I swore I wasn't going to post one of these threads, but after many months of research and countless visits to stores I still can't decide on a set. I've been bouncing back and forth between LCD and Plasma and have finally settled on plasma since I always seem to notice blur and stutter on pretty much every LCD (including the XBR4's and Samsung 71's). Now I'm stuck on what Plasma would best fit my needs. I have to say the massive amount of great reviews for the Pioneer Kuro 5080HD had me leaning towards that, but I am still rather hesitant (even though I maybe shouldnt be) because of it only being 780p.

Some plasmas that have caught my eye: Pioneer Kuro 5080, Samsung FP-T5084, and the Panasonic TH-50PZ700U. (and on the LCD side the Samsung LN-T5271, sony 52xbr4, and sony 52v3000)

Heres what will be connected to the tv:

Comcast HD-DVR - HDMI (or component if need be) (most of my primetime TV is HD but besides that I do a decent amount of SD viewing)
XBOX 360 - HDMI (or component if need be)
PS3 - HDMI
and come spring I will be buying a decent surround sound hdmi receiver (Onky 605 or better)

the room has 2 southernly facing windows, but i'm willing to cover them up so glare shouldnt be a problem.

Viewing will be done from 6' - 10' away.

So the question is, with $2500 being my limit, what TV should I get. I know everyone is going to say I have to go to the store and see what looks best to me, but i've done this, and I am thoroughly unimpressed at how every store has there tv's hooked up. It is almost impossible to get an idea on which tv is better as there are way to many scenarios to consider (settings improperly configured, poor source, different sources on different tvs, etc). So which TV's do you guys think are better and why.

Thanks in advance!
-Matt

Clearly you've seen the many threads here about the models you listed.
My 2 cents here again :D is to choose the Sammy because of it's picture quality.
I know the kuro boys go on about black levels and the panny boys about consumer reports recommendations. My take though is the Sammy gives the most natural true to life 3d image. I call this looking-out-the-window. Accurate color reproduction, details, and black levels are the 3 qualities these Sammy combine to give the most real images available anywhere.
Faces, animals, rain, clouds, etc look so real that I continue to get impressed reviews from people whenever they watch a show on my Sammy.
Then also consider that the Sammy of interest here also a 2 year warranty.

Like discopaul said..there are already plenty of similar threads out there.;) Having said that the Pio and Panny are both good choices...I tend to stay away from anything Samsung and won't even consider an lcd for anything other than a desktop monitor.

I've read that SD looks like crap in Samsung 5084, at least compared to the Kuro. That's something that most buyers don't find out until they get it home. Personally, I'd get the 50PZ700U. Or if you want better looks, wait for the Panasonic 50PF10UKA price to come down a bit.

Well, as usual when you haven't got much to say about the PQ of Pany or Pioneer you attack Samsung.:cool:

Is there any reason you are staying away from the 720p 58" Panasonic well south of your price point?

Is there any reason you are staying away from the 720p 58" Panasonic well south of your price point?

58" would be too big I think for most of my viewing (except at the furthest distance from the tv, which would be around 10' -12', most viewing will be done from about 7' away. I figure 50'-55' to be my max, and when it comes to 780p tvs it seemed like the 5080 blew everything else out of the water.

I'm leaning more towards the 5080 now, but if I experience SDE or can see pixels sitting closer to the tv then ill very likely return it and try out the panny or the samsung. Ideally id like to get the pioneer 5010, but I worry I'd have to wait too long for it to get down into my price range.

im going to try going to a sound advice (tweeters) one of these days, as I here they have a much better set up to compare tvs. hopefully they have these 3 models so i can get a better idea of which one im going to get.

thanks to everyone who has chimed in so far

58" would be too big I think for most of my viewing (except at the furthest distance from the tv, which would be around 10' -12', most viewing will be done from about 7' away. I figure 50'-55' to be my max, and when it comes to 780p tvs it seemed like the 5080 blew everything else out of the water.

