Hi all,

As the title suggests, I watch alot of sports with movies as a close second. I'm hoping to get my first HDTV in the next week and would love some suggestions. Prior to browsing this forum, I was sure that I would be getting an LCD. Now, not so much.

My couch is about 12 ft away from where the tv will be placed with sliding doors leading out to the balcony on the right wall. The room is pretty well lit when the blinds are open which may affect on Sunday football viewing on plasma. I'm so confused but it seems an LCD will be a problem too with the fast-paced movement of sports. Furthermore, my condo is open-concept so off angle viewing must be decent for watching from my kitchen.

The short list that I've come up with since browsing these forums include the Panasonic G10, Samsung PN50B850 and the UN46B7000. The latter mainly because I'm a lady and I love sexy things:). I'm a student so I'd like to spend under 2k but will consider a flat panel over budget for optimal sports viewing. Also, I realize that a Pioneer would be perfect but I doubt that I could find one in Canada now.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

My buddy got an amazing deal for the Panny G10. (Can't post price, but I sent you a PM). He has the Pioneer Elite and bought the G10 for his bedroom. He LOVES the G10. Very very impressed.

The Kuro has a sports picture mode built in. I would go all around Canada unitl you find one, Vancouver, Montreal, all over until you find the one and only. Don't give up, don't surrender. Remember in sports you should never quit until the final buzzer. :D

The Kuro has a sports picture mode built in. I would go all around Canada unitl you find one, Vancouver, Montreal, all over until you find the one and only. Don't give up, don't surrender. Remember in sports you should never quit until the final buzzer. :D

I hope the Kuro itself won't give her the final "buzz"... :D

bye
Benny42

I hope the Kuro itself won't give her the final "buzz"... :D

bye
Benny42

Too much information my friend. :D SHHHHHHH

The brightness issue with plasma is often overstated. One of my plasmas is in a large room, with a 10' bay window and 48" full length windows on walls adjoining the bay. During the day with no curtains I have no issues with brightness. While LCD can offer more brightness it's at a real cost.

Obviously the first choice would be a Kuro, but barring that get the Panny. The bigger the better, 50" would be the low end for a 12' viewing distance. LCDs are OK for certain situations, but the one issue is viewing angle and until that is resolved that is a big drawback. I own 2 plasmas and an LCD, and the plasmas have a certain quality that the LCD does not possess, for movies in particular or for live action sports.

The brightness issue with plasma is often overstated. One of my plasmas is in a large room, with a 10' bay window and 48" full length windows on walls adjoining the bay. During the day with no curtains I have no issues with brightness. While LCD can offer more brightness it's at a real cost.

Obviously the first choice would be a Kuro, but barring that get the Panny. The bigger the better, 50" would be the low end for a 12' viewing distance. LCDs are OK for certain situations, but the one issue is viewing angle and until that is resolved that is a big drawback. I own 2 plasmas and an LCD, and the plasmas have a certain quality that the LCD does not possess, for movies in particular or for live action sports.

Ditto, +1000. Yeah, at your viewing distance of 12', the 60" Pioneer would be an excellent choice, but noting your budget constraints it may be too costly. Second choice would be the Panasonic.

The Kuro has a sports picture mode built in. I would go all around Canada unitl you find one, Vancouver, Montreal, all over until you find the one and only. Don't give up, don't surrender. Remember in sports you should never quit until the final buzzer. :D

Lol...I'll see what I can find in my city but I'm trying to stay under budget. I know I can get the Panasonic G10 right around that mark.

The brightness issue with plasma is often overstated. One of my plasmas is in a large room, with a 10' bay window and 48" full length windows on walls adjoining the bay. During the day with no curtains I have no issues with brightness. While LCD can offer more brightness it's at a real cost.

Obviously the first choice would be a Kuro, but barring that get the Panny. The bigger the better, 50" would be the low end for a 12' viewing distance. LCDs are OK for certain situations, but the one issue is viewing angle and until that is resolved that is a big drawback. I own 2 plasmas and an LCD, and the plasmas have a certain quality that the LCD does not possess, for movies in particular or for live action sports.

Ditto, +1000. Yeah, at your viewing distance of 12', the 60" Pioneer would be an excellent choice, but noting your budget constraints it may be too costly. Second choice would be the Panasonic.


Damn...the Kuro seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the advice fellas. I will try my best to find one before settling on the Panasonic G10. What Pioneer model numbers should I be looking for?

Damn...the Kuro seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the advice fellas. I will try my best to find one before settling on the Panasonic G10. What Pioneer model numbers should I be looking for?

well make sure u don't get glare,since it doesn't matter how deep the blacks are in the kuro ,if there is glare you will no longer notice the deep blacks or shadow regions.

Bang for the buck for sports would be one of the 58" Samsung plasmas. Now before the fanboys trounce me for saying the "S" word, hear me out.

