I have been shopping for TVs for 8 months. It seems every time I decide on one they are discontinued. I was going to get the KDS60A3000 and now its discontinued. So i started looking again and decided on the PDP-5080HD now I hear its getting discontinued. Well I can still get one locally at a B&M for a good price. My question is I can get a 5080, a PRO-1150 for 400 dollars more and 14 day wait online, or a Panasonic 50PZ85u for 400 dollars more locally. Which one would you choose? I have posted this question several times with different models as my choices narrowed. Feel free to toss any any other models. I want to spend less than 2400 though, it has to be flat panel as I have now chosen where to hang it on the wall, this will be used for Blu-Ray DVDs, and HD Directv. from 11 feet away. If I can get away with spending more like 1800 and have PQ that rivals but may not equal the 5080 that would be a plus. However, I am willing to spend 2400 if there is just no match.

5080 and 1150 have higher PQ than the 50pz85u, but they're only 720p to its 1080p... at 11 feet viewing distance, i'd say go with the pq instead of the resolution and buy the 1150 (unless of course you have 20/5 vision like Chuck Yeager had)

1080p is pretty much pointless from 11ft away on a 50" screen. So I wouldn't go with the Panasonic PZ series unless you want to throw around "1080P" in conversation regarding your TV.

If you're looking for something less expensive, take a look at the Panasonic 50PX80U, it's part of Panasonic's 2008 lineup of plasmas.

It's 720p, so it's in the same boat as the 5080HD in terms of resolution and the performance has been getting solid reviews around the board. I personally saw the 42PX80U side by side with the 4280HD (5080HD's little brother) and I thought they were very, very even in terms of picture quality, image processing and black levels. I thought the Pioneer had a very slight edge in blacks, but the Panasonic had much better whites and I can't say I felt the slightly better black levels justified the price gap.

MSRP on the 50PX80U is 1699, so that'll put you right around your desired price range after taxes, etc.

If you can get to a Best Buy or other big box store, I'd recommend going and checking out the Panasonic first hand. You really need to figure out what looks best to YOUR EYES. You'll get a lot of people in here screaming for Pio's simply because they're Pio's. But on the other hand, you'll get a lot of people recommending brand X just because it's not a Pio and it's their little way of sticking it to the Kuro's. ;)

Okay so that leaves the 5080, 1150, and the PX80u. I have seen a 5080 in person and it is amazing. I have never seen the 1150 and am honestly a little skeptical and impatient about buying online so that could leave the 1150 out as well. I will go check out the PX80u. I think thats going to be it for me in terms of choices. (5080 and PX80u) as I have to act fast if I still want a chance at a 5080.

There are very few places that still have the 5080HD in stock but it is getting very bad. I would look at more local places and other reputable dealers and go for the 1150HD since the price gap is very small now.

Go with the 50PZ85U. It should have similar black levels to the 5080 and satisfy your performance needs...

Chris

Go with the 50PZ85U. It should have similar black levels to the 5080 and satisfy your performance needs...

Chris

Granted the PZ85's have great black levels, it still can't beat a Pioneer, but it is close.

There are very few places that still have the 5080HD in stock but it is getting very bad. I would look at more local places and other reputable dealers and go for the 1150HD since the price gap is very small now.

Lol lots of mixed opinions here. Too bad my local store doesnt have both so I can compare. They are across town where they are in stock. 5080 has not been a problem for me to find locally however I have never found a 1150HD locally. Even when they werent discontinued. My BB never had them, nor did any of the other Pioneer "dealers" in the area. I can get one on Vanns is about the only place I ahve seen that still has them.

5080 has not been a problem for me to find locally however I have never found a 1150HD locally. Even when they werent discontinued. My BB never had them, nor did any of the other Pioneer "dealers" in the area. I can get one on Vanns is about the only place I ahve seen that still has them.

:( the 1150HD is still a current model surprised about your local guys.

Hmm I thought 2 of our forum sponsors had said the 1150 was discontinued. Anyhow, an 1150 locally would probably be pretty high premium. BB looks like they charge a LOT more for the 1150 than they do the 5080. What is the processing differences with blu-ray on the 80u and the 5080?

