Hi friends,
Based on a study and demoing over two weeks, we finalised the 42ST50 for us. This thread helped me a great deal in this decision making. Thanks to you all. The options I considered included Sony HX850 and Panasonic ET50 (both LED-LCDs). Before I saw the Neoplasma, I had ruled out Plasma TV as my living room is sufficiently lighted during the day. But the Neoplasma of ST50 changed my mind. Of course there was no comparison between the natural image of the plasma with the concocted image of the LCDs.
The TV is not available ex-stock (only the display piece), so shall have to wait for 10-12 days as the shipment of new lot is at the docks, as per the dealer.
Indeed this is a great TV. I too had evaluated the Sony HX850. I found it near/at par with ST50. But as I posted earlier, the 50ST50 with free HT at 105K vs. 46HX850 solo at 119k (119,500 to be precise) was clear differentiationg factor. I sold off the HT and procured the BDP instead and in effect the TV costed me 96K. Leaving aside PQ and other factors (which to me was same on both sets), 4" extra area at 23K less was something hard to ignore.
Meanwhile I have the following questions, the answers to which may help me install and enjoy this TV better:
1. What is preferable - wall mount or TV stand? My viewing would be done from a sofa. If I keep the stand on a AV furniture stand, I guess the center of the TV might be around my eye level, or slightly lower. But I am worried about it toppling down if someone/thing hits against it. The wall mount could be adjusted to a height so that the eye level is matched with the 1/3rd of the screen from bottom (prescribed height for viewing as per many articles). But is this TV (around 20+ kg) safe enough to mount on a wall?
The TV stand is very rugged and steady but wall mount is better because it is permanent and much more steady. That said, the TV will not fall off that easily from desktop stand. I tested it. It takes a lot of force to tip it over. It is your call. Wall mount supports my 50" much heavier TV. But the wall behind must be a cement wall and not wooden.
When installing, be it desk or wall, ensure that the eye level is to the horizaontal center of TV max. It can be lower but having the center horizontal above eye level means that you will have to look up and may(?) cause neck cramps
2. How do you route the AV cables in both the cases (stand and mount). What are the best options available that are functional and aesthetic? Any links to the purchasing sites would help.
HDMI cables are the best and these alone should be used to enjoy HD. Component cables are the next best bet. Composite cable will yield the worst quality. TV does not come with any AV cable. If you have HD STB like TataSKy, an HDMI cable would be included. If not, you can buy HDMI cables from local stores or eBay. Do not overspend. A Rs. 250/- 1.5m HDMI cable is good enough.
3. I realise during the first 100 hours I need to take the following care: Not let an image freeze for long; Use full screen without any black-bars; Constantly changing channels; and Keep contrast and brightness low (say 30%). I am ready to do these even if I would need to wait this period before I can enjoy the picture of the TV. Are there any other precautions I need to follow during this period? Also, since I use the incablenet, their logo appears (in dim) on every channel... I am worried if this may cause a problem?
Make that 200 hours. Do the following:
- set contrast to 35 and brightness to -10
- use appropriate zoom mode to dislodge the channel and DTH logos off the screen
- do not watch the same channel for too long; use the ad-breaks effectively to surf
- avoid news channels for too long (more than 30 mins - anyway most news channels are crap)
- run break-in slides every day for 1 hour
4. What are the best options available to view HD films (both Indian and English... especially classics) online? Either paid/free. Can you please point me to a few sites that have good content accessible from India? Also, would I need a broadband speed higher than my current 1mbps? DVDs is always an option, I'd also search for a library nearby.
Sorry. Don't know of any. Others may contribute. I buy blu-ray's and that is the best for me. For online streaming, you will need a broadband with minimum 4 mbps speed unlimited usage and no FUP. Best way is to rent DVDs and BDs.
5. Any particular soundbar you'd suggest that is good and goes well with the looks and size of this panel? I haven't yet set up my music system, but it would consist of 2.1 speakers, mainly for music. I am not into the HT effect.
Most soundbars are expensive at 25K+. For ordinary TV viewing, soundbar is not required. Only when watching movies, you may feel the need.
6. Any other suggestions you deem important to follow.
Thanks & Happy Diwali.
Just take good care of the TV. Use dim light surrounding to watch. Happy Diwali to you too.
