Sony XBR9 or Panasonic V10 series...which would u pick? - Blu-ray Forum

b00st · 08-22-2009, 04:37 AM

I'm trying to decide between the two TVs.
a 52" Sony XBR9 or the 54" Panasonic V10 series plasma.
which would u pick and why?
both prices are the same @ 2499 without negotiating yet.

not sure if i want an LCD or plasma. I currently have a panny 700u
that i want to upgrade from. I watch sports and movies on it.
i'm kinda torn between the 2.

lojack1976 · 08-22-2009, 04:44 AM

The V10 all the way! The XBR9 is just not the upgrade over last year's sets that it should have been. Black level is mediocre and even the color accuracy is pretty blah. Add in the usual LCD drawbacks like problems with screen uniformity and off-axis viewing and its just no contest. The V10 isn't perfect, but its much closer to perfection than the XBR9. All of the professional reviews pretty much consider the V10 to be the best TV released this year. The XBR9 on the other hand has been getting pretty lackluster reviews.

warpig · 08-22-2009, 04:47 AM

panny,definitely

K_Williamson42 · 08-22-2009, 04:50 AM

i have an XBR4 and I love the thing! go with the XBR9

b00st · 08-22-2009, 05:00 AM

my dad decided to go with an XBR4 about a year ago.

i have read abou the V10 being the "best" TV of 2009 thus far.

XBR9 go decent reviews...but the V10 got better reviews.

things is...i saw the XBR9 running king kong. actually i turned on the bluray player and it had king kong in it. i happen to see a demo a while ago...with a TV running king kong...the scene was KING KONG vs the TREX.

i was just stunned at the clarity and the almost 3D look because every detail was sooooooo clear...my panny doesn't do that. so i had to find one that did.
the XBR9 has that effect. clarity was stunning...and after calibration i'm sure it could be better.

i have only read about the V10 series...never actually scene it in person to experience it. but i'm hoping that it can produce this same clarity that practically was 3D like. its hard to explain but the detail in the moss and the visuals...far better than my 1080p panny. so thats my thing...i've seen the XBR9 running and it had this crystal clear pic. but yes LCD suffers from off-axis and all your typical other LCD issues. the picture was impressive.

but its hard to also ignore the stunning reviews the V10 received. but i haven't been able to see one. only way for me to compare is to bring my king kong bluray and run that same scene to see for myself. i need to locate a place that has the v10 series.

lojack1976 · 08-22-2009, 05:21 AM

Keep in mind that LCD's are going to look better in the store than plasmas due to the star-gone-nova effect you get with the department store lighting. They crank up the sharpness, contrast, and brightness to give you that "oooh..look how bright and colorful it is" reaction. You are not viewing an accurate picture since these sets are not properly calibrated.

In your own home environment you could have every window in the house open and you will still be getting a fraction of the lighting that a Best Buy or Sear's will have. If you have a Best Buy Magnolia store near you then go in the Magnolia room and view the sets in there. Its not a perfect viewing room and they still don't do much in the way of calibrating TV's, but its dim enough for you to see the very apparent differences.

Keep in mind that added sharpness is just another name for edge enhancement. You can crank up the sharpness on any TV for that effect, but its not a natural look and most videophiles frown on it.

genkifd · 08-22-2009, 09:35 AM

also keep in mind LCD is always slightly sharper than plasma.....

Bluubyu · 08-22-2009, 03:54 PM

Neither, go with a A950 Samsung.

aramis109 · 08-22-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genkifd

also keep in mind LCD is always slightly sharper than plasma.....

I wouldn't say always. I just picked up a 50" G10 and was actually surprised at how sharp it can be. I would say that's something that can be consistent among LCD and Plasma, though. Of the two sets listed I'd go with the V10 in a heartbeat. There's nothing special about the XBR9. If you listed the XBR8, then it'd be a tougher call in my book.

b00st · 08-22-2009, 05:49 PM

yeah xbr8 is LED...which is a different category and price range at that.

i love panasonic plasma...i'm just not sure if i should switch it up and go LCD...i need to see a V10....run a few movies on it.

lojack1976 · 08-22-2009, 06:14 PM

You definitely should check it out before you purchase it. Being that I've seen both I can tell you that I wouldn't even begin to consider the XBR9. As someone stated earlier the XBR8 is a much more comparable set. To even compare the XBR9 to the V10 is just not a fair comparison. It doesn't even match up to the G10 IMO.