I'm leaning more towards the 5080 now, but if I experience SDE or can see pixels sitting closer to the tv then ill very likely return it and try out the panny or the samsung. Ideally id like to get the pioneer 5010, but I worry I'd have to wait too long for it to get down into my price range.

im going to try going to a sound advice (tweeters) one of these days, as I here they have a much better set up to compare tvs. hopefully they have these 3 models so i can get a better idea of which one im going to get.

thanks to everyone who has chimed in so far

Most of the Tweeters I've been inside, carry only the Pioneer Elite models, so you'll have to use the Elite 1150HD for comparisons.

Stick with plasma and try the Pioner 5080HD. This is a highly regarded plasma for the money. Next in line is the Panasonic 50PZ700U.

Chris

For a little more cash I think I would shoot for the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U. If you were going to go with the LCD I would recommend the Sony KDL-52XBR4. Both great units but I would take the Panasonic.

What's the main difference between the 700u and the 750u?

What's the main difference between the 700u and the 750u?

The 750U has more options for calibration, another HDMI input, and slightly better sound.

See, now I worry a bit that sitting 6' or 7' from the 5080 will be too close, and that at that distance a 1080p set would be the way to go. But argh then again theres all this praise for the 5080. The panny seems real nice. This really is one of the toughest decisions I've had to make in a very very long while. I know with the 30 day return policy at most stores I can just keep swapping tvs till I find the one I like, but id just really like to pick the right one first and not have to go through all that hassle lol.

Came across this thread....sounds like you and me are in the exact same boat.

I've been looking at TV's on and off for about a year. Keep getting close to buying something....then keep finding reasons not to and to wait a little longer.

One day I think I've decided on 1080P...then I see a 720P set for alot cheaper that looks fine. One day I'm convinced I like plasma...then I see an LCD that looks stunning. I watched the football games last weekend on my buddy's 46XBR4 and I thought it was amazing.....I didn't think the color wasn't as deep as plasma....but it was a sharp and crystal clear picture and I didn't really see any lag problems with football (and was really watching to see if I'd noitce it).

So I find myself still in "wait" mode....trying to decide what to do.

One thing that I know for sure is that I want a 46 to 52 inch size. So that helps narrow the field a little. And personally, I've mostly have it narrowed down to the Sony XBR series or the Panny plasmas. Sorta leaning toward the Panny plasma because I have an authorized Panny dealer 5 minutes from my house.

Now this announcement of the 2008 Panny's has thrown more into the mix to think about.

My wife has given me the green light to go ahead and get a new TV....and I just can't decide what to get.

Utlimately, I think it's so hard because it's so technical and there are so many pro's and cons for both plasma and lcd....and also for 1080p vs 720p. It's just real difficult to sort it all out and feel confident in your decision.

How about the Pioneer 4280 40"? Im starting to think it has a nicer picture than the 5080. Plus once you get it home and feel like you want something bigger it is easier to take back to the store and exchange it...........only weighs 65Lbs!!!

Im starting to think this may be the route I take since I am having a hard time deciding too.

I'd say 5080HD as number one, followed by the Samsung 5084 (yes I'm recommending a samsung over a panasonic) then the Panasonic PZ700 or PZ77U.

I don't think it is a nicer picture and they are not too far apart in price.

How about the Pioneer 4280 40"? Im starting to think it has a nicer picture than the 5080. Plus once you get it home and feel like you want something bigger it is easier to take back to the store and exchange it...........only weighs 65Lbs!!!

Im starting to think this may be the route I take since I am having a hard time deciding too.

4280 is a 42 inch and the PQ is the same as the 5080HD

Parents just bought the Kuro the sunday before the new year and they love it.

We previously had our Sony for 14 years until we bought this one.

4280 is a 42 inch and the PQ is the same as the 5080HD

I know the 4280 and 5080 have the same specs except screen size. I dont know why it just looks like it has a better picture.........maybe just the way they have the settings.

