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Upgrade to Panasonic P50G20 or stick with Samsung A650?

post #1 of 10
3/29/10 at 6:14pm
Thread Starter 
I currently have a Samsung LN52A650 which I purchased a few years ago and love (I know it was one of the top LCDs of a few years back). I believe that my Samsung has a great picture, but was thinking about selling it and upgrading to a Panasonic P50G20 as to me it seems that the picture is even more impressive and I've grown to not really a be fan of the 120hz on LCDs.

I know the contrast ratios are vastly different (i know that the dynamic number is already inflated vs native)
Samsung 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
Panasonic 5,000,000:1 native contrast ratio

Without having it side by side it is definitely tough to know for sure to visibly see the difference. As far as the LCD vs Plasma debate, I'm still a little wary due to possible burn in, but am confident I'll be careful about it. I'm not worried about glare due to the conditions of the room and plus the Samsung has a glossy screen already. The Panasonic black level issue is a question, although I'm hoping this has been fixed on the 2010 models. (won't know until further down the road). The extra features such as Vieracast I'm not sure if I'll ever use to be honest.

Was just looking for some additional opinions. Is the difference really that much more noticeable to the naked untrained eye or am I just trying to convince myself to get a new TV (with a slightly smaller screen)? I try to read up on this stuff as much as I can, but I wondered if someone who is a lot more experienced with displays may be able to offer some advice. I know this may be a completely ridiculous question since the newer panasonic obviously has newer technology, but wondering if someone not as big or "in the know" regarding displays would notice a huge difference.

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

~J
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post #2 of 10
3/29/10 at 6:17pm
SOunds like you're already happy with your tv. And no the black level has not been fixed for 2010. I would stick with your samsung and wait til next year.
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post #3 of 10
3/29/10 at 6:21pm
normally I would say to dump the LCD in a heartbeat,the plasma will spank it hands down in terms of pq
I have a G10 and absolutely love it in every way but the rising black level thing has me scared and quite frankly a bit pissed,so far I have not noticed much of a rise but it seems inevitable, so unless/until Panasonic does something about the situation I really can't recommend their products.............and believe me it breaks my heart to say that
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post #4 of 10
3/29/10 at 7:06pm
2010 has them black rising what extent unknown it; but far less drastic than 2009 which wasn't overblown Panny's made a mistake in timing. STILL - a debacle by Panny HOWEVER - MOST PPL - won't notice imo in 2010, it depends what/when you watch.

If really concerned with blacks ask yourself
- FIRST - anything be better than current LCD black levels.
- SECOND - how often and what's darkest you'll watch something? You big movie guy?
- AND - How feel about LCD; clearly by making this thread, it ain't flowers and lollypops. Can you wait another year? Go with another brand? No matter how much research you gotta see for yourself. Sadly, stores don't do...

Blacks rise will noticeable in TOTAL DARKNESS - screen panel lighting everything; any rise will show; truth is the average consumer wont notice much esp if so gradual and distant as Panny says it will be or whatever they say now. As many dont watch everything this way, even movies. (not belittling the rise =)

ALL MY OPINION - it didn't stop me from getting a new TV. I have a g20 upgraded from a CRT. When my brother lived with me he had a Panny z800u but left a year ago. The only thing I was upset over is Comcast. It depends how fed up with LCD you are; etc
EVEN with a "proper slight rise" it'll beat LCD any day and most Plasmas.
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post #5 of 10
3/29/10 at 7:45pm
I would wait til next year. I bought an LG 50" 50PK550 because I was tired of looking at a 34" tube. But if I was already riding on a big screen I would definitely wait for next year to think about a plasma.
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post #6 of 10
3/30/10 at 5:23am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the input. Are there any other models then besides the Panasonic that I should consider then? That was really all Ive been looking at. I may just end up sticking with my Samsung LCD. I had a potential buyer for my TV which brought up the thought of switching to Plasma in the firstplace.

Thanks
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post #7 of 10
3/30/10 at 6:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nbaj2k View Post

Thanks for the input. Are there any other models then besides the Panasonic that I should consider then? That was really all Ive been looking at. I may just end up sticking with my Samsung LCD. I had a potential buyer for my TV which brought up the thought of switching to Plasma in the firstplace.

Thanks

Every TV has its issues. Samsung's LEDs have uniformity issues, flashlighting, and coning for example. You really need to pick your posion. I think I would prefer the rising black levels, at least its uniform. Clouding, banding, and all other manner of not uniform color and blacks always drove me nuts.

For the record I have a samsung LED on order for my kitchen, and a 65vt25 on order for my living room....lol.
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post #8 of 10
3/30/10 at 11:41am
The other natural choice would be a Samsung plasma. The remaining Bseries can be had for pretty cheap, and the Cseries would be a great choice too.
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post #9 of 10
3/30/10 at 12:50pm
I have a 46" A650 LCD, and I'm not sure I'd want to give up 5:5 pulldown for 3:2 pulldown on a G series.

The motion bothers me on broadcast TV, enough I have to use motion smoothing, but not on Blu-Ray, where I can leave it off.

I may need a new TV soon, if so I'll get either a V10, or maybe a Samsung plasma.
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post #10 of 10
3/30/10 at 1:40pm
Personally, I have been very happy with my G20 that I just ordered a 2nd one. I was stuck between it and the LG 50PK550. The LG is very slim but the reflections were just too much for me.

BTW, I got sears to price match BB sales price, which they did and offered another 10% off of that. In additional, I got another 10% for using a sears CC. For that price, it has to be one of the best deals out there right now IMO. YMMV.
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