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Kuro Pro-111-FD substitute

#1
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8/18/09 at 2:40pm
  • Joined: June 2009
  • Post Count: 4
Hello all.  Second post here.  I'm in the process of finishing my 4-yr long HT room build out and am getting ready to buy hardware (the fun part!).  I'm convinced that the Kuro line of HDTV's is without par, but am having a little bit of a hard time convinving myself that the picture is that much better than alternatives. 

That said, I'm contemplating a Panasonic TC-P54G10 plasma.  It's a fraction of the price, and from what I've read, it has an outstanding picture.  Previously, I was leaning towards the Sony KDL-52XBR9.  Usage will be mostly movie-watching (plus to Panasonic), but will occassionally have friends over to play cards in the same room with overhead can lights on (plus to the Sony).

Video sources: Direct TV HD, BD player (still undecided - looking at Denon, Oppo, Pioneer Elite)
HT receiver: Denon 3808, Pioneer VSX23TH or SC-25
Main speakers: DT Mythos 1's
Center: DT Mythos 9
Surrounds: DT BPX's

Is the Panasonic suitable for this set up?  I've heard that the Panasonic plasmas lose a lot of their impact when overhead lighting is on, but for movie-watching it's the cat's a$$.

What do you all think? 
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#2
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8/19/09 at 6:41am
  • Joined: July 1997
  • Post Count: 20,194
 Patrick,

Welcome to the forum.

You can't go wrong with a Panasonic plasma, particularly the
model you are looking at since it has been rated so highly.  In
fact, a co-worker of mine bought that display within the past 
month and he loves it.  I believe that the VieraCast is incorporated
into the display which is very nice.

As for my personal experience with Panasonic, I bought my
mother a 46" display last Christmas.  The interesting part of
the purchase was that the room it was being placed in was
filled with windows and that I opted first for an LCD display.
I was disappointed with the LCD despite the fact it handled
very well in the brightly lit room.    When I settled on replacing
the Sony LCD with the Panasonic plasma I was pleasantly
pleased.  The plasma had far better black levels and watching
a Blu-ray title on it was pure heaven.  

As far as reflection is concerned, yes there is some, but I do
not find it distracting.

I would definitely recommend the Panasonic.  Let us know how
you make out and feel free to even post a review here or on our
product pages.



Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#3
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8/19/09 at 7:00am
  • Joined: November 1999
  • Location: New England
  • Post Count: 5,164
hi
Usually LCDs are recommended for non light controlled environments and plasmas for light controlled environments.
The Sonodome - circa 2001
The Newest Sonotube - circa 2001
Gregg's DVDs updated...sometimes
Lion Audio Video Consultants usually current
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#4
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8/19/09 at 8:25am
  • Joined: January 2001
  • Location: Colorado
  • Post Count: 297
http://hdguru.com/the-new-king-of-hdtv-displays-panasonics-tc-p54v10-reviewed/458/
I have yet to encounter an LCD panel that can outperform the better plasmas in overall image quality.  You have built a special room for home theater enjoyment.  You plan other activities for the room, but what is its primary purpose? 

Video programs are mastered in "dim surround" conditions.  Room lighting control is absolutely essential in order to achieve reference imaging from a video program.  Do you really plan to require a reference image during card games?  Are you willing to sacrifice optimum picture quality during movie viewing sessions, just so you can have the TV on for a card game?  Just be clear about your priorities.

LCD panels typically are more "watchable" in seriously compromised viewing conditions.  If movies are your priority, my suggestion is to get a plasma, adjust your room lighting appropriately, and go for the best picture quality.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
A Lion AV Consultants Affiliate

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"
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#5
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8/19/09 at 2:47pm
  • Joined: June 2009
  • Post Count: 4
OK - you all sold me - the Panasonic it is!  Once I get everything put together and presentable, I'll try and post some pics in the HT project galleries...thanks for the input.
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