HD..."I really dunno how you can comment so much about TVs when you don't even use HD sources or have a proper HDTV with at least 1280x720 pixels ... " and..."sorry I can't really take these comments seriously.. until you upgrade your equipment to be able to display HD and use HD sources like Blu-rays..".. WOW!! that was a lot of bull coming from a self-confess-techcy-"forumer".

Well let me be the first to "elect" you as our forum expert in PQ/HD/full HD (maybe later u can apply for jobs at those AV mags,..and put it in your CV "I have Full HD display and used Full HD source to play PS3 and watch BR movies.."
Let me know when they call for an interview...
If you remember this:

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Added on January 12, 2009, 1:32 am..and this:

I dunno what u mean better here - So i assumed its the PQ since we are in the plasma/lcd display. Unless you meant it to be something else - like extra connection/usb/etc..

This post has been edited by ic-klass: Jan 12 2009, 03:04 AM

WW III just started ? (The Brits VS The Yanks?)

This post has been edited by slk5538: Jan 12 2009, 09:11 AM

finally settled for the 42PV80HM
however, i notice there is an intermittent buzzing sound when the unit is turn OFF (not standby)
what i meant by intermittent is that comes on for a while, then go off, then come back on after a while
i doubt that it only happens after being used cause i heard it again this morning and the last time i used it is yesterday afternoon and had it switched off after that
the power socket is plugged in at the mains and the mains is left ON all the time

anyone experience this with their unit?
will be checking the usage time later today but the unit looks unused as it came properly packed

no buzzing issues here.. probably you should check your mains that connected to the tv. make sure the clips are properly secured.

Gilthoniel,

Is the contrast setting of 75 considered too high?

I found the overall colours using cinema mode a bit too dull. My setting is standard

Contrast - 55
Brightness - 46
Colour - 48
Sharpness - 53

Color Temperature set to standard too.

Anyone to suggest a better calibration?? Using panny plasma.

some ppl set the contrast even higher.. my settings are close to mikapoh.

contrast - 60
brightness - 48
color - 48
sharpness - 55
colour temp - warm

also, i increased the brightness for pioneer DV-410 - +3

looks ok to me, but i'm still waiting for my DVE disc to arrive for more precise calibration.

give panasonic a call. i remember reading somewhere about the buzzing sound - but not sure which forum. dont worry coz you have 5 year warranty ma. Mine also no buzz sound. may be you can ask their tech to come and listen to the buzz..

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Added on January 12, 2009, 10:32 amwhat level do you set for P-NR? or turn it off all together?

This post has been edited by ic-klass: Jan 12 2009, 10:32 AM

My previous display unit gave out a buzzing sound at the corner top left at the back of the unit everytime after I switch off the plasma and leave it on standby. Then after a while, it will go away. My new replacement unit didn't have such sound though.

oh yes. P-NR, overscan, color management all off.

Both of you guys are knowledgeable here but just have different views and opinions. You can debate but no hard feelings. Its nice to read your comments and opinions here.

thanks for all the suggestion on the buzzing sound
will check the power connector later today
if the issue is still there, guess i'll need to give the service centre a call

Debating about different displays technologies, Full HD vs HD Ready, different brands is very subjective. Awards are also subjective. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a definative authority in defining the best of the best.

There are people who vouch for the blacks of plasmas, the whites of the LCDs, the overall experience with projectors and all. My experience is that the most important judge for all this is you. It is your money, you decide how you want to spend it. If you are a person who does not see a difference in Full HD vs HD Ready (depending on your setup and your viewing distance) then spend your money in what satisfies you. Your eyes make a difference and your wallet. Read the online reviews, magazine reviews, understand you budget and work within it. In the end of the day, as long as you are satisfied, that makes a difference. Understand that the set will look different in your living room compared to the showroom and you will be fine.

Every display technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the bigger the display the better the experience, if space allows it.

Enjoy your display, whatever it is, as long as you are happy. Its the best you could do, so why worry.

don't worry be happy...... (whistles off to the tune..)

"First I thought you ask me to point out what "award" Kuro had won in the western market, hence the pasted link.
(if you are asking for a US base, well i know u can google it.)

To say that one has to own everything in order to give comment, means that one has to be filthy rich like you.
If the review hence the method of testing isnt done properly and give doubts - then i think you can summit your complaints to the editor, coz i know, their mags has many follower around the world - and these ppl should thank you for it. Of coz the yanks like to invent everything and a step ahead in the tech world. But to dismissed reviews from the other side of the atlantic is totally immature - just because all the best studio are there, for many reasons. The european also has their technical advantages over the yanks - if you know what i mean."

