New to Plasma

[stevo1978]

Hi guys

I just bought a 42" lg plasma at £299 so not top end or anything and just wondered what the best setting to watch blu rays..

While watching TV in hd I just leave it at standard and when kids watch i have it on Eco..

But I have tested the blu ray on the Vivid setting and it looks spectacular, never seen the blacks represented so well on a TV is it the best setting for blu ray? Standard is fine too, but Cinema is too dull imo. Having just come from a Samsung 37" LCD I used to use dynamic all the time for blu ray and couldn't fault it apart from the poor blacks in comparison to the plasma.

I guess I am wondering if I only use vivid for blu rays will it effect the TV in anyway, I knowing sounds a stupid question as why would the have the vivid option if the TV couldn't Handle it long term..

Also it says in specs that it can handle 1080p just scan although it is only a 720p TV.. Does this mean I can watch 1080p in the just scap aspect ratio??

I look forward to reading your suggestions, thanks.

[Ace_BB6]

Vivid is the worst setting you can watch on a plasma. Its also known as torch mode. Because everything is super bright and colors will be exaggerated. Typically cinema or theater is the best option. But since your coming from a lcd, i can see why it may be too dim for you. Sounds like you're better off with a led.

[stevo1978]

Then why would brands include it as a setting.

[Auditor55]

Originally Posted by stevo1978

Then why would brands include it as a setting.

That setting is really for the showroom.

[Beaucamper]

Originally Posted by Auditor55

That setting is really for the showroom.

My long experience with HDTV tells me 'cinema' or 'movie' is the only setting that is correct as a foundation for optimizing or calibrating your picture It has nothing added and is what the movie people use for their set-ups.

I have a Samsung and I found I had to disable the energy saving feature that compensates for room light. This made it absurdly dim all the time, especially in a properly darkened room.

You should used break-in slides. Perhaps someone else here will advise you about those. I put about 100 hours of them on mine for starters. I just left the set on whenever I was home and not watching.

You will probably find that your screen will not perform at its best for about two months. If its anything like the Samsung, what you are seeing now is far from the excellence it will produce when it is broken in.

I would have advised against 720, but that's your choice and you'll just need to sit farther from the screen than with a 1080. If your LG has a set-up wizard or whatever they call it, be sure to use it, on 'cinema' after it's ripe. Better yet, invest in a Disney WoW Disc.

I had doubts all the way till mine kicked in beautiful. Now I'm a Plasma Convert. Nothing else touches it for accuracy and color.

[stevo1978]

I am not doubting guys your knowledge, but I watched The International last night on Standard setting and couldn't fault the image, I changed it to cinema half way through and stuck with it for the rest of the film and I just found the picture dull.

I thought the idea of blu ray was supposed to be eye popping and it's hardly that on "cinema" setting for me. I dunno know if it's because I am coming from LCD, but on there I used Dynamic for blu ray and was pleased with the image..

I guess you guys will vilify me for saying this but I guess it depends on the eyes of the beholder.

[Ace_BB6]

Originally Posted by stevo1978

Then why would brands include it as a setting.

Other than what Auditor has already stated I couldn't even tell you. I don't even know why they have standard mode. On my tv its dark and colors are all dull, only reason I could see would be some setting similiar to your eco. I guess for people who love to be part of the energy star qualified special club.