Here's my tough choice for a living room plasma:

Option 1: Pioneer 1150HD 50" plasma

Option 2: Panasonic 58PH10UKA 58" plasma

No doubt the Pioneer has the better picture, but the Panasonic offers a much larger image for about the same price, and I prefer the thin and non-shiny bezel. Seating distance ranges from 8 to 13 feet.

Any thoughts/advice?

PS: There will also be a projector and 92" screen in the basement.

This is for you to decide.
we can give our opinions or what choice we made...but you need to decide what's best for yourself.
Considering you already have a pro and con list for each that should be easier.

I will pick the pio over the panny.
Here are my reasons:

1, For 58 inch, you may want to go 1080p instead. http://www.carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/ But that's out of the question so I won't go there.

2, You already mention the Pio provides you better PQ.

3, At the end of the day, you are watch TV the content and not the TV itself. Bezel is overrated. :)

4, I believe the Pio should be cheaper out the door because the Panny only have 2 HDMIs, 1 RGB and 1 Component, no speaker, stand, turner, etc. unless you tell me you do THX 7.1 CNN viewing. :)

Just my 2 cents.

I went through the same thing and ended up going with a Pioneer 5010 over the Panasonic 58".

My wife and I are both into aesthetics and we felt a 58" TV really took over the room. Some of our friends have a 58" Panasonic and it nearly takes over one of the walls in their living room. Their viewing distance is, IMHO, much too close to justify the size.

In our home, we're doing a projector in a dedicated theater later this year so we opted to go with the higher quality Pioneer 50". I couldn't be happier as it looks perfect in the spot we chose and both the SD and HD content look much sharper than on our friends Panny 58".

I went through the same thing and ended up going with a Pioneer 5010 over the Panasonic 58".

My wife and I are both into aesthetics and we felt a 58" TV really took over the room. Some of our friends have a 58" Panasonic and it nearly takes over one of the walls in their living room. Their viewing distance is, IMHO, much too close to justify the size.

In our home, we're doing a projector in a dedicated theater later this year so we opted to go with the higher quality Pioneer 50". I couldn't be happier as it looks perfect in the spot we chose and both the SD and HD content look much sharper than on our friends Panny 58".

yes, I should have also mentioned the aesthetics concern--i.e. the TV taking over the room. That would be a reason to go with the 50" rather than the 58". I think we may go with the 50" (bought locally), and then return it within 30 days if we find it too small. The 58", on the other hand, has to be bought online--and thus returning it is problematic.

Thanks for the replies.

yes, I should have also mentioned the aesthetics concern--i.e. the TV taking over the room. That would be a reason to go with the 50" rather than the 58". I think we may go with the 50" (bought locally), and then return it within 30 days if we find it too small. The 58", on the other hand, has to be bought online--and thus returning it is problematic.

Thanks for the replies.

I was comparing these same 2 displays. I chose the Panny for reasons below.

Panasonic was less money shipped to my door than the heavily discounted pioneer would be to buy locally.

Panasonic 2 year warranty is unmatched. I read alot of stories about shady service guys being sent out by Pioneer, or Pioneer denying coverage altogether.

The Panasonic asthetically looks much better IMO with an almost non-existant 1.5" bezel. It looks more like a picture hanging on the wall.

The difference in overall dimensions is only 7"x5"

Like most recent models, Pioneer uses the high gloss black which I personally find distracting. I cant wait till that trend is over. Gloss black seems to be the new silver:mad:

Pioneer offers better better black levels and 1080p. Resolution is not as important to me as adjustability and the Panasonic has that covered.

The 58" looked very big in my room until I put it into position, now I wouldn't be able to live with anything smaller.

You cant go wrong with either as far as performance. Good Luck!

I was comparing these same 2 displays. I chose the Panny for reasons below.

Panasonic was less money shipped to my door than the heavily discounted pioneer would be to buy locally.

