|
Please Support our Sponsors: |
|
Sony Plasma TV Review
Model: Sony PFM-42B2U Plasma Television
Description: 42-inch HDTV Plasma Display, Widescreen 16:9 Format
Resolution: 1024 x 1024 (WXGA)
Includes: Built-in NTSC tuner and remote
Color: Charcoal gray bezel with black ribbon around plasma screen
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: 10-18-02
Click here for further review pictures showing the front, back, side angle, plasma box and remote control of the Sony PFM42B2U.
INTRODUCTION
The ultimate test of all plasma TV's is how well they show when they are actually tested for video or computer image 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 best way to truly understand how the signal information is received, converted and shown to the naked eye. With plasma display monitors the differences are sometimes much more pronounced than with other types of televisions.Sony has changed a few key elements from previous model 42B1U. First, they have added progressive line doubling techniques to the unit's conversion capabilities. Secondly, they have drastically increased the black levels and contrast. Next, Sony has provided 3:2 pulldown implementation to display original film sources. Lastly, in making these changes to cut some corners they have made the unit more affordable by coming down to a retail price of $5999 and with recent online prices of around $5000. Other than those differences, the models appear the same - weighing 63 pounds, same slim sleek bezel design, same inputs, same remote and menu/functionality.
PICTURE - 94
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 42B2U to be a very sound enjoyable plasma. Sony has really focused on aspects of this new model that drastically improve the black levels and contrast over the previous offerings. The changes are welcome. I was delighted to see the improvement, especially when displaying a lower end signals such as 250 to 480 lines of horizontal resolution from cable, satellite, or VCR. The Sony 42B2U also performed excellent up-conversion work from a 480 interlaced source from DVD. The unit performed amazingly well - displaying deep rich black levels, vibrant color saturation, and bright clear images. This is the work of the new built in progressive scan converter. With this signal of 480i, the unit actually outperformed even my reference standard Panasonic 42". Strangely, when the DVD player was set to 480 progressive scan mode, the Sony plasma TV picture suffered - becoming lighter in the blacks, and displaying less color richness. Recommendation: When using a DVD source - input a regular 480i signal instead of 480 progressive. This will save you a few $$ on your DVD player purchase. Why is this the case? Your guess is as good as mine. The internal scalar converter is conflicting with the incoming progressive signal.
The Sony plasma display TVs have always had excellent color reproduction and vibrancy. Colors on this display were rich and soothing and the brightness level was excellent on this plasma. Sony has corrected the "washed out, faded" image appearance of the 42B1U with the new and improved scan converter. Contrast has been significantly improved as well to an unspecified (by Sony) level. And now there is little to no noticeable false contouring.
This is a very enjoyable plasma display. When watching the anamorphic widescreen version of "Dangerous Liasons" the Sony scaled and converted exceptionally well. Cable and satellite 4:3 image scaling to full screen size is effective but there is some visible stretching. This can be somewhat corrected and compensated for by the vertical and horizontal enlargement features the unit offers.
The factory settings on the Sony PFM 42B2U are close to perfect. While testing the unit with Video Essentials Pluge Patterns, the following are my recommended levels for viewing (depending upon ambient light conditions): Brightness set at -3, Sharpness - Low setting, Contrast - between 65 and 75 depending upon conditions, color settings - normal. There was no noticeable blooming in the whites when peaking out the contrast setting controls, meaning the Sony 42B2U is set up to prevent user error which could drastically decrease the life of the unit with overpowering contrast.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 89
The Sony 42B2U offers four aspect options for viewing: W ZOOM to enlarge a 4:3 image to the 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 display. 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 band 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 (1024X768) format. This unit is one of the best values in the market 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.
One more "other consideration" for this plasma panel is hookup options. The unit has two VGA 15 pin inputs in the input cavity. The top input may be used for DVD component input or high definition input from a decoder box. In the case of a DVD player or some HDTV decoder boxes a special component to VGA cable will need to be applied. The second VGA input is to be used for input from a PC computer source. The Sony 42B2U then contains one s-video for use with a DVD player or satellite box, and one composite input selection for use with cable signals, or VCR. It has just enough inputs to get the job done. Watch your system configuration.
Fan/cooling system noise from the Sony PFM-B2U is audible from 12 feet in a silent room. Even though some may find this distracting initially I did not find the unit noise to be annoying. When this plasma TV is turned on the cooling system ramp up is noticeable. It then becomes quieter - down to a smooth light fan noise.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Memory function saves picture settings for up to twenty input signals
- 1024X1024 high definition native pixel resolution
- 3.5" depth bezel in silver or charcoal
- New progressive scan converter
WEAKNESSES
- No built in amplifiers
- Limited input selection
VALUE RATING - 91
Considering the new price at around $5000 this unit is a good buy. High Definition 1024X1024 panels are more expensive to produce than lower resolution panels. This plasma display is an artistic piece of beauty. 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 - 92 (picture double weighted)
Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.
Further Resources:
- Further review pictures
- Sony PFM42B2U specifications
on Sony Plasma TVs using our recommended reseller finder.
| Sony PFM42B2 Silver Review by Brian Falvey from CA on 11.4.02 |
Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. |
| Sony PFM42 Review by Maury Riad from NY |
Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. |
| Sony PFM42B Review by Angelo Tuscana from Glendale |
Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. |
| Sony 42" Review by Michael Doherty from NY |
Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. |
Return to the plasma TV review index page
|
Plasma TV Buying Guide Home |
