[DEAD] LG 42PX4RV 42" EDTV Plasma Compusmart, possible PM with FS 10000:1 Contrast

[yoshi838]

Compusmart Link: ($2799.99) ($1699 price has been fixed)
http://www.compusmart.com/Product/Default.aspx?SupplierPartNo=145026

FS Link: ($2299.99 in store, $2499 web price)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010067144&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/large/10067144.jpg

Watch that in Compusmart website, the model number is RU-42PX4RV vs FS 42PX40RVC. RU 42PX4RV is the model shown in LG Electronics website (http://www.lge.com/prodmodeldetail.do?actType=search&page=2&modelCategoryId=0101&categoryId=0101&parentId=01&modelCodeDisplay=42PX4RV&contentsTypeFlag=C&model=NOTHING&quality_spec_id=&quality_spec_value=&pagePerNum=6).

FS staff may give you a hard time doing a PM because they are known to do this! They change the part number slightly so to avoid PM but that's not true. I compared the specs and they are identical.

480i/480p 540p/960i 720p/1080i Capability 480i/480p, 720p/1080i
Built-In Protective Screen Shield Yes
Center Channel Input No
Channel Labeling Yes
Comb Filter 3D Y/C
Commercial Skip No
Component Video Inputs 2 Component, 1 HDMI
Digital Focus Info Not Available
Display Type Plasma
Dolby Digital Surround Sound No
Fine Pitch Screen Yes
First Surface Mirror No
Front A/V Inputs/Outputs Info Not Available
Front S-Video Inputs/Outputs Info Not Available
HDTV Compatible Yes
Invar Shadow Mask No
Language Options See The Features Section
Lenticular Screen No
Multi Sync Multi Source Info Not Available
Parental Control Yes
Picture-In-Picture 3POP, Split Zoom
Product Dimensions 125.22(W) x 65.20(H) x 10.16(D) cm
Product Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labour
Product Weight 31.89 kg
Progressive Scanning Yes
Rear A/V Inputs/Outputs 1 Side/1 Rear
Rear S-Video Inputs/Outputs 1
Remote Control Type Illuminated Universal
Sound Logic Audio Leveler EZ SoundRite
Speed Channel Surf Yes
Surround Sound SRS TruSurround XT
Upconversion Technology XD Engine
Variable Audio Output 1
VGA/SVGA Inputs 1
Watts Per Channel 15 Watts x 2
Wide Band Video Amplifier Yes

[Hypherion]

Tried to PM at Future Shop but they claim the Compusmart one is last year's model. The photos do look a little different if you look closely at the frame, stand and logo location.

[yoshi838]

You should have asked the FS sales to check online: Where is the model FS carry on LG Electronics website? How come the model numbers don't match?

Also tell them: There was no 10000:1 contrast ratio last year. How do you explain that?

I hate all these FS idiots.

[gizmo8]

can anyone comfirm this deal at Compusmart?..is FS price matching +discount?...

[Hypherion]

I have confirmed with Compusmart that they have it in store in stock also. I do not think FS price matching will be easy as they are in fact different models (owner's manual says 42PX4RV/42PX4RVC so the extra C is not a fabrication of Future Shop.)

[yoshi838]

But does the C part only affects the color of the unit? Comparing the 2 models, the specs are 100% identical... Which store did you try?

[Hypherion]

I am not sure what the C part stands for, could just be a different color or stand. I went to the Future Shop on United Blvd in Coquitlam BC.

I'm going to check this out at the Compusmart in downtown Vancouver today. The salesman there which I called told me that the price in store is actually $1900, even cheaper :-0

[chitae]

Don't forget the free stand http://ca.lge.com/en/promos/pdf/FreeStandPromo_EN.pdf

[yoshi838]

Don't forget the free stand http://ca.lge.com/en/promos/pdf/FreeStandPromo_EN.pdf
Would be hot if this is still valid. It expired Dec 31... :(

[alexkidd]

If this is an EDTV why would any of you want it? Doesnt EDTV only do 480p and not HD?

[faibs]

If this is an EDTV why would any of you want it? Doesnt EDTV only do 480p and not HD?
exactly, why shell out 2000 on an EDTV, thats totally beyond me

[yoshi838]

I thought EDTV is 720p? 480i is SDTV?
HDTV is 1080p right?

For under $1999, this is usually the price range of some not-so-famous brand. With LG quality, and this 10000:1, I think it is hard to beat.

**EDIT**
You are correct. EDTV = 480P, but still forums says 480P is a HUGE leap forward from SDTV...

[Hypherion]

Without turning this into a debate..
It's HDTV ready as most EDTV plasmas. Here in Vancouver we have 10 HD channels with possibly 5-10 more to be added this year. The extra $1000 for built in HDTV is not worth it IMHO, considering that analog channels and DVD movies look better on an EDTV than on HDTV because there is less conversion needed.
My only concern is how good are LG plasmas?

