Panasonic ST50 vs GT50

[v_squared123]

I sold my 58VT25 plasma and now I'm looking for a new tv. I was very disappointed when the black levels rose after 200 hours of use since the tv was a late July 2010 build and those models were supposedly had the fix to rise after 1500 hours. Now I'm looking for a newer model that completely walks over the vt25 series image quality and I'm starting with the ST50 which had better black levels and better color accuracy than my old VT25. Fascinating how quickly advancements in technology can happen. I'm looking at the ST50 and GT50 right now.

Has it been noted if there is an visible advantage with the 24,576 shades of gradation in the GT\VT vs ST50 plasmas? I looked into all Major reviews of each tv and no one mentioned tHey could see a benefit having the extra gradations. Anyone owners out there feel like they have seen a benefit with the extra shades?

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by v_squared123

I sold my 58VT25 plasma and now I'm looking for a new tv. I was very disappointed when the black levels rose after 200 hours of use since the tv was a late July 2010 build and those models were supposedly had the fix to rise after 1500 hours. Now I'm looking for a newer model that completely walks over the vt25 series image quality and I'm starting with the ST50 which had better black levels and better color accuracy than my old VT25. Fascinating how quickly advancements in technology can happen. I'm looking at the ST50 and GT50 right now.

Has it been noted if there is an visible advantage with the 24,576 shades of gradation in the GT\VT vs ST50 plasmas? I looked into all Major reviews of each tv and no one mentioned tHey could see a benefit having the extra gradations. Anyone owners out there feel like they have seen a benefit with the extra shades?

I'm not an owner but I've seen several side by side videos of the ST and GT and truthfully, they looked absolutely identical. The only true advantage that I see with the GT50 are the built in THX modes. If you're not interested in getting your TV professionally calibrated, this might be a difference maker for you. Otherwise, save your money and get the ST.

[HeavyHitter]

Pro cal'd, both sets are the same.

The GT50 with THX can get a bit brighter though.

[v_squared123]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

I'm not an owner but I've seen several side by side videos of the ST and GT and truthfully, they looked absolutely identical. The only true advantage that I see with the GT50 are the built in THX modes. If you're not interested in getting your TV professionally calibrated, this might be a difference maker for you. Otherwise, save your money and get the ST.

Yea I noticed the thx certification on the gt series. And tbh I don't want to pay 500 bucks more for a gt series when I can get an st series calibrated for 300. Besides the extra shades and dual core chips which reviewers have noted doesn't enhance pq just application usage I don't see the value in the gt series. The biggest feature that I would buy me would be the panel filter but they are both the same in the st and gt.

[v_squared123]

How much better is the ultra panel in the vt50 compard to the gt50 pro panel? From what I know about the vt25 it had a pro lourve filter which was really good at rejecting ambient light and really did keep the black levels dark when there was light in the room. I'm wondering just how much better could the ultra panel be? Better than a matte LCD display? Anybody know what kind of filter panel was on the Kuro since its a reference plasma?

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by v_squared123

How much better is the ultra panel in the vt50 compard to the gt50 pro panel? From what I know about the vt25 it had a pro lourve filter which was really good at rejecting ambient light and really did keep the black levels dark when there was light in the room. I'm wondering just how much better could the ultra panel be? Better than a matte LCD display? Anybody know what kind of filter panel was on the Kuro since its a reference plasma?

The ultra panel on the VT50 does make blacks a LITTLE darker than the ST and GT models. However the question is, is it enough to warrant the extra cash? Personally I don't think it is unless the comfort of knowing you have the best is THAT important to you. In the real world, the only way you'd know the difference is if you viewed them side by side in a dark room. Otherwise you're talking incremental differences.

[v_squared123]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

The ultra panel on the VT50 does make blacks a LITTLE darker than the ST and GT models. However the question is, is it enough to warrant the extra cash? Personally I don't think it is unless the comfort of knowing you have the best is THAT important to you. In the real world, the only way you'd know the difference is if you viewed them side by side in a dark room. Otherwise you're talking incremental differences.

Would this be in a dark room or room with light? In a dark room I don't see how a panel filter would make deep blacks more apparent since it doesn't have any light to reject

[ak_ka]

For me, Looks were an important consideration. I didn't really like the plastic around the ST50 series. If that doesn't bother you, ST50 is probably the best bang for buck TV in a long time.

Also depends on how much you end up paying for it
I wanted to get the GT50, but I saw a local deal on VT50 that I couldn't turn down(55" for $1497 delivered with 2 Samsung 3D glasses thrown in)

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

They are essentially the same thing. I have a 60"GT that i got for 1699 which was the same price as the 60"ST at the time. The GT, as said, has the THX cinema and bright room modes, duel core processor, more gradients, 1 more hdmi input for a total of 4, a "slightly less sleek" design and off hand, that is all i can think of. I would have gotten the ST if it wasn't for the prices being the exact same.

[dand]

Ordering a 65VT50 this week..Can't wait.

[dobyblue]

I love the aesthetics of the GT50 but it's not something you notice while you're actually WATCHING material.

If it's within $100 or so I'd get the GT50 just for the looks, but the PQ is identical and there are D-Nice's settings online for the ST and GT series now.

[p8ntballah21]

I just went through the same debate. I ended up going with an 65ST50. Its an amazing TV! I used D-Nice's settings after a 100 panel prep and I am very impressed. To me the extra $$ for the Gt wasn't worth it.

[Blu Balls]

I'm holding out for a deal on the 60 inch ST60. I hope there is an improvement in picture quality over last year's model but, it's probably not much if any. Has there been any pro reviews posted anywhere yet?

[v_squared123]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I'm holding out for a deal on the 60 inch ST60. I hope there is an improvement in picture quality over last year's model but, it's probably not much if any. Has there been any pro reviews posted anywhere yet?

Big improvement over last years st series. The st50 even bettered the gt50 in black level

[WilliaBe]

I upgraded my set this year to a 65 inch GT50. Initially had the ST50, but returned it due to DSE during hockey. Paid 200 bucks more for a GT50 and never looked back.

Although black level is superior on the ST50, the GT50 has better overall contrast, and is a brighter set. If you have a bright room, I would opt for the GT50. (Numbers below from HDJ)

ST50: (ANSI Contrast 5187:1/.0043 Black @ 22.18 fL)
GT50: (ANSI Contrast 5371:1/.0062 Black @ 33.3fL)

[5150z]

Originally Posted by dand

Ordering a 65VT50 this week..Can't wait.

You'll be ecstatic when you dial it in! It's that good. Enjoy!

[SolidRaider]

Originally Posted by p8ntballah21

I just went through the same debate. I ended up going with an 65ST50. Its an amazing TV! I used D-Nice's settings after a 100 panel prep and I am very impressed. To me the extra $$ for the Gt wasn't worth it.

Where can I find D-Nice settings for ST50?

[Djtannv29]

Originally Posted by SolidRaider

Where can I find D-Nice settings for ST50?

Here http://www.highdefjunkies.com/showth...6#.URxQ16WCmSq post#2

[v_squared123]

Originally Posted by ImStylinOnYaBro

I have a 60"GT that i got for 1699 which was the same price as the 60"ST at the time.

That is really a great price. Here in Canada im looking at a 55ST50 for that price Would love to get a GT50 even though id prefer a st