help with new plasma purchase (1 Viewer)

[bandit]

Any help with this will be appreciated.

I am looking at a few plasmas that I cant decide on.

Pioneer Model: PDP-5010FD 2599 @ costco

Panasonic Model: TH-50PZ80U 1699@ costco

Panasonic Model: TH-50PZ85U 1999 2 Tweeter

I know the 2 pannys are very similar with the 85 having 30,000:1 contrast vs. 20,000:1 for the 80 and the 85 has 4 HDMI vs 3 which is not an issue.

Will the contrast ratio make a difference in the picture and is the pioneer worth the extra $$

thanks
for any input

 

[pat00139]

If you can afford it, go for the Pioneer. In fact, look for the 5020 model. It has the best picture quality of any plasma you'd be able to find in big box stores. It's got very, very deep blacks and great colours. There's a reason Pioneer is considered the leader in plasmas.

As far as contrast ratio goes, the Pioneer is better than the Pannys, and in any case, a lot of the times the numbers are bloated by the company to make the TV look more impressive. What you want to look for is the ANSI contrast ratio, which is a bit harder to find. It's also a lot more reliable. The Pioneer has something along the lines of ~2500 or so ANSI contrast ratio and that's the best you're ever going to find at Costo, CC, BB...

 

[Mark Sherman]

I am going to have to agree with Pat on this one. The Pioneer is just an awesome picture. The one thing that stands out on the pioneer is the Black level. I remember seeing a Movie ( sorry it escapes me what movie it was) But the main character was wearing a Tux. you could make out the diff. black levels in the Jacket, the vest the slacks and the tie. when a TV can do that its a winner

 

[Tim Glover]

I'm in the market for a new plasma myself but it's for my bedroom and the Pioneer is just too much $$ for that setup. But I agree that it's superior...at least the one I saw.

I too am eyeing the Panasonics. The 85 model besides the contrast spec larger also has a more elegant looking cabinet. that's more the difference that I could see last night when shopping.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the 50inch 85 model.

 

[SherardP]

If it doesnt have to be a plasma, check out Sony Bravia LCDs, I was able to get a 40inch for about 1071 bucks.

 

[bandit]

Thanks for the input I picked up the Pioneer on Saturday

it looks great!

 

[Mark Sherman]

good luck with the new toy. congrats