LG's new 50PY2DR and 60PY2DR plasma TVs with built-in DVR

LG's new line of plasma TVs with built-in digital video recorders hits stores today. The new PY2DR series comes in 50-inch and 60-inch versions, both of which sport integrated 160GB hard drives capable of recording up to 13 hours of HDTV and 63 hours of standard-definition programming. Each display comes with a built-in ATSC tuner for recording over-the-air HDTV and a flash memory card reader for looking at digital photos or listening to MP3s on your giant TV, but what's really promising is that these new displays are also compatible with CableCARD, which means you should be able to directly record digital cable TV without having to deal with an external set-top box (something we're dying to be able to do with our TiVo and our Media Center PC). All that integrated goodness will cost ya—the 50PY2DR and the 60PY2DR will set you back $7,999 and $14,999, respectively.

[Cullen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

when are they going to get smart and stop making displays with speakers?

[YKK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

Who cares? Plasma sucks. When will people get it?

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

I'm going to go ahead and answer both #1 and #2 at the same time.

#1 - do you have a need to watch your morning news at theatrical volumes in 7.1 DTS surround sound? I don't. When I wake up in the morning, I want to press the power button on my TV remote and be done with it. And I certainly don't need to be watching New York 1 in digital surround.

#2 - Lots of people are "getting" plasma right now! Ha ha, "get" it??

Plasma doesn't "suck". It has its flaws, like *every other HD technology*. It also has its advantages over other HD technologies. It has better viewing angles than either DLP or CRT projection, it has better black levels than LCD at larger sizes, it has the highest contrast ratios of any HD technology other than tube CRT (again, though, at larger sizes than the largest tube). It has perfect geometry and no convergence issues. It does not require professional calibration. And yes, it's thin and light - people like you think this is no big deal, but when you're talking a 50 inch TV, the difference between 70 pounds and close to 400 pounds is not insignificant.

If plasma sucks, then so does every other HD technology, because they've all got their problems. HD is all about picking the lesser of evils; the flaws you personally notice the least.

I will say that a 1080p plasma screen is something of a holy grail (and they do exist, though at ridiculous prices) - no other HD technology could touch that, as pretty much the only major flaw plasma has is resolution (unless you want to overplay the burn-in card). Most are not even true 720p displays. But still, even a decent 1024x768 plasma looks pretty darn good compared directly with any mid-range 720p projection set (especially when considering that most "720p" sets are really 540p). To say otherwise is to admit you've never seen the various technologies demoed side by side.

[Josh McCormick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

> I will say that a 1080p plasma screen is
> something of a holy grail.

You can get a refurb'd Sony 24" GDM-90W10, a full 1080p @ 60fps... that's FRAMES per second, not fields. Say, $500ish? An 1080p CRT screen is here today and cheap. Too bad about the size thing with tubes.

Hey, this particular TV is neat, but there is one striking flaw. I DO NOT WANT A DVR BUILT INTO MY TV! Are they crazy?!

Regarding plasma... second place in picture quality next to CRT, generally, but if you're wanting sizes above 36", plasma is the winner in picture quality.

[YKK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

...."do you have a need to watch your morning news at theatrical volumes in 7.1 DTS surround sound? I don't. When I wake up in the morning, I want to press the power button on my TV remote and be done with it."

Your remote can't perform multiple operations in one button press? Sounds to me like *someone* needs to learn about macros. Such products do exist, you know. Just like there exist HD displays that are far superior to plasma (and are cheaper, too!). But I guess you haven't learned that yet. Happy researching!

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

This is a great product. Even better would be if it had a QAM tuner? Does it?

[jdcbomb @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

i agree with Jeff's #3 post 100 percent.

at this point in time i believe taking in all factors together (brightness, viewing angles, picture clarity, contrast ratios)...plasma displays have become the best value out there right now (prices are plummeting as we speak, and coming from my perspective, i'd rather have a 42 inch near perfect picture than have a gigantic 65 inch RPTV made with CRT, DLP, or LCD).

[4cinema @ Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM]

For the gentleman that stated that a plasma TV does not require a professional calibration, I'm not quite sure what you meant by the comment.

If you meant that plasma TV's have the ability to access normally hidden grayscale calibration controls then you would be correct. And if an individual had a color analyzer and training/experience, he could properly adjust the set, again you would be correct.

But, if you meant that the image was accurate according to the professional SMPTE standards right out of the box, you would be mistaken. Also, if you are suggesting that people can calibrate their monitors grayscale, which is the foundation of all image aspects, by eye you would again be incorrect.