Hey everyone,

Tax season is upon us and I find myself with roughly $1700-1800 to spend on a TV. I've been doing some research and price shopping, and I can get the PN50A650 for $1700 (after tax). But I wanted to hear from you guys and gals. Are there any other TVs I should be considering? I'm willing to go up to about $1650 (before tax). So, what should I look at?

Thanks!

EDIT: Suppose I should give you some additional info! The main uses of this TV will be movies and gaming. I don't do much in the way of TV watching. The room is rather dark with no direct sunlight. I currently have the KDS-R50XBR1 and the size is perfect (getting the dreaded green blob finally after almost 3 years of use).

The 650 is an excellent plasma. Sure there are other plasmas out there but you really can't do much better right now.
Later this year Samsung will introduce a new line but I'm sure it will also be more expensive.:cool::cool:

.. Panasonic 50PZ850U; US Appliance; free shipping. :)

.. Panasonic 50PZ850U; US Appliance; free shipping. :)

Not really in my price range by about $300-400. :)

Not really in my price range by about $300-400. :)

.. you said 1700-1800; its right there. :)

correction: 1650 .. just in that area; free shipping ends today.

.. you said 1700-1800; its right there. :)

correction: 1650 .. just in that area; free shipping ends today.

Ah, okay, US Appliance has it cheaper than other places.

If I did consider going with the Samsung 650, no one seems to have it in stock locally, where I'd prefer to buy it. They do have the 760 in stock for about $200 more, is it worth it?

FWIW there's 50" 5020's authorized, below $1900.

James

.. sorry, haven't seen the 760 in person, only the 550 at a relatives & the 650 in store. Though, i'm alittle conflicted; don't care much for the ToC. :)

FWIW you can't even see the ToC in darkened room.
And it's barley noticeable in a normal lit room.

FWIW you can't even see the ToC in darkened room.
And it's barley noticeable in a normal lit room.

I actually really like the look of the ToC, and will go well in my home. :)

I think, after doing all the research and pricing, I'm going to order the 650 online. The differences between the 650 and 760 aren't worth the price, and I won't have the cash in time for that 850u, and reviews seem mixed anyway.

I actually really like the look of the ToC, and will go well in my home. :)

I think, after doing all the research and pricing, I'm going to order the 650 online. The differences between the 650 and 760 aren't worth the price, and I won't have the cash in time for that 850u, and reviews seem mixed anyway.

.. check ABT Electronics then; good vendor; free shipping. :)

FWIW there's 50" 5020's authorized, below $1900.

James

Where?

^^^ PM him.
It is a forum sponsor. :)

Thanks E.

I actually really like the look of the ToC, and will go well in my home. :)

I think, after doing all the research and pricing, I'm going to order the 650 online. The differences between the 650 and 760 aren't worth the price, and I won't have the cash in time for that 850u, and reviews seem mixed anyway.

I love my 650!
I hope you do too. I saved $$$ over the 800u I was also considering.
I saw them side by side with full control of the remotes and in my opinion there was very little difference.
Enjoy....:cool:

I got my pn50a650 on Amazon for $1580, no tax free shipping. However, I see this week Best Buy has it for $1499, before tax.

Great TV in a my dark basement, however keep an eye out for the pink issue. (search other threads for that problem, it seems to only affect a few sets.)

Panasonic 50pz80u is a little over $1200.

Okay, after doing some shopping around, I found a good deal on the 650. However, now I'm conflicted. I cannot find the 650 locally, so I'd have to order from the Big River Co.

I can find the 550 locally, and for a very good price. My question is...would the hassle of buying from an online retailer (dealing with returns specifically) and the $150-200 difference be worth it for the 650? Or should I pick up the 550 and call it good?

Here are the primary differences that I have found, someone tell me if there's more that I should consider:

1. Better glare reduction on the 650. Kind of a non-issue since the room I'm in doesn't have any direct light and it's dark most of the time.
2. ToC. I do like the red, but it's not a deal breaker one way or the other.
3. I've read that the 650 has slightly better image processing? Is that correct? Or is it the same engine?
4. 4 HDMI ports on the 650 versus 3 on the 550. I have a single input coming from the receiver, so that's a non-issue.
5. InfoLink - Would never use it.

Is there anything I'm missing? What would you guys do?

^^ .. i've read favorable feedback on 'big river's' exchange policy; just make sure you run it throughly to find if any 'bug's'. ;)

edit: have you checked out ABT Electronics or even local Best Buy.

^^ .. i've read favorable feedback on 'big river's' exchange policy; just make sure you run it throughly to find if any 'bug's'. ;)

edit: have you checked out ABT Electronics or even local Best Buy.

I'm gonna drive around, I haven't called Best Buy yet, but no one seems to have the 650. Video Only has the 550 and Magnolia has the 760, but no other models.

It's a great market out there if you have the cash.....