View Full Version : 50" Kuro Vs 50" Panasonic V-Series


Bazzy
03-18-09, 09:33 AM
Hi All,

I know (and apologise beforehand) that any opinions and views may be speculative but since timing is an issue, I would like to ask folks what they feel may be the strengths and advantages in PQ performance between the two sets? My main concern's are Black levels and SD performance - I have read from the G10 Panny thread that although the black levels have improved, there seems to be some debate if there really is that much of an improvement from last years Panny models and that the Kuro will still be very significantly better than these new Neo-Pdp's.

I really like the V- Series as it has all the latest features which the Pioneer lacks like DLNA, Internet TV, Widgets, SD card slot, etc. In my country, it even comes with the added benefit of a built in free satellite tuner that would ordinarily cost at least $200+ extra and as the stand and speakers cost another $300+ on the Kuro, that would be an additional saving. The expected street price (already advertised by some sellers) would also save about another $300-$400 over the Pioneer so that would mean a total savings of about around $800.

I am no expert but it seems to me (and I am just going by what I have read) that the V10 will be brighter than the Kuro and run on much less juice and also something to do with better motion? I know the Kuro's excel in the Blacks and SD departments so, I would like to ask, will the new V-Real/4 processing by Panny (for those who may have deciphered it) show any real or drastic improvement to the SD department so that it might be comparable to the Kuro? Also, how much worse will the blacks be between the V-10 and the Kuro - will one be able to tell when say watching in the dark or will the V-10 picture have less depth/3D look that will be noticeable?

Finally, is there a way to get the DLNA (wireless preferably) function on the Kuro via external means so one can stream content from different sources and locations and also a way to get Internet TV & Widgets etc (again probably at more cost) as to be honest, they are features I most definitely would use and want. I have to ask since Kuro stocks are getting low (and prices also going up even further again) whilst the V-10 is not due for a couple of months so it may be a judgement call which I am crap at!

Taking into account the cost savings, all the extra features of the V10, will it significantly close the gap in PQ with the Kuro or will it still be a no contest? The Kuro has a very emotive and surreal picture that draws me in emotionally and I am hoping the V-10 might be able to do that also. Are there other advantages or benefits between the two which I might have forgotten to be considered - Sorry for the long post!

Bazzy!

hhaller
03-18-09, 10:09 AM
Bazzy, I thought you couldn't fit a 50" in your place?

D-Nice
03-18-09, 10:46 AM
Hi All,

I know (and apologise beforehand) that any opinions and views may be speculative but since timing is an issue, I would like to ask folks what they feel may be the strengths and advantages in PQ performance between the two sets? My main concern's are Black levels and SD performance - I have read from the G10 Panny thread that although the black levels have improved, there seems to be some debate if there really is that much of an improvement from last years Panny models and that the Kuro will still be very significantly better than these new Neo-Pdp's.

I really like the V- Series as it has all the latest features which the Pioneer lacks like DLNA, Internet TV, Widgets, SD card slot, etc. In my country, it even comes with the added benefit of a built in free satellite tuner that would ordinarily cost at least $200+ extra and as the stand and speakers cost another $300+ on the Kuro, that would be an additional saving. The expected street price (already advertised by some sellers) would also save about another $300-$400 over the Pioneer so that would mean a total savings of about around $800.

I am no expert but it seems to me (and I am just going by what I have read) that the V10 will be brighter than the Kuro and run on much less juice and also something to do with better motion? I know the Kuro's excel in the Blacks and SD departments so, I would like to ask, will the new V-Real/4 processing by Panny (for those who may have deciphered it) show any real or drastic improvement to the SD department so that it might be comparable to the Kuro? Also, how much worse will the blacks be between the V-10 and the Kuro - will one be able to tell when say watching in the dark or will the V-10 picture have less depth/3D look that will be noticeable?

Finally, is there a way to get the DLNA (wireless preferably) function on the Kuro via external means so one can stream content from different sources and locations and also a way to get Internet TV & Widgets etc (again probably at more cost) as to be honest, they are features I most definitely would use and want. I have to ask since Kuro stocks are getting low (and prices also going up even further again) whilst the V-10 is not due for a couple of months so it may be a judgement call which I am crap at!

