14 replies to this topic

[Sway]

Hi

I'm a long time forum member but have been inactive for quite a while.

I'm in the market for a new flat panel screen approx 50-60" (plasma, LCD, LED whatever) with the emphasis on picture quality.  Looking through the major retailer's shops is a bit bewildering, not to mention that some of them seem to looped together with all sorts of connections (HDMI, component, even composite).  This makes it very hard to compare.

I'm interested in recommendations in the price range around $4,000.  I intend feeding it primarily with a HDMI signal from a new HT receiver (which I'm also yet to buy ... any recommendations on that would be appreciated too). The HT receiver will be used to switch between sources such as Topfield PVR, BlueRay player, media player, laptop etc.  The TV's volume will be set to zero and all audio will be heard via the HT receiver. I'm fairly neutral on 3D but interested in other "features" (although the other sources I'm planning to use will give me things like Youtube, video streaming etc anyway).

Brand wise, I don't have any real preference, although I still have a bad taste in my mouth over a Sony fiasco back in the CRT days.

Sorry for taking the lazy approach.  Any recommendations to get me started on further research would be appreciated.

Regards
Sway

[Owen]

Gday Sway,
You have not mentioned the lighting in the viewing environment and the expected viewing distance, these are important factors.

$4k is enough for a top line 65" Plasma like the Panasonic 65VT50.

[pgdownload]

Quote

Any recommendations to get me started on further research would be appreciated. Regards Sway

There's not a huge amount of difference between good quality brand name TVs these days. $4000 might get you 10% better PQ than $2000. Going up in price is largely just to go up in size. You wouldn't 'regret' getting either a Panasonic or Samsung. You should probably decide if LCD or Plasma is your preferred screen (both good now, but I'd say Plasma still handles motion better). Top of the line 50" Panasonic TH-P50XT50A you're hard pushed to pay much more than $1000.

I believe there's some true LED TVs coming onto the market soon / now? but not sure how good they are and how much they cost.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[Sway]

Thanks guys.  After posting I did a bit more reading on this forum and realised that $4k buys a lot more than it did 6 or so years ago.  Looks like the Samsung or Panasonic plasmas at about $2k will do me nicely.  One question .... are there significant compromises with getting a 3D screen, even if you mainly use it in 2D?  3D might be nice for gimicky stuff ....
Cheers
Sway

[Owen]

The XT is the base model, the P50ST50A is the best 50" and is a significant step up over the lower UT and XT models.

The high end VT50 starts at 55" this year, its a tricked up ST.

The Samsung to look at is the E8000

All the best Plasmas are now 3D capable so you dont get a choice.

[ajm]

Owen, on 05 July 2012 - 05:45 PM, said:

$4k is enough for a top line 65" Plasma like the Panasonic 65VT50.

Any hints on where that price is available?  I'd given up trying to find anyone willing to go any lower than $4700 and was about to order the ST.

[miata]

Owen, on 06 July 2012 - 12:55 AM, said:

The XT is the base model, the P50ST50A is the best 50" and is a significant step up over the lower UT and XT models.

The high end VT50 starts at 55" this year, its a tricked up ST.

The Samsung to look at is the E8000

All the best Plasmas are now 3D capable so you dont get a choice.

It's also worth noting that the XT is NOT FULL HD The U50 is the lowest FULL HD, then UT, ST, VT at the top.

[mr-happy-pants]

Owen, on 06 July 2012 - 12:55 AM, said:

... the P50ST50A is the best 50" and is a significant step up over the lower UT and XT models.

If you can get one in store, grab it.

My understanding is that this model has been oversold. The current shipment on the way t OZ is presold.

Hopefully mine is on that shipment.

[miata]

mr-happy-pants, on 06 July 2012 - 11:03 AM, said:

If you can get one in store, grab it.

My understanding is that this model has been oversold. The current shipment on the way t OZ is presold.

Hopefully mine is on that shipment.

I've had mine for 7 days now, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

[Owen]

ajm, on 06 July 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:

Any hints on where that price is available?  I'd given up trying to find anyone willing to go any lower than $4700 and was about to order the ST.

I seem to remember people buying 65" VT's for around $4700 over a year ago. Could be that Panasonic are holding their ground on the wholesale price of the new 65VT giving retailers less room to move.
I would just get the ST, the VT is not worth anywhere near the extra being asked for it IMHO.  The ST should be close to $3k.

Edited by Owen, 06 July 2012 - 03:44 PM.

[ajm]

Owen, I think that seems to be the situation.  The sticker price on the ST is around $3200 from online retailers so $3000 is probably achievable.  The same retailers are asking $5200 for the VT so I'm guessing $4700 is probably still about the mark on this.  I can't see much incentive to go the VT at that price.

[puffyhuff]

That's a really good budget you got there, mate. With that kind of money, you can get the top end models like Panasonic VT50 or LG LM9600. As a LG user, I'd recommend LG to you. I'm pretty satisfied with my TV and I believe LG can deliver.

[superpowerman]

miata, on 06 July 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

I've had mine for 7 days now, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

wow, where did you buy it? that's awesome, most of the shops are sold out.

[superpowerman]

Sway, on 05 July 2012 - 08:10 PM, said:

Thanks guys.  After posting I did a bit more reading on this forum and realised that $4k buys a lot more than it did 6 or so years ago.  Looks like the Samsung or Panasonic plasmas at about $2k will do me nicely.  One question .... are there significant compromises with getting a 3D screen, even if you mainly use it in 2D?  3D might be nice for gimicky stuff ....
Cheers
Sway

I am thinking about updating my old Panny to a 3D. People tell me 3D is a gimmick but I think it has potential. I did lots of research by reading and jumping between shops. I would like to give you some advice but the final decision is all yours.

I don't really care much about plasma or lcd. If it's OLED, I might give more attention. Also, smart feature is important for me. I found out samsung provides more practical apps but its smart hub looks like a puzzle; LG's interface is simple and its remote is fun to have but LG needs more well-polished apps.

3D feature, plasma 3D is impressive in PQ but there is only active 3D plasma TVs so far.
I have tried active 3D glasses but it was only for like 5 minutes. I am afraid I can't bear it for hours. In this case, passive seems better until glasses free 3D TVs mature.

I think LG 55LM9600 would be a good choice with $3750 at thegoodguys.com but I'm keeping my eyes on Panasonic VT50 as well.

In another word, I suggest you to try its smart feature, try its 3D glasses and look at your budget and take some advantage of promotions.
Hope we all can find our TV soon.

[Sway]

I ended up buying the Samsung 60" Plasma PS60E8000.  Goodguys pricematched Eljo as part of a package buy

Samsung PS60E8000                   $2287
Topfield PVR TRF2460                 $583
Samsung BD player BD-E5500      $130

All up $3000 including local delivery.

Sway