Maybe you should buy the XBR9 and take it home to try it out. Once you get it into your home environment and calibrate and start watching it I'm pretty sure it will start to irritate you. Set it up right beside your plasma and compare compare the black level and viewing angles. If you watch movies in the dark then definitely compare both sets in that environment. You will probably pack that bad boy up quickly and take it back. Swap it for the V10 and take it home and compare. I promise you will keep it.

brettallica · 08-22-2009, 06:19 PM

Is this thread a cleverly disguised way to ask the eternal question of which is better between the two -- plasma or LCD?

Whatever it is, my vote goes to the Panny without any doubt.

My_Two_Cents · 08-22-2009, 06:23 PM

If you are already used to a good plasma, then you may not like an LCD (yes, even the XBR9). If you are like me, the motion blur still present on LCDs is something I just can't live with and notice constantly. Others, I know, don't. The V10 is THE top-rated set this year, and will give you a phenomenal picture. I want to upgrade to one, but it probably won't happen until next year when the 2009 models are priced to move.

My_Two_Cents · 08-22-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genkifd

also keep in mind LCD is always slightly sharper than plasma.....

You do realize that EVERY calibrator will turn your sharpness down to near zero in order to have it set properly, right? Sharpness is not something any technology is lacking (when you have it set correctly).

Jtodd · 08-22-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genkifd

also keep in mind LCD is always slightly sharper than plasma.....

I agree lcds have a sharper pic than plasmas IMO!

MCT · 08-22-2009, 06:50 PM

not only is the Panny V10 better (in every aspect), but as far as LCDs go, I would pick the Samsung B750 over the XBR9 as well.

lojack1976 · 08-22-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCT

not only is the Panny V10 better (in every aspect), but as far as LCDs go, I would pick the Samsung B750 over the XBR9 as well.

I agree. The XBR9 is not even near the top of the LCD category, so comparing it to the V10 is a total mismatch. The B750 is probably the best non-LED based LCD this year.

genkifd · 08-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

You do realize that EVERY calibrator will turn your sharpness down to near zero in order to have it set properly, right? Sharpness is not something any technology is lacking (when you have it set correctly).

i am actually referring to how they are made - plasma if you look closely have a fine line on screen which you dont see sitting a distance while LCD dont.

My_Two_Cents · 08-22-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genkifd

i am actually referring to how they are made - plasma if you look closely have a fine line on screen which you dont see sitting a distance while LCD dont.

Not sure I follow you. Fine lines where?

aramis109 · 08-22-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

You do realize that EVERY calibrator will turn your sharpness down to near zero in order to have it set properly, right? Sharpness is not something any technology is lacking (when you have it set correctly).

Even with that, I still personally feel that LCD's can give a slightly sharper image in many cases. I wouldn't call plasmas soft by any means though.

08-22-2009, 04:37 AM	#1
b00st Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:73 Blu-ray collection:59	Sony XBR9 or Panasonic V10 series...which would u pick? I'm trying to decide between the two TVs. a 52" Sony XBR9 or the 54" Panasonic V10 series plasma. which would u pick and why? both prices are the same @ 2499 without negotiating yet. not sure if i want an LCD or plasma. I currently have a panny 700u that i want to upgrade from. I watch sports and movies on it. i'm kinda torn between the 2.

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08-22-2009, 04:44 AM	#2
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	The V10 all the way! The XBR9 is just not the upgrade over last year's sets that it should have been. Black level is mediocre and even the color accuracy is pretty blah. Add in the usual LCD drawbacks like problems with screen uniformity and off-axis viewing and its just no contest. The V10 isn't perfect, but its much closer to perfection than the XBR9. All of the professional reviews pretty much consider the V10 to be the best TV released this year. The XBR9 on the other hand has been getting pretty lackluster reviews.