8 Months of Shopping Narrowed it Down - Make the CallIf I were in your position, I'd add another 6 months to my shopping extransagava and wait to see what the 9G Kuros are all about.

Lol I thought about it. But I am getting to friggin impatient. Almost a year doing this and I want it to be over and me be enjoying my set instead of reading about sweet TVs and not having one to watch.

Hmm I thought 2 of our forum sponsors had said the 1150 was discontinued. Anyhow, an 1150 locally would probably be pretty high premium. BB looks like they charge a LOT more for the 1150 than they do the 5080. What is the processing differences with blu-ray on the 80u and the 5080?

Always remember good source in = good source out. Regardless on a 768p display or 1080p display it will look equally sharp. The biggest thing you may want to look at between the two is skin tones, color accuracy, etc... That will make or break your decision, rather than upscaling/downscaling Blu-ray (1080p) resolution.

Chris

Besides extra picture adjustments and different speaker placement what does the 1150 have that the 5080 does not have?

Granted the PZ85's have great black levels, it still can't beat a Pioneer, but it is close.

This is very objective rather subjective, but I will say that processing has improved and the "jaggies" appear to be smoother and the Panny 1080p's appear to be brighter than previous generation. Some people say that the Kuro's appear to be "dim", but I perceive it as natural compared to other displays.

Chris

Besides extra picture adjustments and different speaker placement what does the 1150 have that the 5080 does not have?

Here are some
Differences Between Pio Elite And Non Elite KURO Models
________________________________________
- Home Media Gallery - networking functionality
- ISFccc
- New Independent Gamma Control for heightened color calibration
- Remote Control - Illuminated / Present Mode / Learning Mode
- AV Selection Memory - PURE, ISF-Day, ISF-Night
- Advanced Picture-in-Picture (4 positions), Picture-side-Picture for use with Home Media Gallery & Broadcast (3 positions) and Still Picture capability
- Intelligent Mode (off/on)
- Color Temperature Adjustment – 5 settings (High / Mid-High / Mid / Mid-Low / Low)
- Color Temperature Manual Adjustment
- Color Management
- Color Space (1 / 2)
- MPEG Noise Reduction
- Block Noise Reduction Activation (off/on)
- Mosquito Noise Effect
- Mosquito Noise Reduction (off/on)
- 3 DYC (1/2/3)
- I-P Mode
- IR Repeater
- 2 year warranty
- First Color Pro Filter versus First Color Pro Plus Filter (added 08-11-07)

I just contacted a local retailer that does not carry them (1150) but htey will order one and it can be there in 7-10 days. However it comes at a 789 dollar premium over the 5080. Can any of you who have seen both justify that preimum?

I just contacted a local retailer that does not carry them (1150) but htey will order one and it can be there in 7-10 days. However it comes at a 789 dollar premium over the 5080. Can any of you who have seen both justify that preimum?

I would let your eyes decide as well.

I just contacted a local retailer that does not carry them (1150) but htey will order one and it can be there in 7-10 days. However it comes at a 789 dollar premium over the 5080. Can any of you who have seen both justify that preimum?

Again I still think the 50PZ85U or better yet the 50PZ800U will be the better choice over the Pioneer 5080HD or 1150.

Chris

Again I still think the 50PZ85U or better yet the 50PZ800U will be the better choice over the Pioneer 5080HD or 1150.

Chris

But when the 800's come out, the 5020 and 6020 will be hitting the market as well.

But when the 800's come out, the 5020 and 6020 will be hitting the market as well.

At a higher street price and MSRP than $2400 or the original poster's request. The street price of the PZ800 will be relatively closer to his budget.

Chris

At a higher street price and MSRP than $2400 or the original poster's request. The street price of the PZ800 will be relatively closer to his budget.

Chris

We'll see.:cool:

We'll see.:cool:

;)

There are a lot of responses here from vendors that have self serving interests in mind. ( Like it's so hard to pick out the Panny vendors and Pio vendors from their replies :rolleyes:) I'll give it too you straight as I have no vested interest in one product line or another. I am just a happy 5080 owner.

