OK! Your Plasma! You Tell Me! Got a new one? post it here - Page 14

I just bought a viizio 50 inch for $1939 seems to be great so far, anybody know any thing about this brand.

1. The "Model" you have.
Toshiba 42HP95

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
*Firewire (I have 3 DVHS machines)
*Picture Quality (uses Panasonic glass)
*Price (Open Box from Best Buy, can't mention price on here, but it was really good and I had a coupon)

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
*I'm a big CRT guy (Sony 30" in workout room, 65" 9" gunned 65813 Mits for main TV)
The picture quality on this set is incredible, much closer to CRT than LCD. It's a bedroom TV and I sit about 9 feet away, from that distance it looks like CRT.
*This TV instantly made me a cooler dude.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
*If you enter a channel number (example 4, you can't default it to 4.1 it will tune the analog station). So it takes me 3 key strokes to go directly to a digital station.
*If you setup the on/off timer it display right across the middle of your screen when you change channels. Ie,. on timer weekdays 6:30AM

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
*A better on/off timer. You can't set the exact off time (I might be able to use the TV guide to make this work). I usually have the TV come on at 6:30 (when I wake) and turn off at 7:40 (when I should be leaving)
*Guide info with channel changes, you have to open up the TV guide to see the program info. I'd like the guide info to act like Satellite with channel changes. The LG did it with OTA content.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Look at LG's menu system. This TV replaced an LG 32LXD1 (that's now going back after I found this deal).

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
*How good the picture looked from 9' and how quiet the unit is with so many fans.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
*None (well, had to enter the next towns zip to get the TV guide to function correctly)

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
*I was just telling a buddy I remember when 42" plasmas where $10k (it wasn't that long ago). Albeit, I noticed that manufacturers are using the strip features tactic to reach the $2K mark.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
*Right now it's sitting on a 4.5 foot dresser. I'm hoping to mount it after my 30 days are up and I'm completely committed. Even though my bedroom is 13X17, It sort of dominates the room where it is now. I'm hoping that mounting it on a wall will change that drastically.
*Great sound quality from virtually hidden speakers.
*After setting color and contrast the picture really smoothed and popped.
*might want to look in the service menu later.
*Color temperature at warm looks about right on for gray scale. No blue, red or green blacks.

Update one week later: Couldn't wait,
I mounted it this weekend (Simplicity mount from Costco), completely changed the dominance in the room (it actually looks perfect for the room now). We are about 11.5 feet from the TV while we are in bed. I'm glad I didn't go smaller. I mostly watch HDTV from a HD Tivo and OTA, so I'm glad I didn't go ED either.

You'll find a lot of info if you do a search.

You can start here though.

[b]The model you have: Samsung HP-S5053

What convinced you to purchase this particular model?

Fantastic PQ, performance (great skin tones, black levels in particular) in same league as Panny et al, at a very attractive price

What do you like best about your new plasma?

Great PQ!!! Tuner is very good, DVD performance is great.

What don't you loke about your new plasma?

Can't watch it enough--family objects!

What features do you wish your Plasma had?

No more, it's very well set now

What advice or suggestion would you make to the manufacturer about your plasma?

Nothing at this time

What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your new plasma?

How large it was in my room, how absolutely great it looked!

What problems or issues have you had with your plasma?

Nothing yet

Do you really think that today's prices are worth it?

Yes, definately!!! Hard to beat at $3150.

Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Check out the new Samsungs before you buy, they are really quite nice, very competitive with Panny, Pio et al.

1. The "Model" you have. - Panasonic TH-50PX500u

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model". - My eyes

3. What you like best about your Plasma. - PQ, Build quality...etc..etc

4. What you don't like about your Plasma. - Possible 720p input issues even though it hasn't impacted my viewing experience.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had. - None atm

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma. - The new models are a step back....don't put profit margin over quality.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma. - Looks even better at home.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma. - Had some VGA input isses but seems ok now.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it. - It was worth it for me but would like the pricing to become more mainstream.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged. - The 50" 500u is the best plamsa I have laid my eyes on so far. Excellent set!

