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I want a great display, only PQ matters, any recommendations?

post #1 of 8
4/19/10 at 11:33am
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I think I'm asking in the right place, so here it is.

I want a great 2010 50-inch plasma DISPLAY.

I don't need :
- Apps / Widgets / Netflix / etc.
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Ultra-thin
- Good sound (will hook up to AVR)
- Swivel / Sturdy stand (will wall-mount)
- Artificial "enhancement" to the source material

I DO need :
- Great PQ (contrast, colors, blacks, etc.)
- Handles perfectly PC input on HDMI (1080p / no overscan)
- Handles nicely movement/action without looking jerky like 120hz LCDs
- Nice, complete menus
- Good calibration options
- Good remote

I'd like :
- Proper 96hz for 1080/24p playback
- USB support for pics & video playback
- Bang for the buck
- Small bezel around the screen
- Square (straight lines) design
- "One sheet of glass" design, no gap between the screen and the bezel

I've looked at the Panasonic S2 & G25, Samsung's PN50C7000 & PN50C8000 so far. I'd like to hear about Samsung's C550 & C590, some LGs too maybe...

So far, the Panasonic models are on the top of my list, but the ugly bezel makes me look at other options from Samsung & LG.

So what do you think? Is the S2 the best choice? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!!
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post #2 of 8
4/19/10 at 11:43am
.. panasonic 50vx100:

http://www.panasonic.com/business/pl...-plasma-tv.asp

correction: or pro model (th-50pf11uk/th-50pf20u).
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post #3 of 8
4/19/10 at 11:46am
No contest. There are still some Pioneer Elite Monitors available. Meets your every desire. Get one while you still can.
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post #4 of 8
4/19/10 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the input! Never thought about the professional models.

Is one of those under 1500 or 2000$?
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post #5 of 8
4/19/10 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bruf View Post

Thanks for the input! Never thought about the professional models.

Is one of those under 1500 or 2000$?

Six months ago, yes. Now, probably not. They are in very short supply at this point since Pioneer exited the plasma business. You can check Pioneer's website for local dealers in your area in the off-chance that they have some left. Also, Best Buy is reported to have a few.

But to satisfy all of your requirements, Pioneer Kuro is the only way to go. There hasn't been much talk of them around here lately because they are so scarce. But if you go second-best (Panasonic) you'll have to deal with rising/floating blacks which will affect PQ in a negative way and cause potential IR issues. Even 2010 models do not completely fix the problem.

2009 Pioneer displays still best the 2010 models from other manufacturers (Samsung, LG & Panasonic) in every feature.

Black level: Pioneer wins, and they get better with age instead of the opposite
PQ: Stunning. Especially the KRP and Elite series have that WOW factor that is like looking through a window. Check the Kuro Pictures thread for some great examples of this.
Features: PIP, ethernet control, image orbiter, picture adjustments, film modes, integrator mode... the list is massive. The manual is literally a book.
AR filters: Still the best plasma to view in bright environments.
Build quality: Parts made in Japan, assembled in USA. What more could you ask?
Calibration options: All Elite & KRP series have ISF modes, doesn't get better than that. (xx20 models do not have them.)

No, you won't get WiFi or Netflix, but you'll get a professional grade monitor that you'll be happy with for a LONG time
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post #6 of 8
4/19/10 at 5:32pm
Maybe look at the LG PK550. No widget/gadgets. Very Cheap. 72Hz for 24p. Not single-sheet of glass (tho the 750 is), but clean lines. Deep blacks.
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post #7 of 8
4/19/10 at 10:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bruf View Post

Hi,

I think I'm asking in the right place, so here it is.

I want a great 2010 50-inch plasma DISPLAY.

I don't need :
- Apps / Widgets / Netflix / etc.
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Ultra-thin
- Good sound (will hook up to AVR)
- Swivel / Sturdy stand (will wall-mount)
- Artificial "enhancement" to the source material

I DO need :
- Great PQ (contrast, colors, blacks, etc.)
- Handles perfectly PC input on HDMI (1080p / no overscan)
- Handles nicely movement/action without looking jerky like 120hz LCDs
- Nice, complete menus
- Good calibration options
- Good remote

I'd like :
- Proper 96hz for 1080/24p playback
- USB support for pics & video playback
- Bang for the buck
- Small bezel around the screen
- Square (straight lines) design
- "One sheet of glass" design, no gap between the screen and the bezel

I've looked at the Panasonic S2 & G25, Samsung's PN50C7000 & PN50C8000 so far. I'd like to hear about Samsung's C550 & C590, some LGs too maybe...

So far, the Panasonic models are on the top of my list, but the ugly bezel makes me look at other options from Samsung & LG.

So what do you think? Is the S2 the best choice? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!!

Not a real strong year for plasma. If you must buy this year i would try and find Pioneer. If you can't I would suggest the LG PK550. The only reason I don't say the VT series from Panasonic is because you don't sound like someone who can tolerate floating blacks.
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post #8 of 8
4/20/10 at 10:25am
Thread Starter 
I've looked at the 50PK550 today and it's a very interesting model, never considered LG before. The lengthy menus, minimalist design (although glossy bezel), good PQ and price are strong selling arguments.

The only thing that bothers me is the screen, it was mirror-like and I'm afraid I'll have issues with reflections once in my room. The G20/G25 was much better on this particular aspect. I currently have a 46" Bravia LCD so I'm used to a matte screen.

I did consider Pioneer but I can't find anything but display units in bad shape, and on ebay they're all above 3k.

Thanks all for the advices!
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