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Sony FWD-42PV1/B 42" Plasma TV (16:9, 852x480, 10,000:1, EDTV)

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Pending
  • At a Glance
  • Diagonal screen size of 42 to 45 inches
  • Plasma display
  • Contrast ratio

We haven't had our hands on this product, but we know which features matter. Here's how the Sony FWD-42PV1/B 42" Plasma TV (16:9, 852x480, 10,000:1, EDTV) measures up:

Good Fit For a Midsize Living Room

HDTVs with a diagonal screen size between 42 and 45 inches are LCDs or plasmas, usually with a resolution of either 1366 by 768 or 1920 by 1080 (1080p). The optimum viewing distance for an HDTV screen like this one is generally considered to be about 6.5 to 7.5 feet. That makes a television of this size appropriate for a range of living areas, such as a den, a large bedroom, a midsize living room, or a game room.

Plasma Display Technology

A plasma television, like this one, is built around an array of tiny glass cells filled with an inert gas. The panels are relatively thin and weigh more than similarly sized LCDs but much less than old-fashioned picture-tube sets. Plasma sets are capable of outstanding picture quality, with higher contrast than LCDs, and viewable from far off to the side without loss of brightness or color accuracy. Because plasma TVs can achieve a higher contrast than LCD TVs, they remain a good choice for a room that receives a lot of natural or ambient light. They tend to cost more than similar-size LCDs, however, and the technology is rarely found at screen sizes smaller than 42 inches. Although plasmas can be subject to burn-in--where a static image displayed for hours at a time becomes a permanent afterimage--this is now much less of a problem.

Don't Buy Based on Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio is the ratio of a display’s light output at maximum brightness to its output at minimum brightness, or peak white to pitch black. The most significant limiting factor is usually the black level rather than the white, because true black is hard to achieve and white intensity can’t be taken too high without becoming uncomfortable. Unfortunately, published specifications are unreliable: Manufacturers use at least four "standard" ways to measure contrast ratio, each of which yields different numbers; and the numbers produced by any one method varies depending on the test conditions and display settings. Manufacturers don't describe their methodology or test conditions in their specs, so don’t even think about comparing the contrast ratio of displays from competing manufacturers. Comparisons within a particular brand's line may have some validity, but even then, be careful of reading too much into them.

User Reviews for Sony FWD-42PV1/B 42" Plasma TV (16:9, 852x480, 10,000:1, EDTV)

  • Reviewed by:

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: color depth and definition exceptional for edtv ghosting is minimal at 7ft plus Sony quality is a notch above for the price plasma "picture frame " appearance

    Weaknesses: ed gives less definition up close (under 7 feet )

    Overall Evaluation: limited options on connectablity like hdmi but produces a reasonably good hd reproduction also remember this unit lacks a tuner or ampifier you also may want set professionally mounted if you want to mount it on a wall

  • Reviewed by: hsutaria

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: It's a great and look like picture frame. It has HDMI,DVI,Component connections.16:9 aspect and great look.

    Weaknesses: no stand,speaker and RF cable connection.

    Overall Evaluation: It's great looking piece. with all options of morden connections,only thing is original speaker and stand are expensive,but I'm using for home theater system only so works good for me. It has a great picture quality, sharpness and it's EDTV,but result like HDTV. It short I'm satiafied with this great piece.

See all user reviews

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