I agree. Hopefully Panny will fix that with the 600 series. The 500U is still the best value for money for any consumer plasma (IMHO)

As an intro, I've never owned a set larger than 27 inches and it wasn't even full stereo! I researched for many months before I decided on the following.

1. PRO-930HD

2. Simply put, I loved the picture. To be more specific I found the color to be very accurate, fade out was minimal in indirect light and I was not able to see any juddering effect.

3. I'll update the other questions as soon as it arrives which will not be for 2-3 weeks since they are back ordered at the moment. I just wanted to express my appreciation to everyone that posts here. I'm not an expert, but I didn't walk in blind.

ShadowsHawk

1. The "Model" you have.

from a 42" ED to the TH-50PHD8UK

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

Previous experience

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Size and PQ

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

SIZE(my wife)

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

N/A

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

N/A

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

PQ, ease of set up

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

Not yet

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Yes, I paid the today for a 50" that I paid 3yrs ago for a 42" ED model!

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Just get one!

See reply

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic 42" HD 42PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

This forum, CR ratings.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

PQ, both SD and HD, weight.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Sound could be better.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

A way to edit the cable program guide )

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

Improve sound varation from channel to channel (really a Cable Co. problem)

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

Picture QUALITY, even on many SD stations

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

None - although doesn't seem to remember (default) to last aspect size.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Yes, unbelievable to get a high quality Plasma for same or slightly more than an LCD or DLP.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

I find MANY TWC SD channels in "Just" mode, just about as good as the HD channels. This was a BIG surprize, and made me very happy with my switch from Dish to TWC at the same time I bought the Plasma.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panny 42" HD 42-PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

I bought the Panny 50" commercial model a couple years ago and love it. Not to mention the outstanding price I got this new one for.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

I haven't taken delivery yet (tomorrow), but I chose the Panny for the picture quality, black levels and price/performance value.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

A PC input would be nice, but not terribly important since this is going in the bedroom.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

I don't need a lot of features from my display, so I'm very happy with what it has.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

If this wasn't going into a bedroom, I'd worry about the ability of the 20W speakers to fill a room.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

I hope there are no surprises.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

none - knock on wood.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Of course, I'd love for prices to continue to drop, but this is still relatively new technology for which we're going to pay a premium. To me, it's worth the price of admission. To find a high quality 42" plasma display for less than $2,000 just shows things continue to move quickly in the right direction.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Nope, I'm good.

1. The "Model" you have.
Pio 5060

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Media Box and quality

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Picture Quality

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Truly nothing, incredible!

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
none yet (maybe cheaper

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Make it cheaper

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How beautiful it is both on and off.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Yes

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
The media box is really incredible if you want a clean wall mount.

Attached are some pictures taken, camera makes everything look really bright but tv picture looks awesome even on brightest day.

D

Here's picture of mine, found a nice 36" stand (which is really 42") at Circuit City. Paradigm Cinema 90's and PDR8 sub. Panny SA8300 STB, Panny XR57 receiver, Panny E80H recorder/player.

http://i.pbase.com/o4/13/3613/1/61297267.HT1.jpg

My other comments 3 posts up.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-42PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

positive reviews here and observed picture quality in stores

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

great picture with SD and HD sources, HD aspect ratio control, high contrast

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

nothing yet

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

feature set is sufficient

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.

tone down the showroom default settings, they don't do the display justice

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

great SD picture

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

first set had a dead pixel near center screen, exchanged it, new set has no issues

9. Do you really think that today's "Prices" are worth it.

I think so, considering the picture quality and space savings

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

I keep reading about "clayface" with this set when in vivid mode in showrooms.
With some minor adjustment it is absolutely not an issue and the picture quality is great.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-50PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

Next generation 10,000:1

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

The picture is amazing...

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Having problems plugging my PC DVI to HDMI and well.. ya so what if it's not supposed to.
I'd like it to have a better sound system.. the 600 has the strips down the sides.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

DVI or HDMI input with easy config for the Pc. The 600 will come with VGA.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Better sound next time..

