Seeking advice from the community on a plasma TV

[phinner]

Hello community.

I'm looking to purchase a plasma TV, and want the best for my buck (who doesn't?).

I'm considering the Samsung PN58B540, which Costco has for $2,000. What are your thoughts on this TV? Good price? Can I do better?

I have searched the forum for this set and only found one thread, and there's talk of a buzzing noise on it.

If you would recommend a different set, please provide the model #.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate any assistance.
Dan

[xneox]

Over that set, I would recommend this, or this.

But I am very biased toward Panasonic.

If you're stuck on Samsung, though, Amazon has the 550 version of that set for $1899 right now. Clicky.

[phinner]

Thanks for the suggestions. Considering the TH-58PZ800U as well. Also for $2000 at Costco.

[wafi]

Originally Posted by phinner

Thanks for the suggestions. Considering the TH-58PZ800U as well. Also for $2000 at Costco.

Btw welcome to the boards!!

[phinner]

Originally Posted by wafi

Btw welcome to the boards!!

Thanks!

[nugent]

Originally Posted by phinner

Hello community.

I'm looking to purchase a plasma TV, and want the best for my buck (who doesn't?).

I'm considering the Samsung PN58B540, which Costco has for $2,000. What are your thoughts on this TV? Good price? Can I do better?

I have searched the forum for this set and only found one thread, and there's talk of a buzzing noise on it.

If you would recommend a different set, please provide the model #.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate any assistance.
Dan

Partial to Panasonic over Samsung as well.
$1,879 delivered here for the Panasonic TH - 58PZ800U
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...id=106&ref=cag

Go through Bing.com and get 2.5%-4.1% cash back,
http://www.bing.com/shopping/pages/s...ack&FORM=R5FD1

Even on the low end of that range it would be another $45 off the total cost.

[Uncle Leo]

I am very sorry if I have done this (started a thread like this person just did, and I may have)

But for crying out loud, it's called SHOPPING!!! Try it. We cant do it for you.

1. Set your budget and don't move from it.
2. Go to the stores with your money. Or read reviews online
4. Buy the best one that looks the best to your eyes with the money YOU can afford
5. Then start wishing you had more money to buy a better T.V.
6. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

I am glad I could be of some help.

[xneox]

Originally Posted by Uncle Leo

I am very sorry if I have done this (started a thread like this person just did, and I may have)

But for crying out loud, it's called SHOPPING!!! Try it. We cant do it for you.

1. Set your budget and don't move from it.
2. Go to the stores with your money. Or read reviews online
4. Buy the best one that looks the best to your eyes with the money YOU can afford
5. Then start wishing you had more money to buy a better T.V.
6. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

I am glad I could be of some help.

Actually, I CAN shop for him. If I could make a living out of spending other people's money on high end electronics...well, lemme tell ya...

I think he's just looking for some informed opinions. He'll get plenty here.

[phinner]

Originally Posted by Uncle Leo

I am very sorry if I have done this (started a thread like this person just did, and I may have)

But for crying out loud, it's called SHOPPING!!! Try it. We cant do it for you.

1. Set your budget and don't move from it.
2. Go to the stores with your money. Or read reviews online
4. Buy the best one that looks the best to your eyes with the money YOU can afford
5. Then start wishing you had more money to buy a better T.V.
6. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

I am glad I could be of some help.

You weren't.

1. Already done.
2. Seriously? Go to stores? You don't think I've been to a few stores? You don't think I've talked to salespeople? You think I'm dumb enough to buy what they say outright? Same with online reviews, many are manipulated and left by manufacturers (I know, I work in an industry that does this).
3. Hmm, you didn't have a three. Maybe I should be giving the lessons here.
4. I can't see all the TVs up close and personal, even if I went to every store in my state (it's not a big one).
5. Please.
6. Would be clever if I hadn't heard it before.

You seem (seem) to be one of those guys who thinks because he has a higher post count that you can post these asinine replies to someone seeking advice from others. Just because you've been a member longer doesn't mean you can be an ass, and it certainly doesn't mean you're any more intelligent.

Seriously, apologizing in case you posted something similar yourself? Don't you have anything better to do? If you don't have anything actually helpful to add, I would appreciate it if you just didn't post in my thread.

[wafi]

Originally Posted by phinner

You weren't.

1. Already done.
2. Seriously? Go to stores? You don't think I've been to a few stores? You don't think I've talked to salespeople? You think I'm dumb enough to buy what they say outright? Same with online reviews, many are manipulated and left by manufacturers (I know, I work in an industry that does this).
3. Hmm, you didn't have a three. Maybe I should be giving the lessons here.
4. I can't see all the TVs up close and personal, even if I went to every store in my state (it's not a big one).
5. Please.
6. Would be clever if I hadn't heard it before.

You seem (seem) to be one of those guys who thinks because he has a higher post count that you can post these asinine replies to someone seeking advice from others. Just because you've been a member longer doesn't mean you can be an ass, and it certainly doesn't mean you're any more intelligent.

Seriously, apologizing in case you posted something similar yourself? Don't you have anything better to do? If you don't have anything actually helpful to add, I would appreciate it if you just didn't post in my thread.

Phinner dont let him get to you...thats how he is...his social skills need a lil work

Now back on topic...I'm afraid I gotta jump on the bandwagon and say go for Panny mate! Esp the one nugent suggested. That being said I'd wait for the 50" G10 prices to go down or if you can wait a few months and are in no rush I'd suggest to go with the V10! They should become available for less than $1800 in 4-5 months.

