Hi Folks! As this is my first post, and me being a newbie to Plasmas, HD STB and the like I'm wondering if anyone could advise me on what the best model 42" plasma under $4000 would be. I'm in Adelaide and have had a look at most of the major retailers stock and it looks to be maybe LG or Samsung.

Checked out Harvey Normans and they have an LG RT-42PX11 package deal with HD STB, glass stand and full 5.1 system included for $4499. Probably didn't ask all I needed to on the first visit. Any advice on the LG'S as I've been reading about lip-sync problems(though I'm sure this isn't an actual manafacturer problem), burnout and general feeling that LG are not a good investment.

Was wondering if it's even possible to get close to HN'S package price by buying separately, though I'm guessing NOT... Not in a real rush to purchase right now but want to get as many facts as I possibly can from any of you as could form my decision on what to buy when the time comes. Any help greatly appreciated!

Sorry about the tags at top of post....

You can edit your original posts to remove the tags.

I'd seriously try and stretch the budget to the $5000 mark(if you can) as theres some better sd panels like the nec there.

Alebonau,

What about the package deal I mentioned, is it worth considering or are the LG panels too risky?? I haven't seen (here in Adelaide) any other bundle deals around and am wondering if more retailers should be providing this option for consumers.... Your advice on what major retailer to buy NEC through would also be appreciated.

I'd pm angelo re the lg's. Also check the nec thread in the widescreen display section as theres plenty of recommendations there.

You can get the NEC 42VR5 for not much more than your budget ($4,199 complete with desktop stand or wall bracket) here:-

http://www.soundadvice.net.au/Plasma.htm

CDT Technology www.cdt.com.au

Will do this screen for $3550 with your choice of wall mount or desktop stand and free delivery.

What does everyone else think about this model. Especially at this price.

Whats with all these computer companies springing up and selling A/V gear?

fergo - where did you get that price - it isnt listed on their website?

Yeah but I wonder on the positive-side, for some this may mean a very nice tax benefit, especially if it can be proved that it can be used with a PC.

Markus.

I work as a software developer, If I connect my PC to my plasma do you think the Tax Office will let me get away with claiming it as a deduction?

In response to the original post.

Last week I bought a JVC PD-Z42DV4 from harvey normans for 3600 on 18 months interest free! didnt even have to part with a cent in the store and I went home with a plasma... see it here

Worth noting this plasma has a RRP of $5499 so I saved $1900 on this... its worth looking into, I havent sceen a bad word written about them, they are made in japan which is a good thing, come with a 2 year warantee standard (better than most) I chose to extend the warantee to 5 years for $300.

I am more than happy with the picture quality, I can't fault it yet - only been 5 days tho, I got digital foxtel installed yesterday so every picture is near perfection to my eyes now. shame 7 and 10 cant agree to be transmitted over the satelite, they wont be getting much airtime in our house.

I feel really good that I got a good plasma for the price of inferior plasmas. I didnt even consider LG's when I was looking, not worth the risk in my opinion.

I'm sure this isnt the best deal ever on a plasma, so if you look around and be patient you may be able to find similar for yourself.

Edited to add, this panel has a built in tuner so there is no need to buy an external box, you can take it home plug it into the aerial, autotune the tv and its pretty well done... of course a digital box will make the picture better tho

Callum

I have had the SD Nec for a few months now and cant fault it. Great picture and plenty of inputs. U really only need to read the threads on the necs to see they are a very popular plasma. Only downside is they dont come with the speakers which need to be puchased seperately, although if u are planning on purchasing a 5.1 setup it might not be such a problem. U will find people are picking these up around the $3500 mark and they are alot better than the lg u are looking at. With a bit of searching around the forums u will find some good retailers for these plasmas offering great prices.

Daniel

ps. if u hook this up to a hdstb via dvi it will blow ur socks off with pq.

I concur with this assessment re NEC 42VR5W - I have a YESS HD stb and I am very happy with this thru a Denon AVR 3805. Great PQ. I reckon you'll get one for around $3.5k now. Cheers. Kep

I sent an email for best price with model number and thats what they came back with.

pay an extra $500 and get the latest model SD 42" Fujitsu (P42VHA40). List price at most retailers is $5,300-$5,800 but Good Guys gave me one for $4500 and Bing Lee gave my brother one for $4,460.

An LG would want to be much much cheaper to beat deals like that.....

how about $2500
http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=15692

I am a salesperson in an electrical appliance store in Sydney. I agree the LG Plasma is very good value, but if you're looking for a package deal, I would recommend the NEC and priced $4699 only.

You will get a 42" NEC SD Plasma, NEC DVD recorder, DGTec HD Box, and the most important is you also get a bonus of 5 Years warranty - as the LG is only come with one year warranty.

(http://www.nec.com.au/products_detail.aspx?view=260)

Or you can consider the Samsung SD plasma, as it priced only $3699 with bonus 5 years warranty as well. And if you want the HD box, the HOTCHIP is not a bad choice (with DVI input), you can get it for only $420. The H/T pack will not cost you much anyway, you can get some brand like Pioneer for only $449!! If you add these up, they are pretty much the same price as your LG package deal.

Don't be rush, do more searching before you buy, as the plasma price drop a lot in this year.

I have that LG model bought it for $3280 plus $430 LG 4100p HD STB and $500 solid wood grain stand. Total $4210 from HN last Xmas sales.

the unit is great clear via STb and foxtel via component fine.

Of course asking here will get you many options the NEC is a good unit but the final decision is yours. Make sure you see the units operating HD and via the same inputs HD via DVI is a must.

Good luck with whatever you choose....

My mum bought one about 3 weeks ago, not sure haw much she paid, I think Harveys did her a deal with the LG STB for under $3800 cash.

She is very Happy with both the plasma and box.

I suggest that you demo the plasma with a good DVD with lots of fast actions like Matrix Reloaded and see if you can live with the artefacts BEFORE you throw your money away

I tried that and saw none. Any specific sceen?

buy after april 1 you will save lots!!!!will be in next two week flood of lg px11 hitting hard but limited stock!!

how about the LG RT42PX11 and a LG DVD recorder for $3498 sound?

hi, our family got a package of the LG plasma (42" 11 series) with stand and HD STB (same brand) for $3496. Thats with free RGB cables (gold plated), delivery and professional installation included. Just need to spend an extra $50 to get a gold plated DVI-D cables and you are good to go. Good luck with your purchase~

Thats about $3000 for the Tv which is a good price considering that installation is included. the crest platimum dvi-d cables work great BTW.

Ballina Betta Electrical has been running an ad on tv for an LG 42inch for $2999. It doesn't state which model though.

Myers had a sale withl a 42" LG for $3400 or so. It was the old p10 version so make sure it is the p11 if you are chasing 1..