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
OMG.. HD 50" is incredible.. do they make porn in HD?

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Just the PC issue.. posted the question under Graphics..

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Absolutely... 3g at BB...

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Umm.. Love is grand..
Make yourself happy.. buy yourself a toy.. or 2 or 3..
Those are most happy that do they things that make them happy..
I might have been born yesterday but I stayed up all night?
I like Spicy Oriental Party Mix...

Just this afternoon I purchased a Panasonic 42PD60U.

I decided on this model for a few reasons. This 42PD60U is not a high definition display, it is an enhanced definition television. But I am okay with this because it is a significant savings over the hd version and because my viewing distance will always be at least 11 feet. I am told at this distance the difference between hd and ed becomes negligible.

The one thing this set is missing which I wish it had is a cable card slot. Fortunately it has an hd tuner so I can get my hd fix without a cable box.

I'm really looking forward to delivery day so I can answer the rest of these questions.

Hi Guys,
This is my first post here...

1. The "Model" you have.
Toshiba 50HP66

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Looked at HP, LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Toshiba at BB for almost 2 hours. Finally, Toshiba looked better to my eyes over the rest.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Don't know yet. Will let you know after couple of months.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The stand. I don't know how to take it off and mount the plasma on wall.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Multimedia card reader (CF/SD/MD/MS etc); Cable card

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Provide option to purchase with or without a stand.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
Didn't think it would be this big in my small living room.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Banding in sunset/sunrise shots; But I verified that this is the same for other manufacturer models too.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Maybe, maybe not; You have to pay high prices if you want latest technology.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH-37PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Research on AVS, and then each time we visited a store, the wfie pointed to a Panny Plasma and would say "That is the best picture". I initially set out to get an LCD, and was anti-plasma, but the PQ swayed us to this unit.


3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Great picture, even on SD sources.
Easy to set up.
Easy to use menus (many of the less expensive brands have very quircky menus that are very slow to respond).


4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

The stand "feet" extend about 8" in front of the unit. This is a problem for me since I have mine placed into a entertainment center, so I have to push the unit 8" back.

I choice fo black would be nice.


5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Wish the setup menu had separate controls for red/green/blue.
Wish the it could handle variable volume analog output for audio.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

Alter the stand to form an apron between TV and surface unit sits on. Include screensaver in setup on consumer model. Rename "picture" control to contrast. Include calibration images in setup.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
Out of the box picture on SD was outstanding.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Absolutely, yes. The price of this unit is around $500 less than last years, and I caught this unit on sale a CC,which put this unit into my price range.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Hours of research, many visits to B&M's and constant excellent reviews. The Panasonic commercial EDTV's can easily process HD/DVD/SD content -- less converting, scaling and picture processing provides a fast faultless picture.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
HD/DVD/SD Picture quality. Sleek and simple black bezel looks great on or off .

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Can't get rid of black bars on HD content . 853X480 isn't ideal for PC. Wish they made a 50" version. Digital HDMI/DVI inputs would be nice but both component inputs work great. With any background light, glare is an issue.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How awesome HD looks -- it's better than the best DVD. Channel surfing and input flipping is much faster than I expected. Discreet's for power and inputs.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None. Panasonic has done a great job with their commercial plasma engineering. The packaging is phenominal -- you don't even need a box cutter.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
It's all relative -- very much like buying a new car: The hot new models will depreciate the fastest. The price I found for mine at TVAuthority was certainly worth it. Plasma is a fragile technology and likely won't be around as long as the fast evolving LCD but, I found plasma PQ to be much better than any LCD.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
AVS Forum and sponsors are fantastic resources -- saved me a lot of time and money. Caveat: Members with most posts usually have the best advice (ie. most EDTV bashers have under 100 posts ). There isn't enough HD and too much of it isn't broadcast in wide screen. When most content is presented in HD wide screen, a HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player costs $100, and a 60" 1080p flat panel costs under $2k then my 42PWD8UK will be moved to the bedroom.

