SYLVANIA Plasma Display Panels are the ultimate addition to your home entertainment sytem supporting high-definition content with a theater-like 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.Sylvanias 6842PE is a 42-inch widescreen (16:9) gas-plasma display compatible with progressive-scan and high-definition signals up to 1080i. This unit offers incredibly vivid high-contrast images and is the ultimate addition to any home theater. Perfect for movies and other programs formatted for 16:9 aspect-ratio screens the monitors HD component-video inputs accept full 720p and 1080i HDTV signals from set-top boxes and DTV receivers which are sold separately.One of the main benefits of a plasma screen is the vivid and brilliant color display of over 16 million colors. Additionally the 6842PE boasts extremely wide viewing angles (compared to most LCD screens) and easy placement due to its slim profile of less than 5 inches of depth. And like all plasma displays the 6842PE is immune to the distortion and negative color balances one may encounter when using a conventional CRT television near flourescent lighting or speaker systems. Product Specifications On-Screen Menu Display in English French or Spanish On-Screen Picture Control Display Auto Sleep Timer Power Off High Brightness: 1000 cd/m 2 VGA 16:9 Wide Screen Aspect Ratio High Definition Television (HDTV) Compatible 1000:1 Contrast Ratio 16.7 Million Color Display Includes Table Top Stand Inputs and Outputs Video Input SD & HD Rear Component Video Side and Rear Composite Video Side and Rear S-Video Audio Input 2 Side & 2 Rear L/R Audio for Video Audio Output L/R Audio for Video 5W+5W Speaker Output Product Dimensions: Plasma Display: 41 11/16 W x 26 11/16 H x 4 9/16 D Plasma Display w/ base: 41 11/16 W x 28 7/8 H x 13 1/16 D Weight: 95 lbs. Carton Dimensions: 49 3 / 8 W x 34 3 / 4 H x 18 D Weight: 115 lbs. U.L. Listed FCC Verified DHHS Owners Manual Printed In English and Spanish
Sylvania's 6842PE is a 42-inch gas-plasma display with 852 x 480 (EDTV) native pixel resolution and compatibility with progressive-scan and high-definition video signals up to full 1080i resolution. This display offers incredibly vivid, high-contrast images. Perfect for DVD movies and other programs formatted for widescreen 16:9 aspect-ratio screens, the monitor's HD component-video inputs accept 720p and 1080i HDTV signals from set-top boxes and DTV receivers, which are sold separately. This is a monitor only, so you'll need to use the NTSC or ATSC tuner in a DTV receiver or cable box or VCR for broadcast or cable television viewing.
With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles, and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--the 6842PE is a mere 4.6 inches deep, ideal for desk or wall mounting (Sylvania recommends Sanus Systems universal VMPLs, not included, for 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, however, need to be wary of image burn-in (wherein long-held stationary images leave a permanent impression in the screen).
One of the main benefits of a plasma screen is its vivid and brilliant color display of over 16 million colors. Additionally, the 6842PE affords extremely wide viewing angles (160 degrees) to afford clear views of the screen from nearly any position.
The 6842PE's 3-line comb filter enhances resolution by removing blurred edges between colors and reducing dot crawl (tiny, moving dots of color along a sharp color separation in a vertical line, as in a depiction of a character's striped T-shirt). Want to linger on a powerful image? Hit "still" to freeze any picture at any time.
Connections consist of 2 component-video inputs (1 standard-definition, 1 HD), 4 composite-video inputs (2 conveniently positioned on a side panel for easy access), and 2 S-video inputs (1 on the side, 1 on the rear). There's no real reason to run audio into this device if you're not going to listen through its speakers, but it does have a stereo analog audio output (passthrough) in case you find a need for it.
What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual (English/Spanish), an AC power cord, and a setup guide.
1 Just fine for a no-name brand
It was showing a demo DVD in progressive scan mode and some basic analog cable signals. I bought it because it was in my price range and it had what appeared to be the best picture among the other cheapy plasmas on display and it did not have the visible integrated speakers. I wanted a very clean and simple look and did not want the extra bulk of integrated speakers. I do wish they had added some wire guides or something as it is difficult to hide the cables coming down from the back. The remote also appears rather weak and flimsy, it was probably meant to be replaced by a Universal remote.
It took me a few days of tuning before I finally got the picture to my liking. I tested with some anamorphic DVDs and initially the image was sub par, decent contrast between darks and lights, but blacks appeared to be washed out with no detail and quite a bit of contour banding. The lights were still very nice. This was using 480i and S-Video from a standard DVD player. I then switched to a component cables and turned on progressive scan
Image quality improved, with bright colors details standing out vividly. I tested with Moulan Rouge and Hero (the Jet-Li original DVD Chinese release) both have some spectacular complex scenes... Both looked very good but I still thought the darker shades still lacked a lot of detail. On a hunch I bought some really expensive true 75ohm components cables... and bingo, suddenly darks came alive. I tested with Matrix and Heat, both containing a lot of dark scenes... though the blacks are still not up to the quality of Panasonic's Real Black Drive system. It was very acceptable to me.
Contrast ratio is stated at 1000:1, Compared to Panasonic's claimed 4000:1 it is noticeably dimmer. If I had a little more money I would have bought the Panasonic EDTV equivalent. But the Sylvania branded Funai Plasma is still a decent plasma definitely better than the AKAI, Daewoo, Gateway models I looked at. If you have the extra $500-$1000 dollars go with the Panasonic, JVC or Mitsubishi EDTV, but if your budget constrained, this plasma, with the proper set up, will provide decently.
I can't comment on it's performance with HDTV signals, but HDTV looks good on almost everything.
