Best bang for the buck...65 inch plasma. Opinions? - Blu-ray Forum

NiteJones · 11-08-2009, 12:16 AM

I'm attempting to set up a home theater in my living room. I posted questions about what I'd need in the appropriate home theater section of this forum and at the time was considering a 55" LCD-LED.

It was pointed out that for the size of space I'm considering, a 55" might be too small and that I could probably get a good 65" plasma for around the same price I was willing to spend on the LCD/LED (no more than $2500).

So, here's what I've got:

I have an open area that's approximately 26 deep by 32 wide and consists of my living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are cathedral ceilings of 25 ft. There are windows/doors around this entire area, so it's bright. No drapes. Of the available space, the living room portion of this area is 26 deep by 16 wide. The couch is approximately 20 ft from the wall where I'll have the TV--or if I use a stand, that reduces it to about 15. There are 2 lounge chairs at each extreme of the 16 ft width and @ 10-12 ft from the wall/stand.

First question: So, plasma, yes?

Second question: From what I've read on this forum, everyone is saying Panasonic is best. Am I correct in believing that only the S line has 65" sets? Are there any other brands I should consider? Or should I rethink my LCD decision?

I'm hoping to make a decision within the next couple weeks so I can take advantage of Black Friday sales. I really appreciate this forum and all the helpful suggestions. Many thanks!!

Best, Nite

jc480 · 11-08-2009, 02:17 PM

If you can afford a 65-inch unit, buy it. You won't regret it at all.

SIZE MATTERS

ZedsDead · 11-08-2009, 02:23 PM

Pioneer also makes a 60" Plasma which is top of the line. If it wasn't for all of the light issues, I would definitely recommend a projector setup for a room that big.

NiteJones · 11-08-2009, 02:52 PM

Thanks ZedsDead and jc480. If this were a bonus room or basement, I'd give serious consideration to a projector, even though I don't think it's something I could do myself (and I like doing things myself).

I'm still concerned that a plasma will have too much washout or reflection during the day. Any opinions on that front? Do you think the V10 would have less?? Or are all the plasmas pretty similar when it comes to that issue?

Since I really can't afford a Kuro and the V10 comes as close as anything to a Pioneer, I'd love to get that. Still a bit too pricey, but maybe if on sale??

Can anyone offer an opinion regarding the quality difference between an S1 and a V10?

Thanks! Nite

EQ3282 · 11-08-2009, 03:14 PM

You just have a very large room, which, regardless of what size TV you get, it will probably always be a little small. I don't usually buy into the size argument (understanding that yes, there are ideal viewing distances but the TV will still look nice outside of those distances...to a point). However, with your couch being 20 feet away from the wall, you'd be dancing on the end of that 'looks good' distance, even with a 60 inch + set (and even if you moved it up to 15 feet). Your ideal distance at 65 inches will be around the 9.5 to 10.5 foot mark. Roughly, 16 feet is your cap on the TV looking good and being able to discern HD detail (after that, you might as well just have an SD TV). This calculation is approx 3x the width (not the diagonal) of your TV. But, you can use the diagonal as a general calculation and shave a little off the end.

In short, with the space you have, a projector would be nice, but not very practical with all the windows and such. A plasma, while probably being a bit cheaper than an LCD, will lose some of its tight picture power in a heavily lit space (considering they are not as bright as LCDs). So my vote would be to stick with an LCD with a good glare reduction/matte screen (Sharp has a nice LCD, usually relatively cheap, and doesn't have much glare). As for size, larger is your best bet, unless you can re-arrange to get that viewing distance down.

NiteJones · 11-10-2009, 04:38 PM

Thank you all for your thoughtful input. I'd seriously consider an LCD except the best quality LCDs are the backlit ones with dimming and that's not available in 65". The LCDs that do come that large are price-prohibitive, so I think that means I go with the 65" plasma. I can always add window treatment...just been trying to avoid that. And we don't use the couch except when we have company. My husband and I sit about 11 feet from where the current LCD is, but because we're not facing it dead-on, there's a ton of fading. I can put the 65" on a credenza and move it forward a bit, and then move the chairs forward a bit in order to hit that optimum visual range and I think that'll solve the problem.

But again, I appreciate all the opinions. This is a terrific forum!

Best, Nite

lojack1976 · 11-12-2009, 06:21 AM

You should also consider the 63" Samsung PN63B550 since your room has a lot of light. It has a better a filter than the Panasonic so it will better reduce reflections and better preserve black level. It is also more color accurate than the S series Panny. At only two inches smaller you will not notice much of a difference in size. You can get it HERE for $2188.18 with a free wall mount and free shipping.

NiteJones · 11-13-2009, 01:32 PM

Thanks, Lojack! My one concern with the Sammys is that I've read over and over that they buzz really badly. I know a lot of people over in the AVS forum who started with those and then returned them because it was so obnoxious.