Taking into account the cost savings, all the extra features of the V10, will it significantly close the gap in PQ with the Kuro or will it still be a no contest? The Kuro has a very emotive and surreal picture that draws me in emotionally and I am hoping the V-10 might be able to do that also. Are there other advantages or benefits between the two which I might have forgotten to be considered - Sorry for the long post!

Bazzy!The V10's PQ is pretty much going to be the same as the G10s. They share the same baseline calibration profile.

TayC
03-18-09, 10:56 AM
Don't forget that the V10 is supposed to do 24p at 96hz.

D-Nice
03-18-09, 11:02 AM
Don't forget that the V10 is supposed to do 24p at 96hz.And that is suppose to make it better than a Kuro or G10????

TayC
03-18-09, 11:11 AM
No, did I say that? It's an additional benefit. It opens up the possibility for better motion processing, though, considering the extra 24hz and that all 12G Panasonics have 1080 lines of motion resolution.

D-Nice
03-18-09, 11:29 AM
No, did I say that? It's an additional benefit. It opens up the possibility for better motion processing, though, considering the extra 24hz and that all 12G Panasonics have 1080 lines of motion resolution.Ok

HarrisonS
03-18-09, 11:38 AM
No, did I say that? It's an additional benefit. It opens up the possibility for better motion processing, though, considering the extra 24hz and that all 12G Panasonics have 1080 lines of motion resolution.


Perhaps, but if it doesn't have the "better motion processing" now, you probably won't be able to add it later!

Bazzy
03-18-09, 11:41 AM
Bazzy, I thought you couldn't fit a 50" in your place?

Hi,

Yes, you are perfectly correct, in reality I cannot but I am getting so anxious now as I do not really want to go LCD side where 46"/47" sets dominate and to be honest, I hate the look of the G10/G15 (I know that sound very shallow and silly but aesthetic appeal and blending in is important to me!). I had some expensive custom made cabinets made which will not allow me to fit a 50" set by just a few freaking inches. I had a carpenter round to see if there was any way they could be altered and he feels he maybe able to do so but it would probably mean having to repaint properly the whole units to match properly so I need to carefully think about it - I am just getting last minute scares as if the Kuro prices go up again by the amount everyone is expecting here, then I will have missed out - there is already a big waiting list for them. I even went and had another long look at the Pioneer 46" LCD and it was nice (very high build quality and finish) but it I just preferred the plasma picture by a long shot.

Bazzy!

asap200x
03-18-09, 11:47 AM
About the 1080 lines of motion on the panasonics...I don't think anybody would really be able to tell any difference in resolution between these 12G panasonics and a Kuro. Professional reviewers have stated that they could not discern a difference even between a set that only does 500ish lines of motion resolution versus one that does 900+ like the Kuro.

Just a thought and i believe this is the consensus view. So, personally, i wouldnt add the 1080 lines as a real plus for the panasonics.

My opinion is also that a Kuro would make you happier because black level and that added image pop / depth is your highest priority in terms of image quality. I think these Kuros are best at that still. I would also suggest looking into the KRP-xxxM series since the non-defeatable processing like noise reduction in the xx20's is a real drawback for me. I wish i had known before purchasing my new 5020. I would gone the route of the KRP-500M instead since it is so close in price to the 5020. Check the features list thread that compares all of the pioneer models.

The KRP series is also only 2.5" thick versus 3.7" on the other pioneer models. This is pretty close to the 2" thickness of the V series if that is a concern for you.

hhaller
03-18-09, 12:19 PM
Hi,

Yes, you are perfectly correct, in reality I cannot but I am getting so anxious now as I do not really want to go LCD side where 46"/47" sets dominate and to be honest, I hate the look of the G10/G15 (I know that sound very shallow and silly but aesthetic appeal and blending in is important to me!). I had some expensive custom made cabinets made which will not allow me to fit a 50" set by just a few freaking inches. I had a carpenter round to see if there was any way they could be altered and he feels he maybe able to do so but it would probably mean having to repaint properly the whole units to match properly so I need to carefully think about it - I am just getting last minute scares as if the Kuro prices go up again by the amount everyone is expecting here, then I will have missed out - there is already a big waiting list for them. I even went and had another long look at the Pioneer 46" LCD and it was nice (very high build quality and finish) but it I just preferred the plasma picture by a long shot.

