Panasonic's Professional vs Consumer displays

[richteer]

I'm hoping to buy a new direct view TV in the next year or two, and picture quality is my overriding concern. The 2012 Panasonic VT50 series seems to be one of the leading contenders, but their maximum screen size is 65". Ideally, I'd like a larger screen, so I was looking at Panasonic's TH-85PF12U or their TH85VX200U (I really have no room for a 103" TV, no matter how much I'd like one, and they're way beyond my price range!!). The thing is, I don't know how well, from a picture quality point of view, the professional displays compare to the consumer ones.

I'd like to think that the pro displays attain an even higher level of performance (I'm not interested in sound quality etc., as I'd use an external sound system), but maybe the pro displays have different criteria than just picture performance.

Could someone who actually knows please enlighten me?!

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by richteer

I'm hoping to buy a new direct view TV in the next year or two, and picture quality is my overriding concern. The 2012 Panasonic VT50 series seems to be one of the leading contenders, but their maximum screen size is 65". Ideally, I'd like a larger screen, so I was looking at Panasonic's TH-85PF12U or their TH85VX200U (I really have no room for a 103" TV, no matter how much I'd like one, and they're way beyond my price range!!). The thing is, I don't know how well, from a picture quality point of view, the professional displays compare to the consumer ones.

I'd like to think that the pro displays attain an even higher level of performance (I'm not interested in sound quality etc., as I'd use an external sound system), but maybe the pro displays have different criteria than just picture performance.

Could someone who actually knows please enlighten me?!

Without looking I would guess the pro displays lack any type of ATSC tuner and probably carry a longer warranty, just my guess (EDIT: warranty is still only 1 year parts/labor) The other thing to think about is the amount of HEAT a plasma that size will create. My 50" G10 make a noticeable temperature difference in my living room if it has been running for a few hours.

Bill

[richteer]

Lack of a tuner isn't a big deal to me: I very rarely watch TV! The purpose of the TV I'm considering is mostly watching Blu-rays, plus a bit of material streamed from iTunes via an Apple TV (oh yeah, and a bit of gaming via PS3).

The heat output (and by implication, power consumption) is a good point. The TV will be in my basement, and this room is half underground. It's noticeably cooler down here than upstairs. (I currently use the proposed room as my office, but the lack of natural light and cooler temperatures are a downer, so I'm moving upstairs.)

[dobyblue]

They work with all signals is another difference, PAL, NTSC, SECAM, etc.
I believe there are much more calibration options as well.

They're typically around 6~8 months behind the consumer models in terms of some of the advancements so around October/November I'd expect the "2012" sets to come out.

Here's a look at last year's model - http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=185810

[richteer]

Ah, thanks for the info, Doby! A purchase is still a long ways off, so I'll keep my eyes on developments. I like making (very) informed purchasing decisions, so being forced to bide my time while I'm saving is actually a good thing because it gives me more time to do my research.

[harry lime]

You do have room, you just haven't realized it yet. All you have to do is replace one of your walls with the TV. Don't let the lack of space stop you from owning that TV. That thing alone will make you a legend around town. Probably get you a key to the city or a parade in your honor.

For those of you not in the know:

TH-103VX200U
http://www.panasonic.com/business/Pl...-103VX200U.asp

They had to engineer a special crane to lift the TV out of the box upon delivery. I like stuff like that, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

[Canada]

Are you set on a Panasonic plasma, Sony just came out with a 4K TV although it is an LCD it's 85" but it costs $ 25,000 before tax.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Canada

Are you set on a Panasonic plasma, Sony just came out with a 4K TV although it is an LCD it's 85" but it costs $ 25,000 before tax.

My choice of set isn't in any way cast in stone. I'm just interested in buying the best sanely priced 65"+ TV/display I can. This would be a long-term acquisition, so I'd be looking to buy the best (not necessarily the biggest) in my budget. I'm not the type to buy cheap today then make a slight upgrade a few months later. :-)

Right now, that would seem to be the 65" VT50, but who knows what 2013's TVs will bring to the table?

[wayonbird]

me too,My choice of set isn't in any way cast in stone. I'm just interested in buying the best sanely priced 65"+ TV/display I can.

[dobyblue]

I always get excited around this time of year, not just for Christmas which I love but also because CES is just around the corner. Love to hear about the new sets every year.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I always get excited around this time of year, not just for Christmas which I love but also because CES is just around the corner. Love to hear about the new sets every year.

Are you going to CES next month? If so, it'd be great to meet you! I usually hang around the high-end audio stuff at the Venetian, but sometimes make it to the LVCC.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by richteer

Are you going to CES next month? If so, it'd be great to meet you! I usually hang around the high-end audio stuff at the Venetian, but sometimes make it to the LVCC.

It is unlikely with current financial situation that I'll make it before 2015, but I will definitely remember to hit you up with a PM when I do finally make it. Would love to spend a whole day in and around all the high end audio stuff.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

It is unlikely with current financial situation that I'll make it before 2015, but I will definitely remember to hit you up with a PM when I do finally make it. Would love to spend a whole day in and around all the high end audio stuff.

Sounds like a plan: you're on!