In the market for a plasma.........suggestions?

Bradz,

You asked about viewing distance with a 50" diagonal 16 X 9 screen. The maximum SMPTE viewing distance to obtain a 30° viewing angle is 6.8 feet; the maximum THX viewing distance to obtain a 26° viewing angle is 7.9 feet. The recommended THX viewing distance is 5.6 feet. These distances are aimed at providing an immersive theater experience for movies.

Front projection matches these viewing angle requirements, because the diagonal can easily be 100" or more, but front projection requires a darkend room, a darker environment than you might wish for casual TV viewing. Then there's the bulb life issue.

In any case, I don't think you want to sit 12' from a 50" image. I've read advice of viewing distances ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 diagonal, but 1.5 to 2 seems more reasonable -- assuming you want some immersion, not just an image you can see. (The maximum vieiwng distance for a 50" screen is 18 feet)!

db

Power conditioner: For Video it really works well.
The image has better detail, less grain with a good conditioner.
I tried doubling power conditioners up, (A Monster 7000 to a 5000, but on my Plasma, the picture became a bit 'washed out').
I use it/them on all the DVD/HDTV devices.
I have a Monster 2000 voltage device and a HT7000ss. I would not sell them even if I could get $100 more than I paid. I would just have to go out and find some more!

10-28-06: Bradz
Are you using one of the units you mentioned Tvad? Thanks.
Bradz  (Threads | Answers)

I own and use the Brickwall unit, but not on my video. I don't use a power conditioner on my video although I use a power strip with surge protector.

My ultimate goal was to upgrade my video side while eliminating clutter as well. That's how I wound up with the Esoteric DV-60. Instead of having a dvd player for my HT and a seperate cd player for my audio system, I sold them both and got the DV-60 to fill both needs. The DV-60 was actually less expensive than my cd player alone. Sonically, it is equal, but different. Visually it is much better than my old DVD player.
Fewer power cords, fewer interconnects, one less box.

As for power conditioner, I'm using a PS Audio UOHC for the plasma, and it works great. I do believe you are better off using seperate circuits, if not power conditioners for audio and video. I have the video, digital, and analog each on their own dedicated 20A line. Works great for me.

Happy hunting,

John

I can't help but think that the Panny pro models were geared directly towards Audigoners. I doubt many here would use the cheap amps and speakers built into most commercial offerings.