Bazzy!

Bazzy, it sounds like you really want a Kuro...I say go for it. It will be as good as anything on the market for the next few years. If it doesn't work out, you can always return it, right?

You could also look into a 46" Panny plasma-not a bad compromise.

sharpjunkie
03-18-09, 01:31 PM
Hi,

Yes, you are perfectly correct, in reality I cannot but I am getting so anxious now as I do not really want to go LCD side where 46"/47" sets dominate and to be honest, I hate the look of the G10/G15 (I know that sound very shallow and silly but aesthetic appeal and blending in is important to me!). I had some expensive custom made cabinets made which will not allow me to fit a 50" set by just a few freaking inches. I had a carpenter round to see if there was any way they could be altered and he feels he maybe able to do so but it would probably mean having to repaint properly the whole units to match properly so I need to carefully think about it - I am just getting last minute scares as if the Kuro prices go up again by the amount everyone is expecting here, then I will have missed out - there is already a big waiting list for them. I even went and had another long look at the Pioneer 46" LCD and it was nice (very high build quality and finish) but it I just preferred the plasma picture by a long shot.

Bazzy!

Would you be able to install an articulating wall mount so that the tv can be pulled out (extra benefit if you ever need to get behind the tv and add cables or move things around) and when not pulled out just resting against the cabinet? The 500KRP Kuro will be 2 inches thick so not much sticking out in that retrospect...

You have a picture of what your cabinet looks like?

thrand1
03-18-09, 02:15 PM
Ok

I know "when you get one, you'll get it" IF you ever get a V-series, D-Nice, but I would be interesting in knowing when you can release the information:

1) Does the V-series offer any additional user-accessible color controls over the G/S series? It would be nice for Panasonics "#2" consumer model to have some more comprehensive color controls so it's easier to tune the picture without entering service menus. I would also be interested, if there are additional controls, if they help get a better picture over a lower series before entering service menus

2) The performance of the V-series on 24fps material. Early feedback seems to suggest the 24fps@48 flicker is still there in the lower series, so does this 96Hz refresh rate do anything to help solve the problem?

That plus any other information pre- and post-calibration, how easy was it to dial the set in, and other comparisons to the 5020 would be great. That is of course if you were planning on reviewing a V series :o

Bazzy-
From early reports, the new Panasonics are providing black levels roughly on par with the 8G Kuros so they are still not in 9G (5020/6020/111) territory. I too am interested in some comparisons, especially if the configuration options for calibration accessible by the user are comparable to/worse than/better than the 5020. I guess we will see in the coming months, but I am in a similar situation. I am wondering if the V series will make up any ground on the Kuro in any department- looks doubtful from the looks of the early series, but I am going to wait on D-Nices/other reviews to help out with that!

E-A-G-L-E-S
03-18-09, 02:37 PM
They are slightly higher than 8g elites were.(.004 to .006 for Panny)

StinDaWg
03-18-09, 04:10 PM
The V10's PQ is pretty much going to be the same as the G10s. They share the same baseline calibration profile.

D... in the same sense is the S1 and G10 picture quality identical if you don't use THX mode?

What about the U1?

D-Nice
03-18-09, 04:11 PM
D... in the same sense is the S1 and G10 picture quality identical if you don't use THX mode?No. two different profiles. Similar, but different.

StinDaWg
03-18-09, 04:43 PM
I take it you don't have any inside info on the U1 series then?

MSRP is $300 less on the 50"

RichB
03-18-09, 06:59 PM
Bazzy,

I have a 500M, sold the 5020, and I have to say the 500M is excellent. I run it in pure mode and it is plenty bright. PC text is sharp (unlike the 5020). It is thin and light. Basically, an Elite in a monitor form. I attached 141 Speakers and it sounds very good. The anti-glare is also first rate, a step up from the 5020.

Highly recommended.

- Rich

asap200x
03-18-09, 07:10 PM
Rich, how did you sell your 5020? I would like to do the same, but i imagine its pretty tough to sell such an expensive item. Is there a good website such as Audiogon for tv enthusiasts?