[fl4wless]

Without turning this into a debate..
It's HDTV ready as most EDTV plasmas. Here in Vancouver we have 10 HD channels with possibly 5-10 more to be added this year. The extra $1000 for built in HDTV is not worth it IMHO, considering that analog channels and DVD movies look better on an EDTV than on HDTV because there is less conversion needed.
My only concern is how good are LG plasmas?



how is EDTV HD ready? Im confused,i thought EDTV was 480p

Its basically meant to watch dvd movies.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/video_signals.htm

[faibs]

how is EDTV HD ready? Im confused,i thought EDTV was 480p

Its basically meant to watch dvd movies.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/video_signals.htm
u r right

[chitae]

Would be hot if this is still valid. It expired Dec 31... :(

ur right...didn't see that

[Hypherion]

Sorry, I meant HDTV compatible, not HD ready. I guess there is a difference. It can display HDTV signal at a quality higher than regular signal, but just *not as good* as an HDTV device.
I have looked a lot at these in store displays and did some research over the past couple of months: the difference in quality between EDTV and HDTV plasmas, when looking at them at a distance that you would normally look in your living room, is not really noticeable. Of course, there are bigger differences if you compare a Panasonic HDTV and a Prima EDTV, but across the same brand for example I did not see something that warranted at least $1000 more. And, as I mentioned, *only* with HD signal.
I have also found that regular TV looks a little better on EDTV than HDTV. When most channels in Canada will be HDTV and the new DVD format (HD-DVD/BluRay) that outputs HD will be popular, the prices for HDTV will also be cheaper.

[canadiantofu]

why would this not be consider HDTV if it can do 480i/480p, 720p/1080i?

[Hypherion]

I think because only one of those is the *native* resolution. The rest have to be converted.

[bandit373]

why would this not be consider HDTV if it can do 480i/480p, 720p/1080i?

Fixed pixel displays have to scale anything above or below it's native resolution.... some do this better than others. So in the case of EDTV (native 480p or 852x480) it has to rescale or downconvert all the higher HDTV rez's 720p/1080i.

[WalnutCrunch]

The extra $1000 for built in HDTV is not worth it IMHO, considering that analog channels and DVD movies look better on an EDTV than on HDTV because there is less conversion needed.

Just because DVDs and SD programming look fine on an EDTV, it doesn't mean one should buy one for $2000 right now. If that is all you're going to watch anyway, why not wait a year or two to buy a bigger and better HDTV for $2000. DVDs and SD TV programs are on their way out and there is already plenty of HD content on TV with more to come (there are over 20 HD channels on Bell); I would not want to be stuck with an EDTV in 2-3 years.

A 720p HDTV screen has more than twice as many pixels as an EDTV, and a 1080p one has twice more than that. I do not buy into the idea that you can't tell the difference at "normal" distances. If you have a good HDTV source (a nature show on Discovery HD, for instance), I'm almost certain someone with below-average visual acuity can tell the difference.

[faibs]

Just because DVDs and SD programming look fine on an EDTV, it doesn't mean one should buy one for $2000 right now. If that is all you're going to watch anyway, why not wait a year or two to buy a bigger and better HDTV for $2000. DVDs and SD TV programs are on their way out and there is already plenty of HD content on TV with more to come (there are over 20 HD channels on Bell); I would not want to be stuck with an EDTV in 2-3 years.

A 720p HDTV screen has more than twice as many pixels as an EDTV, and a 1080p one has twice more than that. I do not buy into the idea that you can't tell the difference at "normal" distances. If you have a good HDTV source (a nature show on Discovery HD, for instance), I'm almost certain someone with below-average visual acuity can tell the difference.
Discovery and PBS have some sick shows with great PQ

[Hypherion]

Just because DVDs and SD programming look fine on an EDTV, it doesn't mean one should buy one for $2000 right now. If that is all you're going to watch anyway, why not wait a year or two to buy a bigger and better HDTV for $2000. DVDs and SD TV programs are on their way out and there is already plenty of HD content on TV with more to come (there are over 20 HD channels on Bell); I would not want to be stuck with an EDTV in 2-3 years.

A 720p HDTV screen has more than twice as many pixels as an EDTV, and a 1080p one has twice more than that. I do not buy into the idea that you can't tell the difference at "normal" distances. If you have a good HDTV source (a nature show on Discovery HD, for instance), I'm almost certain someone with below-average visual acuity can tell the difference.

