Deals and Bargains forum: Panasonic TC - P50G25 is it worth buying?

Sorry. Premature key punch event. Anyway, the 50G25 is a STEAL @ $1050, but $500 more for the "3D experience" might be too much. Besides, only the "GT" is 3D ( the "T" denoting 3D ). I have a VT20 and absolutely LOVE the picture quality. The G and GT 25 are not quite as good, but certainly better than many others out there. As for the 3D, well maybe someday, but for now, just a gimmick to me ( IMO ). I bought my 89yo mother-in-law a 50GT25 to replace a 32". She was about 12' away from the screen and had to squint to see the postage stamp-sized screen. SHE LOVES IT!!! Especially now with the basketball tournaments on. She has only cable....no Blu-ray, or any other accesories besides a soundbar to help her hear what is being said. She LOVES it!!! In short, the 50G25 is a very good set, but not a VT20, or VT25. But then it doesn't cost $1800 either. For $1000 you just can't go wrong, but I wouldn't stretch for the 3D at this point. Also, with the Panasonic DMP-BDT100, you will need a "pass-thru" receiver to make it all work right. Newer receivers will do that, but I had to replace my Onkyo TX-SR605, with a 608 to get it right. Hope this helps...

Some of the earlier 3D Blu-ray plyrs BestB offered had not 1, but 2 HDMI ports. the one(s) w/2 ports ( 1 goes to receiver, 1 goes to TV ) did NOT require the addition of a newer receiver to "pass-thru" the signal to your set. On my older receiver ( 2007 ), I got no pic nor sound. So I ordered a "608" ( 2010 ) and it allows "pass-thru" of the signal from a Blu-ray plyr w/just 1 HDMI port. I feel there may be a shakeout in the 3D format due to the fact that Vizio has demonstrated a "no-3D glasses" ( like movie theaters ) system at CES 2011. Also, the difference between $1000 for a 50G25, and $1500 for all the 3D accessories is a 50% premium. Please keep in mind the regular "G" is NOT a 3D set. It takes a "T' in the model designation to get that feature. And SKIP the 2D-to-3D conversion feature the 50GT25 offers. It looks like quapp!

By-the-by, PC Richard.com has the "GT25" for less. I am waiting for my Onkyo "508" to arrive tomorrow from them. It will go in our exercise room w/our Pan 46S2. It will replace an old Pioneer receiver w/o HDMI, or ARC, or even "pass-thru".

Yes I am looking at the Onkyo SR 308. $189.95 at Amazon.