Is my plasma too old?

[saprano]

Originally Posted by slimdude

That was then, this is now! Regardless how good the Pioneer Kuros were, they are still old HDTVs, and not being manufactured anymore, so you are comparing old technology to new technology, which has no merit whatsoever. HDTVs has advanced significantly since Kuros were made. VCRs were good back in the early 80s too, but would you still go out and buy one, after experiencing DVD, and most of all, the blu-ray? Some people just refuse to let go of the past, and embrace the present, and the future.

The VCR was a horrible comparison. That made no sense.

In what way has HDTV's advanced significantly? In terms of PQ? I disagree. Like i said the kuro can still be compared to displays today. Only a few TV's do some things better like the ZT60 but it's in no way significant and the kuro still has the best blacks at 0.0005. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging but it's the facts. Look it up. Funny that Panasonic decided to compare its TV's "new technology" with an "old technology." And even bought the patents.

In terms of features? Yes. All HDTV's have surpassed the kuro when it comes to being a smart TV.

[mrchallenge]

Yeah I guess in some ways, my model was the precursor to the Kuro.

I'm not really interested in features. As long as movies actually look like movies on the screen, I'm happy.

Its funny, my TV has a relatively paltry black level of 0.14, which is terrible by today's standards, but from watching it, the blacks and detail in dark scenes still look really good. So I dunno, do the stats even matter at all when it comes to my model?

My friend has a relatively new 60 inch Samsung LED and although detail is good, the blacks are lousy on his screen and there's alot of "soap opera effect". I was playing around with his remote trying to find a way to switch it off but to no avail. So I guess maybe there's a bit of a trade off between looking cinematic at the expense of having a slightly soft picture?

[ShockWave]

I'm confused?

Do you want to know if the 9g kuro and newer panasonics have better pq then your current panel. In every important quality of a panel yes they are. If you're not looking for a new set it doesn't matter. If your happy it doesn't matter if it's better. But the newer panels product significant better pq. And yes number do matter when you can actually see them with the human eye.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by saprano

The VCR was a horrible comparison. That made no sense..

It wasn't a comparison in the first place, it was an example.

[Auditor55]

Originally Posted by saprano

The VCR was a horrible comparison. That made no sense.

In what way has HDTV's advanced significantly? In terms of PQ? I disagree. Like i said the kuro can still be compared to displays today. Only a few TV's do some things better like the ZT60 but it's in no way significant and the kuro still has the best blacks at 0.0005. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging but it's the facts. Look it up. Funny that Panasonic decided to compare its TV's "new technology" with an "old technology." And even bought the patents.

In terms of features? Yes. All HDTV's have surpassed the kuro when it comes to being a smart TV.

I would have agree with what you said about the Kuro. It most definitely holds it own, even today.

[Auditor55]

Originally Posted by mrchallenge

Yeah I guess in some ways, my model was the precursor to the Kuro.

I'm not really interested in features. As long as movies actually look like movies on the screen, I'm happy.

Its funny, my TV has a relatively paltry black level of 0.14, which is terrible by today's standards, but from watching it, the blacks and detail in dark scenes still look really good. So I dunno, do the stats even matter at all when it comes to my model?

My friend has a relatively new 60 inch Samsung LED and although detail is good, the blacks are lousy on his screen and there's alot of "soap opera effect". I was playing around with his remote trying to find a way to switch it off but to no avail. So I guess maybe there's a bit of a trade off between looking cinematic at the expense of having a slightly soft picture?

You can turn off the motion flow by going inside of the menu.

[mrchallenge]

I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not it is worth it to get a new set. My current budget is only around 1500 at the moment. Are there any models at this price range that will be a noticeable upgrade over my current model in term of PQ?

[ShockWave]

Originally Posted by mrchallenge

I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not it is worth it to get a new set. My current budget is only around 1500 at the moment. Are there any models at this price range that will be a noticeable upgrade over my current model in term of PQ?

Worth it is subjective really. It you're the type that wants to keep up with the tech then yes. If pq is a priority to you then yes. In today's market 1500 is a great budget. Yes the link I provided is a amazing panel. And will be very noticeable side by side.

