Looking for a 3D Plasma, 60" or bigger. The lower priced, the better!

[Brandon_Storm]

Hi guys,

This forum was lovely to me when I was looking for home audio, so now I'm looking for a TV!

Now, for the past over-a-year I've had my heart set on Samsung's 2011 flagship PND8000 series.

However, I missed the boat on this one and am unable to find a reliable seller (people wanting $2k for refurbs, or $1700 for used in the classifies with no warranties... sheesh).

Unfortunately, this is the only tv I was able to comfortably research, so I'm at a bit of a loss as the moment with the current offerings in the market.

I also know that a whole batch of NEW tv's are about to come out and I may miss my chance with these ones too if I don't act fast!

I do like Samsung, but I'm not married to it, I'm an objective guy and like facts over sentiments.

However, today I came across the PNE6500 series which I was quite impressed with. From what I understand, it is the exact same as this years E8000, but without all the stuff I don't care about (cameras, microphones, arm-waggling, etc.).

I'm only speculating at this point if it's better than last years D8000 though.

tl;dr: So, my question is, what's the best 60"+ 3D plasma for the best price?

[KcMsterpce]

The first question you must ask yourself is, "what is my budget? How much can I/am I willing to spend?"

Depending on your budget, you have options within that price bracket which may fulfill your needs.
It also depends on what you are looking for. It seems you don't want SmartTV options (but most large screen TVs come with that anyway)...

1. Are you particular about extreme video calibration options? Do you tweak every feature of the advanced video settings?

2. Do you want plasma due to generally more positive 3d viewing results? How much of your viewing do you expect to be 3d-based? I would say 2d presentation is most important, with 3d performance as a secondary "bonus".

3. How many input/output options do you want? Most likely you have a receiver, and so more than a few HDMI inputs aren't vital. Do you want to have composite/component/S-video inputs?

4. Have you looked at TVs at your local electronics stores and made personal decision on the kind of TVs you like? This is one of the better things to do first. Go to many stores and look at many models, write down the model number and look up reviews/opinions online.
Also, how a screen looks to YOU might not be what others like or are looking for. Let your eyes decide what works best for you.

If you are looking at something beyond 55", prices just go up and up and up from there, five inches at a time.

I love mine (look in signature). I LOVE it. I also got it for $600 less on a post-new year's sale. I do wish there was more than one video setting option that allowed "expert" calibration, though. One of my only complaints.

[Brandon_Storm]

That's a good little questionnaire.

Let me fill in the gaps.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

The first question you must ask yourself is, "what is my budget? How much can I/am I willing to spend?"

My budget, for a 60" is around $1500, give or take a couple hundred. But that's a good median. Quite frankly the difference in size between a 60" and 64" (the only other size that's likely within my budget) is so minimal that I don't really care, unless it's a helluva deal.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

Depending on your budget, you have options within that price bracket which may fulfill your needs.
It also depends on what you are looking for. It seems you don't want SmartTV options (but most large screen TVs come with that anyway)...

You are correct. I care about nothing other than a display to show me moving pictures on (in an exceptional way). There are no 'apps' or similar software features that I cannot achieve with a PC/PS3. I play games, I watch movies, I like Netflix, that's the gist. So literally everything other than picture enhancing specs is absolutely useless to me, almost to the point where I find the bloat from them to be unappealing. I have an active distaste for Samsungs E8000 series because of the microphones and cameras, to be honest.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

1. Are you particular about extreme video calibration options? Do you tweak every feature of the advanced video settings?

I would consider myself an intermediate TV user. I do calibrate, but I do it based on settings that others have posted since I don't have the know-how to do it myself. I definitely can't make heads or tails out of many advanced settings as to consider myself 'extreme', but I'm certainly not a 'looks great right out of the box' type of guy. But then extreme video calibration, as long as I can find a great setup list somewhere, is fine by me.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

2. Do you want plasma due to generally more positive 3d viewing results? How much of your viewing do you expect to be 3d-based? I would say 2d presentation is most important, with 3d performance as a secondary "bonus".

The 3D will be used nearly solely for gaming. I find that's where 3D really shines, and were it not for that, I likely wouldn't pay it any mind.

My want of plasma is first and foremost based on cost, with whatever subjective opinions based on 'higher refresh rates for gaming, etc.' coming later.

But yes, 2D performance should be the real forté.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

3. How many input/output options do you want? Most likely you have a receiver, and so more than a few HDMI inputs aren't vital. Do you want to have composite/component/S-video inputs?

If I could find a TV with literally a power cord and 1 HDMI input, I would be a happy man.

Originally Posted by KcMsterpce

4. Have you looked at TVs at your local electronics stores and made personal decision on the kind of TVs you like? This is one of the better things to do first. Go to many stores and look at many models, write down the model number and look up reviews/opinions online.
Also, how a screen looks to YOU might not be what others like or are looking for. Let your eyes decide what works best for you.