The Pioneers are have better picture quality than the Panasonics, so that leaves the Pioneers as your choices. At an 11' viewing distance, the 768p TV's are the way to go. At an $800 premium, the 1150 is not worth it over the 5080 IMO. Most of those "features" that Roman listed are just tweaks, most of which you will keep off anyway. Check the D-Nice reference setting and see which are actually "used". Don't worry about RGB control as you can do that thru the SM on the 5080 VERY EASILY. The Media Gallery breaks the TV on BOTH models. The 2 year warranty is a moot point if you buy an extended warranty. About $140 gets 3 years above the 1 year you get with the 5080. Heck, for $800 you can buy extended warranty, calibration, and still have money left over. Bottom line: buy the 5080. BTW, you should be able to get the 5080 for under $2k. I did so without even trying.

Check out the Samsung 5054 at CC, GREAT price this week.
Twomotor

Check out the Samsung 5054 at CC, GREAT price this week.
Twomotor

Do NOT check out the 5054. My girlfriend has it and even by her own admission, my 5080 looks faaaaaaar better. This is one case where spending more on the 5080 gets you MUCH more. No offense to you, Twomotor.;)

Lol I thought about it. But I am getting to friggin impatient. Almost a year doing this and I want it to be over and me be enjoying my set instead of reading about sweet TVs and not having one to watch.OK, since you have an itchy trigger finger... from a guy who owns a Panasonic and a Pioneer PDP... if you can swing it, I recommend buying a Pioneer PDP. While I am an advocate of FDTV, provided the screen sizes are the same (50"?) I'd even choose a 720p Pioneer PDP versus a 1080p Panasonic PDP.

the 5080 is an excellent choice but i'd go +1 for the Pioneer Elite Pro1150 if you can find the good deals out there.

I can't understand why an adult individual (an assumption) would come on this forum and ask advocates of a particular brand of TV to give him or her an objective opinion of what type of TV they should buy.:confused: Your an adult, make your own decision and go buy a TV that fits your needs and be done with it.

Why? Because there are a lot of people here that know a heck of a lot more than I do. And also because I cannot see all these TVs with my own eyes so I would like some of the videophiles who have seen them to shed some light. Also, I have gone out and bought a couple of TVs that I thought met my needs and been somewhat dissapointed that I didnt know ALL the facts. By asking these types of questions, advocates of Pios might point out flaws in the Pannys that I wouldnt have known about otherwise or vise versa. Its all about gathering information not necessarily about the actual TV they choose to tell me to buy.

I can't understand why an adult individual (an assumption) would come on this forum and ask advocates of a particular brand of TV to give him or her an objective opinion of what type of TV they should buy.:confused: Your an adult, make your own decision and go buy a TV that fits your needs and be done with it.

OK, since you have an itchy trigger finger... from a guy who owns a Panasonic and a Pioneer PDP... if you can swing it, I recommend buying a Pioneer PDP. While I am an advocate of FDTV, provided the screen sizes are the same (50"?) I'd even choose a 720p Pioneer PDP versus a 1080p Panasonic PDP.

Somewhat itchy now yes, as I said I have been shopping for 8 months so I have just recently become that way.

rlhesson

Take a look at the PZ80/85 Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1000479). Many happy owners!

Chris

Well PC World rates the Samsung 5084 as the #1 HDTV.
Go figure...........

Creemail,

I just want to point out that you have now PM'ed me 3 different times over the past 2 months about buying extended warranties from you at the simple mention of the words "extented warranty" in my posts. It would not be so bothersome had we not discussed (at length via PM) the reasons it was already far too late for me to buy a third party extended warranty from Mack or CPS because of the purchase date of my 5080 - twice!

I understand the vendors use this forum as a means to hook unsuspecting members for a sale, as that is the purpose of this forum whether stated as such or not. However, it would be wise for you to keep track of who you have already solicited via PM previously, it is really poor sales professionalism when I appears you can't even remember who you solicited already - especially 3 times in row. :rolleyes:

Creemail,

I just want to point out that you have now PM'ed me 3 different times over the past 2 months about buying extended warranties from you at the simple mention of the words "extented warranty" in my posts. It would not be so bothersome had we not discussed (at length via PM) the reasons it was already far too late for me to buy a third party extended warranty from Mack or CPS because of the purchase date of my 5080 - twice!

