I want a new TV for the Blu-ray of District 9, but I don't know what to get.

[TheSweetieMan]

A pretty simple question, I'm getting District 9 on bluray next month and I want to get the absolute BEST and most REALISTIC visual experience as possible. I've gone to multiple Best Buys and Sears, and both have told me that the new plasmas are the way to go. However, after doing some research online, I've seen where people have said the 600hz subdrive is all a part of marketing and that it really doesn't blow LCD or LCD-LED tvs out of the water in that department. I've seen stuff being said to the likes of "With motionblur the 200Hz (Sony) is the refresh rate of the frames displayed but with Panasonic's its the refresh rate of the colour to produce deep rich colours hence the 2 million contrast ratio."

And then there's this: "The difference is that the subfielf technology they use is it pushes out 600 frames and picks the best one and displays it. You will not see a difference with Video output when even Blu ray does around 25fps. The a slight difference would probably come from video games but then again not big enough. My point is it DOES NOT have 600hz refresh rate. It refers to the rate of it selectively picking the best frames hence the sub-field."

I mean, I'd really, really like to get the most realistic experience while watching this film, especially when you consider that D9 features a lot of guerilla-style and documentary filming technique, and then you have the giant mechsuit at the end that had very noticeable motion-blur on the big screen and on its R5 DVD rip.

So, since I'm not as TV-suave, what do I go with? Who can give me a very unbiased and informative post as to which TV I should go with? Is it plasma or the new LCD-LED tvs?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and help me out.

Oh, and when I say I want the most 'REALISTIC' look, I mean that I want to feel like I'm standing within the enviorment, I'm not big on the film/grain look like everybody else.

Basically, what I want to know is, will the 600hz sub-drive in the new plasmas (specifically the Panasonic brand) really enhance the motion of the aliens and mechsuit in this film, and give it a very detailed picture even while in fast-motion?

Sorry for the confusion.

[weo4585]

There are many factors that contribute to a TV's picture quality, only one of which is the refresh rate. If you seek the best representation of how the motion looked in theatres, you might do well to look at the Panasonic V10 Plasma series (not the G10, as it lacks the 96Hz feature I feel would suit your needs). If you want something that looks smoother, almost artificially so, I'd suggest an LCD with 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate and a "motion-flow" feature.

More important to me would be the television's color accuracy, contrast, and black levels, all of which contribute greatly to a realistic picture with that "pop" factor for which HD is known. For me, a good plasma (such as a Panasonic V10, any Pioneer, among others) really can't be beat.

Whatever your choice, you should keep two things in mind: the 600hz sub-drive should not be considered a major factor in comparing one TV to another (as far as I know), and the only way to know you're buying the right set is to see it for yourself, with a proper set-up in a dark showroom. Enjoy comparing, and I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice.

[TheSweetieMan]

Could you elaborate a bit more on what motion-flow is? I've never heard of it until now (will it help with the animation of the CG-aliens and CG-mechsuit in this film?)

I don't mean to ask so many questions, it's just... I was so floored by the realistic CGI effects in this film that I want to really enhance it and bring it as close to life as possible.

[weo4585]

Every manufacturer calls it something different. You know how soap-operas and daytime game-shows look different than movies and other programming? No easy way to describe how it looks, just different. Well, this feature makes blu-rays look more like that. It looks flashy, but many (myself included) tire of it. The 96Hz feature on the Panasonic V10 should accurately represent the visual effects without adding that glossy soap-opera effect.

But, again, you'll really have to make that call on your own. See it with your own eyes, and it should be an easy decision for you. Also, when you go to look at the tv's try to test them out with programming like what you saw in D9 (perhaps cloverfield?) to get the best idea of what will suit you best.

Good luck, and welcome to the site!

[I am blu]

same opinion, I opted for the plasma
but the samsung B850 series, I hesitated with the V10 but its design... brrr
I preferred easily the slim design of the samsung. Blu-ray never looked that nice on my screen (I changed from 46" sharp aquos lcd)

[BluRayFiend]

XBR 8 plenty of HT magazines have given it almost perfect reviews ! an some have given it tv of the year

[callas01]

I would say that you should probably look into a plasma, I say that because the backlit LED-LCDs will give you the same PQ but at premium of the price. IMO, unless you want to brag about how much more you spent on your TV, you should just get a Plasma and brag about how much less you spent.

[Rob J in WNY]

Originally Posted by TheSweetieMan

"The difference is that the subfielf technology they use is it pushes out 600 frames and picks the best one and displays it.

Imagines little gremlins inside the TV working furiously to pick out the "best" picture as they all whiz along at 600 times a second.