Panasonic 2 year warranty is unmatched. I read alot of stories about shady service guys being sent out by Pioneer, or Pioneer denying coverage altogether.

The Panasonic asthetically looks much better IMO with an almost non-existant 1.5" bezel. It looks more like a picture hanging on the wall.

The difference in overall dimensions is only 7"x5"

Like most recent models, Pioneer uses the high gloss black which I personally find distracting. I cant wait till that trend is over. Gloss black seems to be the new silver:mad:

Pioneer offers better better black levels and 1080p. Resolution is not as important to me as adjustability and the Panasonic has that covered.

The 58" looked very big in my room until I put it into position, now I wouldn't be able to live with anything smaller.

You cant go wrong with either as far as performance. Good Luck!

The bigger bottle of beer tastes okay.:)

The smaller bottle of beer is the best you've ever tasted.:D

The bigger bottle of beer tastes okay.:)

The smaller bottle of beer is the best you've ever tasted.:D

If we're talking best, Runco would be my beer of choice.

They look substantially better than both Panny and Pioneer to my eyes, but again bang for the buck plays apart as well.

Never had anyone tell me they went to big ;)

For your distance, 58" is not really very big. I watch my 6010 from about 10' and feel that I need to go to about 75-80" for a cinema experience. Up to about 10' however, you'll benefit from 1080p. See this viewing distance calculator: http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

(On the other hand, since it's a living room, you may have esthetic considerations, which may limit the size.)

In any event, it you and your significant other who have to decide. I'd personally get the Panny without a second thought, because of the larger size. You'll notice the extra 8" much more readily, that the marginally better blacks on the Kuro.

I own a 50 inch Panasonic TH-50PH9UK, the Panasonic professionals are my favorite displays and I would not trade mine for any other display.

Can I ask why you aren't comparing the 50" Panasonic Professional, 50PF10UK. It is 1080P and a much better comparison to the Kuro. I was thinking of getting this over the Kuro for price and the asthetics of it.

Without a doubt the 58" Panny. At that distance, you should really be looking at the 65" Panny or the 60" Pioneer. If the 58" Panny had a crappy picture, then I would probably advise you otherwise, but the Pioneer's picture is not that significantly better. But the difference between 50" and 58" is quite significant.

You'll notice the extra 8" much more readily, that the marginally better blacks on the Kuro.

I couldn't agree more.

Can I ask why you aren't comparing the 50" Panasonic Professional, 50PF10UK. It is 1080P and a much better comparison to the Kuro. I was thinking of getting this over the Kuro for price and the asthetics of it.

Given our viewing distance, 720P is fine for a 50" set. However, borderline viewing distance for a 58" set (alas, no industrial/pro Panny 1080p 58" set available yet).

At first I would've said 8 inches is a lot and that's something worth sacrificing some quality for. However, the fact you have a 92" elsewhere, I'd shoot for the Pioneer as if you want size, neither of these would compare. I have a Pioneer myself and have no remorse. So at that, I think the Pioneer would suit you.

I own a 50 inch Panasonic TH-50PH9UK, the Panasonic professionals are my favorite displays and I would not trade mine for any other display.

What he said. :D

PS I believe I purchased the best "bottle of beer" value at the time and continue to marvel at the viewing experience to this day.

I went from a 27" to a 50" and thought for the first week that it was a monster.

I purchased a 63" stand and you know now............a 58" would just about be the right size. If you have a 92" projector in the basement, a 50" will look like my 27". Once you go big, it's hard to go back.

yes, I should have also mentioned the aesthetics concern--i.e. the TV taking over the room. That would be a reason to go with the 50" rather than the 58". I think we may go with the 50" (bought locally), and then return it within 30 days if we find it too small. The 58", on the other hand, has to be bought online--and thus returning it is problematic.

Thanks for the replies.

