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ST50 vs UT50

post #1 of 45
5/21/12 at 8:22am
Thread Starter 
I'm having trouble deciding which one of these sets to get. I'm on a budget cannot spend more than 1200. I really want a 55 inch set. Since the 55 ST50 is out of my price range --Should I get a 55 UT50 or just get the 50 ST50 to stay near budget? I have blinds and curtains. And do most my tv watching at night except on weekends.
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post #2 of 45
5/21/12 at 8:38am
Go for the UT50, especially if you have a dark room or a room where you can control the lighting. Since you do most of your TV watching at night, the UT50 is perfect. The louvre filter on the ST50 actually brings it down a notch.
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post #3 of 45
5/21/12 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by QuiGonJosh View Post

Go for the UT50, especially if you have a dark room or a room where you can control the lighting. Since you do most of your TV watching at night, the UT50 is perfect. The louvre filter on the ST50 actually brings it down a notch.

Brings what down a notch? As much as I would like an st50 I just can't spend more than I have. Plus I rather get the bigger screen.
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post #4 of 45
5/21/12 at 9:46am
Do you want or need the extra features and settings that the ST50 has?

Are you willing to spend more for them?

FWIW, the ST50's AR Filter doesn't really detract from the picture quality even in a dark enviironment.
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post #5 of 45
5/21/12 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

Do you want or need the extra features and settings that the ST50 has?

Are you willing to spend more for them?

FWIW, the ST50's AR Filter doesn't really detract from the picture quality even in a dark enviironment.

Apart from the filter I really don't need the extra features. I get all streaming from blue ray player and Xbox. I wish I could get the 55St50 but have to stay on budget. I'm coming from an 2007 37 inch Samsung LCD. What I really want is better picture quality than the samsung and for my budget. And bigger screen. Will I be disappointed with the 55 ut50? That's really my main concern. I just want it to be better than my Samsung.
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post #6 of 45
5/21/12 at 9:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Apart from the filter I really don't need the extra features. I get all streaming from blue ray player and Xbox. I wish I could get the 55St50 but have to stay on budget. I'm coming from an 2007 37 inch Samsung LCD. What I really want is better picture quality than the samsung and for my budget. And bigger screen. Will I be disappointed with the 55 ut50? That's really my main concern. I just want it to be better than my Samsung.

The PQ on the UT50 is as good, if not slightly better, than the ST50 because it doesn't have the filter. Check out PathofNeo's post in the UT50 thread.
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post #7 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:01am
If you can control the lighting & don't mind losing out on couple of extra setting options, I'd go with the UT50 as well.

I've seen the ST50 up close and the picture quality, IMHO, is no better than that of my UT50.
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post #8 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haroof View Post

If you can control the lighting & don't mind losing out on couple of extra setting options, I'd go with the UT50 as well.

I've seen the ST50 up close and the picture quality, IMHO, is no better than that of my UT50.

I'm not a videophile, just want a good solid picture quality that won't break my bank. So if it has less settings that won't be an issue. Especially with blue rays. As long as blue rays look solid I'm a happy camper.
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post #9 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

I'm not a videophile, just want a good solid picture quality that won't break my bank. So if it has less settings that won't be an issue. Especially with blue rays. As long as blue rays look solid I'm a happy camper.

The UT50 it is!
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post #10 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by QuiGonJosh View Post

The PQ on the UT50 is as good, if not slightly better, than the ST50 because it doesn't have the filter. Check out PathofNeo's post in the UT50 thread.

It's not as good and certainly not better. The UT50 lacks any white balance control; the ST50 at least has a 2pt white balance.

To the OP, it does seem like you'd be perfectly happy with a UT50 and the extra size will probably be more important to you than the slightly better picture in the ST50.
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post #11 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rahzel View Post

It's not as good and certainly not better. The UT50 lacks any white balance control; the ST50 at least has a 2pt white balance.

To the OP, it does seem like you'd be perfectly happy with a UT50 and the extra size will probably be more important to you than the slightly better picture in the ST50.

UT50 white balance can be calibrated in service menu, obviously not something a novice would want to do but the capability does exist.
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post #12 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rahzel View Post

It's not as good and certainly not better. The UT50 lacks any white balance control; the ST50 at least has a 2pt white balance.

To the OP, it does seem like you'd be perfectly happy with a UT50 and the extra size will probably be more important to you than the slightly better picture in the ST50.

Yeah. Trust me I wish I could just get an St50, but would prefer a bigger size for less money. I understand the St50 has better picture quality, but I don't think il be messing around with settings too much other than cable, blue ray daytime and nighttime settings.
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post #13 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:42am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chunon View Post

UT50 white balance can be calibrated in service menu, obviously not something a novice would want to do but the capability does exist.

Good to know.
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post #14 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Good to know.

