How much better is the px80u than the 50A450? I am considering trying to send back my A450 because the relection is as bad as my crt and I really didn't expect that. IR is not an issue (though it is there slightly) that I thought it was going to be which I am glad about. However, someone said the panasonic does not have the graininess. I don't mind the graininess at all, but I would think the picture would be better without it. Also I would prefer a nicer stretch mode since I can't stand the grey bars. The 16:9 mode on the samsung works okay but everyone has a weight problem now. Also I don't really like the purple screen on the samsung. I guess that is the filterbright which is silly since it doesn't do anything. Overall from what I read the panny may be significantly better. Is it? I guess the diff would be about $160, is it worth that?

Are the difference between the two sets significant enough to make an attempt at a return.

The stretch mode isn't any better on the Panny. But the reflections are a ton more muted than either the Sammy or LG.

I suppose reflections can have a profound impact on PQ.

I'll preface this by saying that I may have received a defective a450.

As you know, I returned the a450 and got the px80u. I listed a whole bunch of things in a previous PM. Darker black, better anti-reflection screen (I noticed the purplish color on the sammy also, didn't think much of it when I had it; however, you should note that you may see some cross patterns on the panny when light hits it in the day time, this doesn't bother me either), I do think the "just" option when watching SD is better than the 16:9 mode on the Sammy (maybe it's in my head?), less dithering (thought it was a defect, but I see a lot of people mentioning this lately in the Sammy thread), smoother shade transition. I did think the sammy speakers and pan shots were better though.

is there dithering in the panasonic at all?

The stretch mode isn't any better on the Panny. But the reflections are a ton more muted than either the Sammy or LG.

I suppose reflections can have a profound impact on PQ.

The Panasonics have a "panoramic" stretch mode that distorts the edges more than the center. I think it looks pretty good. Doesn't the Samsung have this as well?

You can't go wrong with either the LG, Sammy, or Panny at the price...

Chris

The Panasonics have a "panoramic" stretch mode that distorts the edges more than the center. I think it looks pretty good. Doesn't the Samsung have this as well?

That's what they (Panasonic) say, in actuality, not really. Randy Walters posted a nice picture of a distorted circle in this Panasonic "Just" mode some time ago.

That's what they (Panasonic) say, in actuality, not really. Randy Walters posted a nice picture of a distorted circle in this Panasonic "Just" mode some time ago.

Well of course it's going to be distorted -- it's changing 4:3 to 16:9. The question is whether it's less offensive than just a standard linear strech, and I think (and many others think) that it is less offensive.

If you're looking for a TV that doesn't distort when stretching 4:3 to 16:9, sorry it's impossible.

If you are not happy with the Samsung, and some of your posts indicate that clearly, then you need to make the switch to Panasonic. Me on the other hand have the Samsung and am happy with it, there is no perfect television in this lower price range. If you don't make the switch you'll alway be second guessing your decision.

Good Luck!

The only issue I have is the reflectiveness. I have done lots of dithering and dancing pixel tests and I just can't see them at normal viewing distances. I have one chair that is just about 5' away and I can barely make out the graininess there and it doesn't bug me. I just got done playing about 15minutes of Elebits on the wii. I got some minor IR that I couldnt see without running the scrolling black and white bars and even then it was so faint I had to strain to see it right up against the tv.

So now I am wondering if I am going overboard and should just live with the reflection since the rest of the panel seems to be perfect.

Well of course it's going to be distorted -- it's changing 4:3 to 16:9. The question is whether it's less offensive than just a standard linear strech, and I think (and many others think) that it is less offensive.

If you're looking for a TV that doesn't distort when stretching 4:3 to 16:9, sorry it's impossible.

No, I mean the claim is that the center of the image is distorted a lot less than the edges. In reality, everything just gets stretched, including the center of the image.

No, I mean the claim is that the center of the image is distorted a lot less than the edges. In reality, everything just gets stretched, including the center of the image.

The center is less stretched than the edges. You don't need to display a test pattern to see it. Just cycle through the modes and the difference is very clear. Also, if an object passes across the screen it will change shape, like in a fun house mirror.

The Panny has the better anti-reflective screen. The just mode on the Panny looks better than the 16:9 mode on the Samsung. Like Randy55 said, try out the Panny or you'll be second guessing.

No, I mean the claim is that the center of the image is distorted a lot less than the edges. In reality, everything just gets stretched, including the center of the image.Yes, the JUST mode on the Panasonic consumer models still stretches the center of the screen almost as much as it does in FULL mode so it's not much of an improvement over FULL. I think they did this to reduce the fish-eye effect that's seen on the Industrial model's JUST mode. I like the Industrial's JUST mode, but i don't much care for the consumer model's JUST mode.


Comparison photos in this thread:
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644722

Well.. No luck in sending this unit back. I guess I shouldn't complain because I have tried every port, looked at all the settings and done everything to verify no defects and it is completely defect free. I still hate the reflectiveness though.