SVA HD4208TIII-PDP 42" Flat-Panel Plasma EDTV

Rating:
Summary: Not HD
Review: Native resolution of this display does not reach HD so that means that any source you think is 720p actually is downscaled to 480p. If EDTV is what you want then this might be a good buy but don't buy it thinking you're getting HDTV.

Rating:
Summary: Great deal so far
Review: Ok Let me say that I have only had the plasma for 3 days now and absolutly love it. The picture is great the computer looks great the price was great at 1999. Lots of inputs and comes with the stand and all the cords for every input. Xbox looks great on it my dvd player hooked up via rgb or composit looks perfect. I will keep updating this as time goes bye. But cant imagine anything better for the price. I am used to a 32" sony trinitron so I know what a good picture looks like. Willl keep you informed. Ps And if there is humming I cant hear it and I dont usually watch tv with out the sound on. I dont use the tuner so I dont know how well that works.

Rating:
Summary: Only EDTV, poor contrast, questionable reliability
Review: SVA is a large TV manufacturer based in China, while the "heart" of this plasma screen, the plasma panel itself, is made by Samsung of South Korea. This means two things: 1) questionable build quality and durability, and 2) subpar image quality.

You may be attracted by the attractive price on this set, but believe me, there's a reason why it's so cheap. Unlike state-of-the-art plasma planels from Pinoneer and Panasonic, the SVA exhibits poor contrast, no matter how you try to adjust the settings. There's also significant pixelation when viewing fast-action scenes, such as sports. The exterior also feels rather flimsy, which is not surprising given the low-cost market the company builds its "reputation" in.

For two grand, you only get EDTV meaning the resolution tops out at 480. A little more money will get you HDTV entries from Gateway. Given 720p is pretty much a must given how fast the HDTV industry is evolving, I recommend against an EDTV no matter what. So what if you have a 42" screen? Remember the concept of "dot pitch" from the computer monitor world? A low resolution looks especially bad on a large screen. An older-technology-based screen like this SVA-Samsung is really not worth the savings, because in the long run you suffer, as you find yourself having to upgrade to true HDTV, not the least because all your friends have HDTV!

Recommendation: stay away from this cheap set with poor screen quality and unknown reliability. I always think that if you are going to spend a lot of money on a TV, you might as well go with a good one. Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Gateway, ... you have many choices that are much better and give you more bang for the buck.

Rating:
Summary: Very Impressed Great Product
Review: Well I had to write a review. I have been in audio/tv sales for 15 years. So im quite up to date on all products and tends. Upon reading these reviews for those who have had issues. Sorry to hear that and if u feel spending 2k more money on a brand name makes u feel better then go ahead.I'll keep the xtra money I saved in the bank by buying this product SVA (basicly a rebadged Samsung). I own this Plasma as well and find it's performance is unmatched by any other product at this price point or more and Yes it does use a Samsung plasma screen. The unit is well built. Picture quality is fantastic with DvD and Tv is actually good for cable signals better then CRT DLP or LCOS. Unlike other projection units DLP LCOS and so on this unit has even brightness and colour not seen in rear projectors as well as it doesnt have a beamy picture like dlp and LCOS
As for the other reviewer saying he cant turn it on after shutting it off . It says in the manual DO NOT TURN ON WITHIN 2 MINUTES AFTER SHUTTING IT OF! Might be why u have a issue U need to read the manual This is why they have it. Sure the manual isnt the best but it covers the most important features. Anyway I think u all should give this unit some consideration. In a few years this comapny SVA will be just like Samsung. Remember a few years ago they where noone. Now they are a major player

Rating:
Summary: Not a good one.
Review: You can get a better one at this price.