I just got a Fujitsu PDS-4233E-H Plasma TV (Used) Can I view HD with it?

[videocheez]

I hope I'm in the picked the correct topic because I found nothing completely related.

Anyways, my rich brother-in-law just gave me his first Plasma TV that he must have purchased 4-5 years ago. It's a Fujitsu PDS-4233E-H. The manual states that the number of pixels are 853H x 480V. I think this monitor is older than all of that 720P 1080P business. Can I view HD with this monitor? If not I was would like to receive some info. about how can I maximize the video quality from this monitor. I'm going to purchase a Denon 2308CI receiver and some cool speakers. I have a Comcast cable box. This device has BNC RGB inputs and as S-video input too. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

VC

[FulciLives]

That Plasma (based on the specs provided) is a EDTV.

SDTV (Standard Definition TV)
EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV)
HDTV (High Definition TV)

Basically SDTV is 480i whereas EDTV is 480p capable and optimized for 16x9 content. HDTV is either 720p or 1080i/1080p and optimized for 16x9 content.

So no the TV in question is not HDTV. It should have component inputs though and be able to support 480p via the component inputs. I am guessing when you say "BNC RGB inputs" that this is a component video input.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[videocheez]

Thanks for the info. I'm always behind the times and even though there is a lot better resolution out there, this will hopefully be a lot better than my 19" old fashioned TV. Besides, the price was right. Do you know which one, either the component video inputs or the s-video inputs will be better or will there be a difference? Do you know a good place to get RCA to BNC connectors or will I need to make it myself? Also, what do you suppose that RS232 input is for? I don't even think my current computer has a serial port.

Thx in advance,

VC

[yoda313]

@videocheez:

You will have to use component to get any progressive signal into the monitor. You will need to make sure whatever source you are using outputs to progressive as well. I believe virtually all dvd players today are at the very least progressive so that should not be an issue. Upconverting would not work since you don't have the resolution to go higher than 480p so that would be overkill - unless you already have an upconverting dvd player.

As far as the connectors go i'm afraid I can't help there.

But standard component output jacks are the normal rca type. You can even use plain old rca jacks for the three component ports if you so choose - though for better quality its best to get real component cables.

[jagabo]

BNC/RCA apdater:
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Jack-BNC-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0002KR09M
You're local Radio Shack should carry them. They'll cost more though.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102688

That TV appears to support DVI input. A US$10 HDMI to DVI cable might get you the best picture quality. If you can find a device that will output HDMI without HDCP. And you will need to handle audio separately.

You'll probably just have to experiment to see which connections work best with different sources. And in the end, the picture may not be better than you're old 19" TV, just bigger.

[videocheez]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I dropped a pretty penny today for a nice receiver and speakers and a bunch of cables. Getting this free monitor was a great excuse for me to spend the money on some home theatre components that I have been wanting for some time. Once I get these things dialed in, I will be asking for some suggestions on how to get the zillion video and music files on my NAS into this sweet sound system.

Thx guys,

VC

[jagabo]

some suggestions on how to get the zillion video and music files on my NAS into this sweet sound system.

Popcorn Hour.

[FulciLives]

some suggestions on how to get the zillion video and music files on my NAS into this sweet sound system.

Popcorn Hour.

http://www.popcornhour.com/

Look at the A-110 model.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[edDV]

This TV is an older 2001 model and was premium in it's day.
http://uk.cinenow.com/products/1374-pds-4233e-h

Although it has a DVI input, this set predated HDCP by 5 years so it probably won't work with DVI-D/HDMI cable boxes or HDMI DVD players. It might work at 480p settings for an HDMI source. You need to experiment. Component analog (YPbPr) should work with most HD sources. Check your manual for 720p support. I'd avoid use of 1080i on a TV of that age.

It also has a VGA input for computers. Check the manual for supported resolutions. Try to use a wide resolution closest to 852x480.

This TV should do well with a progressive DVD player and/or an HD cable/sat box with analog component out.

[videocheez]

some suggestions on how to get the zillion video and music files on my NAS into this sweet sound system.

Popcorn Hour.

http://www.popcornhour.com/

Look at the A-110 model.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

Thanks for the popcorn hour suggestion. This looks pretty good. I already purchased a Denon ASD-3W which is a small WIFI iPod adapter that automatically detected a music server on my NAS and I'm able to play music from my PC's located in the garage in the house at my home theater. I was only buying the device because I wanted to hook up my iPod and it surprisingly sees my music servers. In addition it can hook up to internet radio. I tried streaming video to it and its performance in that regard is unacceptable. The Popcorn sounds like it can handle the video with no problem. I must research further.

Thanks for the tips guys,

VC

[videocheez]

This TV is an older 2001 model and was premium in it's day.
http://uk.cinenow.com/products/1374-pds-4233e-h

Although it has a DVI input, this set predated HDCP by 5 years so it probably won't work with DVI-D/HDMI cable boxes or HDMI DVD players. It might work at 480p settings for an HDMI source. You need to experiment. Component analog (YPbPr) should work with most HD sources. Check your manual for 720p support. I'd avoid use of 1080i on a TV of that age.

It also has a VGA input for computers. Check the manual for supported resolutions. Try to use a wide resolution closest to 852x480.

This TV should do well with a progressive DVD player and/or an HD cable/sat box with analog component out.

I'm satisfied with using the component video inputs to the monitor. It looks great so far and is way better than what we were accustomed to watching at home. Based on your suggestions, I'll probably not waste time with an HDMI to DVI cable unless i happen to find one for real cheap. I may however try the VGA input when I feel like playing around again. You are right about that TV being premium in its day. I think by brother-in-law spent around $6K to $7K for it.

Thx for the help,

VC