Panasonic TC-P55VT60 55-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Smart Plasma HDTV (Includes 2 Pairs of 3D Active Glasses and B... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC4SJEC

[saprano]

You can't go wrong with the VT60 at that price. I would buy before they're gone.

Oh, that's the used price.

[ShockWave]

Originally Posted by saprano

You can't go wrong with the VT60 at that price. I would buy before they're gone.

Oh, that's the used price.

Most of them just have damaged boxes. And are not used from what I understand. Do you know other wise?

[PriSM]

Originally Posted by slimdude

HDTVs has advanced significantly since Kuros were made.

[Mr Kite]

The VT & ZT surpassed the Kuro in every aspect, but it's taken a long time to do so. So either one of these would be an excellent choice.

Here is a review of the ZT:

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panas...ge=Performance

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by tele1962

The VT & ZT surpassed the Kuro in every aspect, but it's taken a long time to do so. So either one of these would be an excellent choice.

Here is a review of the ZT:

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panas...ge=Performance

No, they have not. They are on par, visually, and they do 3-D, if that's a standard of measurement. But they haven't exceeded the Kuro.

[Mr Kite]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

No, they have not. They are on par, visually, and they do 3-D, if that's a standard of measurement. But they haven't exceeded the Kuro.

Yes they have you can still buy them.

I think you might need to read the review again. But all being said the difference is very small.

[ShockWave]

Originally Posted by tele1962

Yes they have you can still buy them.

I think you might need to read the review again. But all being said the difference is very small.

Yes the new zt/vt does do things better then the kuro for sure. From what I read the kuro still owns black level. But color and brightness go to the Panasonic. Both panels are amazing. I'll have both in my house very soon!

[Canada]

If your current TV looks good keep using it and save your money Pioneer Kuro's were great. When you say your kuro has a contrast ratio of 400:1 as apposed to 2000:1 the TV that says it has that high a contrast ratio is using dynamic contrast and therefore are going to have insanely high contrast spec.

[Packerfan75]

Originally Posted by mrchallenge

Hi, I have a Pioneer Elite Pro-940HD 42' Plasma.

I bought it for $3300 back in early 2007. At the time, it was pretty top of the line stuff and got good reviews when it came out.

I use it primarily to watch blu rays since I don't watch alot of TV. Films look very cinematic on it.

I can't help but wonder though, the contrast ratio of my plasma is around 600:1 to 800:1. That was considered pretty high back in 2007, but is now considered pitiful compared to newer models. Even your average entry level LCD from best buy has a better contrast ratio than that.

Am I reading too much into it or is my TV a little too old and now being outperformed by newer model LEDs? Am I missing out on details that I would've gotten on a tv with a higher contrast ratio?

It's a mistake to get caught up in ratio numbers and other stats of new TV's. I wouldn't even look at other TV's if I were you.
You paid top dollar for your set and you sound happy with the way it looks. Keep it till it dies.

[Mr Kite]

Originally Posted by ShockWave

Yes the new zt/vt does do things better then the kuro for sure. From what I read the kuro still owns black level. But color and brightness go to the Panasonic. Both panels are amazing. I'll have both in my house very soon!

the ZT & VT just edge it with black level also, remember also these TV's are not going to be around for ever.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by tele1962

Yes they have you can still buy them.

I think you might need to read the review again. But all being said the difference is very small.

I've read multiple reviews of these units, since I was looking for something for my youngest son. There's more than one review.

It's a superb unit, which I recommend as the best 1080p unit currently available (probably not past the end of January). But by concensus - and I've seen calibrated units - it's definitely on par with the Kuro, but does not exceed it in any way. It's close enough, for my book. I don't really see much difference between the two.

[JJ]

- Sometimes I find the elitism of Kuro owners combined with the uppityness of the ZT owners hilarious. You can see it all over any AV forum as of late. Personally, since I have both a Kuro and a ZT, I will say the ZT is better.

Whether or not that's just the screen size difference talking is up for debate.