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[radioheadrule83]

My dad got a letter in the post from a company offering to take his 42" plasma off his hands, and give him a new one if he subscribes to their coverplan for £19.99 a month (18 months = £359.82)... the page with the offer is http://www.totalcaresupport.com/offer/offer.html

Ignore the price / delivery charge, because this particular variation on the offer involves us giving them our old TV (I assume they repurpose parts or something). In any case, I don't like what I'm reading. The page has a few typos, and I'm unsure of the spec -- which is what I want you guys to help with.

The spec is available in a more readable format here - http://homecinema.timecomputers.com/tv_specification/omega/18064/37104/

We already have a 5 year old 42" plasma TV... which is also a third party manufactured TV using a Samsung panel. I don't have a clue what the contrast ratio is, so is 10,000:1 any good? Also this is one of those TVs they're advertising as HD ready that only goes upto 1080i / 720p. And the native resolution... is it me or are they deliberately setting out to contradict themselves and confuse people?

Specification
Screen Type - 42" XGA Samsung Plasma, HD READY with HDMI
Dimensions / Weight - 105cm x 64cm x 8.5cm External (without stand & speakers); 30KG
TV Tuner - Built-in with 99 channels and 42 Key Remote Controls
On Screen Display - Graphical OSD; 10,000:1 Contrast; 1500 cd/m2 Brightness
Viewing Aspects - 16:9 Widescreen; 1.85:1, 2.35:1 and Picture in Picture
Desktop Stand - Includes desktop stand for table top installation
Wall Mountable - Wall mount bracket Included
Speakers - Detachable Stereo Speakers with Ni-Cam Stereo
Pixel Resolution - VXGA 1024 x 768 with 3072x768 Display Cells; 1080i/720p HD Ready
Connectivity - HDMI, Component, SCART, Analogue A/V, PC, SKY HD Box Ready

HD TV Compatible
-HDCP (High Definition Content Protocol)
-HDMI . High Definition Multimedia Interface (DVI compatible) digital video and audio input
-1080i / 720p HD signal compatible
-852 X 480 pixel resolution

I don't want my dad to get screwed here. He's already paid but I know theres a 14 day cooling period and I want him to get his money back if the TV is a shit deal.

For an idea of UK Plasma / LCD prices check http://www.play.com

Also my dad thinks the size of the thing is pretty important, but I'm trying to put the argument across that a better picture / lifespan is the more important thing. Any help is of course appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dark10x]

The specs are somewhat confusing. The two bits that you highlighted are what I'm speaking of. It seems to me, however, that it really is a 852 X 480 plasma. If that is indeed the case, I would not recommend it. The fact that it is some random off-brand is another reason I wouldn't consider it.

What are you currently using (model number)? If your current plasma is 5 years old, perhaps it might be worth considering. Plasma technology has improved greatly over the years. A 5 year old plasma is going to produce terrible results next to modern displays.

 

[lil smoke]

My other hangout, AVS forums, is a great resource for these types of issues. You'll find more info than you need on any particular set, and from people who know what they're talking about.

 

[radioheadrule83]

I'm pretty sure our old plasma TV's native resolution is 856x480... which is probably why the Wii doesn't look terrible on it. Its been a sturdy TV thats served us well, but I don't wanna see my dad shell out money for much the same thing.

I've made a similar post at AVS forums now, cheers!