PN50C550 or PN50B860/850

Looking to purchase a tv within the next week or two. I was all set to buy the 50b550, but they're all gone locally. So it's between the two options above. This is going above the fireplace in my living room, not a home theatre.

I can get the b850 at sears for $1,490 or the b860 from Best Buy for $1,579. I like the thin aspect of the 850/860 but the new 550 is less than 3" thick, so it's not a major concern. I don't like buying electronics when they first come out (c550) and that's $1,299, so I'd be paying premium price for that.

I've done a lot of research on this board and was hoping for comments from people that may have had a chance to compare them both. I am not concerned about sound, strictly picture quality. I believe the 850/860 had some kind of special filter on the screen and was wondering how that compares to the new screen on the c550.

I do know about the buzzing issue, however I feel it's overblown and not too concerned about it. Plus, I'm not sure the new ones won't have the same issue. Buzzing aside, I'm more concerned about how the picture would stack up against 850/860.

Sounds like we're in the same boat. I could care less about the 3d, especially the first gen of it, this is going in my living room. The funny thing about what you mentioned above is that why wouldn't you want the 1080/24 fps to be automatic? I think I read about Cinema smooth not being in the 850, others have said you can turn it on the service menu. I haven't been able to get clarification.

Add to all of this that Best Buy would take a month to deliver an 860 and Sears can get me an 850 in less than a week...

I stood behind an 850 in Best Buy and could hear the buzz in the upper right corner (if facing the tv). That being said, i had to stand behind the tv and put my ear pretty close. I'm gonna be sitting 10-15 ft away, I don't think the buzz will be a problem.

Was about to buy from Sears and figured I would look at Best Buy one last time. Miraculously the new soonest delivery date changed to next week, so I pulled the trigger and a new 860 will be here next Wednesday.

Now to find a a proper tilt mount...