Home audio & video: new HDTV--Panasonic or pioneer
new HDTV--Panasonic or pioneer
by EsmeH - 9/30/08 8:27 AMHave been researching this for a year now (actually lost interest for a while) and need to make a decision.
Would love a 52" but can't find one. So is bigger or smaller the smart choice--have a good size room. Am down to Panasonic and Pioneer. Of the Panasonics, I am confused about the different models... What is the difference? lots of numbers and letters that mean nothing to me. Even the Panasonic web site was unhelpful in deciphering.
S
what's your budget?
by Pepe7 - 9/30/08 11:58 AM In reply to: new HDTV--Panasonic or pioneer by EsmeHThere can be a remarkable price difference depending on what your taste is. For video processing it's hard to beat a Pioneer Kuro IMHO. But that doesn't mean a Panny would not be a better value depending on your priorities. Some folks refuse to pay an additional $1K for a picture which is only 20% better, for example. Since you post such a broad question, it's helpful if you could limit to a specific size/price perhaps to serve as a guideline. [You don't even list a preference for LCD or plasma(!) 
]
-Pedro
what Pedro said
by jostenmeat - 9/30/08 12:07 PM In reply to: new HDTV--Panasonic or pioneer by EsmeHif you can't go bigger than 52", then we know that is a limiting factor, and then if we knew the budget, you can get a nicer display.
then again, if this is for mostly TV, which is usually craptastic, I dont think you really need Kuro PQ.
If you watch mostly in the daytime, or with lights on, or just a lot of ambient light in general, paying for deeper blacks is probably not worth it.
excellent points....
by Pepe7 - 9/30/08 2:31 PM In reply to: what Pedro said by jostenmeatEspecially regarding craptastic TV content- I can sympathize Just think what most of us could do with the $1K saved(!) [can you say 'component upgrade'? 8-) ]
best,
Pedro
what the heck is craptastic?
by EsmeH - 10/1/08 7:33 AM In reply to: excellent points.... by Pepe7don't know that term..............
as or your questions:
rarely watch daytime
watch at night with ambiant lighting
watch a movie 1 x wk and usually tivoed shows/movies in the evening
not totally out of the possibility of buying a bit bigger--surely don't need a 60"!
how about the panasonic 50 800u? although now I hear Samsung 950 is the great 'new technology'...and you could have a point about the extra $$ for the Pioneer.
thanks
(NT) how about a relative budget? (n/t)
by Pepe7 - 10/1/08 11:40 AM In reply to: what the heck is craptastic? by EsmeHOK now to figure $$$...
by EsmeH - 10/1/08 12:20 PM In reply to: (NT) how about a relative budget? (n/t) by Pepe7I am figuring about $2k-ish for TV. Again, what does the C term mean?
thanks
OT re: c-word; it means two things to me, actually
by Pepe7 - 10/1/08 12:30 PM In reply to: OK now to figure $$$... by EsmeH'Craptastic' might be the opposite of fantastic, as one might describe 99% of content on broadcast or cable/sat tv. Since my cable provider is Comcast, I also feel it's a decent play on words regarding their 'comcastic' ad-claim for their CATV content (LOL).
which '950'?
by Pepe7 - 10/1/08 12:41 PM In reply to: OK now to figure $$$... by EsmeHI've seen the 800U at Circuit City on sale for $2199, and it would be a good choice IMO given your nocturnal, less than daylight ambient needs. If the Samsung '950' you're referring to is the 55" LCD (LN55A950), that's nearly $5K, so I assume you might have something else in mind(?) Going to a cheaper 46" version might not be as ideal if you're in a large room/longer viewing distance, and have previously had a 52" in the same space. YMMV. That's why when someone asks for HDTV recommendations, it's really tough without knowing more specifics .
What other components do you plan on using with the new HDTV(?)
cheers,
P
Re: (NT) how about a relative budget? (n/t)
by daab78 - 10/10/08 8:48 AM In reply to: (NT) how about a relative budget? (n/t) by Pepe7The 50PZ800U can be had for around 2k, and the Pioneer PDP-5020FD is around 2.4k. Although I personally prefer the Pioneer, the PZ800 in THX mode does have a very good picture for about 400 less.
Etymology
by jostenmeat - 10/1/08 12:35 PM In reply to: what the heck is craptastic? by EsmeHCRAPTASTIC
Blend of crap and fantastic
Adjective
craptastic (comparative more craptastic, superlative most craptastic)
1. (UK, slang) Intended to be perceived as fantastic, but actually perceived as extremely poor quality.
That was the most craptastic movie I've ever seen!
Usage note: This is also used in the United States.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/craptastic
get a Panny, and be done. don't need a 60"? If you say so. I use a 159". Its perfect.
the panasonic 800 vs 850?
by EsmeH - 10/1/08 12:45 PM In reply to: Etymology by jostenmeatwhat is the diff between the THPX 800 and 850?
Any input on the samsung? Is the model that would cost the same (2k-ish) not as clean. Clarity is important to me.
thanks, guys
PX or PZ?
by Pepe7 - 10/2/08 8:18 AM In reply to: the panasonic 800 vs 850? by EsmeHAre you sure you don't mean PZ instead of PX?
I've only seen the PZ850U in person, and it looked pretty stellar to me. But the reviews seem to favor the colors on the PZ800U. YMMV. Keep in mind 'clarity' really is too general of a term IMO, since there still might be subtle differences based on your source material/equipment. It really is imperative to view several displays to get a feel for the picture quality you prefer, especially if you are comparing these two plasmas with a backlit LCD like the Samsung. A lot of it is preference based. There's really no right or wrong when you are working within a budget.
I guess I mean PZ
by EsmeH - 10/3/08 7:32 AM In reply to: PX or PZ? by Pepe7and 5K for the samsung is out of my range...I did go lookand compare pictures and thought the 2 best were the Samsung 950 and the Pioneer, and found both too expensive. So I think I am back to the Panasonic 50 or 58" 800 which was quite nice.
As for other parts of my new set up, I should probably upgrade the stereo set-up, DVD (to blu-ray?) and do I need a new satellite (Direct TV) piece too. I won't do these at once, too much cash outlay for one trip to the electronics store.....
how do you guys feel about the 'extended warranty' situation? I never buy them, but would it be a good thing for a new TV?
thanks
Extended Warranty
by Mike Carreon - 10/7/08 8:59 AM In reply to: I guess I mean PZ by EsmeHI bought a Panasonic 58" plasma (TH58PZ700U) after viewing many other brands and models. Beautiful picture. I bought mine here in So. Calif. at Paul’s TV's and got their Ext. Warranty for 4 years for $599.00!! Soon as I got my TV and unpacked everything, I found that Panasonic was offering a two-year warranty that starts after the initial 1-year warranty for a total of 3 years for only $404. I canceled the Paul’s warranty and went with the Panasonic. I have over 700 DVD's and have now starting replacing them with Blu-rays. Unbelievable picture with my Sony Blu-ray player and Panasonic TV. I went for a refurbished BDP-S500 from Sony, only because Sony offered a 3-year warranty for only $39.99.
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