1. Panasonic TH-50HDP8UK

2. After looking at he consumer model, what's not to like.

3. I'm guessing the unit will be upgrageable with plugin blades.

4. HDMI should have come with it.

5. The Beer tap I was looking for... didn't come with it.

6. It would be nice to have a resolution ID.

7. Not being able to find the HDMI (TY-FB8HM) plugin ANYWHERE IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY!

8. Still CANNOT find the TY-FB8HM after weeks of looking.

9. Since this is the first TV/Plasma I have purchased in 20 years, I can live with the cost.

10. I now understand the 3D effect everyone mentions. Watching the Softball National Championships, Cat almost put a knot on my noggin with more than a few of her pitches.

Damn what a picture!!!

1. Phillips (42PF7321D/37). Bought it at Costco and the website doesn't display the model #. I believe this is the one (got it off phillips), without the ambilight.

2. Price ($1799). Also, I've had phillips before and never had issues.

3. Picture

4. Sound (A mono radio probably sounds better.) Also, the near impossible to figure out features.

5. Stronger quality speakers.

6. Not to go "cheap" when it comes to instructions. The book has basic instructions and everything else is supposedly on a CD rom that doesn't come with the TV.

7. How light it was in comparison to SD TVs or DLPs, and how little room it took.

8. It has the "channel" display which I have not been able to figure out since there is NOTHING in the instructions.

9. I think so.

10. It's a good TV for the price, but I will eventually be replacing this for a Panasonic since they have some of the best reviews.

Thanks.

You guys think my ED Panny PM50 is worse then a 8uk?, it seems the same as it has just has builtin speakers and a host of input's, i dont think i would really see any diff if i owned one over my consumer model, sure i know the adjustments are better, but i feel it's the same glass.

This is the ILO 42 EDTV Plasma from Wal Mart. Bought this unit a week ago with moderate expectations. I think it is a nice deal for the price. I am certainly not a videophile or TV junkie, but I was tired of watching DVDs and sports on my 25" tube, so I wanted an entry level flat screen with a little more size. My viewing habits: 3 to 5 DVD movies a month and less than 5 hours of TV per week (sports, news) so I'm a very light TV watcher.

Anyways, this set has exceeded my expectations. It has a DVI input, 2 Component inputs, and several other inputs including RCA type (composite?), SVideo, PC, etc. No external speakers yet, but the internal audio is actually ok at this point. Plenty loud and clear for general TV, but obviously would benefit from having Bass and surround for movie watching. That'll be my next purchase.

Currently hooked up is my SD DirectTV receiver (2 years old) thru SVideo. Pic is plenty bright and contrast looks fine to me. Clarity is good but varies from channel to channel. Also have a Pioneer DVR / DVD burner is hooked up via Component, and DVDs look amazing. 1st generation XBox is hooked up to RCA input, looks pretty good to me.

Set has 3 aspect options: 4:3, Panoramic, and Full. I can't figure out the difference beteween Panoramic and Full... Anyone have any ideas?

Remote is OK, but can't find code yet for my DirectTV remote. I may end up getting a newer universal or learning remote like the Logitech Harmony series.

Not much info on these sets, so I figured I'd post my experience. Somewhere I saw that these may be re-branded AKAI tv's but I don't know for sure. I love the thin black bezel and the general look and feel of the TV. The glass has a significant glare when my ceiling fan light is on, but as I understand it, glare is an issue with most Plasma TVs. I just turn the lights off when watching.

If anyone has any questions let me know and I'll try to answer.

Thanks,
Eric

1. The "Model" you have.

LG DT-50PY10

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

PRICE VERSUS FEATURES

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

SIZE & DEFINITION

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

THAT IT BROKE DOWN

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

APART FROM WORKING, THAT YOU COULD USE THE SOUND AMPLIFIER WITHOUT THE SCREEN BEING "ON"

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

HAVE MORE STOCKOF REPLACEMENT PANELS

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

HOW GOOD IT WAS UNTIL IT BLEW

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

SCREEN STARTED GETTING RED & GREEN DOTS & DASHES PARTICULARLY IN THE DARKER AREAS 7 WHEN THE PICTURE WAS FULL OF ACTION

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
NO, NO, NO, NO AND JUST IN CASE NO

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

CONSIDER OTHER THAN PLASMA &/OR LG.

