I'm about to spend in the area of $3500 on a good Sony 52" LCD. I like just about everything about it for my situation....very good, vivid color reproduction in the XBR2 line, no reflections off the LCD panel in my bright room, etc. But a friend of mine mentioned a few things that stopped me in my tracks the other day. He basically said, "there's no doubt the XBR2 is a great LCD....but it's still an LCD. The blacks will look like dark grays and fast motion in sports, etc. could be juddery, like the picture degrading into little squares. Go get a good 50" plasma that will reproduce blacks, be great for sports and cost you less than the LCD."

I have to admit that it's a good argument, but I'm concerned about a couple of things: 1) glare and 2) burn-in. I've also heard that plasmas consume more energy and give off more heat.

Can someone help me with this tough decision? Is there a good plasma out there that is cheaper than what I was going to spend and doesn't reflect light or has a good anti-glare coating that doesn't affect it's picture quality?

Thanks. I'm a rear-projection guy now but will soon be solidly in either the plasma or LCD camp!

You can get a good 50" plasma for half what you're willing to spend on the Sony.

LCD sucks for sports because when there is fast movement the screen blurs. Plasma keeps the picture sharp even with fast movement.

LCD has worse blacks than Plasma. Plasma has better picture quality with deeper colors and better blacks. LCD has a washed-out picture compared to plasma.

Plasma does not get burn in!! That was only true with older models. Some newer models do get image retention, but this is a condition that goes away after 10 minutes of watching a different program.

Plasma glass will reflect some light. The easiest solution is to place the plasma where there won't be a ray of light focused on it.

Some plasmas do give off heat. My old Vizio gave off heat. My new Panasonic does not give off heat.

If you get a LCD, the Sony you mentioned is the best. But I think you can do better with Plasma and save money. If you really want a nice plasma you can get a 58" Panasonic 58PX60U for a thousand dollars less than what you are willing to spend. The 50" can be had for two thousand dollars less. And they both have better pictures than LCD.

You can get a good 50" plasma for half what you're willing to spend on the Sony.

LCD sucks for sports because when there is fast movement the screen blurs. Plasma keeps the picture sharp even with fast movement.

LCD has worse blacks than Plasma. Plasma has better picture quality with deeper colors and better blacks. LCD has a washed-out picture compared to plasma.

Plasma does not get burn in!! That was only true with older models. Some newer models do get image retention, but this is a condition that goes away after 10 minutes of watching a different program.

Plasma glass will reflect some light. The easiest solution is to place the plasma where there won't be a ray of light focused on it.

Some plasmas do give off heat. My old Vizio gave off heat. My new Panasonic does not give off heat.

If you get a LCD, the Sony you mentioned is the best. But I think you can do better with Plasma and save money. If you really want a nice plasma you can get a 58" Panasonic 58PX60U for a thousand dollars less than what you are willing to spend. The 50" can be had for two thousand dollars less. And they both have better pictures than LCD.

Thanks. What do you think about the Panny TH-50PX77U and it's "anti-glare coating" ? I know we can't talk about price here but you're right, I see it at Crutchfield right now for about half what I'm planning to spend on the Sony XBR2. I like the idea of better blacks, better motion with no blur and at half the price it's a no brainer....but I probably need to see this anti-glare thing in person. I live in Arizona and have a pretty bright room. There wouldn't be direct sunlight on the screen at all but the room is bright and I just need to be sure that the reflections will be minimal. I don't expect them to disappear but I don't ever want to be watching a dark scene in a movie and say, "oh, I can see the chair that's behind me reflecting in the TV screen." Basically, I just don't want reflectivity to be a distraction from the TV-watching experience.

A newer Panasonic plasma 50" model which includes the number "77" in it's model number, incorporates an anti-reflective screen. Virtually all plasmas claim to have some degree of anti-reflection, but this is far and away the best in this regard. The newer Pioneer "Kuro" models have better anti-reflective screens too, but not quite up to the aforementioned Panasonic model, but at least better than just about all other previous and current competitor plasmas. Those are a bit more expensive however, though maybe still cheaper or at least price competitive with the Sony 52".. I haven't researched that model so I'm not familiar with it's typical pricing.

The plasma "higher heat" factor is mostly a myth. I'm tired of talking about it, but maybe some one else will indulge you on the subject, providing more specifics.

I see that you've just posted ahead of me. Yes, that Panasonic model is what I was referring to in my above post. I'm confident you'll find it every bit good enough to combat your room reflection issues.

TH-50PX77U is a nice 1080p plasma.

The anti-glare will help. Things like where you place the plasma and using blinds will help tremendously.

My 50PX60U has no anti-glare, and I have no problems watching it during the day.

is not an issue. I too was nervous about seeing my couch reflected in the screen, but it's rare that I notice anything like that. I have a bright living room with windows everywhere, but the plasma (pio 5080) is out of direct glare. The set looks good during the day even with the windows brightly lit. In a darkened room I cannot see myself illuminated by/reflected back onto the screen.

The plasma "higher heat" factor is mostly a myth. I'm tired of talking about it, but maybe some one else will indulge you on the subject, providing more specifics.

It depends on the plasma. My old Vizio ran warm to the touch. My Panasonic runs cool to the touch.

TH-50PX77U is a nice 1080p plasma.

I think you meant TH-50PZ700U:
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=112102&catGroupId=24973&modelNo=TH-50PZ700U&surfModel=TH-50PZ700U&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

The 50PX77U is a 720P panel (1366x768):
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=112103&catGroupId=24973&modelNo=TH-50PX77U&surfModel=TH-50PX77U&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

Personally, I'd suggest the PX77U as the PZ700U seems kinda dim during the day IMHO.

It depends on the plasma. My old Vizio ran warm to the touch. My Panasonic runs cool to the touch.

that has more to do with the number and location of vents, the materials used on the plasma, to achieve more even or efficient heat release, etc. While it's possible one is uses a little less wattage than another (and therefore, less heat), unless there is a dramatic difference in wattage output, they really shouldn't vary that much, heat-wise. And again, it would go back to build design. Stand a few feet away from each plasma and measure their heat outputs, I would bet they would produce nearly the same amount of heat.

The PX77U got a great review at CNET. They were high on the anti-glare coating and only pointed out minor problems with false contouring and some inaccurate green color. All in all, seems like an excellent TV for sub-$2000. Given that it does 720p and not 1080p but if my primary seating area is 12 feet away am I really going to notice that?

The PX77U got a great review at CNET. They were high on the anti-glare coating and only pointed out minor problems with false contouring and some inaccurate green color. All in all, seems like an excellent TV for sub-$2000. Given that it does 720p and not 1080p but if my primary seating area is 12 feet away am I really going to notice that?

Hell no, buy it if it's in your price range. It's a great TV! I find it's much better than the 1080P sets at 10 feet.

Hell no, buy it if it's in your price range. It's a great TV! I find it's much better than the 1080P sets at 10 feet.
what makes it better than the 1080p set at 10 feet? I could see someone not beign able to tell the differences in resolution but why do you say its better than a 1080p set?

what makes it better than the 1080p set at 10 feet? I could see someone not beign able to tell the differences in resolution but why do you say its better than a 1080p set?

The PZ700 seems to look pretty dim in comparison to the PX77 (perhaps related to the difference in CR... not sure) and I find it's a bit yellow, especially on the whites.

I'm in the EXACT same boat as the OP; really bright room (14' wall of windows opposite the wall the TV will be on -- no other alternative); had decided on the XBR2; then "decided" on the Sharp 92u. THEN, a buddy of mine who is somewhat of a home electronic "insider" read me the riot act about LCD vs. Plasma -- particularly since I watch a lot of sports.

So, then I expanded my horizons to include plasma, but the only one that really handles the glare/reflection appropriately is the aforementioned 77U. Alas, my viewing situation as well as my source components make it illogical to get a 720p TV right now -- 1080p is really what I'm looking for. So, I looked at the TH-58PZ750U, and the glare/reflection is mildly better than the "standard plasma" (sort of like anti-glare on eyeglasses), but nowhere near where I want it (like the 77U is).

So, here's where I am. If I needed to buy today, I'd get the TH-58PZ750U and "make it work", but I'd MUCH prefer to get a TH 58PZ770U (the fictional model number I made up to represent a TH-58PZ750U with the glare/reflection-busting properties of the 77U). I'd wait upwards of a year for that, if need be.

Anyone heard anything about Panasonic's plans in this regard? I mean the anti-glare characteristics of the 77U are widely regarded as extremely effective, and the TH-58PZ750U is otherwise their "top of the line" -- it just makes sense that they'd want to "merge" the two (assuming you can use the 77U-type coating on a 1080p set). Anyone have any insight into this?

Thanks in advance.

--Mav

I'm in the EXACT same boat as the OP; really bright room (14' wall of windows opposite the wall the TV will be on -- no other alternative); had decided on the XBR2; then "decided" on the Sharp 92u. THEN, a buddy of mine who is somewhat of a home electronic "insider" read me the riot act about LCD vs. Plasma -- particularly since I watch a lot of sports.

So, then I expanded my horizons to include plasma, but the only one that really handles the glare/reflection appropriately is the aforementioned 77U. Alas, my viewing situation as well as my source components make it illogical to get a 720p TV right now -- 1080p is really what I'm looking for. So, I looked at the TH-58PZ750U, and the glare/reflection is mildly better than the "standard plasma" (sort of like anti-glare on eyeglasses), but nowhere near where I want it (like the 77U is).

So, here's where I am. If I needed to buy today, I'd get the TH-58PZ750U and "make it work", but I'd MUCH prefer to get a TH 58PZ770U (the fictional model number I made up to represent a TH-58PZ750U with the glare/reflection-busting properties of the 77U). I'd wait upwards of a year for that, if need be.

Anyone heard anything about Panasonic's plans in this regard? I mean the anti-glare characteristics of the 77U are widely regarded as extremely effective, and the TH-58PZ750U is otherwise their "top of the line" -- it just makes sense that they'd want to "merge" the two (assuming you can use the 77U-type coating on a 1080p set). Anyone have any insight into this?

Thanks in advance.

--Mav

If I had to guess I'd say a 1080p version of the 77U's screen will be out within the next 12 mos. It is so effective that it really is just stunning. However, if I were you I wouldn't write off the 700 or the 750 the glare/reflection properties while not great are far better than the old tube tv's of yesteryear. They also dont washout like LCD's do.

I'm in the EXACT same boat as the OP; really bright room (14' wall of windows opposite the wall the TV will be on -- no other alternative); had decided on the XBR2; then "decided" on the Sharp 92u. THEN, a buddy of mine who is somewhat of a home electronic "insider" read me the riot act about LCD vs. Plasma -- particularly since I watch a lot of sports.

So, then I expanded my horizons to include plasma, but the only one that really handles the glare/reflection appropriately is the aforementioned 77U. Alas, my viewing situation as well as my source components make it illogical to get a 720p TV right now -- 1080p is really what I'm looking for. So, I looked at the TH-58PZ750U, and the glare/reflection is mildly better than the "standard plasma" (sort of like anti-glare on eyeglasses), but nowhere near where I want it (like the 77U is).

So, here's where I am. If I needed to buy today, I'd get the TH-58PZ750U and "make it work", but I'd MUCH prefer to get a TH 58PZ770U (the fictional model number I made up to represent a TH-58PZ750U with the glare/reflection-busting properties of the 77U). I'd wait upwards of a year for that, if need be.

Anyone heard anything about Panasonic's plans in this regard? I mean the anti-glare characteristics of the 77U are widely regarded as extremely effective, and the TH-58PZ750U is otherwise their "top of the line" -- it just makes sense that they'd want to "merge" the two (assuming you can use the 77U-type coating on a 1080p set). Anyone have any insight into this?

Thanks in advance.

--Mav

Wow, talk about very similar predicaments! I was looking at exactly the same sets....XBR2 and the D92U from Sharp. I like the 120Hz refresh rate of the Sharps but the consisent banding/striping issues worry me too much. And, as I stated, the Sony is a great LCD but the XBR2/3 still can't produce the blacks that a plasma can and slight motion judder with fast action is likely. Plus, the price is still high. So we're in the exact same boat....looking for a great display that won't reflect or have glare and handles colors and motion well. I'm going to see the 50PX77U today in person so I'll probably have my decision made in the next day or two. Given my seating distance I don't think 720p vs. 1080p should be a driver in my decision process. Besides, paying under $2K for a TV now would make it easier to trade up in 4 or 5 years rather than feeling like I should hold onto the set longer because I sank a ton of money into it. Good luck.

If I had to guess I'd say a 1080p version of the 77U's screen will be out within the next 12 mos. It is so effective that it really is just stunning. However, if I were you I wouldn't write off the 700 or the 750 the glare/reflection properties while not great are far better than the old tube tv's of yesteryear. They also dont washout like LCD's do.

That's what my buddy "guessed" too. According to him, Panasonic is well aware of the fact that they've hit the proverbial homerun in terms of glare/reflection with the 77U screen and fully expect that they will be able to use that to steal would-be LCD buyers -- after all, there's really no reason to buy an LCD as opposed to a plasma except to handle glare/reflection, but you give up some PQ. It's pretty widely accepted, I think, that LCD is about a year or two (at least) behind plasma in terms of pure PQ. So, if you can eliminate the glare/reflection issue, you should be able to capture a substantial portion of the would-be LCD buyer's market.

Assuming Panny is aware of that, I would "guess" we'll see a 1080p with the 77u screen as soon as their next set of sets comes out, but I have no real basis for thinking that. Does anyone have any actual "evidence" (weak though it may be) that we can expect this (i.e. "a buddy of mine at Panasonic said..." or "I read from a 'reliable source' that....")?

I'm actually a little concerned that Panny may have had technical issues putting the 77u screen on their 1080p sets. After all, they had to have seen what the rest of the world saw when they tested their "anti-reflective screen" (currently on their 1080p models) and their "anti-glare screen" (currently on the 77u) -- namely, that the latter does the job infinitely better than the former. Assuming that to be the case, one has to wonder why they didn't put the "anti-glare screen" on the PZ700/750U's. There's got to be a reason for it. I just hope it was pricepoint (which is less of a concern) and not technological feasibility (which is much more of a concern).

In any event, at this point, I can wait to see what happens.

--Mav

That's what my buddy "guessed" too. According to him, Panasonic is well aware of the fact that they've hit the proverbial homerun in terms of glare/reflection with the 77U screen and fully expect that they will be able to use that to steal would-be LCD buyers -- after all, there's really no reason to buy an LCD as opposed to a plasma except to handle glare/reflection, but you give up some PQ. It's pretty widely accepted, I think, that LCD is about a year or two (at least) behind plasma in terms of pure PQ. So, if you can eliminate the glare/reflection issue, you should be able to capture a substantial portion of the would-be LCD buyer's market.
Assuming Panny is aware of that, I would "guess" we'll see a 1080p with the 77u screen as soon as their next set of sets comes out, but I have no real basis for thinking that. Does anyone have any actual "evidence" (weak though it may be) that we can expect this (i.e. "a buddy of mine at Panasonic said..." or "I read from a 'reliable source' that....")?

I'm actually a little concerned that Panny may have had technical issues putting the 77u screen on their 1080p sets. After all, they had to have seen what the rest of the world saw when they tested their "anti-reflective screen" (currently on their 1080p models) and their "anti-glare screen" (currently on the 77u) -- namely, that the latter does the job infinitely better than the former. Assuming that to be the case, one has to wonder why they didn't put the "anti-glare screen" on the PZ700/750U's. There's got to be a reason for it. I just hope it was pricepoint (which is less of a concern) and not technological feasibility (which is much more of a concern).

In any event, at this point, I can wait to see what happens.

--Mav

I think you hit the nail on the head. If you lump 52" LCDs and 50" plasmas into the same category the price/performance is just so much better with plasma at this point IF you can reduce the glare/reflectivity. I agree, Panasonic has pretty much hit a homerun with the 77u anti-glare coating. You now have a TV with a very good picture, reproducing deeper blacks than any LCD, with no worry about motion blur....and it's significantly cheaper. As I said earlier in this thread, by spending under $2K on a set that will serve me well for a few years I will have less heartburn when the "next greatest thing" comes along in a few years. If you look at the advancements in LCD and plasma over the past few years and think about where they might be in 4 years....wow!

I'm actually a little concerned that Panny may have had technical issues putting the 77u screen on their 1080p sets. After all, they had to have seen what the rest of the world saw when they tested their "anti-reflective screen" (currently on their 1080p models) and their "anti-glare screen" (currently on the 77u) -- namely, that the latter does the job infinitely better than the former. Assuming that to be the case, one has to wonder why they didn't put the "anti-glare screen" on the PZ700/750U's. There's got to be a reason for it. I just hope it was pricepoint (which is less of a concern) and not technological feasibility (which is much more of a concern).

--Mav

As Panny gets the CR on the 1080p sets up a bit higher I suspect they will put the Anti Glare (as opposed to the Anti Reflective) screen coating on the 1080p models. Here is a Jan. 2006 post from DMiller at CES who asked a Panny rep about the AG coating and why it was not on the 1080p models...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9436765&highlight=glare#post9436765
"The reason I was told is that the 1080p has diminished color, so adding the anti-glare screen would reduce the color too much."

I lived with a 77U for two months, and the anti-glare does work. HOWEVER, you pay a price--and I don't care what the CNET guys say in their rave review of the 77U--the picture is slightly less vibrant and duller with the anti-glare--more akin to LCD than any other plasma on the market. I was shocked after a few months of watching the 77U to go into the stores and see (and remember) how vibrant and scintillating plasma images can be (and remember glossy screens are all the rage with LCD 'puter monitors).

I took the 77U back and got a great deal on last years 50PX60U. I much prefer the more vivid picture from the more glossy screen. I have had NO issues of light reflections with the more glossy screen of the 60U, though my home is not plagued with the sunlight that many have to contend with...