Sony's M-series KE-42M1 42-inch plasma WEGA EDTV monitor offers more screen for the buck than just about any plasma TV out there. The flat-panel set packs a re-engineered panel driver (which heightens the contrast range and picture depth), Sony's Direct Digital II Circuitry, Digital Reality Creation picture-enhancing circuitry, and stereo speakers powered by 10 watts per channel.
With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, typically, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--the KE-42M1 is a mere 4.33 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting. Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems. You do have to be on guard against image burn-in, however.
Direct Digital Circuitry II optimizes incoming video signals to minimize video artifacts for cleaner signal processing, while Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction circuitry bit maps any NTSC source (DVD, VHS, DBS, Cable, etc.), creating a picture that rivals high definition resolution.
Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p and 720p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.
The KE-42M1 also employs CineMotion Reverse 3-2 PullDown technology (often called 3:2 pulldown), a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movies in their native 24-frame format. Digital video mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.
Connections include 1 component-video input, 3 composite- and 2 S-video inputs (1 each on the front panel for ready connection to a camcorder or gaming console), and an RF coaxial inputs for hookup with an older VCR, cable box, or antenna. In addition, the set features an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) input with HDCP (High Definition Multimedia Interface with High Definition Copy Protection), for a direct digital connection with an HD source like a DTV set-top box, supporting both uncompressed high definition video and multi-channel digital audio through a single cable. A headphone jack affords private listening.
The set comes with a built-in NTSC tuner, a tabletop stand for placement flexibility, and a sleek, bottom speaker design to compliment any home theater system. Sony's Center Speaker In function lets you use the TV's built-in speakers as a center-channel speaker when the set is connected a multi-channel audio/video receiver.
What's in the Box
TV, remote control (RMY-1003), remote batteries (2 AA), a 75-ohm RF coaxial cable, clamp screws, a cleaning cloth, an AC power cord, plug holder for AC power cord, a user's manual, a quick-setup guide, and warranty information.
Sony's new 42" Plasma WEGA Television will change the way you view television. The KE-42M1 offers the all-in-one convenience of a built-in NTSC tuner, a tabletop stand for placement flexibility and a sleek, bottom speaker design that will compliment any home theater system. This flat panel TV has several step-up features, including a re-engineered panel driver, Direct Digital Circuitry II, Digital Reality Creation picture enhancing circuitry, an HDMI connection and an SRS TruSurround audio system, all adding up to an outstanding flat panel home theater experience. The KE-42M1 raises the bar in entry level flat panel TVs.
1 Image is great, annoying hiss/noise very aggravating
We have three SONY televisions in our home and one digital camera. This is the only SONY dud we have ever encountered. Shortly after purchase it began to hiss and whir and whine. TV is in the living room and we can hear that incessant noise in the kitchen. Using the home theater with surround sound cranked up barely masks the noise.
We purchased a three year service contract through Circuit City. Tech came out and claimed this model is known for fan noise and that we MUST LIVE WITH IT.
When I hear the noise this beautiful and expensive plasma unit makes I get sick to my stomach. I will never be foolish with my money again. Have learned some valuable lessons here.
2 Good even with regular cable
If you have a HD signal, or even component DVD signal, just about any plasma or DLP or other digital-based tv will look great. But with regular cable channels, quality depends more on the signal processing chip in the tv. That chip converts the regular picture to the definition displayed by the tv. Sony has a really good signal processing chip, better than the Samsung or most others. Also, as this tv is Extended definition rather than high defintion, there is less interpolation for the chip to do.
So you will get a better picture with this tv off regular cable than just about any high def tv. The native resolution of this tv also matches dvd's. If you watch mostly high def channels, all seven or eight of them, then get a high def tv. If you watch mostly the 100s of regular cable channels, the tv will give you a better picture, which is why consumer reports rated its picture better than most HD sets. If you watch high def, this tv will give you a great picture too.
Just sit back more than about six feet from this tv, as it's large.
3 Consider purchasing a different model.
After owning this unit for just over one month it developed an annoying hiss.
Sony's repair service initially diagnosed the problem as a faulty video board. A new video board was installed but proved defective.
The repair service man plans to return to put in another video board, but they are no longer sure that this will solve the problem. The repair service gentleman's second guess is that the annoying sound may be coming from two internal fans, in which case they say that we'll just have to live with the problem.
Beware of this unit. The hiss that we hear can be heard from two rooms away and is a constant reminder that we purchased an inferior product.
p.s.
In case you think that we are bashing Sony, think again. In the past we have enjoyed many of Sony's products. While we may purchase other Sony products in the future, we recommend that others stay away from this particular unit.
4 Simply The Best
I bought this TV after much research. It cost only slightly more than a 42" Sony rear-projection HD LCD model, and there's just no comparison in overall picture quality. Even though this TV is technically an EDTV model, with an HD signal input all you will say is WOW. Check out Consumer Reports recent review; they say this TV, when viewed at 8-10 feet, has a picture as good as any HD model they reviewed. That's saying a lot, and it's true. For the money, there is no better deal going.
5 Be careful with this one
I purchased this TV in September 2004. After less than three months, I started having problems with roaming patches of different colored pixels on the screen. Sony is unable to fix the unit (It's been in their repair faciilty since early January!) and wants to replace the unit with a refurbished unit (history and age unknown) without extending the warranty. They say that's all they are required to do. For the price of this unit, the least they could do is replace the faulty unit with a new one.
You pay a premium for the Sony name because you expect to get a superior product and customer service. I've been highly disappointed with both.
6 WONDERFUL
I have a high def box from Cablevision. There are several HD stations, and the picture quality is remarkable. There are channels that are not as good, but on the average, I am quite satisfied. Sometimes there is a bit of "off" skin tones, but I believe that this is the nature of Plazma. You can change the screens from normal to zoom to *wide zoom (*which is where it seems the best picture). and the picture on "pro" looks the best. No picture in picture, if that's important to you. For the price, it is a good value. The sound is great. I have a hearing problem and have added Sennheiser R-120 wireless headphones which pick up every sound, precisely! I would definitely purchase this TV again!
7 Great Performance TV
I got this 2 days back. By this I moved from 29" to 42" - what a jump - life looks pretty cool now!!!
This TV is just great. Picture resolution is good. Easier to hook. Little heavier than I thought. My wife had to give me a hand and she struggled too. Easier to install.
Pros:
1. Very slim.
2. Various view modes
3. Can use TV speaker as Center speaker for the receiver - GREAT!! This itself saved me straight $200+
4. Parental locking feature seems to lot advanced - havent used it yet
5. Digital input and HDTV ready.
6. Affordable price - good bang for the buck
7. Picture off feature is great.... You can use the speakers but not burn the plasma screen unnecessarily.
Cons
1. No Picture in Picture - not sure if it is a standard in all plasma TVs
2. Lack of SD Card kind of input - Took one star out for this...
3. Gets hotter quickly - not sure if all Plasma have this problem
4. TV remote doesnt seem to work with other equipments - maybe I did it wrong....
(...)
Mahesh