The lady has a budget, she said she wants a set for sports and has a large room. So my thinking, the bigger the set the better. And having shopped for a plasma for the very reasons she is looking to buy, she should not dismiss the Samsung B panels.

I went out looking for the most tv and best pq I could get for the money, roughly $2,000 cash. Panasonic was at the top of my list, because they make a great set. But, when comparing Samsung and Panasonic side by side in a few stores, the Samsung won hands down in overall pq, the colors popped, sharpness was very clear and the size (58") made for a perfect football machine. So I walked out with a Samsung 58B560 for my price. The set has been perfect, no buzz, no pink hues, no... It just works and does a phenomenal job doing it.

I would not discount Samsung.

Mike

well make sure u don't get glare,since it doesn't matter how deep the blacks are in the kuro ,if there is glare you will no longer notice the deep blacks or shadow regions.

Yeah, you gotta remove that tin foil off your windows...

well make sure u don't get glare,since it doesn't matter how deep the blacks are in the kuro ,if there is glare you will no longer notice the deep blacks or shadow regions.

Spoken like someone who has never viewed a kuro in bright home.

Bang for the buck for sports would be one of the 58" Samsung plasmas. Now before the fanboys trounce me for saying the "S" word, hear me out.

The lady has a budget, she said she wants a set for sports and has a large room. So my thinking, the bigger the set the better. And having shopped for a plasma for the very reasons she is looking to buy, she should not dismiss the Samsung B panels.

I went out looking for the most tv and best pq I could get for the money, roughly $2,000 cash. Panasonic was at the top of my list, because they make a great set. But, when comparing Samsung and Panasonic side by side in a few stores, the Samsung won hands down in overall pq, the colors popped, sharpness was very clear and the size (58") made for a perfect football machine. So I walked out with a Samsung 58B560 for my price. The set has been perfect, no buzz, no pink hues, no... It just works and does a phenomenal job doing it.

I would not discount Samsung.

Mike

Wow...I just read your post after getting back from Best Buy. Guess what? I fell in love with the Samsung PN58B540 (highest model in our stores). It is stunning (design-wise) and I thought the Panasonic G10 looked cheap and plasticky. I know I should be judging the picture but both 50'' were side by side and I really couldn't tell the difference. I know that it will be the different at home, so I'm thinking I'll try the Samsung out first since everyone seems to say that the Panasonic is better. If I'm not satisfied with the picture quality, I'll take it back and get the G10. Hopefully, I don't have to look back from that 58'' beauty:D.

Wow...I just read your post after getting back from Best Buy. Guess what? I fell in love with the Samsung PN58B540 (highest model in our stores). It is stunning (design-wise) and I thought the Panasonic G10 looked cheap and plasticky. I know I should be judging the picture but both 50'' were side by side and I really couldn't tell the difference. I know that it will be the different at home, so I'm thinking I'll try the Samsung out first since everyone seems to say that the Panasonic is better. If I'm not satisfied with the picture quality, I'll take it back and get the G10. Hopefully, I don't have to look back from that 58'' beauty:D.

I think you made a great choice and I can't imagine you wanting to return it. Enjoy!

Wow...I just read your post after getting back from Best Buy. Guess what? I fell in love with the Samsung PN58B540 (highest model in our stores). It is stunning (design-wise) and I thought the Panasonic G10 looked cheap and plasticky. I know I should be judging the picture but both 50'' were side by side and I really couldn't tell the difference. I know that it will be the different at home, so I'm thinking I'll try the Samsung out first since everyone seems to say that the Panasonic is better. If I'm not satisfied with the picture quality, I'll take it back and get the G10. Hopefully, I don't have to look back from that 58'' beauty:D.

That was my exact sentiment after shopping for my "football" tv. I went out there dead set on buying a Panasonic. I went to several stores, one with a terrible source, etc... Did side by sides, played with settings, etc... The Samsung still beat every plasma pq wise in the joint within my budget. And yes, I could have afforded a Pioneer, but why spend so much on a set when the technology is moving forward so quickly, I could not justify spending that kind of money on a TV to watch my football.

Hey, enjoy that 58" set! :D

Mike

Spoken like someone who has never viewed a kuro in bright home.

yes, those that make these claims have never seen a properly set-up kuro in a bright room.
If they have, then they would not speak such non-sense

yes, those that make these claims have never seen a properly set-up kuro in a bright room.
If they have, then they would not speak such non-sense

Not really nonsense! I loved my 6020 kuro at night but it's lovely blacks turned to mushy gray in my sunroom. Which is why my 4280 kuro is in a bedroom.

Please tell me what I could have done to keep indirect ambient light from reflecting off those phosphors and ruining an otherwise great picture.

What is the "proper set-up" for a bright room?

Wow...I just read your post after getting back from Best Buy. Guess what? I fell in love with the Samsung PN58B540 (highest model in our stores). It is stunning (design-wise) and I thought the Panasonic G10 looked cheap and plasticky. I know I should be judging the picture but both 50'' were side by side and I really couldn't tell the difference. I know that it will be the different at home, so I'm thinking I'll try the Samsung out first since everyone seems to say that the Panasonic is better. If I'm not satisfied with the picture quality, I'll take it back and get the G10. Hopefully, I don't have to look back from that 58'' beauty:D.

I'm in the same boat as you but I'm leaning toward the Panny. I've checked both brands out a few times and while I agree that the Samsung has better design styling, I don't think the Panny looks cheap at all. I like the idea of getting better blacks with the Panny but I may get a better bang for my buck going with Samsung. I didn't see much of a PQ difference btw. the two. Certainly, the issues with buzzing, pink hues, etc. have me a little concerned going with Samsung.

Best of luck with the purchase!

Not really nonsense! I loved my 6020 kuro at night but it's lovely blacks turned to mushy gray in my sunroom. Which is why my 4280 kuro is in a bedroom.

Please tell me what I could have done to keep indirect ambient light from reflecting off those phosphors and ruining an otherwise great picture.

What is the "proper set-up" for a bright room?


exactly check out this samsung B850 plasma review ,in the pictures u can cleary see that unless the room is dark,u will see glare and did i see a picture with IR http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.php?subaction=showfull&id=1245336433
and here is another tv which reflects the panasonic V10 http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.php?subaction=showfull&id=1244733154

Not really nonsense! I loved my 6020 kuro at night but it's lovely blacks turned to mushy gray in my sunroom. Which is why my 4280 kuro is in a bedroom.

Please tell me what I could have done to keep indirect ambient light from reflecting off those phosphors and ruining an otherwise great picture.

What is the "proper set-up" for a bright room?
If you put it in a "sunroom" I'm sure it may look a little washed out.
Yet in my very bright living room here in Florida with South facing window and tv mounted on the opposing north wall I have never had a problem with my 5010 being "mushy" and it's not even as dark as your 6020. Maybe mix in a curtain or three.:)

Edit: Besides shouldn't an increase in ambient should improve black levels?

exactly check out this samsung B850 plasma review ,in the pictures u can cleary see that unless the room is dark,u will see glare and did i see a picture with IR http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.php?subaction=showfull&id=1245336433
and here is another tv which reflects the panasonic V10 http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.php?subaction=showfull&id=1244733154

And I once saw a mermaid... And she was hot!:D

Mike

And I once saw a mermaid... And she was hot!:D

Mike

well good for you.

If you put it in a "sunroom" I'm sure it may look a little washed out.
Yet in my very bright living room here in Florida with South facing window and tv mounted on the opposing north wall I have never had a problem with my 5010 being "mushy" and it's not even as dark as your 6020. Maybe mix in a curtain or three.:)

Edit: Besides shouldn't an increase in ambient should improve black levels?

Lookout Kagolu, you're debunking the LCD fanboy's favorite FUD line against plasma displays, and they don't like it when truth be told.:D

Wow...I just read your post after getting back from Best Buy. Guess what? I fell in love with the Samsung PN58B540 (highest model in our stores). It is stunning (design-wise) and I thought the Panasonic G10 looked cheap and plasticky. I know I should be judging the picture but both 50'' were side by side and I really couldn't tell the difference. I know that it will be the different at home, so I'm thinking I'll try the Samsung out first since everyone seems to say that the Panasonic is better. If I'm not satisfied with the picture quality, I'll take it back and get the G10. Hopefully, I don't have to look back from that 58'' beauty:D.

Congrats on the new Sammy 58"er. How do you like it thus far?

I agree, the Kuro is ideal --- from another female sports lover!



*

1. Kuro.

2. Panny G/V series.

Ignore the utter jibberish in regards to plasma's performance in sunlight. I have a Kuro in a room plastered with light. Not once have I heard a single complaint/concern from anyone regarding the image. Not once.

James

oh, just noticed you went with the samsung. Good luck.

James

oh, just noticed you went with the samsung. Good luck.

James

Would you have said that if she bought any of the others? There is nothing wrong with Samsung, they make a quality set.

Would you have said that if she bought any of the others? There is nothing wrong with Samsung, they make a quality set.


The same. No sarcasm intended. Good luck, period.

James

Lookout Kagolu, you're debunking the LCD fanboy's favorite FUD line against plasma displays, and they don't like it when truth be told.:D

We won't hear any more about it. :)

Thanks for the other suggestions everyone. I'm still undecided on which tv unfortunately. I went to a store and the salesman suggested the 60 LG because it was much cheaper and comparable in picture quality (his opinion). With that, I get two extra inches and save hundreds. What do you experts say?

LG is not highly regarded. While they are improving, they are in no way in the class with Panasonic or Samsung. Stick with either of those any you'll be fine.

Well I finally decided on the Samsung PN50B550 because it was within budget (2k CDN) with a Blu-ray player. Thanks for all the help guys. I absolutely love my new tv. Now to browse these forums to figure how to get the best possible picture.