Are there any decent panels still available? Been out of the market for awhile and haven't kept up since Panasonic left the plasma business. Currently own the following:
Sony KDS-55A3000
LG 50PQ30 (Bing Cashback Deal)
Would probably end up replacing the Sony and would be looking in the 55-60" range.
Yes other than Samsung. Everything we've owned with the Samsung name on it has failed. She wouldn't even consider one at this point I don't think.
As for the LG OLED wouldn't that be nice! The picture quality on our LG 50PQ30 is pretty good but that is coming from someone whose hasn't seen the picture from a Panasonic or newer Samsung plasma in awhile.
The consensus seems to be the best TVs that are readily available are Samsung plasmas. Bite the bullet and buy one with an extended warranty if you are worried about longevity or settle for LED and pay more for something with a lesser picture quality.
There is a third option, which baffles the mind as to why some plasma folks keep overlooking. Yes, it's new tech and you'll pay a little more, but if we're talking "best."
I did already, but it was an October 2013 build with 4 dead subpixels. I might even try again before my warranty is up since recent builds have apparently fixed the grayscale uniformity problem. The PQ is so good that I would do it again.
Folks have also replaced their F8500s upwards of two to three times for various reasons.
That's fine. I am in all likelihood on my last plasma in the great room, and I'm okay with that. It's been a great 5-year ride (looking to continue at least another year in all likelihood). LCD-LEDs are out of the picture after having been spoiled for the last nearly 4 months by the LG.
I think Samsung and LG are essentially identical in terms of quality and philosophy. I'd consider them to be "The Sony & Panasonic of Korea," both formidable competitors, both capable of making good and bad products, both out to make a lot of money.
I kind of blame the Korean manufacturers for the downslide in prices and picture quality over the last 10 years, but in truth, that happened for a variety of factors, and they're just among many causes. And I have seen some top-of-the-line sets from both that were calibrated and looked very good.
One issue with getting an extended warranty on a plasma at this point is that if the plasma fails a year from now, there's a good chance they won't be able to fix or replace it with another plasma. I still like plasma very much, but even I admit we're kind of at the end of that road.
If a Samsung TV already lacks WAF it might be your WAF suffering if you buy an F8500 and it breaks down
If it was my TV I would keep the 55A3000 until it breaks down if it still has good picture quality.
The OLEDs aren't a great choice yet as they're expensive and an immature technology. My suggestion is either keep using the 55A3000 for another year or three until OLEDs improve or get a 58" 4K Panasonic 58AX800U which is available with a bundled BD player on discount from their website until the 19th. It isn't a plasma TV but is the most plastma-like of LCDs and there aren't many options. I'll guess the banding problems present in some 65" units aren't much of an issue with a 58".
I think Samsung and LG are essentially identical in terms of quality and philosophy.
You're screwed Plasma wise... Samsung is the only plasma left I would purchase. LG's offerings leave a bit to be desired.
LCD wise...
Checkout Vizio's new FALD TV(s) for this year... If the reference series ever materializes they are pretty amazing on paper. Especially since they support HDR from Dolby. I think this feature alone will be pretty amazing.
With all the Samsung hate, it's a wonder they're still in business.
I own a Sammy and I'm happy with mine but I'm the exception to the rule in this forum.
I've never had a Samsung fail(or any display that was less than 10yrs old for that matter), I'm just against them because they seemed to be on the leading companies that marketed thin TV's over picture quality, and that marketing has changed the market for the worse, imo.
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