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Plasma perfection
NEC 4210W
NEC's latest plasma display is the 91mm
thick 4210W, and this fifth-generation model represents 18 months development
and a breakthrough for the company. It may still seem expensive but, thanks to
improved production techniques, the cost is now a fraction of previous models.
NEC also produce a 50in version, but at almost double the price.
Weighing 33kg, less than half that of a 36in
CRT set, but outwardly, the design is simple; only an on/off switch, volume and
input select can be found on the front and these are barely visible. There is
no TV tuner or teletext, so there are fewer buttons than usual on the
accompanying remote control.
The technology behind the screen might be
very different from a conventional set, but its operation is very similar. The
onscreen menu provides adjustment for brightness, contrast, sharpness, colour
intensity and tint. You can also switch the colour temperature between three
presets, from warm to cold. There are also three levels of picture noise
reduction to reduce the graininess that is inevitable in a screen of this size.
Even the best DVDs are laid bare by a 42in screen to reveal inherent grain.
Like the other plasmas, the 4210W lacks any
internal speakers, but there are sound controls (balance, treble and bass) for
the optional, external speakers.
Contrast levels in plasmas remain far less
powerful than contemporary TV sets - the NEC's maximum level is about half that
of a CRT set and NEC do not recommend running the 4210W at maximum contrast for
too long - but this didn't prove to be a problem.
Plasma technology doesn't use 100Hz
scanning, a comb filter or Progressive Scan and yet the 4210W already delivers
the kind of smooth, flicker-free picture that most conventional TVs still
aspire to. Overall, the image is vivid and appealing, ensuring a cinematic
impact, and the wide viewing angle means that you are guaranteed an undistorted
view from almost anywhere in the room.
The advantages of plasma technology are
clear in this display and its wide, thin and absolutely flat design is highly
desirable, while the smooth, crisp imagery makes it ideal for home cinema
applications.
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SPECIFICATION
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Display : 42in, 16:9
Pixels :
853 x 640
Colours : 16.77 million
Features : Composite
video, RGB video and S-video in; MAC and PC interface; PAL/NTSC/SECAM
compatible
Audio output : 2 x 7W
Dimensions : 1048(w) x
648(h) x 91(d)mm
Weight : 33Kg |
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Jim Hill, Home Cinema Choice, July 2000
ROUND-UP CONCLUSION
This item reviewed in the July 2000 plasma screen
round-up. Tested items were:
For many of us, this plasma round-up may
just be an entertaining trip into the realms of fantasy, where we imagine what
life would be like if we could afford such luxuries. But before you return to
the real world, take heart from the progress that has been made and how much
more affordable plasma screens could become.
Ignoring the price of course, the advantages
of plasma displays over conventional CRT sets are obvious - the space saving,
hang-on-the-wall concept is highly desirable, not just in business, where
office space is money, but to anyone with an eye for style. And if that wasn't
enough, plasma displays also suck up less electricity and the physical
constraints that limit CRT to 36in don't apply. As for picture quality, it is
pretty clear from the four models tested here that the initial teething
problems which dogged early generations of plasma screens have been turned
around. Of the examples tested here, all four possess the captivating quality
that makes everyone who sees one want one.
Starting with Thomson's stylish Wysius, this
is certainly an attractive set. With lush, natural colours, pin-sharp
definition and exemplary multi-media applications, the 42WS92E is a tempting
proposition for business and home use.
The Panasonic TC-42PD1, on the other hand,
offers the boldest colours and sharpest contrast, resulting in a striking
picture that is utterly enthralling. And the same goes for its little brother,
the slightly more affordable 37in version, which may also show that the
manufacturers are thinking seriously about targeting home cinema enthusiasts.
Next up, NEC's outwardly minimal design
serves to highlight the vivid screen image and makes it highly desirable, but
it still gives away some detail to the Panasonic.
Overall though, it's the Visionery DD42 that
is the most interesting display here as it marks a significant breakthrough in
plasma technology. Using a digital video feed, the DD42 achieved a level of
picture clarity that the other analogue sets cannot match. It provides the most
accurate, detailed image yet seen on a plasma display but the downside is that
there are few corresponding source components currently available and it
carries a pretty hefty price tag. For these reasons, even though the DD42 has
won our Best Buy badge, we still have slight reservations about recommending
it. But if it's plasma you want and you've got enough tokens stored in the
bank, it's worth every penny.
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NEC 0208
9938111