ok, my bad, when I said western, I guess brits also western, maybe should be more specific to "class leading" reviews like from american mags/publications.
as for owning everything to give comment, I wouldn't go so far to say that, but how can you comment about PQ when you only use SD?? hence why I brought up the FM radio analogy on the sound system.. your source is not Hi-def to know what is good enuf or not..
those using Blu-rays and Hi-def video files (yes, a few of them are in this forum) will know that 1024x768 is insufficient to display HD content, hence why they upgrade to fullHD LCD or 720p projectors or 1366x768 Kuros/plasmas etc when they want to watch their Hidef sources.
and going Hi-def doesn't mean you need to be rich.. a 720p projector starts over 3k (can call HTKAKI for an optoma PROJ) ... fullHD 40inch LCD 4-5k 1366x768 50inch plasmas 5-6k



"Yap, true I dont have a emm let me put it this way.."I really dunno how you can comment so much about TVs when you don't even use HD sources or have a proper HDTV with at least 1280x720 pixels ...". All i shared here are based on my personal eyes viewing and reading from here and there. and i certainly dont claim to be expert in any of these field. To me, numbers can be one thing or many, but, to see/hear the quality and appreciate it is another thing."
before we talk about Quality, the resolution need to be sufficient like 720p min, or else how can you concentrate on PQ when you keep getting reminded of seeing pixel sturcture on a lower rez Plasma at normal viewing distances like 6-8ft away.
(of cos moving from 1366x768 42-50inch TV to 1920x1080p gets more subjective at these normal 6-8ft difference with 2020 vision, but that's another story)



"And on you last comment.. "no point arguing about how good the sound system is when you are only using FM radio.." - you hav got to be joking!! (may be we need to amend the rules in this forum ehh?? "
is true wat, why argue about Picture quality when you are not using HD source. sorry but BD is 6x more detail than SD, SD 720x480 DVDs or even R2 720x576 dvds doesn't max out a 1024x768 Kuro but using Hidef sources like BD and 720p MKVs etc will more than reveal the weaknesses of a lower resolution panel.


And one last thing that irked me the most, is you trying to discredit all the hardwork and done by the ppl in the AV magazines tp give us the consumer a "sneak-peek" before buying a produc; just because u have a HD/Full HD display and probably use the HD/Full HD sources (like for few hours or may be week) playing ur PS3 and BR disc; make u an expert (above the ppl who did the testing day-in-day-out)
nothing to discredit, but between choosing "good" brit magazine and the best (US based reviews and also AVS forums), I would prefer to use the best as reference to make my informed judgement. and having over 100 blu-rays before BD won the format war i.e JAn08 and over few terabytes of HD movies in HDD currently I'm sure I have enough source references to make my video comments..


Well let me be the first to "elect" you as our forum expert in PQ/HD/full HD (maybe later u can apply for jobs at those AV mags,..and put it in your CV "I have Full HD display and used Full HD source to play PS3 and watch BR movies.."
Let me know when they call for an interview...
"don't worry, I'm in the industry making commercial LED displays, no need to be reviewer to know what I want in my HT displays"

I dunno what u mean better here - So i assumed its the PQ since we are in the plasma/lcd display. Unless you meant it to be something else - like extra connection/usb/etc..

you can't argue about PQ when the resolution is insufficient to support minimum HD standard 1280x720p. the panel is already throwing away critical video source information like resolution, and still want to talk about other PQ attributes like color/contrast etc???

ok i accepted your "bad" that leads to this firery discussion. i agree with you that full HD give better resolution than HD - and noticeable within certain viewing distance. But, i have to disagree with higher number always give better PQ.

and believed me when i say i do have experience BD and Full HD materials/display, despite my "aging" setup. The reason my setup is like that bcoz that the most one i use for our SD braodcast - for my kids to tune to Ceria and carton network, etc..I do have a Full hd setup to enjoy the HD materials, but, why reveals here - To assume one doesnt know the diff between HD and full HD just because one is using SD is really lame..I let my previous comments and answer to our forumer Q's be the judge wether i'm qualified or not - doesnt really bother me at all.

and yes Western is the opposite of Eastern if you havent realised yet. Funny you are so deep in tech, and yet dunno east,west,north,south - maybe need someone to point it out to u ehh..

When you look back at my previous posting, not once did i mentioned SD/HD is better that Full HD right??. I only stressing that some HD/"not so HD" unit do have good reviews and beats its full hd counterparts in term of overall PQ - now you tell me what's wrong with this. I guess it all depend how many pixel u wanna see as opposed to how good and real the image and colour reproduction, and how smooth and life-like the movement of the subject is, and how many other components and software render these input and later displayed it play a major role - that's what i meant number is nummber, PQ is diff.

If you dont agree get two or three set together and demo it with the same source and setting - side by side (plasma v plasma, lcd v lcd). Then you realised a full hd sony will give different PQ to what a full HD samsung or LG or phillips or ..what else ?? in term of colour saturation, real red and green, motion, details, etc...

If you understand these, then i rest my case. If you dont, then ...i duont really care - as what the other forumer said " its your eyes and money.."

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Added on January 12, 2009, 2:58 pmYes, i knew i heard bout the Buzz problem somewhere. Hope u enjoying your "new" display now .

This post has been edited by ic-klass: Jan 12 2009, 02:58 PM

i notice one low life sucker who hangs in this section everyday, posting as though he knows stuff, puih!!