Part of my point was to start out with the 4280 because it is smaller and weighs less and in most cases depending on what you drive could be picked up from the store and taken home. If you then want to upgrade to the 5080/5010 it would be easier to return.

I know the 4280 and 5080 have the same specs except screen size. I dont know why it just looks like it has a better picture.........maybe just the way they have the settings.

Part of my point was to start out with the 4280 because it is smaller and weighs less and in most cases depending on what you drive could be picked up from the store and taken home. If you then want to upgrade to the 5080/5010 it would be easier to return.

Because of the smaller screen the pixels are more densely spaced. From very close distance the smaller screen will look better. What you need to do is look at both of these screens from your actual viewing distance.... don't be afraid to measure this out in the store. Ensure they have similar settings (eg both in cinema mode). Then trust your eyes and buy the TV that LOOKS best to YOU.

I swore I wasn't going to post one of these threads, but after many months of research and countless visits to stores I still can't decide on a set. I've been bouncing back and forth between LCD and Plasma and have finally settled on plasma since I always seem to notice blur and stutter on pretty much every LCD (including the XBR4's and Samsung 71's). Now I'm stuck on what Plasma would best fit my needs. I have to say the massive amount of great reviews for the Pioneer Kuro 5080HD had me leaning towards that, but I am still rather hesitant (even though I maybe shouldnt be) because of it only being 780p.

Some plasmas that have caught my eye: Pioneer Kuro 5080, Samsung FP-T5084, and the Panasonic TH-50PZ700U. (and on the LCD side the Samsung LN-T5271, sony 52xbr4, and sony 52v3000)

Heres what will be connected to the tv:

Comcast HD-DVR - HDMI (or component if need be) (most of my primetime TV is HD but besides that I do a decent amount of SD viewing)
XBOX 360 - HDMI (or component if need be)
PS3 - HDMI
and come spring I will be buying a decent surround sound hdmi receiver (Onky 605 or better)

the room has 2 southernly facing windows, but i'm willing to cover them up so glare shouldnt be a problem.

Viewing will be done from 6' - 10' away.

So the question is, with $2500 being my limit, what TV should I get. I know everyone is going to say I have to go to the store and see what looks best to me, but i've done this, and I am thoroughly unimpressed at how every store has there tv's hooked up. It is almost impossible to get an idea on which tv is better as there are way to many scenarios to consider (settings improperly configured, poor source, different sources on different tvs, etc). So which TV's do you guys think are better and why.

Thanks in advance!
-Matt

Your situation is almost exactly like mine.. Instead I have a Sony STR-DG910 receiver...

I too am 5-7' from the T.V. I just got the Samsung FP-T5084. And it looks fine from the distance I view it at. Best buy has them for 2479.99 right now.. I picked up mine Tuesday night, and needed my dad to bring the truck.. I under estimated the size of the box greatly.

So far I am very happy with 5084.. I am still in the break-in process so I haven't calibrated it yet, but even so it still looks great!!

Well, as usual when you haven't got much to say about the PQ of Pany or Pioneer you attack Samsung.:cool:

Discopaul: He's just saying what he feels, that's all! Snootch4183, I have had a Samsung FP-T5084 & returned it because of QC issues, but as Discopaul mentioned, it's an excellent plasma! Samsung has raised the bar, no question.

If you buy Panasonic, Pioneer or Samsung, you'll be getting the best that current plasmas have to offer. I think that both Panasonic & Pioneer have a better Quality Control track record then Samsung IMHO. I went thru 2 Samsung FP-T5084 because of burnt pixels & the panel not being centered correctly (somewhat of an common issue)

The Samsungs seem to have a tad better price or I should say they go on sale more often if you're buying from a B&M store. The Samsung carries a 2-year warranty which is nice, but don't let that be a deal breaker for you because you can get a 4 year (in home service) Mack Camera TV warranty for around $130.00.

