New ConsumerReports performance report on 50” plasmas

[JimShaw]

X will indicate recommended by CR

1) Samsung PN50A550 This model was Consumer's Best Buy for performance and price X
2) Pioneer Elite 111FD
3) Samsung PN50A650 X
4) Samsung PN50A760 X
5) Panasonic TH-C50FD18 X
6) Panasonic TH-50PZ800U X
7) LG 50PG60 X
8) Samsung PN50A450 X
9) Hitachi UltraVision P50V702
10) Hitachi Director’s series P50X902
11) Panasonic THG-50PZ85U
12) Vizio VP504FHDTV10A X
13) Insignia NS-PDP50 X
14) Panasonic TH-50PZ850U
15) LG 50PG20
16) Hitachi P50A402
17) Hitachi UltraVision P50602
18) Insignia NS-PDP50HD-09 X
19) Sanyo DP50747

.

[joegs300]

Wow... Samsung's totally took the cake..

[ManUtd]

What were the criteria for this list?

[graf1k]

Yeah I'm wondering too what they base it on.

[Steve]

If I'm not mistaken, their criteria aren't based on PQ alone, but things like ease of use of the remote control, user menus, etc. So just because a TV has better PQ than another, doesn't necessarily mean it will come out on top in a CR review.

[Beta Man]

Since I have a subscription..... here is their explanation

Top choices in 50-inch 1080p sets:

All of the sets judged excellent for HD picture quality in this size were 1080p models. The Samsung PN50A550 is one of the best sets we've tested; its comparatively low price (which could go even lower as this older set is phased out) makes it a CR Best Buy. The higher price of the Samsung PN50A650 gets you an antiglare screen coating, InfoLink RSS feeds from USAToday, and one more HDMI input. The Samsung PN50A760 also has the InfoLink feeds, plus preloaded games, cooking info, and an image gallery. It can also stream video from a network or USB storage device. The Panasonic TH-C50FD18, a so-called "derivative" model sold exclusively at Costco, offers excellent picture quality at a low price. The Panasonic TH-50PZ800U has a single glass panel that extends to the edges of the set and excellent picture quality in the THX picture mode (which changes the TV's settings to match the THX video certification). The SD-card slot lets you view photos on the TV. (Its sibling, the TH-50PZ85U, wasn't quite as good in picture quality, but it costs less.) The LG 50PG60 has better picture quality than its larger sibling (60PG60) and the same "invisible" speaker system. While the Pioneer Elite PRO-111FD has excellent picture quality with all content and impressive black levels, and a generous 24-month warranty, it's extremely pricey for a 50-inch television.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Since I have a subscription..... here is their explanation

Beta Man

Thanks for the data. I was just re-reading the report to answer the questions when you posted. Saved me some typing.


Of the first 10 I listed, 3 were not recommended by the report: No. 2 Pioneer Elite, Nos. 9 and 10 both Hitachis.

The report listed the Pioneer as costing $5,000.00 which could have been their problem with the TV which was twice the price as the nearest TV no. 4 Samsung for $2,500.00.

[naturephoto1]

I have never put that much stock in reviews of electronics and cameras from Consumer Reports. They tend to put a tremendous amount of weight to convenience (user), features, and price. They do not generally consider the actual performance the most important factor. As a result, the best performance of a TV or a camera including the Pioneer PRO-111FD will generally not score as highly or be as highly recommended (in fact they may not be recommended due to price) an item.

Rich

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

Beta Man

Thanks for the data. I was just re-reading the report to answer the questions when you posted. Save me some typing.


Of the first 10 I listed, 3 were not recommended by the report: No. 2 Pioneer Elite, Nos. 9 and 10 both Hitachis.

The report listed the Pioneer as costing $5,000.00 which could have been their problem with the TV which was twice the price as the nearest TV no. 4 Samsung for $2,500.00.

Jim,

The Pioneer PRO-111FD had a list price of $5000 when I purchased it in July; it was lowered to $4500. However, like the other makers, the Pioneer TVs are/were available at discount.

Rich

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Jim,

The list price of the Pioneer PRO-111FD had a list price of $5000 when I purchased it in July; it was lowered to $4500. However, like the other makers, the Pioneer TVs are/were available at discount.

Rich

Yes, I was at Best Buy yesterday where they have the Elite now on sale for $2,799

That was yesterday. But today, now that I have read the report, I must change my mind on what is reeeeeally good and best for me in the world of plasmas (by the way, I am just kidding)

[John Dorian]

I stopped listening to CR after they rated the Olevia TVs so highly.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by John Dorian

I stopped listening to CR after they rated the Olevia TVs so highly.

Vizio was no. 12 and Insignia was 13, both recommended by the report where as the Pioneer Elite wasn't.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

Vizio was no. 12 and Insignia was 13, both recommended by the report where as the Pioneer Elite wasn't.

Mind boggling isn't it? As I said, I have not put much stock in Consumer Reports reviews of TVs, Electronics, Cameras, or even Binoculars in quite some time.

Rich

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by John Dorian

I stopped listening to CR after they rated the Olevia TVs so highly.

I don't think that the ratings are meant for videophiles. I would say it is for the average consumer that needs guidance from people other than B&M salespeople. I actually agree with the ratings. We all know that videophiles/audiophiles will justify anything in their head.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

I have never put that much stock in reviews of electronics and cameras from Consumer Reports. They tend to put a tremendous amount of weight to convenience (user), features, and price.

That is absolutely right, which is why I value their reports mostly for reliability where electronics are concerned and where auto's are concerned too. They're also good for autos to check out safety ratings in order to know how much your insurance company will ding you between similar models in the same class of car.

[bda4life]

I was looking through this story while I was waiting in line at the supermarket this past weekend. The way I read the report is that the Pioneer 111FD is the best plasma in terms of picture quality, but also the most expensive tested/rated. Due to the price tag, CR decided to give the "best buy" award to the Samsung model.

So the moral to the story is if you want the best picture and can afford the $, go with the Pioneer. However, if you are on a budget and willing to sacrifice some picture quality, look at the Samsung.

I own a 111FD and would not trade it for any of the other plasmas mentioned in that article. Sure I paid $4,000 after tax for the monitor, but I also got the one that I wanted (and could afford).

This is what is so good about competition........

[SellmeyourDVD]

wow that's crazy that sammy is all over the top 10. I thought they were mainly just in the lcd market with a splash of plasma.

[CasualKiller]

Makes me happy to see Hitachi get some recognition, a very underestimated plasma manufacturer.

[technosnob]

I'll keep my Pioneer

[Sonny]

What were the other 9 tested? I'll keep my panasonic's & Pioneers too.^^^

Consumer Reports is the best at what they do.