You may want to check out Costco, they are starting to get shipments of closeout 6010 Kuros at a a great price point, you may find you can get the best of both worlds in terms of price and size. Also, I'll bet alot of the forum sponsors will be willing to work with you on a 6010 as they are now stocking the 6020.

You may want to check out Costco, they are starting to get shipments of closeout 6010 Kuros at a a great price point, you may find you can get the best of both worlds in terms of price and size. Also, I'll bet alot of the forum sponsors will be willing to work with you on a 6010 as they are now stocking the 6020.

Good idea--but I don't see these on their website (and I can't pick it up in-store, need delivery option).

Without a doubt the 58" Panny. At that distance, you should really be looking at the 65" Panny or the 60" Pioneer. If the 58" Panny had a crappy picture, then I would probably advise you otherwise, but the Pioneer's picture is not that significantly better. But the difference between 50" and 58" is quite significant.



I couldn't agree more.


Although I'm on the brink of going with Pioneer over Panasonic and Samsung i'd agree with that assessment for my taste. If it were a matter of 8" difference over the others I'd take the larger of either of these panels.

Another factor may be the material. While it seems the Kuros are the superior displays for "purist" style viewing of movie material I'm not as sure that they are better PQ for other materials such as video games or various types of HD television shows.

I'd take my chances on Pio on the overall though if the resolution is the same and the price difference isn't a personal deal breaker. Despite it being only a slightly perceptible difference I wouldn't drop down to a 720p set at this point in time with the industry wide move to 1080p. An 8" size diff would trump all for me though. :)

Good idea--but I don't see these on their website (and I can't pick it up in-store, need delivery option).

You will see it very soon, in a matter of days. Costco picked up a good portion of Pioneer's close out 5010, and 6010's, if you can hold out a couple of weeks you'll have no trouble ordering one from them for a great price. Also don't forget the forum sponsors are clearing out their left over stock of
6010's to, it can't hurt to make them an offer, all they can do is say no. ;)

Quality is always evolving. What might be considered the best today could be very outdated in 2-3 years.

58" today will be 58" forever. Size will never be made inferior because of new technology.

Normally I would say "quality" hands down.....but the 58" Panny is still quality also...and those extra 8" could make the difference in immersiveness. Tough choice eh?

Keep in mind also that that a 58" display is actually about 33% larger (total area covered) than a 50" display. As others have said, what looks big initially, you get used to and more often than not, wish you had gone to the next larger size. Beyond 10' is pushing it for a 50" display and approaching 13' you're entering 65" territory. THX recommended viewing distance for a 58" is only 6'-8'.

You will see it very soon, in a matter of days. Costco picked up a good portion of Pioneer's close out 5010, and 6010's, if you can hold out a couple of weeks you'll have no trouble ordering one from them for a great price. Also don't forget the forum sponsors are clearing out their left over stock of
6010's to, it can't hurt to make them an offer, all they can do is say no. ;)

Can you tell me which ones have them or are getting them. The mods shut down the thread on the Pineers at Costco and I don't know why. I wanted to get a list of the item numbers and keep calling them to see who is getting them. All the local costco to me are NOT getting the 6010s, and only a few are getting the 5010. I really want to get the 6010, but will get the 5010 if that is all they have. Anyone else with info on this I would appreciate info. I will drive a bit if a costco has the 6010.

Normally I would say "quality" hands down.....but the 58" Panny is still quality also...and those extra 8" could make the difference in immersiveness. Tough choice eh?

yes, indeed a tough choice! No urgency, but I am getting impatient...

Can you tell me which ones have them or are getting them. The mods shut down the thread on the Pineers at Costco and I don't know why. I wanted to get a list of the item numbers and keep calling them to see who is getting them. All the local costco to me are NOT getting the 6010s, and only a few are getting the 5010. I really want to get the 6010, but will get the 5010 if that is all they have. Anyone else with info on this I would appreciate info. I will drive a bit if a costco has the 6010.

and this thread will also get shut down if there is more costco talk...