[phinner]

Originally Posted by wafi

Phinner dont let him get to you...thats how he is...his social skills need a lil work

Now back on topic...I'm afraid I gotta jump on the bandwagon and say go for Panny mate! Esp the one nugent suggested. That being said I'd wait for the 50" G10 prices to go down or if you can wait a few months and are in no rush I'd suggest to go with the V10! They should become available for less than $1800 in 4-5 months.

4-5 months is to much for me to wait, too eager for football season!

I like the G10 too, thanks for the suggestion nugent. I'm leaning that way now.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

[Uncle Leo]

Originally Posted by phinner

You weren't.

1. Already done.
2. Seriously? Go to stores? You don't think I've been to a few stores? You don't think I've talked to salespeople? You think I'm dumb enough to buy what they say outright? Same with online reviews, many are manipulated and left by manufacturers (I know, I work in an industry that does this).
3. Hmm, you didn't have a three. Maybe I should be giving the lessons here.
4. I can't see all the TVs up close and personal, even if I went to every store in my state (it's not a big one).
5. Please.
6. Would be clever if I hadn't heard it before.

You seem (seem) to be one of those guys who thinks because he has a higher post count that you can post these asinine replies to someone seeking advice from others. Just because you've been a member longer doesn't mean you can be an ass, and it certainly doesn't mean you're any more intelligent.

Seriously, apologizing in case you posted something similar yourself? Don't you have anything better to do? If you don't have anything actually helpful to add, I would appreciate it if you just didn't post in my thread.

NO actually I know very little and I'm happy with it. it just seems some do not like to do the actual foot work. ONLY your eyes can tell YOU what you like.

I have NO idea how many posts I have. Its fun here and I learn a lot by reading A LOT of older posts from VERY informed people. Much more informed than I am or might ever be. IMO it just seems like people don't trust THEIR OWN opinion. I am sure you are intelligent enough to know what YOU like. It really is that simple. There are SO many different opinions here, it might be hard to know which one matches yours.

Most every time I took advice from here it just boiled down to 2 things.
Can I afford it and do my eyes or ears like it. That is it.

I am not or do not feel like i am better than anyone here. I think (IMO) that you and others are just being lazy. Take it or leave it. And I am sure you will leave it. No need to hate. This is a place to voice our opinions and I just did. Try not to get too bent out of shape by it.

I apologize I did not mean to disrespect. Wafi I will KEEP working on my social skills.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by phinner

4. I can't see all the TVs up close and personal, even if I went to every store in my state (it's not a big one).

I have to say that I think choosing a TV based on what looks good in stores is not a good idea unless the store has a dedicated viewing area with controlled lighting that you can see a few sets in.

Unless the store has similar lighting conditions to your home then it will likely look nothing like it did in the store. In addition most stores don't calibrate their sets and often have boosted component signals running 100ft feeding 50+ sets.

Where TV's are concerned I think noting reviews and tests from people that calibrate sets in proper conditions with like sources are extremely useful.

Is 58" a must? Because the 54" G10 from Panasonic comes in under $1,800 from a number of authorized dealers like Vanns. The G10 doesn't have a 58" model, you'd need to go up to the V10 series for that and it won't be out until likely late August.

[blu_world]

54'' sounds nice.

[phinner]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I have to say that I think choosing a TV based on what looks good in stores is not a good idea unless the store has a dedicated viewing area with controlled lighting that you can see a few sets in.

Unless the store has similar lighting conditions to your home then it will likely look nothing like it did in the store. In addition most stores don't calibrate their sets and often have boosted component signals running 100ft feeding 50+ sets.

Where TV's are concerned I think noting reviews and tests from people that calibrate sets in proper conditions with like sources are extremely useful.

Is 58" a must? Because the 54" G10 from Panasonic comes in under $1,800 from a number of authorized dealers like Vanns. The G10 doesn't have a 58" model, you'd need to go up to the V10 series for that and it won't be out until likely late August.

58" is not a must, and I've been checking out the G10. I'd love to be able to set up the Samsung I was considering in my living room next to the g10 and do a comparison....if only.

[xneox]

Originally Posted by nugent

Partial to Panasonic over Samsung as well.
$1,879 delivered here for the Panasonic TH - 58PZ800U
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...id=106&ref=cag

Nice find!

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by nugent

Partial to Panasonic over Samsung as well.
$1,879 delivered here for the Panasonic TH - 58PZ800U
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...id=106&ref=cag

I agree. Also partial to Panasonic, as I own 3 (ranging from 1 year to nearly 6 years old) and am very happy with all. Samsung may be getting better, but I don't see them at Panasonic (or Pioneer) levels yet.

[skamp]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

I agree. Also partial to Panasonic, as I own 3 (ranging from 1 year to nearly 6 years old) and am very happy with all. Samsung may be getting better, but I don't see them at Panasonic (or Pioneer) levels yet.

x3 for the 58-800u. I paid $2500 for mine and I love it, at $1800. Buy it NOW!Great tv!

[nugent]

Originally Posted by nugent

Partial to Panasonic over Samsung as well.
$1,879 delivered here for the Panasonic TH - 58PZ800U
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...id=106&ref=cag

Link to Amazon with user reviews and comments,
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Viera-TH-58PZ800U-58-Inch-Plasma/dp/B001DSYNB0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247011154&sr =1-1

This just seems like a heck of a value for a 58" plasma from Panasonic!

Oh and yes I do own a Panasonic plasma myself. I have the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42X1 in my bedroom. Have only had a bit under a month but it is a beautiful looking set.

[xneox]

Originally Posted by Uncle Leo

I think (IMO) that you and others are just being lazy. Take it or leave it. And I am sure you will leave it.

Really? Lazy? You read the OP & got lazy? Someone $hit in your Cheerios this morning?