Questions about Panasonic TC-P50G10

[MasterShake]

All,

Long-time lurker, first time poster.

I've been looking at getting a new tv, and the Panasonic P50G10 has really caught my eye.

Saw it at BB, playing one of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and wanted to get some feedback on it:

Question 1:
How do non-1080p sources look on it? Looking at different TVs and in-store displays for so long, I feel that a lot of TVs looks really good playing a Blu-Ray title, but not all look as good handling a "regular" source. For example, how does Time Warner digital cable look on this tv?

Question 2:
Gaming-wise, I have all three systems (360, PS3, Wii). I'm dubious about the "game mode" - does it actually improve how games look?

Question 3:
How is the reflection? I noticed some in the display unit at BB, but then I can make that complaint for virtually any TV I see in BB. :-)

Question 4:
Is it worth bumping up the 54" model (TC-P54G10)? I can get the 50" at BB for $1500, or the 54" at Sears for $1800, plus tax and any extended warranties.

Looking at NexTag, it looks like I can get these for about $1300 and $1600, respectively. However, I'm leery about buying a TV from a website due to the potential hassle if I need to replace it due to bad pixels or whatever.

As such, it appears to be about a $300 between the two. Haven't been to Sears yet, so I haven't had the chance to see the 54" in person.

Question 5:
Are there any other TVs in this range that I should be looking at?

If it helps, my primary viewing habits are:

1. Films, mostly Blu-Ray or anime/Adult Swim on regular DVD.
2. Sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, soccer)
3. Regular TV shows (mostly network at this point: 30 Rock, The Office, etc.).

Current Setup:
My current tv is a 32" Samsung LN32A450:

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...LN32A450C1DXZA

Other than motion blurring, it hasn't been a bad little TV, but it was meant as a bedroom tv when I had roommates, and now that I'm in my own apartment, I'd like something a bit bigger.

In addition to my consoles (my PS3 is also my BD player), my receiver is an Onkyo TX-SR606. Other than the Wii (composite) and speakers (standard audio wiring), I currently run everything via HDMI into the Onkyo, and another HDMI from the Onkyo to the TV.

Other Comments:
Looking at the 50" in person, I didn't notice the flicker that was discussed in some previous threads I found here. Anything else to look out for?

To me it had a really nice, crisp display, minimal blurring, both bright and dark colors looked gorgeous.

Sorry for the length of the post, just trying to get an idea of what to look for. My current tv is my first HDTV, and since it was an unexpected gift, I didn't shop for it nor see it in-store, so I'm finding it hard to know if what I see at a BB is realistic of how it'll look at home.

I got both my receiver and speakers after reading reviews/suggestions here, so I'm hoping to get some good advice on a television as well.

Thanks in advance!

[alphapyro]

Originally Posted by MasterShake

All,

Long-time lurker, first time poster.

I've been looking at getting a new tv, and the Panasonic P50G10 has really caught my eye.

Saw it at BB, playing one of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and wanted to get some feedback on it:

Question 1:
How do non-1080p sources look on it? Looking at different TVs and in-store displays for so long, I feel that a lot of TVs looks really good playing a Blu-Ray title, but not all look as good handling a "regular" source. For example, how does Time Warner digital cable look on this tv?

Looks fine to me. My SD channels look better than my DLP was able to produce. Remember that Plasma is basically a flat and fancy CRT monitor. If you remember what SD channels looked like on a CRT, that's about what they look like on the Plasma.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Question 2:
Gaming-wise, I have all three systems (360, PS3, Wii). I'm dubious about the "game mode" - does it actually improve how games look?

Really can't offer much on this one. It speeds up processing time to make things look smoother. The noticeable benefit of this mode is brightness, but to be honest I play my games on THX mode and they are simply gorgeous as it is.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Question 3:
How is the reflection? I noticed some in the display unit at BB, but then I can make that complaint for virtually any TV I see in BB. :-)

You can take a look at my HT gallery to see my setup, I get hardly any glare from the angle. Any direct light source will reflect, but since my TV is angled the sun that comes through the patio window doesn't create any issue. To be honest when the TV is on, you'll have to look for it. If you have a direct light source behind you and the TV is directly in front of you any panel will show reflection so keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Question 4:
Is it worth bumping up the 54" model (TC-P54G10)? I can get the 50" at BB for $1500, or the 54" at Sears for $1800, plus tax and any extended warranties.

Depends on the distance you plan to sit from the TV whether it's going to really benefit you. I have the 50" and I sit 11 feet back and it looks fantastic.
The only difference here is size.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Question 5:
Are there any other TVs in this range that I should be looking at?

