[madness999]

Ok, I'm driving myself nuts deciding on a tv. I had pretty much settled on the Samsung 58B560, since I had convinced myself that Samsungs were brighter than Panasonics. However, in talking to the owner of one of the local B&M, and in reading a thread I started a few days ago, it seems like I won't have any issues with brightness, no matter what I get, Samsung or Panasonic. Seem like there is always more information to gather, and more research to do!


The B&M owner suggested the 54G10, which had been on my radar before I started leaning to the Samsung models.


Price wise I can save $300-$500 by looking around and getting the 54G10 instead of the 58B560. I also get extra features such as Internet connectivity (doesn't matter to me, at least for now) and THX, which might be a nice thing.


However, I currently have a 65" Mitsubishi 65857 (Big Black Box). What I am concerned about is that dropping from 65" down to 54" might be TOO noticeable. The plasma I do get will be wall mounted, and I don't know if that will make 54 or 58 seem "bigger".


So, question is - Do I save the $300+, get a few more features, and go down to 54", or pay the extra and go 58"?


(Also, if you think going 58" is correct choice, feel free to chime in on the Pan 58PZ800U vs. the 58B560. I can probably find the 800U for $100-200 cheaper. The goal is to stay around $2k or less but get my money's worth.)


Thanks for your comments.

 

[joeskie]

Go big or go home. 54" will seem tiny next to your 65".


If you absolutely want a Panasonic, go with the 58S1, which maybe a couple hundred out of reach. I opted for the Samsung 58B650 and no regrets, so I obviously recommend the same. Forget the PZ, old school.

 

[BillP]

The 58" V10 is coming out soon as well. ANy display will look tiny compared to your Mits.

 

[madness999]

Thanks Joe and Bill for the information so far.


I am worried about dropping down in size, which is why I started investigating the 58 when I moved to Samsung as my choice.


I know the 58V10 will be out of my price range, but I might consider the 58S1 which becomes available in August I believe. Unfortunately, I can't find any information on what it might be priced at, so I have no idea if it will be affordable for not for my budget.


Also, I've heard the G10 is a little better picture than the S series, and it includes internet.


I guess all things being equal I need to wait until August to buy, so I have all the best choices available to me.

 

[joeskie]

Not really a better picture with the G10 over the S1 except the THX mode. Internet is pretty useless for most.


Like I said, I went with the Samsung and am very satisfied.

 

[spyboy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by madness999 /forum/post/16840818


Ok, I'm driving myself nuts deciding on a tv. I had pretty much settled on the Samsung 58B560, since I had convinced myself that Samsungs were brighter than Panasonics. However, in talking to the owner of one of the local B&M, and in reading a thread I started a few days ago, it seems like I won't have any issues with brightness, no matter what I get, Samsung or Panasonic. Seem like there is always more information to gather, and more research to do!


The B&M owner suggested the 54G10, which had been on my radar before I started leaning to the Samsung models.


Price wise I can save $300-$500 by looking around and getting the 54G10 instead of the 58B560. I also get extra features such as Internet connectivity (doesn't matter to me, at least for now) and THX, which might be a nice thing.


However, I currently have a 65" Mitsubishi 65857 (Big Black Box). What I am concerned about is that dropping from 65" down to 54" might be TOO noticeable. The plasma I do get will be wall mounted, and I don't know if that will make 54 or 58 seem "bigger".


So, question is - Do I save the $300+, get a few more features, and go down to 54", or pay the extra and go 58"?


(Also, if you think going 58" is correct choice, feel free to chime in on the Pan 58PZ800U vs. the 58B560. I can probably find the 800U for $100-200 cheaper. The goal is to stay around $2k or less but get my money's worth.)


Thanks for your comments.

Putting a smaller screen on the wall (which is usually farther away than the screen on a RPTV), will make the image SMALLER, not larger. If you can move your viewing position forward, closer to the wall the new set will be mounted on can compensate for the smaller screen, but only to the extent that you can move your viewing postion forward.


Using this site: http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi


you will see that a 58 inch has 26% less screen area than a 65 inch, and that a 54 inch has 45% less screen area.


Unless you can move your viewing distance forward by those percentages, the screen of either one is going to look small.


You will eventually get used to it, but the question is, do you want to?

 

[Citivas]

Given that you're coming off a 65" you might try holding off just a little while and saving for the Sammy PN62B550. It can be had very cheap from some places, probably cheaper than you expect if you haven't shopped aggressively. Certainly the cheapest of the top tier brands for a 60+ incher. Or save even longer and get the 65" Panny V10 (which should be out by then).


Alternatively, have you looked into the financing options? Best Buy has been offering no interest financing for 2 years with TV purchases. I didn't use it, but if you are on a fixed budget this gives you a lot of time to save for the extra cost of the larger screen.


I generally don't push people to consider larger than they are -- you just seem like an exception because you already have a large set. I agree with others than any of these will seem small in comparison.

 

[madness999]

Thanks to all of you for the information. It pretty much confirms what I suspected, which is that having 65" now means I'm spoiled and can't go back!


The main reason I was buying now is because I am having convergence issues with my Mits, and it seemed like a good excuse since I have a little cash on hand currently. However, it usually pops back in focus after a short while, so I guess I'll stick with it until it fails completely, or until I can find a great deal on a 60"+ model.


Getting the purchase right is unfortunately more important than just making a purchase now because I want a plasma...