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Sony Plasma Screen Monitor Review

Model: SONY PFM42B1U Plasma TV
By Robert Wiley
Original Review:01-20-2001
Second Update: 08-02-2001
Third Update: 02-30-2002

Description: 42" Plasma Monitor/TV, Widescreen 16:9 Format
Color: Charcoal Black or Silver. Color reviewed silver
Warranty: 1 Year Parts and Labor
Most similar model to compare: Hitachi CMP4120HDU

•    on Sony Plasma TVs using our recommended reseller finder.

INTRODUCTION

The ultimate test of all plasma TV's is how well they show when they are actually tested for video quality. Forget the native pixel resolution, the built in converter/scalar, the sometimes-unrealistic contrast ratio listed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer that wants to sell their product provides the specifications. Comparing TV's of any kind side by side with the same input signal playing the same video material at the same moment is the way to truly understand how the signal information is received, converted and shown to the naked eye. With plasma display monitor the differences are sometimes much more pronounced than with other types of televisions.

Sony has changed a few key elements from previous models 500A3W and 510A2W with the new Sony 42B1U. First, they have decreased the width of the unit to 3.5" in depth while still maintaining a very sturdy bezel/chassis (this has also reduced the weight of the unit to 65 pounds. Secondly, Sony has reduced the number of inputs to some bare minimums. They have taken out all the BNC connections for RGB and Component use and opted for 15 pin VGA-style inputs. Next, the amplifiers were taken out leaving the unit without optional speakers for the sides. Lastly, in making these changes to cut some corners they have made the unit more affordable by coming down to a list price of $7999 and with recent prices of around $5699.

PICTURE - 88

Additional images

• Side image of the Sony showing input jacks
• Back panel of the Sony PFM42B1U
• Front angle of the Sony PFM42B1U vs Panasonic TH-42PWD3

(Note: Color reproduction in the review photographs may be unrealistic)

The image quality from video sources and graphics displayed by computer input are really the primary concerns when considering plasma TV's for purchase. All else falls under "Other Considerations" for this reviewer's purposes. I found the Sony 42B1 to be a very sound enjoyable plasma. Even though it did not give the picture I was hoping for, and desired, it was a close third behind the Panasonic TH42PWD4UY and NEC42MP3.

We tested the unit with a variety of signals, 1080I high definition, 480p progressive scan, 480 interlaced through component to VGA cables, and s-video cables. With the 1080I and 480p signals the Panasonic was clearly superior showing much more contrast and better depth in the black levels. The gray scales were also much sharper in the Panasonic unit. The Sony did a good job with color reproduction. Colors were vibrant and soothing and the brightness level was excellent on this plasma. The descriptions my reviewers gave the unit when compared to the Panasonic with these high end signals were, "washed out, faded, good color." Indeed, it seemed to me to have a sort of light film over the top of the picture. What annoyed me most though was the hazy whitewashed black bands on the top and bottom of the picture when displaying a true 16:9 picture with the banding at top and bottom. The viewer can make adjustments to improve this situation with the brightness and contrast menu settings. I recommend a brightness reduction to -15 to -25 to improve black appearance. Contrast should be increased to 80 to get an optimum setting. Black levels and gray scales are not extremely impressive and there is some false contouring.

Update: 08-02-2001 The black bands top and bottom (when watching a matted 16:9 DVD) can be adjusted out of the picture through the picture settings menu for sizing the picture to the top and bottom of the screen. This operation, however, distorts the image in such a way that I did not find it a desirable way to watch a film

Images seem sharper and cleaner on this flat screen compared to earlier model Sony units. I enjoyed the plasma very much even though I cannot give it the highest picture image quality ratings of the plasma monitors tested. When watching the anamorphic widescreen version of "Dangerous Liasons" I found the picture a bit grainy when using an s-video cable. It was noticeably better in progressive scan 480p mode. When displaying in LBZOOM mode, which I found to be the desirable way to watch true 16:9 format picture signals, I thought the plasma showed more pixelation and graininess. An outboard video scalar may help the unit in this area and also give it smoother gray transitions.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 88

The Sony 42B1U offers four aspect options for viewing: W ZOOM to enlarge a 4:3 image to a 16:9 screen as naturally as possible; LB ZOOM (letterbox zoom) to enlarge images in various aspect ratios to fit proportionally to the left and right sides of the screen; 4X3 to display standard 4:3; and 16X9 to display standard 16:9 widescreen image. For inputs the unit has an s-video, composite video, audio input, and two VGA type 15 pin inputs, a weak input selection compared to other plasma TV's.

The remote commander (Sony's word) was one of the best I used with special controls for contrast, brightness, and all of the input options listed separately. The look of the unit is stunning. Sony has engineered some looks into this plasma monitor. It is razor thin around the edges (maybe an inch) and slopes down the back and sides to make it look even thinner. I liked the brushed silver best without the picture showing on it. It is a piece of artwork in and of itself. Once the image is on the screen however I find that the silver detracts slightly from my viewing pleasure even though it does have a nice black border between the bezel and the screen. The control buttons are seen on the lower right hand corner of the monitor in an attractive diagonal manner. I measure the depth at 3.5" rather than the 3.25" Sony lists. Unless my tape measure is wrong, Sony is listing the plasma TV at this depth to try and claim "thinnest" plasma TV among the major manufacturers

Using a computer input to the Sony units' 15pin VGA input is a pleasure, especially in XGA format. This unit is the best value in the market without doubt for XGA presentation. The fixed pixel structure of 1024X1024 matches up extremely well with 1024X768 computer resolution. Text images, through such software as PowerPoint, display very nicely as do graphics and video games.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Built in scan converter
• Memory function saves picture settings for up to twenty input signals
• 1024X1024 native pixel resolution (no big added advantage over other models when used for video/TV use)
• 3.5" depth bezel in silver or charcoal
• ALIS Technology (to prevent phosphor burnout)

WEAKNESSES

• No built in amplifiers
• "Hazy" effect with black bands and picture
• Weak input selection

VALUE RATING - 91

Considering the new price at around $5999.00 this unit is a good buy. It may not be the best buy due to its shortcomings with input selection, some haziness in the image, and no speaker amplifiers but it is a solid buy nonetheless. It looks like something that would cost thousands of dollars. If a person new nothing about plasma TV's at all, and walked into a house with the brushed silver version sitting on a table stand they might guess that it costs double its price. It just looks like something that would cost thousands. And indeed it does.

OVERALL RATING - 89

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