I am fond of the Samsung's. I've exhausted my local options (save for a couple of stores I'm checking out today), but I also understand that in-store settings will be quite different from 'in-home', so I'm trying not to be biased of what I see on the show floor.

We have another Samsung in our office and I really like it, but I've only ever owned 2 HDTV's, and without any real AV buff friends, I don't have much experience with other models in a practical setting.

Personally speaking, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't already made my mind up between the E6500 and even E7000 or E8000, but I really want others opinions since I'm not particularly learned in the field. I am heavily researching those three sets though (comparing the differences in quality... if any), and it's taking up so much of my time since I'm being so thorough that I really need a hand from you fellow blu-rayers to toss me some more suggestions.

[cembros]

Pannasoinc announced their 2013 lineup at CES in January. I would recomend that you be patient and get one of their outgoing models, you should be able to save quite a bit and get a high quality TV in your price range. When I eventually replace my TV it will hopefully be a 70inch 4k Pannasonic Plasma.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by cembros

Pannasoinc announced their 2013 lineup at CES in January. I would recomend that you be patient and get one of their outgoing models, you should be able to save quite a bit and get a high quality TV in your price range. When I eventually replace my TV it will hopefully be a 70inch 4k Pannasonic Plasma.

The prices I've seen speculated for CES2013 models (from any company) are sincerely beyond my price range.

The prices on this years top models are drooping right now, while still readily available due to the announcements from CES.

The E6500 I'm looking at is likely $1400 out the door, which isn't too shabby, in my opinion. But once these 4k TV's start hitting, I believe that it'll be a few years until they're affordable to lowly peasants like myself.

[pentatonic]

In short, at normal prices you're looking at the ST series from Pany or the 6500 from Sammy but right now I would purchase this Panasonic TC-P60GT50, very similar priced to the ST series for a better set. That's what I'd do anyways

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by pentatonic

In short, at normal prices you're looking at the ST series from Pany or the 6500 from Sammy but right now I would purchase this Panasonic TC-P60GT50, very similar priced to the ST series for a better set. That's what I'd do anyways

Pentatonic, my pal from my other thread about my speaker purchases.

I'm going to look into the ST series right now. I think it's usually between the Pany's and Sammy's, isn't it? Guess my situation is no different!

What makes it better, in your opinion?

[cembros]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

The prices I've seen speculated for CES2013 models (from any company) are sincerely beyond my price range.

The prices on this years top models are drooping right now, while still readily available due to the announcements from CES.

The E6500 I'm looking at is likely $1400 out the door, which isn't too shabby, in my opinion. But once these 4k TV's start hitting, I believe that it'll be a few years until they're affordable to lowly peasants like myself.

Well that was my point, wait for the new sets to come out so you can get an old one cheaper.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by cembros

Well that was my point, wait for the new sets to come out so you can get an old one cheaper.

Sorry, I misread the part where you said "outgoing" in your last post.

My concern in this regard is availability.

I mean, I waited so long for the D8000 that it's no longer available from any reputable places.

So far there is only one place I've found selling the E6500 in my city, and there's but two left.

They've started their 'clearance' prices seeing as how some displays for 2013 are coming in just a few weeks, so I'm quite content with the prices they've offered.

Or rather, I would love cheaper, but not necessarily at the risk of coming away empty handed.

I'm comfortable with the availability to cost ratio right now, as it were.

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Pentatonic, my pal from my other thread about my speaker purchases.

I'm going to look into the ST series right now. I think it's usually between the Pany's and Sammy's, isn't it? Guess my situation is no different!

What makes it better, in your opinion?

Well Cnet has made the 6500 and St series there best buy options as they offer high quality PQ for "moderate" prices, but as a moderate tweaker the GT does offer THX modes that many seem to believe would warrant the difference in price and right now that's $200 only. Also, and this by memory only but I believe the GT gives a better 3D PQ (to be verified).

Edit: Why do I think everybody here is in the US, doh!. Ok Cdn prices are probably not the same, but if I were to buy now it would either be the 6500 or ST, the have been well reviewed by pretty much everyone.

[KcMsterpce]

Pannasoinc announced their 2013 lineup at CES in January. I would recomend that you be patient and get one of their outgoing models, you should be able to save quite a bit and get a high quality TV in your price range.

I agree with this statement. If you can wait it out a few more months, last year's models will drop in price by a couple hundred bucks (or more).

If you want to do 3d gaming, you should be fine with response time with any TV if you are only playing on a PS3 and for fun. If you're a competitive gamer, the lag time could be a factor in your purchase choice.

Samsung and Panasonic both make nice TVs more often than not.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by pentatonic

Well Cnet has made the 6500 and St series there best buy options as they offer high quality PQ for "moderate" prices, but as a moderate tweaker the GT does offer THX modes that many seem to believe would warrant the difference in price and right now that's $200 only. Also, and this by memory only but I believe the GT gives a better 3D PQ (to be verified).

Edit: Why do I think everybody here is in the US, doh!. Ok Cdn prices are probably not the same, but if I were to buy now it would either be the 6500 or ST, the have been well reviewed by pretty much everyone.