I'll be at BB next week and will take a look, though. So long as the set is over 60" I think it shouldn't be an issue.

blujacket · 11-13-2009, 04:31 PM

I recently bought a Panasonic TC-P65S1. I'm extremely pleased with it.

lojack1976 · 11-14-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiteJones

Thanks, Lojack! My one concern with the Sammys is that I've read over and over that they buzz really badly. I know a lot of people over in the AVS forum who started with those and then returned them because it was so obnoxious.

I'll be at BB next week and will take a look, though. So long as the set is over 60" I think it shouldn't be an issue.

Yeah, I've heard a lot about the buzz with some of the Samsung models. I myself have never noticed it in the store, but of course the home environment will be a lot quieter so it may be noticeable. Both of my plasmas give off a slight buzz, but its only noticeable if I'm right up on them and its pretty faint. To be fair one of my old LCD's gave off a louder buzz than either of plasmas, but it still wasn't enough to bother me since I couldn't hear it while watching TV or movies at all.

From where you will be sitting I doubt that you here it on the loudest sets, but I could be wrong. You should see if you can hear it in a quieter store. The local Sear's stores are pretty quiet around here so that may be a good place to check it out if you have one locally. Best Buy is probably not a good spot since its always crowded in the stores here.

xcntuatd77 · 11-14-2009, 02:40 AM

KRP-600M if you can find any from an authorized dealer. 3200 shipped, or under $3000 if your lucky.

gamebred · 11-14-2009, 03:21 AM

99.9% of the time, I would suggest the 600M over any other plasma out there but this is one of those .1% cases. Being 15-20 feet away I'd go with the biggest plasma that I could find. The buzzing or heat wouldn't be noticed at that distance. That 85" panny would be perfect if it wasn't so damn expensive. Even the 65" v10 would look small after getting used to it. I sit about 8.5 ft from my 500m and it's starting to look a bit small already (only had if for a few weeks now).

skamp · 11-15-2009, 04:42 AM

I sit 11.5 ft' from my Panny 58" and that's perfect for me. Seems you'd be good sitting at 15' with the 65",with no problem. There are seating distance charts you can find online and probably on this forum if you do a search.

iGlide · 11-15-2009, 02:00 PM

panny 65 s1 imo best bang for the buck and if you watch BB you can catch it for 2599.00 on occassion. may be cheaper on the net at other places but that is a good deal for a 65 plasma. i purchased mine from BB for 2399 due to thier website malfunction when i went to purchase it at thier sale price for 2599.00. thier shopping cart was down on the last day of the sale so they gave me another 200 or or a free calibration. i took the cash off.

11-08-2009, 12:16 AM	#1
NiteJones Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:North Carolina Home Theater Gallery:7	Best bang for the buck...65 inch plasma. Opinions? I'm attempting to set up a home theater in my living room. I posted questions about what I'd need in the appropriate home theater section of this forum and at the time was considering a 55" LCD-LED. It was pointed out that for the size of space I'm considering, a 55" might be too small and that I could probably get a good 65" plasma for around the same price I was willing to spend on the LCD/LED (no more than $2500). So, here's what I've got: I have an open area that's approximately 26 deep by 32 wide and consists of my living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are cathedral ceilings of 25 ft. There are windows/doors around this entire area, so it's bright. No drapes. Of the available space, the living room portion of this area is 26 deep by 16 wide. The couch is approximately 20 ft from the wall where I'll have the TV--or if I use a stand, that reduces it to about 15. There are 2 lounge chairs at each extreme of the 16 ft width and @ 10-12 ft from the wall/stand. First question: So, plasma, yes? Second question: From what I've read on this forum, everyone is saying Panasonic is best. Am I correct in believing that only the S line has 65" sets? Are there any other brands I should consider? Or should I rethink my LCD decision? I'm hoping to make a decision within the next couple weeks so I can take advantage of Black Friday sales. I really appreciate this forum and all the helpful suggestions. Many thanks!! Best, Nite

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11-08-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
jc480 Power Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Detroit, MI Home Theater Gallery:28 4K collection:22 Blu-ray collection:747 DVD collection:10 Digital collection:882 Prime collection:2 Blu-ray reviews:15	If you can afford a 65-inch unit, buy it. You won't regret it at all. SIZE MATTERS

11-08-2009, 02:23 PM	#3
ZedsDead Senior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray collection:94	Pioneer also makes a 60" Plasma which is top of the line. If it wasn't for all of the light issues, I would definitely recommend a projector setup for a room that big.