If it helps, my primary viewing habits are:

1. Films, mostly Blu-Ray or anime/Adult Swim on regular DVD.
2. Sports (NFL, MLB, NHL, soccer)
3. Regular TV shows (mostly network at this point: 30 Rock, The Office, etc.).

You seem to be about the same type of viewer as I am with the exception of I play more video games than watch sports, but I can tell you that you won't be disappointed with the G10. It is a stunning display on THX mode out of the box and if you're going to be critical of perfect PQ then have it calibrated after 200 hours and it will look even better. As far as looking at other options or what you should be looking at is really up to you. Some people argue LCD is superb for sports because of the 120hz trick, but of the games I watch on my G10 they look fine to me and don't have that weird extra frame slurring motion that many refer to as the "soap opera" effect. Again, some people love that feature, this is really more of your personal tastes.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Current Setup:
My current tv is a 32" Samsung LN32A450:

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/d...LN32A450C1DXZA

Other than motion blurring, it hasn't been a bad little TV, but it was meant as a bedroom tv when I had roommates, and now that I'm in my own apartment, I'd like something a bit bigger.

In addition to my consoles (my PS3 is also my BD player), my receiver is an Onkyo TX-SR606. Other than the Wii (composite) and speakers (standard audio wiring), I currently run everything via HDMI into the Onkyo, and another HDMI from the Onkyo to the TV.

Your setup is identical to mine other than receiver type. So nothing will change there. From what you currently have, the G10 will be nothing short of spectacular.

Originally Posted by MasterShake

Other Comments:
Looking at the 50" in person, I didn't notice the flicker that was discussed in some previous threads I found here. Anything else to look out for?

To me it had a really nice, crisp display, minimal blurring, both bright and dark colors looked gorgeous.

Sorry for the length of the post, just trying to get an idea of what to look for. My current tv is my first HDTV, and since it was an unexpected gift, I didn't shop for it nor see it in-store, so I'm finding it hard to know if what I see at a BB is realistic of how it'll look at home.

I got both my receiver and speakers after reading reviews/suggestions here, so I'm hoping to get some good advice on a television as well.

Thanks in advance!

As a new G10 owner myself, you will undoubtedly love this T.V. And while in-store is nice to check out dimensions and overall impression, it really shines once it's in your living room. If you're a home theater tweaker and keen to make a good movie experience, this T.V. is a fine centerpiece to it. I can't wait for the calibration because I can't believe the PQ getting much better than it already is. I was thoroughly delighted 80-100 hours in to notice the colors getting better and better.


Good luck to you and I hope you find what you are looking for!


By the way, I also live in Overland Park, KS - Welcome!


EDIT: I did neglect to mention that the 48hz mode for 1080/24p DOES flicker, terribly. Just leave the setting on 60hz and you'll be fine. Honestly unless you are absolutely obsessive about must having 24p, you won't notice anything different. If you must have it, be prepared to up your budget.

[aramis109]

Good post. You can also get the set for $1399 at Best Buy right now, or go online if you're comfortable with that. I personally had them match Sears and got it for $1350.

Oh, and for about a year and a half I lived in Fort Scott, KS and Nevada, MO and drove through Overland Park quite a bit. Small world!

[xneox]

Welcome MasterShake...and great post alpha.

My only input to alpha's reply would be re: 48Hz. Being a V10 owner, I have the option of running it in 96Hz mode (what alpha meant by "be prepared to up your budget"), but I often run it in 48Hz mode because I don't find the flicker to be at all 'unbearable' or 'annoying'...the two words I most read when someone's referring to the Panny 48Hz mode. I actually find it very close to the effect you see when at an actual theater...and I find it adds more depth...almost a 'richer' quality to the picture. That said, I only use this mode when in a completely dark room, with my bias lighting on.

As for size, I say if you've got the budget and space, buy the 54". There's no reason not to.

[Mathematik]

I got mine for $1000 @ Bestbuy on the 22nd of August. Had them price match an ad I found online. With the G10, 4 yr warranty and Whalen 3-in-1 floating stand I wind up paying 1750 for everything. Plus they had one of them Logitech Xbox remotes on clearance for 50 bucks and I did not want to pay all that money for a Harmony One. Plus I heard that the Xbox remote does almost everything the One does and man that remote has spoil the hell outta me. That remote controls everything on my entertainment system. It even controls my Zune kicker boombox.

[jshannon]

I just ordered the 54" G10 from Amazon for about $1550. It was a couple of hundred more than the 50", but I was originally planning to purchase a 50" Pioneer Kuro that would have been $2000 anyway. Instead I got a bigger TV for $450 less.