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Originally Posted by
horsegoer 
.....Do you think my Panny Plasma is a bad buying choice at this point?
No, unless the new models' features and abilities are important to you and you're willing to spend more money in order to get them. The outgoing 2012 models are still excellent choices and current prices on them are pretty attractive. Aside from the flagship ZT60, the other new models are re-using the 2012 Plasma Panels and reportedly have only a slight improvement in PQ over the 2012s (via software and a slightly revised filter). No word yet on if there are any real improvements to black levels or color accuracy or image sharpness since they're not out yet and haven't been professionally reviewed or examined by calibrators etc.
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Also I see positive talks about the Panny GT series...I thought the 3D technology really did not take off due to lack of interest.
Well despite the lack of widespread interest in 3D, manufacturers are still going full steam ahead with it and marketing it heavily. It does seem to be gaining in popularity compared to a few years ago, but most people still aren't interested in it.
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Are people buying this set mainly for the 3D?
No, i'm sure 3D is not the priority with the people choosing the GT50 over the other 3D models (UT50/ST50/VT50) or even the non 3D models (X5, U50). There are various reasons why people choose the GT50 over the other models, but 3D surely isn't one of em.
Based on previous polls here and elsewhere and general discussion in numerous threads, the vast majority of people buying the models that support 3D do not use the 3D feature. The only Plasmas that are not 3D capable are the lower end models. If you want a decent to good Plasma, it will be 3D capable but most of us just ignore the 3D mode, just as i ignore the Vivid picture mode and Zoom stretch mode and Internet mode. The good thing about a 3D TV is that it has a better panel and better processing than the non-3D models so regular 2D viewing is better across the board.
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The Vt50 looks nice. Question, would it be a waste to buy a 3D tv if we would never use it?
No. Unless you want to spend less money and/or you're willing to settle for a bottom-of-the-barrel entry-level model with reduced picture quality compared to the 3D models.
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.....or do the VT> have best non 3D pic qualities.
That depends on various factors such as viewing environment and content and also you particular feature requirements. There are threads comparing the pros and cons of VT50 vs GT50, but basically the VT50 only has a few features/abilities that the GT50 does not have and those features/abilities only appeal to a very narrow group of movie watching enthusiasts. I have absolutely zero use for the VT50's extra features, and the ST50 is lacking a few features that i wanted or needed so for me the GT50 was a no brainer. I have absolutely zero interest in 3D so that had no bearing on my decision.