I understand the vendors use this forum as a means to hook unsuspecting members for a sale, as that is the purpose of this forum whether stated as such or not. However, it would be wise for you to keep track of who you have already solicited via PM previously, it is really poor sales professionalism when I appears you can't even remember who you solicited already - espeacially 3 times in row. :rolleyes:


I wouldnt buy an extended warranty from anyone anyway.
Waste of money!!!

Cronin no need to publicly state it. Just report him as this is not the way this forum works.

Why? Because there are a lot of people here that know a heck of a lot more than I do. And also because I cannot see all these TVs with my own eyes so I would like some of the videophiles who have seen them to shed some light. Also, I have gone out and bought a couple of TVs that I thought met my needs and been somewhat dissapointed that I didnt know ALL the facts. By asking these types of questions, advocates of Pios might point out flaws in the Pannys that I wouldnt have known about otherwise or vise versa. Its all about gathering information not necessarily about the actual TV they choose to tell me to buy.

Panny guy says "mine is the best, buy mine", Pio guy says "no, his has flaws, buy mine", Sammie guy says "they both suck, buy mine", Another Panny guy says "Pio and Sammy buzz", another PIO guy says "yeh, it buzzes but it has great black levels", another Sammy guy says, "mine only has a slight buzz, but the colors are better than your panny and pio" then another.......... I think you can see what I'm getting at here. At this rate you will be without a TV for 8 years, yet alone 8 months.

Of course I see what your getting at. I just dont understand why you are busting my balls for doing it. If it is not the way you would shop for a TV fine, but it is the way I want to. I mean I wouldnt have know about the buzz had I not asked questions about each TV. And I wouldnt have known things like the Panny wont natively accept 1080/24p source material or at least a multipe of 24 like the Pio does (72Hz). Once I get all information in one place (eg. my thread) I can make my informed decision and accept the shortcomings of the TV before I find out later and have buyers remorse.

And I wouldnt have known things like the Panny wont natively accept 1080/24p source material or at least a multipe of 24 like the Pio does (72Hz).
if this is something you're worried about, you're not going to be happy with any tv. this really is a non-issue. there will be things you don't like about any tv, especially given your budget. 8 months of shopping for a tv is a little over the top i think. hell, you've seen entire model lines come and go... any of the highly recommended tvs you see here on the forums will serve you well. there are quirks about any tv. just buy one that's in your budget and enjoy it.

none of that was meant in a bad way, btw. :)

if this is something you're worried about, you're not going to be happy with any tv. this really is a non-issue. there will be things you don't like about any tv, especially given your budget. 8 months of shopping for a tv is a little over the top i think. hell, you've seen entire model lines come and go... any of the highly recommended tvs you see here on the forums will serve you well. there are quirks about any tv. just buy one that's in your budget and enjoy it.

none of that was meant in a bad way, btw. :)

Lol I know it is thats why I am just going to pull the trigger now. 2500 bucks is a good chunk of change to spend thats the only reason I have been taking my time.

Panny guy says "mine is the best, buy mine", Pio guy says "no, his has flaws, buy mine", Sammie guy says "they both suck, buy mine", Another Panny guy says "Pio and Sammy buzz", another PIO guy says "yeh, it buzzes but it has great black levels", another Sammy guy says, "mine only has a slight buzz, but the colors are better than your panny and pio" then another.......... I think you can see what I'm getting at here. At this rate you will be without a TV for 8 years, yet alone 8 months.

I thought you were telling us a joke, what is the end of it.:)

rlhesson,

Remember what I told you about negotiating with BB in the PM's yesterday? Check out this post today from the Pioneer's Owner's thread. Pay attention to the numbers...

the main reason i like to buy local, is for the privilege of having 30days to return/exchange it.

So OK, just got back from BB during my lunch break.

I spoke to Magnolia manager and this is the deal:

1- they can give me full refund for my Sony LCD, even though it had been more than 30 days, as credit towards to the 5080HD, BUT if i take the credit, they WONT budge on the price of the 5080 which turned out to be 2149.