Thanks.

Dave[/quote]

The model you have:
Samsung HP-S4253

What convinced you to purchase this particular model?
Attractive price, picture quality, great looks.

What do you like best about your new plasma?
Amazing PQ for HD!

What don't you like about your new plasma?
Picture quality for SD.

What features do you wish your Plasma had?
Can't think of anything.

What advice or suggestion would you make to the manufacturer about your plasma?
Picture quality for SD could be better.

What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your new plasma?
Set up was easy.

What problems or issues have you had with your plasma?
None.

Do you really think that today's prices are worth it?
Yes, a great deal for $1,899.

Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
The Samsung is highly recommended.

1. The "Model" you have.
Pioneer Elite 1130HD

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Picture quality, Dual Tuners, Dual HDMI

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
The picture quality is outstanding, watching HD and DVD sources is like going to the movies. SD picture quality is very good.
The built in sound is excellent.
The TV guide is very useful
The split screen feature is great, the set is big enough so you can watch two shows at once.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The fan runs all the time, even when the set is off. Its quiet, but you can still hear it.
The CH+ and CH- display all the channels is finds during auto channel scan, you cannot delete them.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
A button that makes all broadcasters change their shows to High Def.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.
Do not run the fan when the set is switched off.
Update the software so we can delete channels.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
The picture quality, if you look at these in the store, you have no idea. Mine was delivered at noon, and looks great in daylight, but at night with the lights down and the HT sound turned up - WOW.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Yes, I am hoping that Pioneer becomes the "Lexus" of plasmas, with reasonable prices, but not so low as to compromise on features or quality.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
To those who are thinking of buying a plasma - Go do it, you will not regret it.
To those who are thinking of buying an LCD - Look long and hard at plasmas before you decide, the picture quality is nowhere near a plasma, the "grey" blacks will show up even more in your home.

1. The "Model" you have.
Hitachi 55HDX62

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
I was waffling between a 50" Panasonic & LG Plasma and the 60" Sony SXRD. I would not buy the Sony until the new ones came out because of the quality issues I personally observed and what I have read about here on the forum. If I went that route, I would wait for the new models. I would not have even gotten the Hitachi because the Panasonic and LG price points are better, though the Hitatchi picture quality (IMO) beats both out. So why did I buy this model? A pal is going through a divorce and I got it (less than 10 hours on it) w/the stand for less than either the 50" Panny or LG.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Crystal clear picture, deep (non-crushed) blacks, lack of picture noise.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Needs to have a cooling fan run 24x7 - doesn't really bother me much. Just hate to spend money on electricity to cool a unit in "Sleep" mode.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Cannot think of any.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Set the input selector so that you can select input by name, (you can label each input) as opposed to scrolling through them. Same issue w/my Sony.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
Same surprise I had when I got a Sony HD LCD; i.e., how great the picture looked in MY house. Viewing at the best B&M HT store in their most expensive theater and equipment will not give you any idea of what the display will ultimately look like in your living/family room, under your lighting conditions, with your HT/HD equipment. It was a shock for both sets.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Knock wood - none yet.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Absolutely. This set came out MSRP at 8K last year. then later this year there was a 2k price drop at Magnolia. (Do not want to break any rules here). Last time I saw it at Magnolia, its' price rivaled that of similar 50" plasmas by Panny and LG (though a little higher in price).

