Need some advice on 52" LCD/Plasma

[twhite56]

Hi Folks,
First, here's a rundown of my current gear:

Denon 3808CI Receiver
7.1 B&W VM1 Speakers
B&W Sub
Xbox 360
DirecTV HR-21
PS3 (For Blu of course!)

Now I'm upgrading my old 720p DLP set to a Plasma or LCD and was looking at three different models. I've seen all of them in person, but was looking for advice from others before I take the plunge.

The 3 models are the new Samsung 650 TOC, Sony XBR 52", Panasonic Vierra 800 and the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD. I don't want to go with the pioneer elite - I know it has great picture, but it isn't worth the extra money to me for an incremental increase in quality.

Incidentally, I've lurked around these parts for a while - finally decided to register and ask the question. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[SAM LN32A650]

Sony Kdl52 Xbr4 i would say is the best because of its 3d texturing and the XBR has a very good reputation.

[allstar780]

Panasonic 50 Inch 800 Series Viera Plasma

This TV is unreal! if you can check it out in person I highly recommend doing so!

EDIT: Better picture than the Sammy and XBR too!

[Sonny]

I would go with the 'Pio' if I was picking from the list. Get a panny 800u you won't be sorry

[twhite56]

allstar - I'm certainly open to the panasonic, I heard that they were good...but the C|Net review says there are issues with flicker at 24p, and the blacks weren't as good as some of the best plasmas. Have you experienced either?

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-32886472.html

[twhite56]

Originally Posted by allstar780

Panasonic 50 Inch 800 Series Viera Plasma

This TV is unreal! if you can check it out in person I highly recommend doing so!

EDIT: Better picture than the Sammy and XBR too!

Have you seen the C|Net review? They say the black levels aren't as great as some of the higher end plasmas. Also, what about the issues with 24p? I took a look at the Viera, then looked at the poineer after the review from C|Net

[Amel]

Sammy 650

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...?tag=mncol;lst

[allstar780]

even when its turned off the motionflow or whatever on the 650 makes blu-ray look like its in fast-forward

PS. Cnet reviews are the worst

PPS.http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-32886472.html

[SAM LN32A650]

actually yea i would go with the panasonic 800. i believe a 850 or a 85 is out that is THX certified.

[allstar780]

the 800 is THX certified... including a THX viewing mode preset (for a dark room with the TV backlit)

[kalkin84]

I'd take the pioneer if i was you, but price factored in i'd say swap the pio for a panasonic. The sony would be my third choice (after injecting the panasonic in 2nd) but i do have misgivings about samsung's involvement in production of the panel. I would not touch the samsung with a 10 foot pole; after years of selling their product and having to service their all to frequently defective gear and then deal with their abyssmal company support i have sworn them off personally.

1) Pio
2) pana
3) sony
.
.
.
bottom) Samsung

[twhite56]

Well it looks like I may want to seriously consider the Panasonic for the price...

Thanks for the tips everyone and keep the advice coming!

[richteer]

Originally Posted by twhite56

The 3 models are the new Samsung 650 TOC, Sony XBR 52", Panasonic Vierra 800 and the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD. I don't want to go with the pioneer elite - I know it has great picture, but it isn't worth the extra money to me for an incremental increase in quality.

In order, I'd recommend the Pioneer 5020, Panasonic 800. (The exclusion of LCD from this list is not unintentional...)

[DBlackGT]

Panasonic 800 hands down. I would of got that one last week when I bought my 85u but the 800 was a little out of my price range.

[allstar780]

if i upgrade my tv before this time next year (gotta save up some money and sell my current one) I'll be looking at the 800 selling below cost at my work... that would be sweet

[Unkn0wn47]

I just got 52XBR5 3 months ago. Absolutely stunning!

[rezf]

Originally Posted by Unkn0wn47

I just got 52XBR5 3 months ago. Absolutely stunning!

I own the panny 800. It is THX certified and the black levels are unbelievable ( they actually give you two choices in the menu for black levels : light and dark) You also can choose between 48hz and 60 hz in the menu. THX mode is great if you have the set in a room without any windows. I personally set it at THX mode then increase the brightness a tad bit since the plasma is in my living room with a few windows around it. If there is alot of sunlight in the room, then the glare from the display can get annoying. Panasonic also provides you with a 800 number concierge service 24/7 to ask anything about the TV that you don't understand.
I have the Plasma connected via HDMI to my PS3, then an optical fiber to my component AV receiver. The only downside is I experience a subtle lag between picture and dialog and I suspect it is because of the differences between the signal speed of the HDMI to the TV and the optical audio to the AV receiver.

My research into TVs led me to believe that the Pio would be the best, followed by panasonic, and lastly the LCDs. If considering the Sony, remember that the XBR 7,8, and 6 (in larger screen) will be available in the next few months. the Sony Z may be better than the XBR5 as it has a newer engine

[TheFutureIsBlu]

I would go with the Panasonic TH50PZ800U! It's a GREAT TV!

[digibob]

The Pioneer 5020 and the Panasonic 800 or 850 are my two choices as well. I am leaning toward the Pioneer because of the new increased black levels and the 24p playback seems better. Amazon has the Pioneer 5020 at around $3000.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PDP-50...d=S3XCAE1XFAG5

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Vier...d=S3XCAE1XFAG5

[rezf]

Originally Posted by digibob

The Pioneer 5020 and the Panasonic 800 or 850 are my two choices as well. I am leaning toward the Pioneer because of the new increased black levels and the 24p playback seems better. Amazon has the Pioneer 5020 at around $3000.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PDP-50...d=S3XCAE1XFAG5

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Vier...d=S3XCAE1XFAG5

That is a grand more than the panasonic. Is it $1000 better than the Panasonic? I would pick the pioneer if price was not an issue.

BTW, I have tested out the 24p playback with setting the Panasonic Display at 48Hz and I have not noticed any flicker while watching the fast paced sequences in Jumper or Enemy of the State. My TV is 2 weeks old so maybe there was an updated firmware on my TV