Dell Plasma HD ... advice please?

[ccyockey]

Have any of you actually seen the new Dell Plasmas? I am interested in the HD model ($2999).

I have seen the Sony Wega 42" LCD projection (KF42WE610) with HD (very good) as well as the Samsung HLP5063 (good, but not as good as the Sony) and wonder if the Dell Plasmas will have as sharp and bright picture. Any opinions on how these will compare? Also, any opinions on how SD (I have Comcast/Motorola HD STB) will look (again, I thought the Sony was better than the Samsung)?

I am also considering a 34" Sony Tube.

I'm not really worried about the plasma burn-in as we really don't watch that much tv and don't plan on playing any video games through it (have a 36" SD in my basement for that stuff). I just want a TV that looks great, fits into my entertainment center and is reliable.

Thanks.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

[JQuinn]

I've seen Dell's W4200HD up close and personal. PQ is actually very good. Signal source on the unit I saw was DVD (LOTR: The Two Towers) but I don't remember what connection (S-video, component, composite) was being used or what model DVD player was connected to it. This was right around the time the Dell plasmas were released. Since Dell doesn't sell through retail outlets there was no way to do a side-by-side comparison with any plasmas from other TV manufacturers. I can't imagine HD signals looking less than spectacular on the W4200HD though. One feature that stuck in my mind is this menu option on the set that puts up an entirely gray screen. It's supposed to be designed to help negate or lessen (at least in theory) the effects of burn in by letting all the screen's phosphors get burned 'evenly' gray. I have no idea how effective this is in actual practice.

[Darius2010]

I haven't seen the Dell Plasma TVs in person yet but if you are concerned with picture quality, Sony crt's are really the only choice.

[Heavy_Equipment]

I have the W4200ED hooked up to my Bell Express Vu 6100 HD receiver and the PQ is breathtaking. I'd even go as far as saying save your money, buy the ED and spend the difference on a STB and sound.

I have a Toshiba RPTV in my main setup, but the Dell has become the TV of choice.

[JQuinn]

Good info Heavy. I'm not sure how the Toshiba RPTV owners will react to your preference when/if they read this thread though. :whistle: Got surround sound?

[SombreroMan]

I have the HD model and I couldn't be happier with it.

[Heavy_Equipment]

No surround in the den yet.
Wife barely let me buy another big TV, nevermind another home theatre setup. :D

[JQuinn]

hehe That's why I'm trying to amass an above average collection of electronic toys before I get married! :D

[eric gill]

..........

[Shootist]

Be sure and haggle prices with Dell. I got my 37" LCD for $200 less than the advertised sale price........and be prepared to pay taxes on your Dell purchases.