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged
The last post in this thread said;

"To those who are thinking of buying an LCD - Look long and hard at plasmas before you decide, the picture quality is nowhere near a plasma, the "grey" blacks will show up even more in your home. "

I have a Sony 55KDFE A20 and I love it. It is in my basement. But I have to agree with the above quote. I obviously could not compare these 2 side by side in my home, but after seeing both in the same room under identical lighting conditions, hooked up to identical HD and HT equipment, it is a no-brainer. The plasma's color, black level, depth is not a fair comparison to my Sony. I will just add that even w/the SDE on my Sony, I think it is a great set for the money and everyone who viewed it (before I got my plasma) was "wowed" at the picture on sports & HD Discovery and HD movies and even in SD w/digital. But it is not a plasma. Hope this post helps someone. These decisions are so subjective - no one has your eyes nor your ears. We all see and hear things somewhat differently.

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic TH-50PX60U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

User review, good value for the money, 10000-1 contrast

3. What you like best about your Plasma.

The picture is amazing on HD and good on SD, 2 HDMI inputs

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Plasma died after 4 hours of viewing, all inputs dead..


5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

Screen saver, white wash feature.


6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

Upconvert SD signals to HD

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
OMG.. HD 50" is incredible.. Much bigger at home, light weight

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
See number 4

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Absolutely..

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

None

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH42PX600U. Ordered from Panny Direct 5/31. Delivered 6/19.

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Reviews of prior Panasonics, particularly Home Theatre Magazine and Consumer Reports. Reviews on this board further helped, particularly the ones showing dramatically better black levels versus the Pioneers. The price was considerably lower than the comparable Pioneers.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Considering that the last TV I bought was 16 years ago, just about everything.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The break-in period.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Actually, I wish it had a second cable/antenna input, so I could keep an antenna hooked up for OTA broadcasts, which could then be displayed on the split screen.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.
You can stop making them now that I've got mine.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
I was pleasantly surprised, given that I have only basic analog cable with no set-top box or cable card (yet), that I get both the TV Guide On Screen and the local HD channels. That is, my local cable provider (TWC) doesn't encrypt the big four (CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox) digital high-def stations, and my set's QAM tuner found them.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Didn't realize I needed two sets of A/V cables running from my combo VCR/DVD player (because component cables only carry the DVD output). Obviously this isn't the fault of the TV, but I wanted to share.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Well, I spent the money, didn't I? Honestly, yes. Think about the money you spend for other things like car repairs, new roofs, kid's playsets - you'll get a lot more enjoyment out of this purchase!

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
A) Aspect ratios and connections are a pain. Life was much simpler when I viewed my old 25" CRT with one set of inputs, and watched videos in letterbox format without any concern.
B) Read all opinions here with a healthy skepticism. Everybody thinks their new set is amazing. If they have a Pioneer, it is clearly better than the Panasonics. If they have a Panasonic, it is clearly better than the Pioneers. If they have a cheaper brand, it is every bit as good as the Pios and the Pannys.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH50PX600U.

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Reviews of prior Panasonics, improved specs for new model, styling of the 600U, compared to other displays in the price range, obvious choice even against Pioneer which has a very reflective high gloss black bezel but similar PQ for more money.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
HD PQ is outstanding. Built in sound has been good enough that setting up my surround sound became a low priority.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Ambient light glare is still an issue with plasma displays.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
It'd be nice if it had coaxil digital out instead of just optical and about two more inputs, ie: another HDMI and a standard S-Video on the back of the set.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.
Bring back the swivel pedestal from last year. I'd like to be able to angle the set from time to time. Shame on you for skimping on the remote. It was much better last year. Where's the back lighting?

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
The TV guide was actually useful for OTA. VHS was watchable. SD was better then I saw in stores on most other models.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
The remote is not very strong on IR communication.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I've been on the fence a few years waiting until I could afford it. Today's prices are the lowest ever and the sets are better than ever. Especially the 600U series, in particular, is worth it compared to alternatives. Nevertheless, its still a lot of money but not in the $5K to 10K range an excellent 50" set used to be.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
1080P 50" sets are coming and the prices will go down. But life is short. At the price point, Panasonic delivers the best product for the price at the current resolution. The 600U series is a class act and as nice looking as any other set out there with identical build quality to last year's model and better specs. Get one of these and you'll be a happy camper until everything goes HD and 1080P a few years down the road.