OK so I just got married and unfortunately I am loosing my theater room and converting it into a home office (believe me my wife is upset too but our place is just too small right now for that luxury). So I am going to put a new TV in our living room. The viewing distance will be about 12 feet so I'm thinking that a larger screen will be better, especially since we are coming down from a 120" projected screen. I've been doing a ton of research and have been in a bunch of different stores and I think I am going crazy. I have it narrowed down a bit but I having trouble pulling the trigger. So the TV's I am looking at are:

Panasonic 58PZ800U or the 58PZ850U - really like the picture on both of these sets

Samsung LN52A750 - Good PQ but I really like the DLNA certification (what can I say I'm a geek).

I really liked the PQ on the KURO's the best (especially a calibrated Elite) but I think that they are a little out of my range. We will mostly be watching TV (HD and some SD), watching Movies (BluRay of course), and some gaming with a XBOX 360.

I do feel that this is a situation that I cannot get right but at the same time I cannot go wrong. There are so many good panels out there right now that I'm sure I'll be happy I'm just scared that I'll have a lagging feeling that should have gone the other way.

Dropping screen size that much may be disappointing for you. I take it you do not have the budget for the higher end Samsung 950 or the joke of a priced Sony XBR8? If you could get into that price range you would at least be able to get your screen size up to 55"

You did not mention the conditions of the room. Is it bright with windows, or is it darker? This can effect your choice. Have you considered a non-elite Kuro? Are you sensative to phosphor trails on the plasma's?

A few things to think about...........

Rich

Thanks for the reply. The room is fairly bright but I live in Seattle and we have a a ton of dark days ( as you know living in PDX) here so I'm not all that concerned with screen brightness. Besides any screen will be brighter than my projector.

Phosphor trails don't seem to bother me much. I have considered the non-elite Kuros but it seems that I can get a larger Panny for the same price as a 5020. Am I off base here?

My budget is <$3000.

Thanks for the reply. The room is fairly bright but I live in Seattle and we have a a ton of dark days ( as you know living in PDX) here so I'm not all that concerned with screen brightness. Besides any screen will be brighter than my projector.

Phosphor trails don't seem to bother me much. I have considered the non-elite Kuros but it seems that I can get a larger Panny for the same price as a 5020. Am I off base here?

My budget is <$3000.

I think you are on the right track with the panasonics. They are nice. It is without argument the pioneers have better picture quality and black levels, but it is definitely subjective if it is worth the price difference or dropping to a smaller screen size to get the 'best'. Only you can make that decision.

out of the 3 you originally posted, I would probably get the 800u, but would consider the 850u depending on the price difference. Personally I wouldn't even consider the LCD. They are a couple generations away from competing with todays higher end PDP's.

I think you are on the right track with the panasonics. They are nice. It is without argument the pioneers have better picture quality and black levels, but it is definitely subjective if it is worth the price difference or dropping to a smaller screen size to get the 'best'. Only you can make that decision.

out of the 3 you originally posted, I would probably get the 800u, but would consider the 850u depending on the price difference. Personally I wouldn't even consider the LCD. They are a couple generations away from competing with todays higher end PDP's.

Yeah the more I look into it I tend to agree. I like where LED backlighting is taking LCD's but they are pretty expensive right now.

... It is without argument the pioneers have better picture quality and black levels, but it is definitely subjective if it is worth the price difference or dropping to a smaller screen size to get the 'best'. Only you can make that decision. .

This is exactly correct. I am one of those type of guys that needs to have the best that I can afford in my budget. Since I saved and saved, my budget will allow for a Kuro. However, I still have not checked if I am sensative to Phosphor trails. If I am, I will go for the Samsung 950. The Sony XBR8 at $7000 is a joke when compared to the price of the Samsung.

My two cents.........

Well I finally decided and went with the the 50PZ85U. After a ton of research the PQ to price point ratio couldn't be beat.

Well I finally decided and went with the the 50PZ85U. After a ton of research the PQ to price point ratio couldn't be beat.

Congrats on the purchase. :D
Now sit back and enjoy the set. Post back with your review when you can.

Rich

Congrats on the purchase. :D
Now sit back and enjoy the set. Post back with your review when you can.

Rich

Will do, got a call today from the delivery company and they will be here on Monday. :)