I am looking to purchase a 50 inch plasma for my new family room. I am considering the pioneer 5080 or the panny tc-50sp14 from costco. The viewing distance will be approx 10-12 feet most of the time. I know the pioneer is a 720 panel, and the panny a 1080 panel, but I have heard some really great things about the pioneer panel. I know someone who has a brand new 5080 available for sale, so my question is, which one would you guys go with? What are the advantages of going with a newer panel (the panny) vs a 2 year old brand new pioneer? I should mention that I do not as of yet have a blue-ray, so most of my viewing will be hd content from dtv.

Pioneer 5080 for sure - I have it and love it. Hands down the best plasma you could buy. What is he asking for it?

I don't know much about Pioneers because they were out of my price range when TV shopping, so I didn't really research them at all. But from what I read on these forums, they are pretty much creme-of-the-crop. But what I did want to tell you here is about the Panasonic. I considered buying a TC-P50S14 from Costco, but ended up getting the P50S1 at a local brick and mortar store for what amounted to $40 more than what the S14 would have cost at Costco (this is including the purchase of a $100 wall mount). So if you do decide to go the Panasonic route then you might look at the S1, I think it's a significantly better TV than the S14 because you get the NeoPDP panel for just a few bucks more.

I'm also considering the panny from costco, what exactly is the advantage of the NEO PDP ? Are there any other positives?

Thanks
goodman

I think the s14 and s1 are the same model. s14 is sold to big box stores like WalMart and costco. Not sure why they have a different number. Maybe to prevent price matching.

i would avoid getting the s14 when the s1 is less most of the time

Pioneer 5080 for sure - I have it and love it. Hands down the best plasma you could buy. What is he asking for it?

I also have the 5080 and feel its a gem. I also have owned Panny plasmas before and they are good products as well. But, if the pricing is close, its the Pio 5080, no contest.

i would avoid getting the s14 when the s1 is less most of the time

Right now the s14 is $400 less than the s1 in my city, plus costco's 2 year warranty makes this a good deal. But if I can get the G10 for what my southern neighbors pay for it I'd get that :rolleyes: