Sony Plasma Screen: TV, Displays and Flat Screen TV Buying Guide

Please Support our Sponsors:

plasma tv, plasma display, plasma monitor

Sony PFM 42B2 Plasma Screen TV

using our recommended reseller finder.
Please start by reading our review of the Sony PFM42B2U Plasma TV.
Slim is in! And Sony's PFM42B2 42" PlasmaPro™ Flat Panel Plasma Monitor is one of the slimmest monitors available. This stylish monitor is just 3 3/8 inches thick and weighs 62.9 pounds. The PFM42B2 features a "layout free" design for horizontal or vertical viewing flexibility; a built-in scan converter that accepts a wide range of SDTV, DTV, and HDTV signals; and the ability to display both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios.

Enhancements in the PFM-42B2 42" Plasma Television
A new bi-pixel I/P (Interlace/Progressive) conversion circuit, developed exclusively for Sony flat panel displays, converts interlaced signals to progressive images. For film-originated sources, the Cinema Drive function (3-2 pull-down technology) is incorporated to help reproduce natural scene movement.

Network Capability (with the optional BKM-B30NW Adaptor) The optional BKM-B30NW Network Adaptor provides an Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX interface, plus a PC Card slot, to provide network connection for the PFM Series. Wired or wireless, these two PFM Series displays are ready to interface with the expanding world of visual network communications. This adaptor also provides a Y/C and a composite analog input.

File sharing through a network
When these displays are connected to a network, files shared in that network can be retrieved and opened for display.

Remote control from networked PCs
Any PC within a network can communicate with the 42-inch display via a web browser. Operating presentations, organizing files and controlling both the display's functions and its setup parameters can all be done with a simple operation.

Additional images

Side image of the Sony showing input jacks
Back panel of the Sony PFM42"
Front angle of the Sony PFM42" vs Panasonic TH-42"

Key features of the Sony PFM 42B2 Plasma flat screen TV include:
Versatile and Stylish
At a depth of just 83mm(3 3/8 inches), you can arrange this 42-inch* flat panel monitor in any way desire - in a stand, on a wall or hung from the ceiling, either horizontally or vertically - for striking visuals with outstanding viewer impact. * Viewable area, measured diagonally

Brilliant Picture Quality - The PFM-42B2 uses a high resolution flat panel with 1024 x 1024 pixels. Achieving excellent brightness and contrast, it produces sharp, detailed images with rich and natural colors. With the Sony original I/P (Interlace/Progressive) conversion technology you will see precise and smooth images throughout the screen, and the anti-reflection coating on the glass panel reduces light reflection for clear, high contrast pictures.

Multiple Inputs and a High Performance Scan Converter - With input connectors for composite, S-video (Y/C), RGB/component signals, you can display your visuals from a wide variety of signal sources, ranging from standard video to HDTV, DTV and computer signals up to UXGA^*. A built-in high performance scan converter ensures optimum image quality with exact pixel sampling from the original input source, providing high quality pixel-by-pixel image reproduction.
* for details, please refer to the Preset Signal chart.

Highlights

High Resolution 1024 x 1024 pixels
Horizontal/Vertical viewing flexibility
UXGA Signal capability
Flexible aspect ratio
20 Video Memory Settings
Color Temperature/Dot Phase Adjustment
Lightweight at 29.4kg (64 lb 11 oz)
Six-language On-screen Display for quick and simple setup in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
Selectable Aspect Ratio you can choose from widescreen 16:9, wide zoom, Letter Box zoom and standard 4:3.
Memory Save/Load up to twenty picture settings.

Sony Plasma TV Features

High Resolution 1024 x 1024 Images -1024 x 1024 pixels for excellent brightness and contrast and smooth images throughout the screen in any video format

Anti-reflection glass coating - Reduces light reflection for clear, high contrast pictures

Lightweight and Slim Cabinet - 65.5 lbs and 3 1/4 inches thick for easy, flexible mounting anywhere

High-performance Scan Converter - Optimum image quality with exact pixel sampling from the original input source, providing high quality pixel-by-pixel image reproduction using Sony's new, exclusive Automatic Dot Phase Adjustment

Six language On-Screen Display - Quick and simple setup in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese

Selectable Aspect Ratio - Choose from widescreen 16:9, wide zoom, Letter Box zoom and standard 4:3 for flexible presentations

Size Control - Adjusts picture both vertically and horizontally

Picture Zoom - Zoom in on a section for a closer look; allows multiple panels to be used for video wall applications

Self Diagnosis Alarm - Easy maintenance access to confirm a diagnosis on the status menu, service code indicator or via the RS232C port

Color Temperature/Dot Phase Adjustment - Optimizes the scan converter sampling phase to the input signal and allows for up to six color temperature settings

Screen Saver Function - Picture orbiting and picture inversion assist in more uniform use of the pixels

160 degree viewing angle - Wide angle for large groups and distance viewing

Multiple Inputs for composite, S-video and RGB/Component - Displays visuals from a wide variety of signal sources, ranging from standard video to HDTV, DTV and computer signals up to UXGA.

Specifications
Picture Performance
Resolution: 1024 x 1024 pixels
Pixel Pitch: 0.90 x 0.51 mm
Active Area (W/H): 921 x 522 mm (36.2" x 20.5" inches)
Viewable Area: 42" diagonal
Driver: 10-bit RGB
Colors: 16.8 million colors simultaneously
Type: AC -type Plasma Display Panel with anti-reflection screen
Color system: NTSC/PAL/SECAM/NTSC4.43/PAL-M/PAL 60
Sampling rate: 13.5 to 140 MHz

Input/Output
Input 1:
- Connector: D-Sub 15-pin
- Signal: RGB, YUV

Input 2:
- Connector: D-Sub 15-pin
- Signal: RGB, YUV

Video In:
- Connector 1: BNC
- Signal: Composite Video
- Connector 2: S-video(Mini Din 4-Pin)
- Signal: Y/C

Output
- Connector: BNC, Loop-through
- Signal: Composite Video

Remote (RS-232C):
D-sub 9-pin

Preset Signals
NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC_4.43, PAL60, 1080/24PsF, 1080/50I, 575/50P, 480/60P, 1080/60I, 720/60P

General
Power Requirements: AC 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 4.5 to 1.8A
Power Consumption: 400 W max.
Operating Temperature: 0 to 35 C (32 to 95 F)
Storage Temperature: -10 to 40 C (14 to 104 F)
Humidity: 20 to 90 %, no condensation
Dimensions (W/H/D): 40 3/4 x 24 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches
Weight: 62.9 lbs. (28.4 kg)

Supplied Accessories
AC Power Cord, Remote Control, Operating Instructions

Sony PFM42B2 Silver Review by Brian Falvey from CA on 11.4.02

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Very vivid. Black levels are much better on the B2

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  This Sony really looks beautiful in silver.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  Very sleek, streamlined. Incredibly high WOW! factor.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   I installed the whole system myself. I used a table stand. 5.1 surround Onkyo reciever and speakers. Panasonic RP91 DVD

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   DTV City. I originally ordered the Panasonic PHD42 from Plasmahouse.com. Thet really gave me the run around. They said I had to wait a week for shipment because of the West Coast dockworkers strike. I felt that was a legitimate excuse, so I waited. After a week I called, and they said it was going to ship in 2 more days. 2 days later I called and they said it would take 4 more days to ship. They told me that they didn't carry any stock and that all of their displays were dropped shipped from other locations. I cancelled the order. Right afterwards I read a new review on plasmatvbuyersguide.com of the PFM42B2. This convinced me to go with the Sony. I called DTVCity and immediately asked if they could ship it that day. They said that they carried all stock in house and that it was no problem. That afternoon I had a tracking number. Shipping was a flawless process. Misti even went out of her way to find a silver table stand. The shipping was then expedited because I had a party that weekend, and everything arrived on time. Fantastic service! Awesome display!

Let's face it. Plasma TV's are high-end costly items. Not only were they the best price, but their service was immaculate. I can wholeheartedly recommend DTV City. What a completely different buying experience I had between Plasmahouse and DTV City. Night and day.

