Sony does a 10,000:1 plasma

The resolution on Sony's new WD-42PX2 and WD-42PX2S plamas aren't that wonderful (1024 x 768), and the screens are only 42-inches, but hey, at least they have a totally eh-not-bad contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a $3,000 US pricetag. Seriously though, we get this is an industrial display probably intended to be used for advertising and the like, but that's the best you got, Sony? We kind of expected more from you, even if the application here is extremely limited and decidedly non-consumer.

[Via AV Watch]

[Omoks Posted Mar 20th 2006 12:17PM]

LCD's still cost $3000

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 12:43PM]

@No 2 I agree, another senseless bashing post, hope that this will stop soon, otherwise I must find another news source. I am interested in whats available and not in a personal opinion about the gadget. I think I am able to come up with my own opinion, just deliver the specs and keep your inmature bashing crap for yourself. Thanks

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 12:46PM]

Are these non-square pixels? 10x7 is a 4:3 aspect ratio, and those panels look 16:9 to me.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 12:51PM]

well, I AM interested in excessive snarkasm from the gadget gurus. So there. Bring on the funnies!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 1:14PM]

Almost all current HD 42" plasma displays are 1024 X 768. Some are 1024 X 1024. Maybe some higher resolutions models were announced recently, but I haven't seen them in stores.

[Crsh Posted Mar 20th 2006 1:26PM]

As a typical anti-Sony fanboi, I'd wish these product announcement would read as follow:

"Sony introduces a new hefty pricetag, also comes with a screen of some type".

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 1:36PM]

As I understand it Sony doesn't even make their own plasmas. LG manufacures Sony plasas. With LG doing so well, why would they want to help Sony.

As for the Sony bashing, it's totally acceptable to bash a company who uses its shear size and market influence to push inferior technology on consumers. I know, A LOT of companies do this but it doesn't make it right. I too expect more from Sony. I love Sony and my entire media center would be Sony if their only their plasmas had more bang for the buck.

So buck up Sony...you're losing your customer base.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 1:38PM]

@biscuitus

Word! Let's keep Engadget fun and snippy! Don't like it? Getcher boring-jollies from "Tom's"

[deecee Posted Mar 20th 2006 2:00PM]

Who cares about astronomical contrast ratios if the blacks are something less than black? And why are contrast ratios supposed to be the sexiest thing about flat screens?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 2:01PM]

David:

Most 42" plasmas use oblong pixels at 1024x768, with the single exception of Hitachi panels, which are often 1024x1024. The panel scales the image to the available pixels. Which means that a $3000+ 42" plasma is not even fully 720p compatible, let alone 1080i/p. A 42" plasma isn't really HD.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 2:57PM]

I am not a fan of this display, it's the suck in fact, I'll be the first to admit it. But you could fill a wayback machine with pages about screens that suck. So what's the news here? Ah it's Sony - PILE ON!

I just think Engadget's love and wit is better spent elsewhere for 30 freakin days! Just a little food for thought.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 4:55PM]

dude, where's my comment? why has my comment been censored? It was all aboveboard...strange.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 5:23PM]

At least try comparing apples to apples first, this is for the INDUSTRIAL market! I suppose some of you trolls forgot that Sony doesn�t make plasma TVs for the home entertainment market any more. Maybe the idiots who are posting smack about Sony and their products should read the whole article before they decide to spew out incoherent babble. You spec whores are so annoying sometimes; I wish you would just keep your mindless rhetoric to yourselves instead of spreading your bias crap across the web. While arguing with the ignorant is about as smart as pissing in the wind, I may reach some of you.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2006 8:31PM]

sony sucks

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 21st 2006 1:51AM]

@11 Yes, this is digital censorship in action - my post was removed as well. Needless to say it was critical of this particular posting and the fall of recent Endgadjet writing standards in general. It is sad that Endgadjet went the same way as mainstream media - criticism is not tolerated and the concepts such as �difference in opinions" seems to be empty sounds for Edngadjet editors. Angrily complaining about DRM, oppressive media companies and championing consumer rights and then censoring anything that goes against Engadjet editors� opinion. What hypocrisy! Too busy measuring your hit ratings, huh?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 23rd 2006 11:30PM]

OK let me set the record straight:

#6: LG DOES NOT manufacture or supply PDPs to Sony. Sony gets all their panels PDP or/and TFT LCD} from Samsung.

And to prevent further confusion:

The ACTUAL model numbers for these are:

WEGA PRO FWD-50PX2 which is a 50" WXGA 1,366 X 768p.
WEGA PRO FWD-42LX2 which is NOT a 42" WXGA 1,024 X 768p, but a EDTV WVGA 852 X 480p.
WEGA PRO FWD-40LX2 which is 40" 1,366 X 768p LCD.

These are all from the professional known as the WEGA PRO line up and are available in either Matte Black or Silver, Glossy White is no longer been offered, except in the 32: LCD model# FWD-32LX1 which is from 2005 and it's still in production.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 28th 2006 1:13AM]

Im a little bit ignorant when it comes to LCD and Plasma. Anyway, about this contrast ratio, is it the higher the better or the other way around?