Longtime lurker, first time poster :D

Would appreciate input from the knowledgeable community here on which to purchase.

The sets are within $200 of one another .. I had initially purchased the Pioneer since I had always wanted one (after owning 3 different Pannys) but after reading here about the Pioneer "flaws" (with respect to crippling the service menu, reddish hue, etc) I have somewhat Buyer's Remorse.

I'm wondering if I'm better off paying $200 more and getting more viewing real-estate with the Panny and supposedly better OOB color.

I don't plan to have either set professionally calibrated (where possible) beyond the settings/values I've seen posted in the stickies.

Thanks for your time :)

How far away are you sitting?
If your 10' or closer I'd get the Kuro.

Nolanski: Yes, I'll be ~10' +- 2' :)

Any particular reason why you'd go with the Pioneer?

Thanks for the input :)

Longtime lurker, first time poster :D

Would appreciate input from the knowledgeable community here on which to purchase.

The sets are within $200 of one another .. I had initially purchased the Pioneer since I had always wanted one (after owning 3 different Pannys) but after reading here about the Pioneer "flaws" (with respect to crippling the service menu, reddish hue, etc) I have somewhat Buyer's Remorse.

I'm wondering if I'm better off paying $200 more and getting more viewing real-estate with the Panny and supposedly better OOB color.

I don't plan to have either set professionally calibrated (where possible) beyond the settings/values I've seen posted in the stickies.

Thanks for your time :)

I'm trying to make the same decision. As I deem plasma to be a flawed technology in general, it comes down to what flaws are you willing to live with.

However, this decision comes down to size and seating distance, because I believe certain flaws are more noticeable depending on how close you are to the screen.

The 58 will give you more real estate over the 50 and more immersion, but if you're sitting to close the flaws will be more apparent.

The 5020 flaws from 9-10 feet, will be less apparent and the picture is going to be sharper.

For me, I have 9 feet and a 58 will be huge from that distance, and according to the distance calculator a 58 1080p set from 9 feet is OK. However, knowing me, I will sit there and see every flaw and be ready to return the set.

A 5020 from 9 feet would be good, but then I would have that immersive feeling, I know that because I already own a 50 inch plasma and its more like watching a TV with a sound systems that it is that immersive movie going expirence.

Also, the step backwards in picture quality should be of concern to anyone that alreadys owns a Kuro, would you be happy with an arguably inferior picture.

All the Kuro fans will tell you the Kuro no matter what. And they are justified to a large extent.

In this case you're dealing with a 50" vs a 58". It sounds as though your buyers remorse stems more from the screen size.
The 800 series from Panasonic is is well regarded and great right out of the box. The extra screen size is definitely nice.

If you were comparing the Kuro 50" to another Panny 50" then yeah, go Kuro.

If screen size is really the issue for you I'd go with 58".

Longtime lurker, first time poster :D

Would appreciate input from the knowledgeable community here on which to purchase.

The sets are within $200 of one another .. I had initially purchased the Pioneer since I had always wanted one (after owning 3 different Pannys) but after reading here about the Pioneer "flaws" (with respect to crippling the service menu, reddish hue, etc) I have somewhat Buyer's Remorse.

I'm wondering if I'm better off paying $200 more and getting more viewing real-estate with the Panny and supposedly better OOB color.

I don't plan to have either set professionally calibrated (where possible) beyond the settings/values I've seen posted in the stickies.

Thanks for your time :)

I was faced with the same decision. As I owned an Elite plasma, I really wanted another Elite or one of the non-elites. The more I looked , the 58 Panny became a distinct possibility because of the extra size.(I sit 9 to 10.5 away) After numerous visits and extensive reading of these forums, I pulled the trigger on a 111 Elite. I know that was not the question, but the price of these displays keeps coming down in the 50 inch Pios and accordingly with the Pannys. The Panasonic is a great display and if the two are not side-by-side it can be difficult to discern a difference.
As for the size, I think that is up to each individual, I did not like to be that close to the display at 58 or 60 inches. Although I loved the immersive feel
you get, it was too close for everday viewing. Plus, some of us are not at the age anymore where the biggest tv you can afford is always the best(blasphemy I know

Nolanski: Yes, I'll be ~10' +- 2' :)

Any particular reason why you'd go with the Pioneer?