From everything I have read sounds like you'd be very happy with the UT50, went from a 50 to 55 inch myself and the difference is noticeable.
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post #15 of 45
5/21/12 at 10:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chunon View Post

From everything I have read sounds like you'd be very happy with the UT50, went from a 50 to 55 inch myself and the difference is noticeable.

So you have a UT50 as well? What are your general thoughts on it? If you have one that is.
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post #16 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

So you have a UT50 as well? What are your general thoughts on it? If you have one that is.

No I do not have the ST30 from last year so can't testify personally, however from everything I have read the UT50 is an excellent set. Debated returning my ST30 for one but 55 inch size wasnt availible while I was in my 30 day window. Have you perused the UT50 owners thread and read the CNET review very positive. ST50 is also a great set but in your budget and with your room lighting conditions sounds like the UT50 would be fine.
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post #17 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:20am
Thread Starter 
Ok. Here's my current dilemma. I can get the 50 ST50 and the 55 UT50 for the same price thought Panasonic epp. I watch tv from about 8 up to 12 feet from tv. Different angles depending on where you sit in my living room. What should I do.
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post #18 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Ok. Here's my current dilemma. I can get the 50 ST50 and the 55 UT50 for the same price thought Panasonic epp. I watch tv from about 8 up to 12 feet from tv. Different angles depending on where you sit in my living room. What should I do.

If the picture quality is close go for the larger set. Bigger is better when other issues are equal.
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post #19 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Ok. Here's my current dilemma. I can get the 50 ST50 and the 55 UT50 for the same price thought Panasonic epp. I watch tv from about 8 up to 12 feet from tv. Different angles depending on where you sit in my living room. What should I do.

Just my personal opinion but go with the 55", if you can control the room light. Have you read the CNET review of both tvs ?
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post #20 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chunon View Post

Just my personal opinion but go with the 55", if you can control the room light. Have you read the CNET review of both tvs ?

Yes I'm pretty familiar with both reviews. I've always wanted a bigger tv but don't want to sacrifice picture quality.
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post #21 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Yes I'm pretty familiar with both reviews. I've always wanted a bigger tv but don't want to sacrifice picture quality.

I dont believe you will be honestly, the St50 does have advantages in bright room conditions, maybe a little better color accuracy, easier to calibrate without getting in the service menu. Are you planning on getting the set calibrated ?

What is your use pattern, Cable or satellite, blu-rays, gaming etc
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post #22 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barana2080 View Post

Ok. Here's my current dilemma. I can get the 50 ST50 and the 55 UT50 for the same price thought Panasonic epp. I watch tv from about 8 up to 12 feet from tv. Different angles depending on where you sit in my living room. What should I do.

PQ between the two sets is negligible. Either way, you'll get fantastic PQ. But with the UT50 an extra five inches. Bigger is better.
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post #23 of 45
5/21/12 at 11:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chunon View Post

I dont believe you will be honestly, the St50 does have advantages in bright room conditions, maybe a little better color accuracy, easier to calibrate without getting in the service menu. Are you planning on getting the set calibrated ?

What is your use pattern, Cable or satellite, blu-rays, gaming etc

I'm not planning on getting the set calibrated other than using the pre settings found online. I have Fios, watch everything in HD. Occasional gamer with Xbox 360. Pretty much just watch blue rays moved away from DVDs. A lot of Netflix streaming using my Xbox or Pannasonic 220 blue ray player. I watch a lot of cable, mostly during night. Sports on weekends , but mostly auto racing.
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post #24 of 45
5/21/12 at 12:02pm
For non-videophiles, the difference is the ST50 filter's ability to reduce reflections. If reflections aren't an issue, go with the UT50.
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post #25 of 45
5/21/12 at 1:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsskid View Post

For non-videophiles, the difference is the ST50 filter's ability to reduce reflections. If reflections aren't an issue, go with the UT50.

Ok. Thanks
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post #26 of 45
7/31/12 at 6:57pm
Go with the st50
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post #27 of 45
7/31/12 at 11:44pm
I had the same choice and went with the 55" UT50. I don't mind pulling the curtains when needed and it has a great picture compared to my LCDs and I have a fine smaller Sony HX800.
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post #28 of 45
9/16/12 at 8:15am
Want to make sure - does UT50 have a swivel stand?
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post #29 of 45
9/16/12 at 10:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nsqaure View Post

Want to make sure - does UT50 have a swivel stand?

Panasonic's website says the 50" ST and GT only have the swivel option.
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post #30 of 45
9/18/12 at 4:56am
I'm debating this decision right now. I have a samsung 51" and have really bad glare issues with it in my living room. Covering the huge window is not really an option so it seems the ST is a better choice. My only concern is the filter on the ST50. Does it, in any way, change the picture quality (brightness, clarity, etc) compared to the UT50? I loved my P50ST30 that I had and the picture was outstanding and did not have issues with glare on that tv.
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