Some have mentioned getting a TV that aesthetically fits the room. I'm sure not of that school of thought. Nothing looks better to me than a big ass plasma. The bigger the better! :)

From a bit of a different angle, with both choices having a great picture, I am also looking for a Living Room TV and ambient light will play a big part. Arguement of minute changes in deep blacks and minor picture differences won't apply in a well lit living room - I will leave that for my theater discussions as well.
I am with G-Force on the bezel issue. Everytime I look at a glossy bezel in a store with perfect reflection of salesmen faces and bright lights, I can imagine seeing a light from another room, or a window reflection during the day in the thick bezel. It is distracting enough to make my top 5 of pro's v. con's. I agree with some that it woud not be a big deal in a light controlled room or at night, but this is your living room and it is light most of the time I am watching in my living room.

My vote would be for the 58" panny or in my case, I am waiting on the 58PZ800U with noticablely better bezel.

I'm usually a quality guy, but I vote 58".

This is NOT a quality vs quantity issue.

THe Pioneer may have better PQ, but the Panasonic is VERY close.

I've got a 50" Panny 60u; I can't help but wish I had a 58"

50 inches? Bah humbug.

This is easy. Remember, you're an American. So, bigger is better. Unless you've just bought a new Expedition or something. Those big tanks will be history soon, so you might as well compensate with your TV.

Heck, if you're wife is go with the 58", I'd be looking at the 63-inchers if I were you. Push the envelope. The 65" Sharp LCD just dropped another $1K; with the Backlight turned down, it's almost a plasma. (That 768p 60" LG isn't bad either, if you're watching your money.) And if the 58" Costco goes away, there's always the pro version.

well, went with the 50" set--at least for now. Thanks for all your input. In the end, living room aesthetics won out (and the fact that there will be a projector in a dedicated room).

I always say the better the better. I had a 42" HDTV and just replaced it with a 50" Plasma. I was going to go with a 46" Plasma, but 4" larger?!?! 8" larger, ummm ya even better. I am glad I went larger then I had planned. This is really my ONLY TV in my place though. In the end, YOU will be the one watching it in YOUR place, and Size, Looks, etc. come into play. To me the better blacks on the Kuro's wasn't as important as Price and Size. I'm very happy with my Panasonic TH-50PZ85U. While a 58" display is just to large for my place and a little to much money, If I had the Room, I'd go even larger.

I have a similar problem now. I can get a 58PZ700U or the 5010. Again size vs quality. Is the 700U much different than the 5010? I have read most of the 4 million posts on the KUROs and the 700U, but no one really compared the two, for obvious reasons. Are these comparable? Its just I can get the 700u for the same price as the KURO, and it is bigger. After I all but made up my mind on the KURO, this deal came along :(

700U cannot compare to the 800U (this year's model), and definitely can't compare to the 5010. The 700U can provide a great picture but its black levels are not in the same league as this year's Pannys or last year or this year's Kuros.

700U cannot compare to the 800U (this year's model), and definitely can't compare to the 5010. The 700U can provide a great picture but its black levels are not in the same league as this year's Pannys or last year or this year's Kuros.

Would this year's Pannys include the likes of the 85U and 80U? They all do look great, and I was watching the 50" 700U and it looked very good. I have an opportunity to get a 58" 700u for a very god price, lower than a 5010, and I was wondering if it is worth it. It will be much bigger than the Pio. I am getting more confused everyday :( Thanks for all of your help in AVS though!

Would this year's Pannys include the likes of the 85U and 80U? They all do look great, and I was watching the 50" 700U and it looked very good. I have an opportunity to get a 58" 700u for a very god price, lower than a 5010, and I was wondering if it is worth it. It will be much bigger than the Pio. I am getting more confused everyday :( Thanks for all of your help in AVS though!

If you want a slightly brighter pic the Sammy 58A550, will be around the same price range. Also look at the LG 60PG60 as well.

Chris