Need some opinions on which to buy...

[greatdevastator]

The Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U or the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD

I'm looking to buy in the next couple of days and these are two I've researched a bit. If there are any other models between $1500 and $2000 that you'd recommend, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

[kpkelley]

Get the Kuro.

[ScarredLungs]

Kuro

[greatdevastator]

Thanks guys, I was leaning towards the Kuro. Now are there any LCDs that would give the Kuro a run for its money? I haven't come across any, but I'm not an expert when it comes to TVs, but a few of my friends say go LCD. I prefer plasma, and I know there are a lot of things to take into account, but are there any out there?

[joegs300]

kuro ftw

[syk69]

if you can afford the kuro its the better tv. better 1080p/24 processing and way better contrast among other things.

[bda4life]

The Kuro is a better rated/reviewed model. I have one and love it (it is the Pro 111FD model).

As for LCD's that compare to plasma, there are some that come close (the Sony and Samsung LED LCD's), but they are expensive. Reviews of these LCD's still come up short compared to the plasmas, but they are closing the gap.

I would suggest you go with the 5020 and don't look back. I have yet to see anyone who owns a Pioneer plasma say that he or she wishes they would have gone in a different direction. The only gripe I have seen is when they get the 50" and wish they had shelled out some more $ for the 60".

Let us know what you ultimately decide.

[greatdevastator]

Thanks bda and everyone. I think the Kuro's looking like the winner here. I've read some positive reviews and heard a lot of good things about it. I'll be doing some more looking around tonight and most likely picking up a TV tomorrow.

I appreciate the input guys.

[Hendricks4333]

You may want to look into getting the TH58PZ800U. The extra 8 inches might be nice, and still with a phenomenal picture.

[greatdevastator]

Originally Posted by Strannix136

As I said, I'm not an expert.

Thanks for the unnecessary amount of smilies.

[ManUtd]

No doubt get the Kuro.

[Santeria]

Originally Posted by greatdevastator

Thanks guys, I was leaning towards the Kuro. Now are there any LCDs that would give the Kuro a run for its money? I haven't come across any, but I'm not an expert when it comes to TVs, but a few of my friends say go LCD. I prefer plasma, and I know there are a lot of things to take into account, but are there any out there?

my advice is since this forum is pretty plasma biased...
go check out the best sony xbr and compare it to a kuro instore.

kuro plasmas are one of the best if not the best displays out there.

[greatdevastator]

I went to Costco to pick the Kuro up tonight and walked down both aisles, but didn't see any Pioneer televisions and no boxes on the floor. I walked past two workers talking about the super bright whites and clarity of an Insignia TV, laughed inside and finally asked one of them if they carried the Kuro.

He said they only carried it online now because it's double the price of most TVs there and said it looked nowhere near as good as the other sets. He said they stopped carrying it in stores a little while back due to poor sales.

I was quite annoyed with his lack of knowledge, and annoyed that I have to order it online now.

[wozman]

Pioneer Kuro 5020FD vs Samsung 52LNA630

I almost bought the Samsung LCD (listed above) for $1999(CAN) a week ago, but decided to do some more research, (never ending battle LCD vs Plasma ) and maybe Plasma is the way to go? I am coming from a Toshiba DLP, and mainly watch Sports and Blu-Ray Movies. So the refresh rates of a Plasma easily takes the cake. However one major issue is "glare" my living room has a huge Bay window behind my seating area, so hence the reason of looking at a Samsung LCD in the first place. But I have looked at both in stores and the blacks and colours of the Kuro are mind blowing. Isn't that the main reason to buy a TV? last week the Kuro was well over $3000(CAN) and I couldnt justify the high cost ($3000+) however, Good thing I waited cause this week the Pioneer Kuro above has dropped down to $2799(CAN) and I have haggled already with the store to a price of $2499(CAN) if I get the extended warranty, but I was going to get the extended warranty anyways with the Samsung.

So my question to you all, is the extra $500 base price difference worth it, between these two models, my first reaction was YES, but should I be concerned about the "glare affect" or have the new PLASMA's in particular the Kuro come a long ways with there anti-glare technology? they have a auto setting that will adjust to your living room etc....

Any info would greatly be appreciated.

Its been way to long now of my back and forth model to model and I would like to get something done soon. I have posted threads about LCD's in there forum, but its my first post here in the Plasma Forum.

[Sloan78]

Kuro by far, my cousin and her husband just bought the 60" Kuro and Demo'ed Wall-E for the family during Christmas and it makes my little Sony 36" look like 480i! You cannot go wrong with Pioneer and plasma.

[joegs300]

Kuro if money isn't an issue.. the Panny's are a great value (I hate to say value because it lowers its name) but for the money its the best! Pound for pound!

[Hendricks4333]

Originally Posted by joegs300

Kuro if money isn't an issue.. the Panny's are a great value (I hate to say value because it lowers its name) but for the money its the best! Pound for pound!

The problem is right now, theyre the same price. If its the 58 panny vs 5020 then its close but right now its a no brainer. Especially with the 24p issues the Panny's have.

Im getting a new tv in the next week or 2 and Im torn between getting the extra 8 inches or more future proof and better quality but smaller 5020. Its a very tough choice. 50 inches is big but its going to feel small in a couple months.

[joegs300]

I bought a 50'' and it is being delivered on Weds. of this week. I went to circuit city to view their sales and I saw a 50'' compared to a 58''. i already feel its too small and i dont have the tv yet.

[Hendricks4333]

Originally Posted by joegs300

I bought a 50'' and it is being delivered on Weds. of this week. I went to circuit city to view their sales and I saw a 50'' compared to a 58''. i already feel its too small and i dont have the tv yet.

lol this is what Im afraid of when I get a tv soon. Ive been looking at keeping my 32" and getting a projector. Ill probably end up with a 58" or a 50" though. Depending on sales.

[FreakyFraser]

Originally Posted by joegs300

I bought a 50'' and it is being delivered on Weds. of this week. I went to circuit city to view their sales and I saw a 50'' compared to a 58''. i already feel its too small and i dont have the tv yet.

Ha, funny you say that. I went in to buy the 50PZ800U, but while I waited for my sales guy to see if they had one in stock I took a look at the 58"...needless to say, once he came back I'd upsold myself. Couldn't be happier. It looked huge in my theater room for about a day....now it looks perfect.

Hope you're happy with the 50"....the picture is beautiful whichever size you ended up with.