I found the GT today (not ST though) and it was a hefty $1000 more expensive than any of the other TV's I've been looking at, haha. So, it's likely unless I find the ST, I will be sticking with the Samsungs.

That being said, I found the E8000 for only $200 more than the E6500. Although I hate the gesture controls and camera and all that other crap, I'm curious... it includes that weird ability to use this 'evolution kit' where you plug that box into the back of it and it gives it better processing power and what not (check it: http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/...GFXZA-features), do you think it's worth the extra $200 to 'future proof' it, or will this just be another bullshit accessory that isn't worth the material it's made of?

I'm actually hoping to stop into my local shop and put the cash down tomorrow, so if anyone wanted to weigh in on the E6500 vs. E8000 for $200 different debate, I'd appreciate it!

[pentatonic]

I don't really know the differences but do know that the price gap was much bigger than $200, so can't say, seems like too good a deal to pass though, on a hunch.

[GAWD]

I just got the UT50 series from Panasonic and have been blown away by the picture quality.

There are NO TWEAKS to be made. There is nothing in the setup menu to allow anything more than the usual brightness / contrast / sharpness.

You need to step up in the line to get the PRO menu.

that being said, out of the box picture quality has been just WOW especially with 1080p content. SD television is quite lacking.

It's my first 3D set so I can't comment on the performance.

[repete66211]

The Panasonic ST50 is the best value TV of 2012 but you'd be lucky to find one. The UT50 is closer to your price point though. But availability of 2012 models is fading fast. Amazon has some last I checked but my local retailers are either closing them out or are ceasing to carry them. Some have even stopped listing them on their websites.

[Brandon_Storm]

Thanks for the help all, managed to find a new Samsung PN60E8000 for $1500 out the door somehow, and grabbed that. Next best was the PN60E6500 for $1460, so for the extra $40, I figured I might as well go with the flagship.

I REALLY hate all the extra features that make up the E8000 (camera, gesture control, etc.), but just in case this 'evolution kit' ends up being neat, I figure I kind of future proofed myself.

[tommyboy81]

Originally Posted by repete66211

The Panasonic ST50 is the best value TV of 2012 but you'd be lucky to find one. The UT50 is closer to your price point though. But availability of 2012 models is fading fast. Amazon has some last I checked but my local retailers are either closing them out or are ceasing to carry them. Some have even stopped listing them on their websites.

The Best Buy here still has some 55ST50's for $1199. I go really lucky and found the 50in at Sears since Bby is all out.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

go for hte st50 or gt50 from panasonic. right now the gt50 is on sale for 1899, but keep track of it, i bought mine when it was on sale a few weeks back at 1699. i just watched "Flight" on blu ray on the panasonic nad my god the picture was incredibly good!

[Member-115369]

Originally Posted by GAWD

There are NO TWEAKS to be made. There is nothing in the setup menu to allow anything more than the usual brightness / contrast / sharpness.

You need to step up in the line to get the PRO menu.

Not entirely true. It's just that the advanced settings for white balance etc. are buried in the service menu, where as some of the higher models have more options in the regular menu.

But there are detailed instructions on AVS Forum (find the UT series settings thread) about how to get in there, and some users posting their calibrations.

I didn't bother with it when I had the UT50, but the options are there for people who want to tweak more than the basics. I'm not a videophile at all, some I'm with you that most TVs look great with just a basic adjustment using the WoW disc or similar option from another company.

The UT50 looked great with just that, as does the Panny ET5 I replaced it with after not being able to live with buzzing and IR issues I ran into.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by tommyboy81

The Best Buy here still has some 55ST50's for $1199. I go really lucky and found the 50in at Sears since Bby is all out.

Originally Posted by ImStylinOnYaBro

go for hte st50 or gt50 from panasonic. right now the gt50 is on sale for 1899, but keep track of it, i bought mine when it was on sale a few weeks back at 1699. i just watched "Flight" on blu ray on the panasonic nad my god the picture was incredibly good!

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

Not entirely true. It's just that the advanced settings for white balance etc. are buried in the service menu, where as some of the higher models have more options in the regular menu.

But there are detailed instructions on AVS Forum (find the UT series settings thread) about how to get in there, and some users posting their calibrations.

I didn't bother with it when I had the UT50, but the options are there for people who want to tweak more than the basics. I'm not a videophile at all, some I'm with you that most TVs look great with just a basic adjustment using the WoW disc or similar option from another company.

The UT50 looked great with just that, as does the Panny ET5 I replaced it with after not being able to live with buzzing and IR issues I ran into.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but as per the post just above you up there, I've already bought the TV.

It's sitting my in living room acclimatizing as we speak!

I'll be sure to post some pics once I've got it all setup.

One thing I was curious about though, I was to understand the E6500 and the E8000 were the same TV for all intents and purposes, but I've just now noticed that the E8000 is quite slimmer.

What's up with that?