Sorry, just had to say that...

Truth is, as has been pointed out, plasma is going to give you, hands down, the most accurate motion because its pixel technology can refresh far faster than LCD pixels can. It's just the nature of the technology. LCDs can easily lose over half of the original image resolution during motion. Most people don't notice this, but once you see the difference, it may become a very important aspect in your decision.

Some people like the "soap opera effect" of running frame/motion interpolation on 120Hz (and higher) LCD TVs, but it will take away the "filmic" look entirely on movie material, and will add visible artifacts to the picture as well.

Plasmas have their shortcomings, too. Although issues concerning image retention and burn in appear to be smaller now, they are matter to consider, especially when the TV is brand new. Also, plasmas consume up to twice the power of LCDs, but in some cases, the power increase in not nearly as much - in general, they cost more to operate. They are heavier as well, and will require a more sturdy fixture to set or mount them on. Generally, they run a bit dimmer than LCDs, but a properly calibrated LCD will also look "dim" compared to the settings you see at the typical showroom floor.

For the plasma fans, these issues are worth dealing with because of the excellent picture quality gains - usually deeper blacks, better black detail, and the high degree of motion resolution.

[Alan Brown]

Read these two articles by Dr. Raymond Soneira of DisplayMate Technologies. They appeared in two recent issues of 'Widescreen Review' and offer the best analysis I've found of how LCD and plasma technologies generically compare.

http://displaymate.com/LCD_Plasma_ShootOut.htm
http://displaymate.com/LCD_Response_Time_ShootOut.htm

If image fidelity is your top priority, plasma is still the better choice over LCD of any sort.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
A Lion AV Consultants Affiliate

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

[Beta Man]

Interesting way of deciding you need a new t.v.

So... First off..... Doesn't matter if it's DLP, LED, old LCD, Plasma, Front Projection, or CRT..... if there is film grain you want to see it.... because if it's there, and you can't see it.... then there is a problem with your eyes or your t.v., not the other way around..... No t.v. is going to "remove" grain for you. You want something that will accurately reproduce colors, motions, and resolution.

With that said, I would opt for plasma.... I don't personally own one, but watching one of my kids' DVDs over the holiday at my parents' house, on their Plasma (same movie I've seen countless times on our LCD) I really had a great chance to appreciate the color reproduction of his T.V. compared to ours.

I'm looking for a new T.V. for our living room to replace our current LCD (want to go bigger too) and I'm not looking at anything other than Plasma..... I have two LCDs and whenever I see a plasma, they always look more "natural" and I've seen very nice LCDs and LED-LCD sets.... but I prefer the look of plasmas (I actually prefer the look of CRTs but there are too many other limiting factors that prevent me from going that route)

If you want the best picture from a flat-panel display..... find a Kuro-Elite or whatever their top-dogs are...... those look the best to me.

[HiDefRev]

Indeed. Go with the plasma. Panasonic is known for their reliablity and great customer service. If you want the best, go with the TC-P50V10 ( or the 54V10, or 58V10 if you need a larger picture ). These plasmas cannot be beat !

[TheSweetieMan]

First off, I'd like to thank all of you for taking the time and helping me out.

Second, I spoke with another Best Buy employee (and yes, I know they're not the best people to speak with when it comes to this subject), but this particular employee pointed out to me that I couldn't go wrong with plasma, seeing as District 9 is shot digitally, so I'm really not gonna have to worry about filmgrain to begin with. He also made comments on the 600hz subdrive and said that there will still be an incredible amount of detail even while the mechsuit is in motion or swinging its limbs (is what he said about this true?), and he also made mention that once you have the TV calibrated, it will present the most accurate picture as possible.

Now, with all this being said, I went and checked out their displays, and luckily they had a bluray hooked up with this TV right here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasonic+-+VIERA+/+42%22+Class+/+1080p+/+600Hz+/+Plasma+HDTV/9244301.p?id=1218066284214&skuId=9244301 I also forgot to ask him if that TV has the 0:001ms respond time, do any of you know if this TV will have that feature?

Unfortunately, they kept playing a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean over and over, so I didn't really get to see quite the detail I'd like to see in regards to fast-paced motion. But, I didn't notice any streaking or motion-blur, WHAT-SO-EVER in these scenes that they did display. I'm really leaning towards buying that TV, but again, I'd like to ask all of you, who I'm sure have more knowledge on this than the people who work at Best Buy (no disrespect intended to them), will this TV be ideal for the District 9 bluray? And yes, I do plan on having it calibrated, but not for several weeks as I'd like to allow the picture to settle in.

