Couple of questions on a Panny Plasma.

[Zman2k2]

I'm thinking of upgrading my display. I'm interested in the TCP58S1 series. I like the size and the fact that it is a plasma, but I do have a couple questions.

Can this TV display 1080/24p programming?
How bad is the black level problem with these units? Would I be better off waiting for the 2010 models?

[Odin75]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

I'm thinking of upgrading my display. I'm interested in the TCP58S1 series. I like the size and the fact that it is a plasma, but I do have a couple questions.

Can this TV display 1080/24p programming?
How bad is the black level problem with these units? Would I be better off waiting for the 2010 models?

I had the 54" version of the S1.
It does accept 24p signals, but displays them with 3:2 pulldown at 60hz, as it doesn't support native 24p.

About the black levels, well, different people experience different problems. Mine for instance, the blacks didn't got lighter, but the contrast started shrinking REALLY FAST. To the point it wouldn't even reach reference black, let alone blacker-than-black. In the end, I had to raise the brightness and that made the blacks lighter, to be able to see stuff.

End of story, I returned it. But, I might go back, and get the 2010 model. The S2 doesn't come in 58" just yet, only up to 54". I think the 58" comes in April.

[Zman2k2]

Thanks Odin75. I may have to change my decision now. One thing that I really want is the 1080/24p output. As for the black levels, that doesn't sound positive either. Okay, back to the drawing board, or wait for the 2010 models. The info is appreciated.

[hienesey]

I've had my 50" S1 since it came out and here are my opinions. Not being able to display 1080/24p was not big deal to me at first. It still looked much better than my XBR4 with 120hz and motion blur. It began to bother me when I started noticing the judder. For example, the menu for Fight Club. When it pans across the room quickly, the judder was very noticeable.

The black level is somewhat comparable to the XBR4. I have the S1 in a dimly light room, while the XBR4 is in a bright room. Overall, everything looks better on the plasma. And the S1 costed a lot less than the XBR4.

If you have the money, go ahead and get something higher than the S1. Otherwise, the S1 would be a marginal upgrade but well worth it over an lcd.

[Zman2k2]

Thanks hienesey. I think I'm looking for something other than a "marginal" upgrade from my current LCD. The size isn't the main thing for me right now. I'm more interested in the ability to play 1080/24p, have good black level and shadow detail, and something that is easy to calibrate the colors on. I'd like to at least stay the same as my current 46" in size, but bigger is always better. Does anyone have suggestions in the $2500CAN price range?

[Odin75]

Ohh ok, so it doesn't have to be 58" exactly, just bigger than 46".

If you say 24p is a MUST, then I guess Panasonic is not for you. Their tvs with good 24p are the V series and up, and those cost a pretty penny. Not sure how canadian money different from US money. I think the only one would be the new VT20, the 50" model (TC-P50VT20). That one has 24p@96hz, super fast response time (unlike Samsung plasmas), reduced phosphor lag compared to 2009 models, 2-layer glass screen (3-layers in 2009 models, and all other plasma brands), and the best anti-IR software. If that's something you can afford, then go for it, as that's what I would get if I had your kind of money.

However, there's other options, like the new LG 50PK750. That's a 2010 model as well. According to reviews of the K950 (same tv, but wireless), it has the same black level as the new Panasonic G20, but with slightly less shadow detail. Also, the color accuracy is slightly off, compared to the G20 (no tv is perfect though). But it does have 24p@72hz, which is something you want, because the G20 has the 24p@48hz (you might see flicker). Also, has less phosphor lag than the G20, but I'm not sure about the VT20. And like any other plasma, there is IR, and nobody beats Panasonic in that area. Oh, and there's also response time, but I really don't know. For plasma, Panasonic is knows to be the fastest, with Samsung the slowest, and any other brand in between them. But I really can't talk about the 2010 models.

There is also Samsung, but I honestly can't recommend anything they make with a straight face.

So yeah, if 24p is a MUST GET for you, then get the 50" VT20. But if you can't afford it, I believe the PK750 is the next best option. Even the 60" version of the PK750 comes out cheaper then the 50" VT20.

Just know, that different people have different priorities. I personally prioritize motion resolution, fast response time, and good anti-IR over everything else, because I'm a gamer, and Panasonic does good in that area. However, you needs are different.

[Zman2k2]

WOW! Great info Odin75. Thanks so much. You've given me something to look for. Just when I thought I had things kind of figured out. That's really going to help though. Thanks again.

[Rebel6666]

Ok to add to your nice post Odin, as an owner of the G20 I can say that there is no flicker, my PQ is nice and crisp, the refresh rate is great, no phosphore lagh or anything as such, I'm more than happy with it. The Panny 2010 models also have reflection screens which makes them now more than viewable in a room with light.

[thug]

This is a nice television.

However, it does not support network cameras if that is important to you.

But other than that, it has a great picture quality