08-22-2009, 04:47 AM	#3
warpig Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:ventura,ca.	panny,definitely

08-22-2009, 04:50 AM	#4
K_Williamson42 Active Member Member since:Oct 2008 Home Theater Gallery:2 Blu-ray collection:418 Trading Score:16	i have an XBR4 and I love the thing! go with the XBR9

08-22-2009, 05:00 AM	#5
b00st Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:73 Blu-ray collection:59	my dad decided to go with an XBR4 about a year ago. i have read abou the V10 being the "best" TV of 2009 thus far. XBR9 go decent reviews...but the V10 got better reviews. things is...i saw the XBR9 running king kong. actually i turned on the bluray player and it had king kong in it. i happen to see a demo a while ago...with a TV running king kong...the scene was KING KONG vs the TREX. i was just stunned at the clarity and the almost 3D look because every detail was sooooooo clear...my panny doesn't do that. so i had to find one that did. the XBR9 has that effect. clarity was stunning...and after calibration i'm sure it could be better. i have only read about the V10 series...never actually scene it in person to experience it. but i'm hoping that it can produce this same clarity that practically was 3D like. its hard to explain but the detail in the moss and the visuals...far better than my 1080p panny. so thats my thing...i've seen the XBR9 running and it had this crystal clear pic. but yes LCD suffers from off-axis and all your typical other LCD issues. the picture was impressive. but its hard to also ignore the stunning reviews the V10 received. but i haven't been able to see one. only way for me to compare is to bring my king kong bluray and run that same scene to see for myself. i need to locate a place that has the v10 series.

08-22-2009, 05:21 AM	#6
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	Keep in mind that LCD's are going to look better in the store than plasmas due to the star-gone-nova effect you get with the department store lighting. They crank up the sharpness, contrast, and brightness to give you that "oooh..look how bright and colorful it is" reaction. You are not viewing an accurate picture since these sets are not properly calibrated. In your own home environment you could have every window in the house open and you will still be getting a fraction of the lighting that a Best Buy or Sear's will have. If you have a Best Buy Magnolia store near you then go in the Magnolia room and view the sets in there. Its not a perfect viewing room and they still don't do much in the way of calibrating TV's, but its dim enough for you to see the very apparent differences. Keep in mind that added sharpness is just another name for edge enhancement. You can crank up the sharpness on any TV for that effect, but its not a natural look and most videophiles frown on it.

08-22-2009, 09:35 AM	#7
genkifd Active Member Member since:Jul 2009 Location:Melbourne, Australia Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:259	also keep in mind LCD is always slightly sharper than plasma.....

08-22-2009, 03:54 PM	#8
Bluubyu Active Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Scottsdale, Arizona Home Theater Gallery:3 4K collection:7 Blu-ray collection:208	Neither, go with a A950 Samsung.

08-22-2009, 05:49 PM	#10
b00st Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:73 Blu-ray collection:59	yeah xbr8 is LED...which is a different category and price range at that. i love panasonic plasma...i'm just not sure if i should switch it up and go LCD...i need to see a V10....run a few movies on it.

08-22-2009, 06:14 PM	#11
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	You definitely should check it out before you purchase it. Being that I've seen both I can tell you that I wouldn't even begin to consider the XBR9. As someone stated earlier the XBR8 is a much more comparable set. To even compare the XBR9 to the V10 is just not a fair comparison. It doesn't even match up to the G10 IMO. Maybe you should buy the XBR9 and take it home to try it out. Once you get it into your home environment and calibrate and start watching it I'm pretty sure it will start to irritate you. Set it up right beside your plasma and compare compare the black level and viewing angles. If you watch movies in the dark then definitely compare both sets in that environment. You will probably pack that bad boy up quickly and take it back. Swap it for the V10 and take it home and compare. I promise you will keep it.

08-22-2009, 06:19 PM	#12
brettallica Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Santa Cruz, California Home Theater Gallery:51 Blu-ray collection:79 Trading Score:6	Is this thread a cleverly disguised way to ask the eternal question of which is better between the two -- plasma or LCD? Whatever it is, my vote goes to the Panny without any doubt.

08-22-2009, 06:23 PM	#13
My_Two_Cents Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Wherever I may roam.... Home Theater Gallery:40 4K collection:35 Blu-ray collection:507 DVD collection:19 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:4	If you are already used to a good plasma, then you may not like an LCD (yes, even the XBR9). If you are like me, the motion blur still present on LCDs is something I just can't live with and notice constantly. Others, I know, don't. The V10 is THE top-rated set this year, and will give you a phenomenal picture. I want to upgrade to one, but it probably won't happen until next year when the 2009 models are priced to move.

08-22-2009, 06:50 PM	#16
MCT Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Nov 2008 Blu-ray collection:499 Blu-ray reviews: 8 Trading Score:1	not only is the Panny V10 better (in every aspect), but as far as LCDs go, I would pick the Samsung B750 over the XBR9 as well.

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