Thanks for the input :)

Most people just feel the Kuro, no matter what model, is better than any other plasma. I don't know if that's true or not for all models but CNET tends to agree so if you're getting a 50" then going with the Kuro would seem to be a no-brainer if you can afford it.

But I will say that my 50" Panny starts to look small from 12-13 feet away. If I had the coin I would definately get the 58PZ800. In fact, my next tv will most likely be at least 58" for this room. Its really amazing how the screens appear to shrink with time, and I've only had mine for 3-4 months. But this is in a large room. If you're viewing will usually be 10' or less then 50" is a good size and then get the Kuro. Otherwise, man that extra 8" would be hard to pass up.

Many thanks for the input everyone!

Makes my decision much easier, I'll stick with my first ever Kuro --- excited to set it up now and see what I've been missing :)

For around the same price I'd much rather have the 58" Panasonic or even the 58" Samsung. After owning a 50" for 3 months that tv gets small real quick. Letterbox movies look especially small, I'd much rather have the larger screen and give up slightly better blacks as a trade off.

Many thanks for the input everyone!

Makes my decision much easier, I'll stick with my first ever Kuro --- excited to set it up now and see what I've been missing :)

Excellent choice. The Pioneer Kuros and the Pannys are both great TVs, but as a Pioneer 5080 owner and having compared and viewed nearly all the TVs in all settings (Best Buy, brick&mortars, online reviews), I can say with certainty that you'll be delighted with your decision and that the Kuros truly are the best. Enjoy!

5020 imo

For me, I sit at 10' exactly and the TV borders on being intrusive and taking over the room. The only time it seems a tad small is with the really narrow letterbox movies. For general purpose, I am 100% with the 50". I am for a 58" in a media room for viewing movies. I agree with Auditor, 58" at 10' will amplify every single flaw. And all current TVs have more than one flaw. Even the Kuro.

Many thanks ppl, Buyer's Remorse is finally gone away -- feeling confident bought my purpose now :D

Many thanks ppl, Buyer's Remorse is finally gone away -- feeling confident bought my purpose now :D

Give it 3 months when your 50" feels like a 42" :)

I can't believe I'm the only person here who would take 8 more inches over better blacks that you will only really notice when all the lights are off and you're watching a movie or other low light material. I'd still take the larger set even if the Pioneer had absolute 0 blacks. The extra size makes a huge difference in the viewing experience (something like 40% bigger I believe). Movies feel more like movies and watching a football game makes you feel like you're almost at the stadium.

I had to make the same choice, the same two sets, I went with the 58" panny. I am sitting 11' away. My panny is set to arrive Monday. I have a 50" vizio right now and at 11' away, it is ok, not too big, not to small, but could be bigger................

Give it 3 months when your 50" feels like a 42" :)

I can't believe I'm the only person here who would take 8 more inches over better blacks that you will only really notice when all the lights are off and you're watching a movie or other low light material. I'd still take the larger set even if the Pioneer had absolute 0 blacks. The extra size makes a huge difference in the viewing experience (something like 40% bigger I believe). Movies feel more like movies and watching a football game makes you feel like you're almost at the stadium.

I agree with you, but only if you have enough distance so that the flaws in the display are not that noticeable to you.

If I had 11 feet I wouldn't even think about a 50 inch set, it would be either the Panny 58 or Kuro 60.

StinDaWg: Curses .. ! :)
All it takes is for you to say that to get me thinking again, lol.

I think part of my problem is that I am ESTIMATING the viewing distance (just purchased a home, saw the room, guest-imating the viewing distance) --

Seems like the difference between having 9' and 11-12' could be huge and would say the decision one side or another ... oyy! :D

Would it help if I mentioned by viewing material? I don't watch football :P , since I don't have cable -- don't have a blu ray player either .. what I mainly watch are shows that I d/l off the net, usually in STD or the odd one in 720p when avail.

Does that change your decision or re-inforce it?

All the Kuro fans will tell you the Kuro no matter what. And they are justified to a large extent. In this case you're dealing with a 50" vs a 58". It sounds as though your buyers remorse stems more from the screen size. The 800 series from Panasonic is is well regarded and great right out of the box. The extra screen size is definitely nice. If you were comparing the Kuro 50" to another Panny 50" then yeah, go Kuro. If screen size is really the issue for you I'd go with 58".

not all......... I am a Kuro fan and 60" Kuro Elite owner but I would pick the panny or sammy 58" over the 5020.

that extra 8" gives you 35% more screen area and that makes a huge difference. I would take that difference over the difference in pq that the 5020 Kuro provides. you've already have a Kuro but unless it is actually there beside the panny to compare you are not gonna be regretting getting all that extra screen size. jmo though ymmv......

