Go for the Samsung's FPT5084 or wait for 08' Panasonic's 50px80u?

Both will give you great performance. However, I would go with the 50PX80U. A 768p set has plenty of detail and sharpness.

Chris

Samsung. Better picture, less artifacts

It's not a voting contest. Why don't you buy the one you like best?

Will one of the newer panasonic PZ sets give a better picture than a px/ 768. I was hoping that the higher contrasts on the 1080 series will overall improve picture quality. If you are comparing a px80 to a pz85 ( 10k vs 30k contrast) how will that translate into picture quality??

.. if 50" (PX) model, sitting beyond 10ft (from reading here) will not yield any better picture .. unless, of course, Randy (mbr RandyWalters) has marketed his 'spidey vision glasses', then I would go for the 'PZ' 1080p model.

Is that based on the screen size vs view distance chart I have seen referred to in these forums? There are so many variables in watching TV, I cant believe the PZ wont have a better picture with the inc contrast. I need to see one first. If they could package the 30k contrast in a 768 screen would it matter?

If you have a Circuit City by you they might have the PX80 in stock. The CC by me has it in stock. I am going to check out this weekend as I am also considering this set.

I can't say anything about the Panny because I don't think I've ever seen one.
They do make an excellent panel
I purchased a Sammy 5084 in September and have been very satisfied with it. The current pricing is quite reasonable and the features of the Sammy are extensive.
Let your eyes and your budget direct your decision and enjoy

Circuit City has a great deal on the Sammy 5084 today. I was in the same boat you are, wait for the new Panny's or get the Sammy while the price is hot. After tweaking the settings for a few hours last night the 5084 really does have a great picture. If you don't like it you can always return it and wait for the new Panny.

Just my personal preference, but I would definitely go with Panasonic. The Samsung may indeed have a great picture...but as an owner of 2 Panny plasmas (4 year old 37", 5 month old 42" 1080p) I am convinced of their quality while also producing a great picture. My past experiences with Samsung products (27" CRT, DVD recorder, desktop lcd monitor) have been less than positive to put it mildly...but to be fair I have never owned a Samsung plasma.

Well I made the choice a couple months ago between a Panny TH-50PZ700U, and the Sammy FPT5084. Price was a wash because they were very close in price at that time. I went with the Sammy because after I played with the settings in the store with both tvs, it seemed to me that the Sammy had better picture quality and sharpness.

I see where you are coming from, I have not had great luck with some older Samsung products. This is my first Samsung Plasma my other one is an LG, one thing that eased my mind was that the Samsung comes with a 24month warranty out of the box compared to the Panasonic's 12month. I am probably going to pick up a 3year Mack warranty before my 30 days are up from one of the forum sponsors here. The Mack doesn't kick in untill the manufactures runs out unlike the Big Box stores warranties so it will give me a 5 year warranty to ease my mind Circuit City's prices for extended warranties is crazy. Good luck with you choice, either way I think you will end up with a great set!