204.67
£307 out of £150 collected

Sky kdl40w4500
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Sony LCD vs Pioneer Plasma: Result

by Colin Tang
20 March 2007

Final Score

category
Sony KDL40W2000
Pioneer PDP4270XD
pq Contrast Ratio
2
1
Black & Shadow Detail
2
1
Colour
1
2
Detail & Sharpness
2
1
Motion Handling
1
2
Viewing Angle
1
2
Video Processing
1
2
Backlight Uniformity
1
1
Total Points
11
12
audio Audio
2
1
Background Noise
2
1
Total Points
4
2
design Styling
1
2
Screen Size
1
2
Connectivity
2
1
Total Points
4
5
operation Remote Control
1
1
On-Screen Menu
1
2
  
EPG
1
1
Total Points
3
4
Grand Total
22
23

It's basically a draw, so if you belong to one of the LCD or Plasma die-hard groups, don't be surprised. With the Pioneer PDP4270XD plasma, you get slightly better pictures with sublime colour reproduction and advanced video processing and controls, especially on SD broadcast. The Sony KDL40W2000 earns it stripes with a higher native resolution, far better connectivity, flexibility and better audio implementation.

Your next TV investment should not only be guided by the strengths of each display technology; it should also take into account the weaknesses as well. And trust me, every TV we have reviewed have some flaws in one way or another. It's a matter of deciding which ones you can live with on a daily basis.

Some plasma disadvantages include PWM shimmering pixel noise, plasma rainbow effect, screen door effect due to lower native resolution, electronic buzzing, strong screen reflections and having lower brightness at high signals. Screen burn is really not an issue anymore with careful use and some common sense.

LCD weaknesses include poor viewing angle, slower response times, stuck/dead pixels, and screen uniformity issues (backlight). The traditional strength of black level in plasma screens is being eroded by LCD screens and in this shootout, the Sony KDL40W2000 produced a surprising result.

Try to audition your next TV as far as possible before you splash out your hard-earned cash. You won't get ideal viewing conditions but hey, it's better than nothing. So, good luck and happy hunting!!!

References

Best Price > Sony KDL40W2000 & Pioneer PDP4270XD
Model
Merchant
Total
Pioneer PDP4270XD
Sony KDL40W2000
Use JUNE50G code at basket page for £50 discount

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