If anybody wants a brand new 5020 at a bargain price and is in the NYC area for pickup, PM me!

RichB
03-18-09, 07:16 PM
Rich, how did you sell your 5020? I would like to do the same, but i imagine its pretty tough to sell such an expensive item. Is there a good website such as Audiogon for tv enthusiasts?

If anybody wants a brand new 5020 at a bargain price and is in the NYC area for pickup, PM me!

I sold it on a place called AVS Marketplace :D

Local pickup only. That limits the market.
The buyer got a good deal :p

Had I not sold it, I would have put it up on Ebay with a minimum and local pickup. The Pioneers seems to have an high breakage rate (perhaps just the 60's). I am not sure if used Plasma's can be insured.

If you are not in a rush, AVS Marketplace and Videogon are good choices since listing fees are not bad too bad.

- Rich

ROMAN O
03-18-09, 07:32 PM
I am not sure if used Plasma's can be insured.

If you are not in a rush, AVS Marketplace

- Rich

Pretty much impossible to do.

E-A-G-L-E-S
03-19-09, 11:30 AM
^^^ Why not transfer original manuf. warranty and/or ext. warranty to next owner?
I shipped my 1150 last year from PA to Texas and he was under warranty according to the rep. I spoke with at the time from Pioneer.

SoSo
03-19-09, 11:52 AM
Hi All,

I know (and apologise beforehand) that any opinions and views may be speculative but since timing is an issue, I would like to ask folks what they feel may be the strengths and advantages in PQ performance between the two sets? My main concern's are Black levels and SD performance - I have read from the G10 Panny thread that although the black levels have improved, there seems to be some debate if there really is that much of an improvement from last years Panny models and that the Kuro will still be very significantly better than these new Neo-Pdp's.
...

Bazzy!

Bazzy, since the G10 and V should be very similar in performance, check out this chart (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1129271) I created for comparison between G10, 111, and 6020.

In terms of DLNA, picture and movie files access, there are so many alternative options. There are set top boxes including game consoles (PS3 or XBOX360) could do the trick as well as the 111/5020 provide similar functions. For wireless connectivity, you can try something like this (http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WET54G).

lateshow23
09-02-09, 05:41 AM
[QUOTE=asap200x;16069308]About the 1080 lines of motion on the panasonics...I don't think anybody would really be able to tell any difference in resolution between these 12G panasonics and a Kuro. Professional reviewers have stated that they could not discern a difference even between a set that only does 500ish lines of motion resolution versus one that does 900+ like the Kuro.

Are you able to provide any links to reviews where they're unable to discern such differences? I'd be interested to read them

spinmar
09-02-09, 06:32 AM
About the 1080 lines of motion on the panasonics...I don't think anybody would really be able to tell any difference in resolution between these 12G panasonics and a Kuro. Professional reviewers have stated that they could not discern a difference even between a set that only does 500ish lines of motion resolution versus one that does 900+ like the Kuro.

Just a thought and i believe this is the consensus view. So, personally, i wouldnt add the 1080 lines as a real plus for the panasonics.

My opinion is also that a Kuro would make you happier because black level and that added image pop / depth is your highest priority in terms of image quality. I think these Kuros are best at that still. I would also suggest looking into the KRP-xxxM series since the non-defeatable processing like noise reduction in the xx20's is a real drawback for me. I wish i had known before purchasing my new 5020. I would gone the route of the KRP-500M instead since it is so close in price to the 5020. Check the features list thread that compares all of the pioneer models.

The KRP series is also only 2.5" thick versus 3.7" on the other pioneer models. This is pretty close to the 2" thickness of the V series if that is a concern for you.

But you are comparing two products with different target.
If you want to compare krp with a panasonic product, in my opinion you have to choose vx series, which have different capabilities.

THSS
09-14-09, 08:34 PM
Great discussion.

Is there anyone that has compared the Panasonic V series with the Pioneer Kuro or KRP sets?

I'm trying to decide about which to buy. I've seen the KRP in action, however I have not seen any of the Panasonic V series sets.

I saw this article late last week about the V series:

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=11&id=2991