I'm only saying that, right now, this is a good deal. $1900-2000 for a good quality EDTV is cheap.
You could have the same argument with computers for example. I would not want to be stuck with my current PC in two years. But I am still not going to buy a computer with a 128 bit CPU (or whatever the next step is) when only a very small subset of software can use it now while the other 32/64 bit applications actually run slower.
The truth is, if you really want to get a great HDTV with features that will still be "high tech" in two years, you are looking at $4000 minimum. In two years, the same TV will probably be $2000. So, like computers, right now I buy the TV that can best display my favorite channels and DVD movies and in two years I upgrade and put the old TV in the bedroom or somewhere else. It's a never-ending cycle.

[GP_RZ]

I agree.......I am thinking on picking this up...reviews seem to be good and LG has a 2year parts and laour warranty, where as some other brands only come with 1 year......I thing LG makes some good plasmas!




I'm only saying that, right now, this is a good deal. $1900-2000 for a good quality EDTV is cheap.
You could have the same argument with computers for example. I would not want to be stuck with my current PC in two years. But I am still not going to buy a computer with a 128 bit CPU (or whatever the next step is) when only a very small subset of software can use it now while the other 32/64 bit applications actually run slower.
The truth is, if you really want to get a great HDTV with features that will still be "high tech" in two years, you are looking at $4000 minimum. In two years, the same TV will probably be $2000. So, like computers, right now I buy the TV that can best display my favorite channels and DVD movies and in two years I upgrade and put the old TV in the bedroom or somewhere else. It's a never-ending cycle.

[Cisco KId]

Without turning this into a debate..
It's HDTV ready as most EDTV plasmas. Here in Vancouver we have 10 HD channels with possibly 5-10 more to be added this year. The extra $1000 for built in HDTV is not worth it IMHO, considering that analog channels and DVD movies look better on an EDTV than on HDTV because there is less conversion needed.
My only concern is how good are LG plasmas?


Finally someone has said something intelligent.

I would rather have a good quality EDTV over a cheap HDTV set such as an Insignia which I actually bought via a PM to FS from BB and got it out the door for 1640 tax in onl;y to return it cause overall it could not match my Daytek 4202 EDTV. The HD pic was slightly better but it could only do 960i. The Daytek takes the 1080 or 720 HD signal and downconverts it to the max res of the ED panel. Still the pic quality and definition is fantastic and I paid $1850 tax in.

This LG set is decent and to boot you get the extra year. Pay for it on a visa/amex or MC that offers to double warranty and you are good to go. Actually the previous version to this set is pretty much identical to the Daytek 4202 , specs and appearance, too boot the Daytek has all LG stickers on its components when viewed through back panel.

Personally I would say go and look at the Daytek 4202 at costco, I think it will easily be as good as the LG but offers a better return policy. It will also be less as well.

[yoshi838]

WOW, another price update. Compusmart lowered their price to $1699.99, PM will give $1609.99.

I cannot verify this price yet cause FS website is down for now.

[bb]

I'm only saying that, right now, this is a good deal. $1900-2000 for a good quality EDTV is cheap.
You could have the same argument with computers for example. I would not want to be stuck with my current PC in two years. But I am still not going to buy a computer with a 128 bit CPU (or whatever the next step is) when only a very small subset of software can use it now while the other 32/64 bit applications actually run slower.
The truth is, if you really want to get a great HDTV with features that will still be "high tech" in two years, you are looking at $4000 minimum. In two years, the same TV will probably be $2000. So, like computers, right now I buy the TV that can best display my favorite channels and DVD movies and in two years I upgrade and put the old TV in the bedroom or somewhere else. It's a never-ending cycle.
this is exactly the reason why I purchased my Norcent EDTV (plus just found that it uses a Samsung panel!). The scenario is that since TV prices are dropping as quickly as computer/CPU prices, you *MUST* only purchase what you *need* at this point in time (and for a year or two down the road). Future proofing TVs at this point would be a waste of money. You could do this a few years ago (ie. buy more than what you need), but this is not so anymore.

[Smoothie]

Compusmart link shows $1999 after rebate, expires jan 31. Am I missing something here?

[tobatoba]

same here i see it as 1999.99 after the 800.00 saving ?!?!?
anyone got a printout or a scan of till recp. we can use ?
I was going to go pick one up tonite.

[Stephen C.]

ummmm ........ hmmmmm. I was at work and it said $1699 (about 2 and a half hours ago). That's a fact. Link is now saying $1999 for me too.

Strange .......

[ichpen]

this is exactly the reason why I purchased my Norcent EDTV (plus just found that it uses a Samsung panel!). The scenario is that since TV prices are dropping as quickly as computer/CPU prices, you *MUST* only purchase what you *need* at this point in time (and for a year or two down the road). Future proofing TVs at this point would be a waste of money. You could do this a few years ago (ie. buy more than what you need), but this is not so anymore.

Don't exactly agree. Don't compare TVs with PCs. Most persons of a sane nature don't switch TVs every year or two. It takes a much longer period of time to push through a new technology. Have a look at HDTVs lifetime, technology has been around for over 6 years if not more but only recently are we witnessing a boom in content and manufacturers offering it.

