It's still early days in 2014, but as of this moment I'd easily give the upper hand to plasma as per usual. Panasonic will be hard to find given they ceased manufacturing as of December 2013 (Paul's apparently still has the ZT60 in stock for $3k, which would be my choice). The Samsung (F8500) is not a bad choice either and can probably be found for less than the ZT60.
EDIT: I see I overlooked your price limitation of $1500. Ignore my recommendations and read below.
For $1500, you will have decide between NIB and open box, and also the sizes.
For basement, there is nothing wrong with getting a 65 inch Panasonic S60. You could also downsize a bit and go up to the ST60.
If availability is your concern, 51 inch F8500 might fit your bill, but there is a good chance you won't need the extra brightness it brings.
...which brings to the Samsung F5300, which can also be had for a bit cheaper than the S60, but the PQ is nowhere near close.
My recommendations are either get the Pannys OB/refurbished, or get the Samsung H7000 that will be released on August. You have to really hurry though, if you want the Panny.
For your price limit you may also want to take a look at the Samsung H5000 which can be had for ~1500 for the 64". It comes out next week I believe. The other recommendations made by KoF are very solid as well.
Im now hesitating between the 65 inches S60 or the 60in ST60... Is the ST60 really different from the S60? I saw an interesting deal on the S60 in 65 inches; A demo (OB) but just for decoration of a living room in a furniture store. Apparently almost never turned on. But then I saw in the electronic section of the store the S60 and ST60 side by side with fast moving pictures, and I admit there is a difference, even for a neophyte like me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimonB27 /t/1518584/best-60in-tv-around-1500-for-use-in-the-basement-still-plasma-panasonic#post_24377600
Thanks for the feedbacks.
Im now hesitating between the 65 inches S60 or the 60in ST60... Is the ST60 really different from the S60? I saw an interesting deal on the S60 in 65 inches; A demo (OB) but just for decoration of a living room in a furniture store. Apparently almost never turned on. But then I saw in the electronic section of the store the S60 and ST60 side by side with fast moving pictures, and I admit there is a difference, even for a neophyte like me.
Because Panasonic plasmas are basically finished. They have ceased production. What there is right now is all that is left, so the deals will dry fast.
The ST60 has about 33% better blacks (0.0018 fL vs. 0.0024), better motion resolution (800 lines vs S60's 700, but the S60's also plagued with phosphor trailing), much brighter picture (if that matters. If you're used to plasmas, then the S60's brightness will serve just fine), and less dithering (I almost didn't buy the S60 because of that. Glad it's not much of an issue), 3D, much better calibration options, and an anti-reflective filter to make it worthwhile. If the 65 inches S60 and 60 inches ST60 are about the same price, I recommend going with the ST60, but if you prefer going with the biggest you can afford, there's nothing wrong with the S60 either. Even against the likes of the VT60, the S60 is not going to be an embarassment.
Does that GT50 even come with a warranty? That's a previous year version of the 60 series. The ST60 is always respected around here, so have a look and decide if you like it.
Wether you choose the ST60 or the GT50, you will be pleased, they are both excellent tv's. But I would move fast because once they are gone, they are gone. Also if you game at all , the input lag is better on the GT50 if that interest you. Picture quality you can judge for yourself.
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