I would choose quality over size at under 10 ft. Everyone has their own opinions as to how large or small of a difference in quality they see when comparing a Kuro to a Panasonic. I find the difference to be clearly visible under nearly all conditions, and to me, that's huge; huge enough to justify a large drop in screen real estate. To someone else, the difference may be slightly more than nothing. If you fall into that category, you'd probably prefer the larger set. The Panasonics are still great displays regardless.

I had to make the same choice, the same two sets, I went with the 58" panny. I am sitting 11' away. My panny is set to arrive Monday. I have a 50" vizio right now and at 11' away, it is ok, not too big, not to small, but could be bigger................

I second this. One of the most common causes for regret is buying a panel that is too small. They are both awesome panels but one is just a LOT bigger. I sit 13-15 feet away from my 58 and I can't wait to get a 65 or 70. Just waiting for the right one.

I agree with you, but only if you have enough distance so that the flaws in the display are not that noticeable to you.

If I had 11 feet I wouldn't even think about a 50 inch set, it would be either the Panny 58 or Kuro 60.

In my Plasma search I went back and forth between the Panasonic, Samsung and Kuro. They all looked very good esp. in bright rooms and even in low light. The non-Kuros lower price was definitely an advantage. In the end though with a lot of head to head comparisons in different stores I could see the top end PQ of the Kuro was going to be superior to one degree or another. At home in a dark environment and with content that is often dark the black level effect is even clearer.

I went with 6020 but I don't think I'd give up 8" of screen if that's the option. The Panasonic is still a very nice looking Plasma.

Just a thought but at 11' I'd also consider what I did which is hang a drop down projection screen from the ceiling later if possible. Mine drops down right in front of the Kuro at 110". You get to play with size and quality that way. :)

StinDaWg: Curses .. ! :)
All it takes is for you to say that to get me thinking again, lol.

Seems like the difference between having 9' and 11-12' could be huge and would say the decision one side or another ... oyy! :D

I'd still take the 58" at 9', in fact that would be about perfect for watching movies.

The Pioneer is certainly a great tv but we are talking about a Panasonic 800 series plasma here not a Vizio lcd. The Panasonic is no slouch and looks pretty awesome in THX mode. The blacks are 2nd best on the market and only beat by the Pioneer.

I first got a 42" plasma and liked it, then upgraded to a 50". I thought it was huge compared to the 42" but after a few months it wore off and felt like I was just watching tv as opposed to being engulfed in the experience. I returned the 50" and I am just waiting until I move to pick up a 58". Watching letterbox movies on a 50" is pretty underwhelming unless you sit like 6' from the tv. Heck I could probably go bigger than 58" but the price increase after that on plasma is too dramatic not to mention it would be better off just getting a projector at that size.

I still have 2 more days to decide (before the no-hassle return policy wears out) , and still wavering back and forth, lol.

Who knew it'd be such a tough decision ... !

I ought to mention -- the 58 Panny would be $200 more expensive priced as-is. For $200 less, I get the 5020 Pioneer with a 3yr "full value replacement". If i get a dead pixel or any type of damage on the screen which they can't fix, I get a brand new one or more likely an "equivalent model".

*Shrug* Does that sway things in either direction? None of my previous Pannys ever broke .. knock on wood .. dunno if the Pioneers ever have any trouble.

I still have 2 more days to decide (before the no-hassle return policy wears out) , and still wavering back and forth, lol.

Who knew it'd be such a tough decision ... !

I ought to mention -- the 58 Panny would be $200 more expensive priced as-is. For $200 less, I get the 5020 Pioneer with a 3yr "full value replacement". If i get a dead pixel or any type of damage on the screen which they can't fix, I get a brand new one or more likely an "equivalent model".

*Shrug* Does that sway things in either direction? None of my previous Pannys ever broke .. knock on wood .. dunno if the Pioneers ever have any trouble.
Crip, given the quality of both units, it would be real, REAL hard to pass up the extra 8 inches of the Panasonic. Unless you are totally focused on contrast, I just can't see you being disappointed in the 58z800.