Personally I would not touch an EDTV unless it was in the $500 range and came with a $200 gift card from Futureshop. SDTV is on its way out. Yes it will take many years to phase it out (ala analog) but you will not be able to enjoy HDTV content which will grow rapidly and you will be forced to upgrade in the near future as opposed to in 4-5 years time.

[Donkey_boy]

Horse Phooy! :confused:




Don't exactly agree. Don't compare TVs with PCs. Most persons of a sane nature don't switch TVs every year or two. It takes a much longer period of time to push through a new technology. Have a look at HDTVs lifetime, technology has been around for over 6 years if not more but only recently are we witnessing a boom in content and manufacturers offering it.

Personally I would not touch an EDTV unless it was in the $500 range and came with a $200 gift card from Futureshop. SDTV is on its way out. Yes it will take many years to phase it out (ala analog) but you will not be able to enjoy HDTV content which will grow rapidly and you will be forced to upgrade in the near future as opposed to in 4-5 years time.

[vapourit]

Don't exactly agree. Don't compare TVs with PCs. Most persons of a sane nature don't switch TVs every year or two. It takes a much longer period of time to push through a new technology. Have a look at HDTVs lifetime, technology has been around for over 6 years if not more but only recently are we witnessing a boom in content and manufacturers offering it.

Personally I would not touch an EDTV unless it was in the $500 range and came with a $200 gift card from Futureshop. SDTV is on its way out. Yes it will take many years to phase it out (ala analog) but you will not be able to enjoy HDTV content which will grow rapidly and you will be forced to upgrade in the near future as opposed to in 4-5 years time.

You obviously haven't seen a panasonic EDTV then. Native resolution is actually not the most important factor in picture quality. It's actually fourth or fifth.

[babs00]

WOW, another price update. Compusmart lowered their price to $1699.99, PM will give $1609.99.

I cannot verify this price yet cause FS website is down for now.


ok is it beers on my head or anyone else can see the price is $1999 and not $1699 at compusmart website

[guppy98]

So...you guys aren't smoking crack. Here's my story. I'd seen this LG at the 1699 price this morning so at lunch I went to the local Compusmart in Ottawa to see if they had one. They had one on display right next to the HD version and it looked very good. They did have a $1999 price in the store though so I checked with the chap if they would honor the web price and he said yep. So I went back to work and around 3pm I printed off the web page just in case.

Around 6pm, I was back at the store with my dad's Durango...spoke to the same guy and he said, sure no problem, he has 1 left. Hoorah. We start on the 'paperwork' but he has to go and show my printout to the manager since the price is different. He's gone for 5 mins or so and then comes back that the web page was wrong, it's been fixed now and they can't honour the price. I was FURIOUS....mainly because it took nearly an hour to get to the store in rush hour traffic and it's taken me AGES to convince the wife that we need a 42" plasma :)

Given I was in earlier in the day, you'd think they'd honour the price but no go. SUPER frustrating. I then stopped at FS and also Audiotronic. Audiotronic had none in stock (their "Special" price was $2498) but the chap did tell me they sold them for $1500 on boxing day. FS had some in stock but the price was $2400 and the case looked different and the model number was VERY slightly different.

To say I was annoyed is an understatement. The air in the truck was BLUE on the way home. Grrr.

[Smoothie]

I got one at Audiotronic on xmas eve for 1499. I think its a great set, I'm no huge audiophile and the set looks great! I should have bought another one for my basement.

[Cisco KId]

save yourself the grief and hassle and have a much better return policy, Go to Costco and grab the Daytek 4202 if you want the same set with some very minor cosmetic differences, but overall the same/similar specs as well as picture quality imho. The 4202 is based on on the previous LG ED set with DcDi and 2x component and blah blah

At least this way in a 12-24mths when HD sets are much lower you can get a full refund to upgrade. DUH

[guppy98]

I'd looked at the Daytek. I don't think it has HDMI though does it? The other thing I liked about the LG is it has a 2 year IN HOME warranty. That is great,.

[guppy98]

Well, a new twist to this thread. After my disapointment with the pricing debacle (read my post above), I wrote a letter of complaint to Compusmart explaining my story. Result: I now have a new TV in my house at the web advertised price of $1699. Compusmart management "did the right thing" and honoured their advertised price! HOORAH! I am VERY pleased with the set..and now I understand the EDTV/HDTV debates that always get spawned...there really isn't too much differrence at 10' from what I can tell so far.

So, a kudos to Compusmart for coming though and actually reminding me that there is such a thing as service in the world!

[yoshi838]

I was at FutureShop yesterday and realize they have lowered the price to $2299.99 so the 1939.99 PM price will not longer be valid.

guppy98: Congras on scoring the TV for $1699. That's the price of a no-name TV...!!