11-08-2009, 02:52 PM	#4
NiteJones Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:North Carolina Home Theater Gallery:7	Thanks ZedsDead and jc480. If this were a bonus room or basement, I'd give serious consideration to a projector, even though I don't think it's something I could do myself (and I like doing things myself). I'm still concerned that a plasma will have too much washout or reflection during the day. Any opinions on that front? Do you think the V10 would have less?? Or are all the plasmas pretty similar when it comes to that issue? Since I really can't afford a Kuro and the V10 comes as close as anything to a Pioneer, I'd love to get that. Still a bit too pricey, but maybe if on sale?? Can anyone offer an opinion regarding the quality difference between an S1 and a V10? Thanks! Nite

11-08-2009, 03:14 PM	#5
EQ3282 Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:32 Blu-ray reviews:1	You just have a very large room, which, regardless of what size TV you get, it will probably always be a little small. I don't usually buy into the size argument (understanding that yes, there are ideal viewing distances but the TV will still look nice outside of those distances...to a point). However, with your couch being 20 feet away from the wall, you'd be dancing on the end of that 'looks good' distance, even with a 60 inch + set (and even if you moved it up to 15 feet). Your ideal distance at 65 inches will be around the 9.5 to 10.5 foot mark. Roughly, 16 feet is your cap on the TV looking good and being able to discern HD detail (after that, you might as well just have an SD TV). This calculation is approx 3x the width (not the diagonal) of your TV. But, you can use the diagonal as a general calculation and shave a little off the end. In short, with the space you have, a projector would be nice, but not very practical with all the windows and such. A plasma, while probably being a bit cheaper than an LCD, will lose some of its tight picture power in a heavily lit space (considering they are not as bright as LCDs). So my vote would be to stick with an LCD with a good glare reduction/matte screen (Sharp has a nice LCD, usually relatively cheap, and doesn't have much glare). As for size, larger is your best bet, unless you can re-arrange to get that viewing distance down.

11-10-2009, 04:38 PM	#6
NiteJones Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:North Carolina Home Theater Gallery:7	Thank you all for your thoughtful input. I'd seriously consider an LCD except the best quality LCDs are the backlit ones with dimming and that's not available in 65". The LCDs that do come that large are price-prohibitive, so I think that means I go with the 65" plasma. I can always add window treatment...just been trying to avoid that. And we don't use the couch except when we have company. My husband and I sit about 11 feet from where the current LCD is, but because we're not facing it dead-on, there's a ton of fading. I can put the 65" on a credenza and move it forward a bit, and then move the chairs forward a bit in order to hit that optimum visual range and I think that'll solve the problem. But again, I appreciate all the opinions. This is a terrific forum! Best, Nite

11-12-2009, 06:21 AM	#7
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	You should also consider the 63" Samsung PN63B550 since your room has a lot of light. It has a better a filter than the Panasonic so it will better reduce reflections and better preserve black level. It is also more color accurate than the S series Panny. At only two inches smaller you will not notice much of a difference in size. You can get it HERE for $2188.18 with a free wall mount and free shipping.

11-13-2009, 01:32 PM	#8
NiteJones Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:North Carolina Home Theater Gallery:7	Thanks, Lojack! My one concern with the Sammys is that I've read over and over that they buzz really badly. I know a lot of people over in the AVS forum who started with those and then returned them because it was so obnoxious. I'll be at BB next week and will take a look, though. So long as the set is over 60" I think it shouldn't be an issue.

11-13-2009, 04:31 PM	#9
blujacket Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Dayton,Ohio 4K collection:70 Blu-ray collection:658	I recently bought a Panasonic TC-P65S1. I'm extremely pleased with it.

11-14-2009, 02:40 AM	#11
xcntuatd77 Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Trading Score:19	KRP-600M if you can find any from an authorized dealer. 3200 shipped, or under $3000 if your lucky.

11-14-2009, 03:21 AM	#12
gamebred Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:couple hours from the moonshine capitol of the world Home Theater Gallery:4	99.9% of the time, I would suggest the 600M over any other plasma out there but this is one of those .1% cases. Being 15-20 feet away I'd go with the biggest plasma that I could find. The buzzing or heat wouldn't be noticed at that distance. That 85" panny would be perfect if it wasn't so damn expensive. Even the 65" v10 would look small after getting used to it. I sit about 8.5 ft from my 500m and it's starting to look a bit small already (only had if for a few weeks now).

11-15-2009, 04:42 AM	#13
skamp Member Member since:Apr 2009 Location:Niantic CT. Home Theater Gallery:6	I sit 11.5 ft' from my Panny 58" and that's perfect for me. Seems you'd be good sitting at 15' with the 65",with no problem. There are seating distance charts you can find online and probably on this forum if you do a search.

11-15-2009, 02:00 PM	#14
iGlide Active Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Biloxi Ms Home Theater Gallery:10 iTunes collection:406	panny 65 s1 imo best bang for the buck and if you watch BB you can catch it for 2599.00 on occassion. may be cheaper on the net at other places but that is a good deal for a 65 plasma. i purchased mine from BB for 2399 due to thier website malfunction when i went to purchase it at thier sale price for 2599.00. thier shopping cart was down on the last day of the sale so they gave me another 200 or or a free calibration. i took the cash off.

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