I as well had the same issue. I ended up going with the Panasonic and couldnt be happier. About a year ago i bought a 40" lcd which at the time I loved and thought it was huge, Especially compared to the 27" tube it was replacing. It was a big tv but within a couple a months it might as well been the 27". Go with the biggest you can in my opinion. I am pretty sure that wont be happening with the 58" and if it does i guess ill just have to get a pj! haha good luck on your decision making!

I'd go with the 58" Panny. You won't have both panels in your house to constantly compare the black level difference anyway. 58" vs. 50" is a huge difference in overall screen size. You'll be happy with the 800U.

Between those two choices get the Kuro. Don't settle for second rate.

Appreciate everyone's input :) The votes are more or less evenly split, lol.

One minor detail that "bothered" me about the Panny -- I'm not sure where I read (here? Cnet?) but the "ideal settings" called for the Panny to be at 100 contrast in movie mode ...

I thought I remembered that being one of the big no-no's with Plasmas ... "torch mode" as they used to call it .. and a sure-fire way to shorten your set's lifespan?

Or am I mistaken?

100 contrast in movie/thx mode is not the same as 100 in dynamic mode. It's fine, but I still have mine at 70-80 for viewing in a dark environment. Trust me, you will be kicking yourself if you pass on the extra 8 inches. In tv world that is a huge difference. Just go to Best Buy and look on the wall if you don't believe me. PM me if you want the best price on the 58pz800u.

I dropped from a 56" to a 50" and I'm not kicking myself at all.

It all depends on your viewing distance.

I would choose quality over size at under 10 ft. Everyone has their own opinions as to how large or small of a difference in quality they see when comparing a Kuro to a Panasonic. I find the difference to be clearly visible under nearly all conditions, and to me, that's huge; huge enough to justify a large drop in screen real estate. To someone else, the difference may be slightly more than nothing. If you fall into that category, you'd probably prefer the larger set. The Panasonics are still great displays regardless.

Agreed. I made the same choice with quality over size at less than 10ft viewing distance. I eventually upgraded to a Elite 1150HD....very happy, especially after calibration by Randy at CinemaPro.

I dropped from a 56" to a 50" and I'm not kicking myself at all.

It all depends on your viewing distance.

What did you go from a dlp to a plasma? Of course you're not kicking yourself.

Yes, and in doing so I was easily able to move my seats up 2 feet, where the DLP would have looked awful, and the plasma looks terrific. The display still takes up the same amount of space within my field of vision. I don't miss the extra size after making the adjustment.

As long as your seating is flexible, finding the right balance between quality, size and viewing distance isn't all that complicated.

Well, for better or for worse -- I caved and switched over to the Panny 58" :)

My final reasoning was this:
I've never owned a Pioneer nor gotten any quality time with one (looks horrible in the store). All i've ever known were the entry-level PX-series Pannys and found the image pretty decent.

I'm "moving up" to the PZ series which should be a step up -- and from my viewing distance of ~9-11', I'm guessing the 58" will come in handy. Since I don't know what I'm missing out on with the Pioneer, I figure I won't be too disappointed.

Perhaps if I owned a Pio for a while and got to see those incredible blacks and overall PQ, i'd be kicking myself for "stepping down in quality" .. but as it stands, I'm giving up on the golden unknown.

Much thanks to everyone who replied, was much appreciated and helped a great deal in the end :)

Cheers ^^

Crippenx,
I hope you enjoy and don't let anyone convince you otherwise...

Chris

Yes, and in doing so I was easily able to move my seats up 2 feet, where the DLP would have looked awful, and the plasma looks terrific. The display still takes up the same amount of space within my field of vision. I don't miss the extra size after making the adjustment.

As long as your seating is flexible, finding the right balance between quality, size and viewing distance isn't all that complicated.

If the only thing that mattered was sitting closer to the tv, we would all be sitting 2' away from a 32" set. It's just not the same and trying to convince yourself otherwise is kinda funny, but enjoy the tv.

If the only thing that mattered was sitting closer to the tv, we would all be sitting 2' away from a 32" set. It's just not the same and trying to convince yourself otherwise is kinda funny, but enjoy the tv.

I never claimed that it's the only thing that mattered. I said you need to strike a balance. And no, I don't think being 2' feet away from a 32" set is very balanced at all. Diminishing returns will apply the smaller you go, of course. But I think a 50" is perfectly fine at a reasonable distance with a quality display. I would not be happy with a 32" at any distance, unless I was using it as a computer monitor.