2- (preferred) I ONLY buy the 5080HD, which means i have to find someone to sell the Sony LCD on my own to, but for a reduced price of 2k even.

Either way, the manager was very friendly, and will be glad to help me with either way I go..

So now, i leave it up to the hive mind of the forums..

is the PQ of the 5080HD much better than my existing 50px60U?? ive tweaked my Panny with settings found on this forum and everyone who comes over to watch movies is just awestruck by the PQ. Bluray on the ps3 looks very crisp, sharp, and bright colors. Will I notice the difference in PQ to justify the roughly $800 this upgrade will cost me?

Didn't I tell you they'd make a deal if you just ask? Look at the negotiated price, now just call me the Oracle... :D

Looks good Im going to run over there on saturday and wear my haggling shoes. They have a PZ85U that will be in next week will be nice to see them side by side.

Panny guy says "mine is the best, buy mine", Pio guy says "no, his has flaws, buy mine", Sammie guy says "they both suck, buy mine", Another Panny guy says "Pio and Sammy buzz", another PIO guy says "yeh, it buzzes but it has great black levels", another Sammy guy says, "mine only has a slight buzz, but the colors are better than your panny and pio" then another.......... I think you can see what I'm getting at here. At this rate you will be without a TV for 8 years, yet alone 8 months.

What about a guy who owns all three? are they allowed to have a say?
You seem to think all discussion here is useless and all decisions should based on what you "see".. why do you post here at all?

The answer op, is buy the 5080. The elite shouldn't be part of the discussion based on your needs. The pio is still better than the px80. Pio still has slightly better blacks than the pz. At your distance, contrast is more important than resolution. If you were sitting 8ft or closer, the pz85 would be your best bet.

Panny guy says "mine is the best, buy mine", Pio guy says "no, his has flaws, buy mine.Yeah, but we really know what we are talking about. :D

The thing I am waiting on is to see how bright the 85u is. I have fear that a 5080 on a sunny day while watching football might be too dim. I could be wrong though as I havent had one in my house yet. The window is 25 feet from my tv on a perpendicular wall.

Yeah, but we really know what we are talking about. :D

What is he really talking about then?

As much as that can be true....
some people have owned sets from all three, should their opinion not be listened to ?

Guys...there t.v.'s, stop going at eachothers throats over such a petty thing.
Or do it in private PM's so we don't have to listen.
Please.

The thing I am waiting on is to see how bright the 85u is. I have fear that a 5080 on a sunny day while watching football might be too dim. I could be wrong though as I havent had one in my house yet. The window is 25 feet from my tv on a perpendicular wall.Why not wait for the 9G Pioneers, their CRs will be "cranked up" too.

$$$. Out of my price range.

this is a good thread

makes me realize why street prices are not allowed to be posted on here.

It's a show/competition for the forum sponsors to sell their products. Not exactly a bad thing, but let's make things equal for everyone.

Somewhat itchy now yes, as I said I have been shopping for 8 months so I have just recently become that way.

I sit 12' feet away from my Panny 50PX60u (768p), and LOVE the picture. I'm tellin ya, for the $$, you really can't do better than a Panny plasma. And they're right about the 720p vs. 1080p on a 50" screen sitting 11' away - you really won't see a difference. Unless you've got about twice as much cash to spend on a Kuro, just get the Panny and be really really happy with it like I am :) And who cares if you can't brag about having 1080p? Blu-rays still look freaking amazing. And if you don't have a good sound system yet, then take the extra cash you saved and invest in one because it's half the experience of HDTV!

I ended up getting a stellar deal on a 5080HD and bought it yesterday and picked it up today. I am at work, so have not gotten a chance to get it out of the box, but I will let you know after break in what I think! The guy also threw in a Sanus VMPL50B tilt mount to go with it. Thanks for all the help everyone. Wait is finally over.

I ended up getting a stellar deal on a 5080HD and bought it yesterday and picked it up today. I am at work, so have not gotten a chance to get it out of the box, but I will let you know after break in what I think! The guy also threw in a Sanus VMPL50B tilt mount to go with it. Thanks for all the help everyone. Wait is finally over.

Congrats! Good choice. Check your PM.

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