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New TV- need help selecting. Max budget $4K (Plasma? LED? Samsung? Panasonic?)

post #1 of 9
5/15/11 at 10:46pm
Thread Starter 
I have been back and forth on the Plasma vs LEDs

Like the commentary on Plasma pictures, love the slim design of LEDs. Was sure I was going to get Samsung thin model, then flipped on Plasma when I read commentary on actual pictures. I used forums to get smart on car purchase (European delivery!) & Engagement ring (Pricescope).. this seems just as difficult-- so want to use this forum to get smart on Home theater.

My situation:
Wife & I are purchasing a condo. The living room is roughly 11 by 15.
I am purchasing a new home theater.
I am sold on the Definitive Mythos -60s for Front and Center, and the XTR-20BP for rear speakers. I am pretty sure I will stick with 5.1 setting.

I think I am going with the Pioneer VSX-1120 (but I still need to do some more research)
The TV is giving me the most headache. Here are the other details:

1. Viewing distance 8-10ft
2. Replacing a 40in Sony 720p LCD that will be used for Wii
3. 30% TV, 30% sports, 20% movies, 20% PS3 (MLB the SHOW!)
4. No computer will be attached
5. HD Cable box, PS3 for movies, Vulkano
6. Max budget is $4K, but no need to max out on a TV just because it is expensive
7. Interested in 3D content
8. Room is well lit, but exploring blinds to block off light/ glare

I need some expert advice. Can you help?
Thanks,
Dale
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post #2 of 9
5/16/11 at 5:43am

Dale,

 

Welcome to our forum.  I hope that you will remain with us and

keep us apprised of your buying experience.

 

You will get a lot of different opinions on what display to buy.

Some people have definitive preferences on what they deem best.

 

Here is my opinion.

 

Panasonic.  Plasma.

 

I prefer plasmas.  I think they provide the best film-like picture

with deep blacks and perfect viewing from all angles.

 

The only big drawback I see in plasmas is placing one in a room

with many windows.  They are prone to reflection whereas an LCD
or LED much less so.   That being said, I have successfully tolerated

the reflection in a window-filled room (for at least one of my displays)

just for the sake of having the best picture possible when drawing the

shades.

 

You definitely want to go 3D.  It should not be a very expensive

upgrade, and it will certainly futureproof your purchase.  With 3D,

you want plasma, as we have found that the format performs much

better on plasmas due to the higher refresh rate.

 

Panasonic.  As far as I am concerned, they make the best plasmas.

Additionally, they support active-shutter 3D technology which I feel

is the superior 3D format despite the fact the glasses are a little 

heavier and require recharging.   With active-shutter technology you

get the full HD resolution in both eyes.

 

You can certainly buy a top-of-the-line Panasonic 3D plasma

display and still stay under your 4k budget.   I am not certain which

model is now Panasonic's best 3D series.  It was the VT25 series

in 2010.   I have to research what it is now.  

 

I have a dental appointment.  I will return and see if I can pull

some additional information for you.

 

 

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post #3 of 9
5/16/11 at 7:03am

Looks like the GT30 models are in for this year.

 

Go over to Amazon and check out the reviews on them.

 

Let us know what you end up purchasing.  Best of luck.

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post #4 of 9
5/17/11 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 

 

Thanks for the suggestions. The Panasonic TC-P54Z1 caught my eye because of the thinness-- but then I looked at the price ($$$).  Any thoughts on that model?  1 Inch Plasma is fresh, but I am not sure if it is all looks.  I am going to do some research later tonight, but wondering if anyone considered that product or actually bought it.

 

Thanks,

Dale 

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post #5 of 9
5/18/11 at 7:28pm
Thread Starter 

Saw the Samsung 58" Plasma only 1 3/4 Inches.  I think I am sold...... Great picture-- Not many places have the Panasonic, but this TV is cool.  The only concern is there is a PN59D8000, PN59D7000 & PN59D6500-- and frankly, I can see much of a difference besides the fact that:

 

The 8000 is the only one that has a built in web browser, & 25M:1 contrast ratio

Both the 8000 & 7000 have the "deep blacks" but the 7000 has a 15M:1 contrast ratio and slightly thinner

6500 has a 5M:1 Ratio

 

8000 is $2,700

7000 is $2,340

6500 is $1,980

 

Anyone considered this purchase?  Not sure a built-in web browser and the contrast ratio is worth the extra cash.  Any thoughts???

Thanks!
 

 

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post #6 of 9
10/30/11 at 10:22am
Not sure why thickness is even a consideration ?

Plasmas can produce a beautiful image in a dimly lite room. They can not produce enough light when in a bright room environment so consider LCD / LED in that situation.
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post #7 of 9
5/23/12 at 5:20pm
Thread Starter 
I ended up buying the Samsung 55" LED. I got the DefTech Mythos which are really thin, so I wanted the TV to match that.
Obviously went with the Marantz receiver- 6005. Happy with my choice, though gaming is much better on the plasma... Playing MLB the show on the 720 Plasma was awesome... given that the game only displays in 720p, the leaner 1080 Samsung can't compete with the Plasma... though the surround sound is awesome in the receiver that the Samsung LED is connected to.. thanks for the help.

450

450
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post #8 of 9
5/23/12 at 6:39pm

Nice setup it looks just like mine except I went with the Panasonic.

 

5651660326_a36b4dbf45_z.jpg

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post #9 of 9
5/24/12 at 12:24pm
Thread Starter 
Ha! How did you decide on that set up? I saw it on an internet search and decided mine would look like that. What size TV? Plasma or LED? Which Speakers did you go with? I initially was gong to order the 59" Samsung plasma and order the Speakers to match... I changed my mind after I got the speakers (smile). Your looks fresh. What did you do for Rear Speakers? Here is the TV with an image of KG looking bruised and beaten last night! (Smile)

450
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