Sony 42" Review by Maury Riad from NY

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  The brightness on the set is excellent, especially with computer graphics and cartoons. However, the blacks are not saturated enough and when you watch a letterbox movie, the bars on the top and bottom of the screen almost appear to have a haze over them. Color reproduction is excellent, especially with a component hook up.

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  It is extremely easy to use and has many nifty options such as the screensaver when watching 4:3 applications which prevents ghosting. I am however disappointed with the small selection of inputs offered. I had to purchase an expensive, specialized VGA-Component wire in order to get a 480/60i signal for DVD's. An adapter was also needed to use the composite video outputs.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  The design and looks of the tv are phenomenol. Sleek and sexy is the best way to describe it. It looks a lot more expensive than it really is.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  3-12 Months

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   The tv was installed on a table top stand. A vga-component cable was used to hook up the DVD player and a composite video cable was used to hook up the cable

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   DTVCity helped me tremendously in choosing the right tv and in helping me with the proper cables to get the best connections. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced people were always there to help me on the phone. The website also had many useful links, features and advice which has helped me get one of the best Home Entertainment hook ups in town

Sony 42" Review by Angelo Tuscana from Glendale, AZ

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  I use the set for home/personal use. On these criteria the set produces very good results. It is when higher end inputs (DVD, HDTV signal) are in use that the performance shines. With these inputs I would rank the quality as extremely good.

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  I like it very veyr much. I realize theyare an extreme indulgence for home TV use, but as a special bonus to myself it was worth it. The degree of difficulty I was warned about regarding indstalation was way over-rated. However, the very very limited input on the Sony model are a big big draw back. If it were not for picture quality and price and may not have bought it because of the limited inoputs -look at the Marantz model it has an enourmous number of input options.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  I love the design. It too as one of the key reasons I bought the sony.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 S-Video

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   I did it my self with the tilting wall mount

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   Online/Telephone DTVCity. Very good. Excellent phone service and follow-up. Impressive

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   Everything was smooth and better than expected. I have made other online/phone purchases and your service folks were the most helpful accomadating with the best folow-up

Sony 42" Review by Michael Doherty from NY

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  The brightness on the set is excellent, especially with computer graphics and cartoons. However, the blacks are not saturated enough and when you watch a letterbox movie, the bars on the top and bottom of the screen almost appear to have a haze over them. Color reproduction is excellent, especially with a component hook up.

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  It is extremely easy to use and has many nifty options such as the screensaver when watching 4:3 applications which prevents ghosting. I am however disappointed with the small selection of inputs offered. I had to purchase an expensive, specialized VGA-Component wire in order to get a 480/60i signal for DVD's. An adapter was also needed to use the composite video outputs.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  The design and looks of the tv are phenomenol. Sleek and sexy is the best way to describe it. It looks a lot more expensive than it really is.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  3-12 Months

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   The tv was installed on a table top stand. A vga-component cable was used to hook up the DVD player and a composite video cable was used to hook up the cable

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   DTVCity helped me tremendously in choosing the right tv and in helping me with the proper cables to get the best connections. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced people were always there to help me on the phone. The website also had many useful links, features and advice which has helped me get one of the best Home Entertainment hook ups in town

Return to the plasma TV review index page

Copyright © 2001 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com All Rights Reserved.

Plasma TV Buying Guide Home
How To Buy A Plasma TV in 10 Easy Steps
How To Buy A LCD Television in 8 easy steps

LCD TV Models	Panasonic \| Sony \| NEC \| JVC \| Samsung \| Sharp \| Toshiba \| LCD TV Reviews
Plasma TV Models	Panasonic \| Sony \| Pioneer \| NEC \| BenQ \| Eizo \| Fujitsu \| Hitachi \| JVC \| Luce \| LG Marantz \| Mitshubishi \| Philips \| RCA \| Sampo \| Samsung \| Viewsonic \| Toshiba \| Zenith

Site Links

Visit other Premier Sites from the Buying Guide Network
Plasma TV Buying Guide	DLP TV Review	LCD TV Buying Guide

Please Support our Sponsors: