Given the choices below, which would you spring for? I'll be using a Playstation3 for Blue-Ray duty, and watch a lot of ESPN HD. I'll be sitting 9 ft. away from the screen. Thanks to all in advance. This forum is such a solid resource.

720p Panasonic TH-50PX77U: $1515.01
720p Samsung HP-T5054: $1335.00
720p Samsung HP-T5064: $1399.00
1080p Sony KDS-50A3000 $1449.00

go for the sony

You don't have a technology preference here?

I'd say go bigger.

Watch out for reeduced resolution(1024x768) 720p units.
Both Samsung and Panasonic have been selling 42: and 50" "720P" plasmas that only have 1024 pixels per row (1024x768) so the content of every 5th pixel in each row is eliminated. These rectangular pixel displays not only reduce your detail by 20% It is hard to run PC desktop applications on them since small text fonts will blur since part of the letters are not present.
To me choice is a not brainer pick the true 1080p model especially if you are going to be at 9'.

Thanks for the responses. I'm driving down to Pacific Sales, Fry's, Best Buy, and Circuit City to spend some time with each.

I picked up a Sony KDS-50AL120 from Sam's Club for $1177.23 + tax last night. It's basically the A2000 with the SU-RS11M stand in one pallet. They have a solid return policy, but now I'm wondering if I should pony up the additional money for the A3000.

I have a 3 year old Panny 50 inch 720 plasma in the great room (hanging over the FP) and a 1 year old JVC 1080p 61 inch LCoS in the master bedroom and both provide great pictures. I'd be hard-pressed to choose one over the other in terms of picture quality.

Likely my determining factor would be size and what technology I needed to go in what space. For example we had to go with a flat panel in the great room b.c we needed it to hang over the fireplace. Otherwise, I would have gone with something larger and more cost-efficient. My only other thing would be that if I went with 720p, "knowing" that there was something "better" out there and that I did not get it. 'Course, that is my own personality quirk ;)

Good luck though...you've got some great choices there!

Given the choices below, which would you spring for? I'll be using a Playstation3 for Blue-Ray duty, and watch a lot of ESPN HD. I'll be sitting 9 ft. away from the screen. Thanks to all in advance. This forum is such a solid resource.

720p Panasonic TH-50PX77U: $1515.01
720p Samsung HP-T5054: $1335.00
720p Samsung HP-T5064: $1399.00
1080p Sony KDS-50A3000 $1449.00

720p Panny Plasma will blow any RPTV and I don't care if its 2080p!!

I have a 3 year old Panny 50 inch 720 plasma in the great room (hanging over the FP) and a 1 year old JVC 1080p 61 inch LCoS in the master bedroom and both provide great pictures. I'd be hard-pressed to choose one over the other in terms of picture quality.

Likely my determining factor would be size and what technology I needed to go in what space. For example we had to go with a flat panel in the great room b.c we needed it to hang over the fireplace. Otherwise, I would have gone with something larger and more cost-efficient. My only other thing would be that if I went with 720p, "knowing" that there was something "better" out there and that I did not get it. 'Course, that is my own personality quirk ;)

Good luck though...you've got some great choices there!

Thanks for the response! I'm leaning towards keeping the RPTV. I just have to stop going to the A/V section of every Best Buy after I set it up!

I would suggest HL-T5087 LED DLP...it is 1080p and no lamp to change. ~$1440 delivered on big river.

Watch out for reeduced resolution(1024x768) 720p units.
Both Samsung and Panasonic have been selling 42: and 50" "720P" plasmas that only have 1024 pixels per row (1024x768) so the content of every 5th pixel in each row is eliminated. These rectangular pixel displays not only reduce your detail by 20% It is hard to run PC desktop applications on them since small text fonts will blur since part of the letters are not present.
To me choice is a not brainer pick the true 1080p model especially if you are going to be at 9'.


1024x768 is only true regarding 42" plasmas. 50" plasmas have native resolutions of 1366x768, which is enough to fully resolve a 720p signal.

1024x768 is only true regarding 42" plasmas. 50" plasmas have native resolutions of 1366x768, which is enough to fully resolve a 720p signal.

and don't forget the*new 720p's from Panasonic use Generation 10 panels which are brilliant and a raving bargain while they last. There's virtually zero difference side-by-side compared to a 1080 except that grand out of your pocket....

last year it was contrast ratio's, this year the resolution numbers and next year ??..it's the good ol numbers game, it'll always be perpitrated against joe-consumer almost every model year. :)