I most admit that the Samsung does draws you in @ the store because it's brighter then both Panny & Pioneer, colors are a tad oversaturated, but can be tweaked. For me, I purchased the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080HD & haven't looked back! It's a wonderful plasma & I have no regrets!

In the end, your eyes must make the decision.

Good Luck!

Alex

As a preface, i am in the same situation as you about the passive aggressive attitude I have about getting a new TV. But I have finally convinced myself that I will not be bothered by the 1080p vs 720p issue based on my viewing distance. Up until 2 weeks ago, I was bent on getting the 46XBR4, then 46XBR5 because I prefer the piano black finish bezel better....then came the Pioneer. Ugh! Reviews on the 5080HD were amazing (last year i wanted the Panny). So I'm back in the "undecided" pool.

And just to muddle the mix some more, Tweeter has the Pioneer Elite PRO1150HD on sale for 2300! Now I know thats a very good deal. This one bumped at the top of my list. I would think for the same price (or a little bit more) as the 5080HD and more features, this would be a better buy.

Any advice on this? Thanks.

To Snootch...you may want to consider this TV.

I originally bought a Panasonic 42PZ77U but just couldnt accept its noticabley weaker black levels and 480P quality (Wii) vs. my Sony XBR960 CRT.

I ended up with a 5080 and couldn't be happier, I have 360 / PS3 / Wii and they all look excellent, in fact despite it only being 768P its the best ive ever seen video games look, games like Bioshock, Uncharted, Condemned look especially amazing due to there frequent use of dark areas, The black levels go a long way especially if you like to watch movies & game in a darker room or at night.

My seating distance is right around 7'

58" would be too big I think for most of my viewing (except at the furthest distance from the tv, which would be around 10' -12', most viewing will be done from about 7' away. I figure 50'-55' to be my max, and when it comes to 780p tvs it seemed like the 5080 blew everything else out of the water.

I'm leaning more towards the 5080 now, but if I experience SDE or can see pixels sitting closer to the tv then ill very likely return it and try out the panny or the samsung. The best value right now -- and, since you mentioned a "budget," then value comes into play -- is the 50" 720P plasma. The 1080p thing is just hype at this size, as the Kuro salesmen will admit. I personally can't see how the Pioneers look better than, say, the Samsungs. (Yeah, I know "Kuro" means "black.") Looks to me like you're paying for the name. I guess if you own a Benz, then you'll just have to have a Pioneer.

With that extra cabbage, I'd rather put it into an extended service contract and/or a larger screen than into the branding badge. Seven feet is not too close for that 58" Panny at Costco these days (and within your $$$ limit). You'll won't see SDE, seven feet away. No, it won't be too big -- you'll be surprised how small that 50" screen gets after a year.

Without a doubt get the Pio 1150HD if you want a 50"!

Without a doubt get the Pio 1150HD if you want a 50"!

Another vote from me.

And if there's a Tweeter close to you, go check their prices. It's $200 less than your cut-off price!

As I'm in a similar situation, I was wondering if you ever did order your TV and which one you went with?

Go for the TH-50PZ700U or the Kuro 5080HD.

I went with the TH-50PZ700U, but my 2nd choice would have been the Kuro. I was thinking of exchanging my PZ700U for a Kuro, but 6th Ave wouldn't let me anyway.

Another vote from me.

And if there's a Tweeter close to you, go check their prices. It's $200 less than your cut-off price!

Another vote for this!!! I just picked one up there on Firday:D You cannot beat this tv for that price!!!!

And just to muddle the mix some more, Tweeter has the Pioneer Elite PRO1150HD on sale for 2300!

This just made me sick. I bought the 5080HD for $1999 and toiled over returning it for the 1150 for 30 days for $900 more... i eventually just kept the 5080 as the extra money could not justify the feature set..

now i'm pissed.

Bottom line... get the 1150... and dont even look back...for god sakes... just do it. Just do a search for posts by me and 5080 in the title and you'll see my adventure with all of the TV's you are looking into... save yourself the headache and just get the 1150...NOW.