[BLUCanadian]

just so you know, you are basically looking at the bottom of the barrel for Panasonic 1080p plasmas. From your original post, it came accross as though you wanted the best display possible. You should probably state your budget so that people can help you out better. People have been suggesting TV that are quite a bit more expensive than the one you listed

[TheSweetieMan]

How is that scraping the bottom of the barrel? The display looked pretty good and the price is outstanding given the quality I seen (I also don't need a TV that's 50 inches big, I will admit I should have stated that from the get go, though). Plus, you also have to remember that when I said I wanted the best image possible, I meant for the visual effects and the detail in terms of the fast-paced motion throughout the entire film, will that TV I posted not give me that type of quality?

Anyway, my budget is $1,250.

[JimShaw]

Oh, and when I say I want the most 'REALISTIC' look, I mean that I want to feel like I'm standing within the enviorment, I'm not big on the film/grain look like everybody else.

This is exactly why I purchased the Samsung B8000.

[lojack1976]

The Panasonic model that you are interested in is an entry level set. Its not a bad TV by any means but if you want the best you can get for your money then IMO THIS 46" is the best option for your budget. It comes bundled with a Blu-ray player. If you are willing to spend about $60 over your budget you can get the THIS 50" model minus the Blu-ray player. These sets will give you the best overall picture for your money IMHO.

[TheSweetieMan]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

The Panasonic model that you are interested in is an entry level set. Its not a bad TV by any means but if you want the best you can get for your money then IMO THIS 46" is the best option for your budget. It comes bundled with a Blu-ray player. If you are willing to spend about $60 over your budget you can get the THIS 50" model minus the Blu-ray player. These sets will give you the best overall picture for your money IMHO.

The first TV you posted looks more realistic within my budget. I'm definitely interested in this one more so than the latter. So you think I'd get an outstanding bluray experience with this TV?

However, what do you mean by the TV I posted being entry level? Is their a drawback with that?

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by TheSweetieMan

The first TV you posted looks more realistic within my budget. I'm definitely interested in this one more so than the latter. So you think I'd get an outstanding bluray experience with this TV?

However, what do you mean by the TV I posted being entry level? Is their a drawback with that?

You will get a terrific Blu-ray experience with either of these two sets. These TV's offer very deep blacks and a full 1080 lines of motion resolution. There is also a THX mode that you may or may not like. Its meant for dim or dark room viewing. You can set it and walk away without any need for calibration. You will probably want to use a different mode if you watch TV in a brighter setting. There is an owner's thread over on avsforum where you can find some good settings for these sets if you decide you don't like the THX mode.

As for that model you mentioned, yes it is an entry level set. Many features that are included with the higher end models are omitted with that set. You can also expect a less accurate picture as well as a weaker black level. Believe me when I tell you that the extra money spent will be well worth it. If you are going to spend the money you might as well get the best that you can afford. This is an investment that can last you years.

[TheSweetieMan]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

You will get a terrific Blu-ray experience with either of these two sets. These TV's offer very deep blacks and a full 1080 lines of motion resolution. There is also a THX mode that you may or may not like. Its meant for dim or dark room viewing. You can set it and walk away without any need for calibration. You will probably want to use a different mode if you watch TV in a brighter setting. There is an owner's thread over on avsforum where you can find some good settings for these sets if you decide you don't like the THX mode.

I'm going to get it calibrated, regardless. I just feel it would be the best way to go with whichever TV I decide to get.

I'm definitely going to look into the first TV you mentioned, but I'll keep that entery level one in mind (the lack of deeper blacks doesn't bother me TOO much, and I still like the fact it features the 600hz and 0.001ms response time), but hopefully Best Buy carries the model you just suggested me. I'd have no problem spending $1,100+ for that TV if it will really give me a memorable experience.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by TheSweetieMan

I'm going to get it calibrated, regardless. I just feel it would be the best way to go with whichever TV I decide to get.

I'm definitely going to look into the first TV you mentioned, but I'll keep that entery level one in mind (the lack of deeper blacks doesn't bother me TOO much, and I still like the fact it features the 600hz and 0.001ms response time), but hopefully Best Buy carries the model you just suggested me. I'd have no problem spending $1,100+ for that TV if it will really give me a memorable experience.

Unfortunately Best Buy doesn't carry the 46" models...at least they're not on the website. They have the 50" G10 on sale for $1299.99 right now. The only difference between this set and the G15 is that the G15 is slimmer. The picture is the same though. Another good option if you really want to keep costs low and get roughly the same picture with not quite as deep blacks you can grab THIS 50" S1 for less than $900. This is an amazing value for budget minded people.