An artwork. Simple to use/operate. Excellent brightness and contrast but black is hazy.

Limited input selections which required special cables. Fan noise.

(since I can not add my opinion to the Sony Plasma PFM42B1, I will add it here)

Here are the weaknesses :-(

1. Fan noises: make night viewing, typically with lower sound volume very annoying experience. It's louder than the Bosch dish washer machine when running thus an expensive/hi-end audio system would be a waste for the audible difference.

2. Input selections: need to accommodate existing/std equipments. The Sony input selection is so weak, they should have included the 3RCA (component) to VGA cable for DVD, and RCA to composite for TV with the package. Additional effort to get the specialize cables after having spent almost $7K is not good marketing for Sony.

3. Wall mounting bracket: needs to accommodate different stud width and mounting situations. Also, the bracket I ordered is very heavy. The 2 screws to anchor the bracket to the back of the plasma is too small for the Sony plasma.

4. w/o TV tuner built-in: a SVHS is needed as TV tuner and to provide S signal. If you are not ready to go for the extra miles to get the HD signal (1080i), I would not recommend Plasma.

5. Built in amplifiers for speakers: an advantage to have
but they would be extra for folks with hi-end theater system.

Otherwise, here are strengths of Sony comparing to other
plasmas...

6. Remote control: have chroma, sharpness, contrast, aspect adjustments. Very simple and logical!

7. Brightness, sharpness, contrast adjustments: While most review has rated the Sony blackness as "Hazy" black; I found temporary remedy by tweaking sharpness/ contrast/ brightness. My favorite setting is sharpness=MED; contrast=92; brightness= -12

8. Built in scan converter: makes it true HDTV. Need to validate HD sources/providers to utilize HD potential

9. 1024X1024 native pixel resolution: can not tell the different without HD sources.

10. Look: the Sony brushed silver is an artwork, having
thin edge with slope like a modern picture frame. I found no distraction from the sleek metalic frame when viewing. But the tilt-wall mount added few more inches to the thickness. Having it mounted above the fireplace, one have to look up to view. Not sure how to minimize heat and fumes coming from fireplace yet? The 42" plasma doesn't seem bigger than the conventional 36" thus it is not considered an upgrade in size.

11. Maintenance/Warrantee: How long does it last? Who
provide the services? A major concern.

12. Price: $6200, $110 VGA to 3RCA cable, $250 mounting
bracket, $150 SVHS to get TV signal.

Similar Products Used:

saw display of other plasma: Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, etc.