To All MCE users with a 42" Plasma

[biznus97]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a livingroom set and would like to go with a plasma. Due to the size of my area I would really like to go with a 42" Plasma. I was wondering if there are any MCE users out there using a 42" Plasma. Any good models to recommend? I am thinking of going with an HD plasma since they are easier to find. I have heard that the non-square pixels can be an issue but I am wondering how things look from a viewing position....say 8-10 feet. I have heard that some may be feeding the sets a widescreen resolution like 1360x768 and then let the tv scale it down. I realize I wouldn't want to do any extensive windows activities (websurfing, etc.) But I would like to get by w/out having to use an additional monitor to upload music or do minor folder tweaks. Really would like to hear about some personal experiences. I am most concerned with HDTV and DVD playback. I am hoping to avoid additional letterboxing if I can feed the set a 16:9 resolution that looks ok. Thanks!

[GoHerdIBG]

I am using an HP Z555 on a Sony 42" XBR Plasma connected via DVI.

I also have a Z545 connected to a 60" Sony LCD-RP and an HP 7357c connected to a 32" Sony XBR LCD. The plasma setup is by far the best looking MCE I have. It more than likely has to do with the fact that the plasma also is better at just about everything else - in my setups.

I did have to go with the high-end Z555 with a decent graphics card since the Sony plasma is not really computer friendly. I did have to use the video drivers to do a little over/under scanning to get it to look right. On the other hand, when I hooked the 7357c up to the LCD (which has a 15pin PC input) I had to make NO adjustments.

[3rob3]

I run a 1024x768 Vizio 42" plasma and love it. I just feed it a 1280x720p signal, then use undercan to get it to fit.

[JAHarris]

Hi,

42" panny plasma (native 1024 x 768 recatangular pixels) using evga 6600gt, nvidia drivers and component. Just select "720p" in the driver control panel and then size to fit your screen (driver will basically build you a custom resolution). Very easy setup (<5 min) and looks fantastic.

HTH

J

[launche]

I run MCE with my 42" Panny ED WD8UK and love it, it the best thing for me since the MP3 player. I surf and watch TV/movies about 50/50, switching back and forth on the fly and I can't imagine going back to a seperate TV and PC setup. This is much more effecient, I save so much time it's not funny. I see something on the TV, I switch over to the web to look it up, switch back...it's wonderful. if you are not living like this then you are in the dark ages. I have music stored on the PC played through the main system, it's Command Central. Run don't walk to get this type on intergration.

[jspirate]

[QUOTE=launche]Run don't walk to get this type on intergration.[/QUOTE]

Haha, I am not there yet, but I already feel the need to run!

[biznus97]

Awesome Guys! Thanks a lot for the feedback. I thought I'd be ok but just wanted to hear some success stories. I love the look at plasma but just wanted to make sure it would work ok on a 42" (ED or HD)

[Esben]

Works great here om ED 42" Panasonic. Resolution is a non-issue with MCE.

[nathanjbrown]

I own one of the older Philips plasma televisions/e-box that has a bizarre native resolution of 1024x1024! :)

I run my MCE2005 HTPC in via VGA (as the plasma doesn't have DVI/HDMI) at a resolution of 1280x768 and let the e-box scale it. Text is a bit foggy, but the picture quality is fantastic when watching HDTV or DVDs. I love it!

Don't tell my wife, but I'm anxiously awaiting the day that my beloved plasma breaks...So that I can upgrade to a forthcoming 1920x1080P LCD. :)

Nathan