Recommend a Plasma to me

[SheHateMe]

I don't know anything about TVs or how to shop for one. I got my last TV (a Vizio) because it was at Sam's Club on the returns shelf and was marked down like crazy.

It was a lovely TV, never gave me any problems.

I have to give it to my little sister since I am graduating college and can't move all my stuff back to VA.




I'd like to try a TV that isn't an LED LCD like the last one. I heard Plasma's are good. I'd like to get one with 3D also.

I'll figure out what I can afford when I see suggestions.




What are you guys using?

 

[poofyhairguy]

I would recommend a P50ST50. I have the larger ST50 (the 65 incher) and its a great TV. It is the best value in this generation of plasma, it can be had for $950:

http://www.paulstv.com//Plasma-Televisions/Panasonic-TCP50ST50.asp

If that is too expensive you can get its little brother, the P50U50. The U50 doesn't have 3D and it doesn't do as well in a bright room, but if you are using it in a dark man cave for only 2D stuff it will perform much the same. It can be had for $600:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...30-141255816-2

 

[purbeast0]

Panasonic st50 is what I got last year and love it. Great for gaming too if you are into that and the 3d looks great.

 

[SheHateMe]

I would recommend a P50ST50. I have the larger ST50 (the 65 incher) and its a great TV. It is the best value in this generation of plasma, it can be had for $950:

http://www.paulstv.com//Plasma-Televisions/Panasonic-TCP50ST50.asp

This looks great.

Are you using the built in speakers for audio?

 

[purbeast0]

the built in speakers on the st50 are pretty typical for flat panel tvs. they pretty much have 0 bass but for watching normal tv they are okay. i've watched plenty of movies and what not on there with no surround sound and was okay with it.

 

[TheStu]

My buddy got the 55" ST50... great picture, and a nice looking set as well.

 

[Anubis]

ST50 of whatever sie you want is the best deal at the moment, i suspect they are going to run out of stock soon

if you have more $ to spend get the ST60 (this years model) which all reports are saying is better

 

[poofyhairguy]

This looks great.

Are you using the built in speakers for audio?

No I got a 5.1 Denon & Polk setup. I have never heard the tv speakers now that I think about it lol.

TV really looks great though, and I have a non-covered facing window and skylight in that room. And a good friend recently bought an even larger tv from Paul's and he liked the experience.

 

[boomhower]

The biggest ST50 you can afford.

 

[dookulooku]

Unless you're looking to save a lot of money with a heavily discounted ST50, go for the new ST60 instead. Has the 96 Hz mode and 10-pt pro adjustments that only the VT50 had last year. Reports are coming in that black levels are at least as good as the VT50 also.

 

[ImpulsE69]

LCD ALL THE WAY.

oh sorry..wrong thread.

 

[SheHateMe]

Unless you're looking to save a lot of money with a heavily discounted ST50, go for the new ST60 instead. Has the 96 Hz mode and 10-pt pro adjustments that only the VT50 had last year. Reports are coming in that black levels are at least as good as the VT50 also.

What is the significance of 96hz?

Those TVs start out at $2k though, so I'll pass until I hit the College Grad lottery. When I start making Anandtech money, I will deck out my Bachelorette pad.



The ST50 for $950 seems more do-able.

 

[Anubis]

it means you dont have to play blurays in 3:2 pulldown mode, which to the general consumer is something you need not worry about

 

[poofyhairguy]

it means you dont have to play blurays in 3:2 pulldown mode, which to the general consumer is something you need not worry about

Actually the ST50 has a much better way of handling pulldown in 60hz mode than previous TVs. I am VERY sensitive to pulldown, and I can't see it on panning shots on my ST50. Whatever magic they do makes 24p content look really good.

Plus the 96hz mode typically has downsides. Here is CNET's opinion on the feature from last year's VT50 review:

Both the 60Hz and the 96Hz mode handled 1080p/24 sources properly in my test, and this year I didn't notice any extra false-contouring artifacts when setting the TV in 96Hz mode. I did detect slight flicker in 96Hz in bright areas, for example the clouds over Brooklyn in "I Am Legend" (24:49).

I did notice some artifacts from 1080p/24 sources in 60Hz mode. On the "Digital Video Essentials" test Blu-ray we noticed shifting lines and minor instability in the downtown Philadelphia buildings during an upward-facing pan. I didn't see any similar issues during other program material, but assume they might crop up. In any case I still prefer the flicker-free 60Hz mode.

So basically the 96hz feature is not that valuable.

 

[dookulooku]

Actually the ST50 has a much better way of handling pulldown in 60hz mode than previous TVs. I am VERY sensitive to pulldown, and I can't see it on panning shots on my ST50. Whatever magic they do makes 24p content look really good.

Plus the 96hz mode typically has downsides. Here is CNET's opinion on the feature from last year's VT50 review:

So basically the 96hz feature is not that valuable.

Both 60 Hz and 96 Hz mode are good at minimizing judder, but both have issues. At the end of the day it really comes down to whether you want the better blacks in the 96 Hz mode, or the less eye strain 60 Hz gives you.

60 Hz:
+ Less flickering
- Causes feathering or flickering artifacts in some scenarios. Not a big deal, typically will only be seen scrolling end credits.

96 Hz:
+ 20% lower black levels (at least it did on the VT50)
- More flickering in bright scenes. Not distracting, but can cause increased eye fatigue.

 

[Imported]

The biggest ST50 you can afford.

This. Love my 55" ST50.

 

[kobyh15]

How does the ST50 do in a relatively bright room? I'm not talking about open windows directly opposite, but I'd rather not have to draw the curtains to watch TV.

 

[poofyhairguy]

It does well and doesn't wash out. The screen has good filters. I have mine in a bright room.

 

[kobyh15]

It does well and doesn't wash out. The screen has good filters. I have mine in a bright room.

Cool, and supposedly from what I've read the new ST60 should be able to get a bit brighter and have better blacks than the outgoing ST50. This is anecdotal, I don't remember the exact source. I'm going to take a serious look at the ST60, though. It's probably between the ST60 and the new Sharp LE650U. Waiting for some reviews to pop up on both.

 

[olds]

Cool, and supposedly from what I've read the new ST60 should be able to get a bit brighter and have better blacks than the outgoing ST50. This is anecdotal, I don't remember the exact source. I'm going to take a serious look at the ST60, though. It's probably between the ST60 and the new Sharp LE650U. Waiting for some reviews to pop up on both.

The TC-P60ST60 received the panel that the GT50 series used from 2012.
http://reviews.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/panasonic-plasma-tv/panasonic-tcp60st60.html

This, if true, concerns me a bit. Is it possible to take a panel and make it better?

 

[kobyh15]

The TC-P60ST60 received the panel that the GT50 series used from 2012.
http://reviews.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/panasonic-plasma-tv/panasonic-tcp60st60.html

This, if true, concerns me a bit. Is it possible to take a panel and make it better?

Interesting. It sounds like the ST60 is still a great performer. Is it normal to reuse panels and just push them down to the lower tier TVs in the lineup? A 20% improvement in black level is nothing to sneeze at, but I am more worried about ambient light in the room being a problem (reflections, etc.).

 

[olds]

This feature (haven't seen it before except on TV) on the ST60 line (and I am sure others) reminds me of the new Hawaii 5-0.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKchCa6kYA0

 

[Anubis]

the reviews by calibrators are starting to come in

here is one by Chad B who is a well respected calibrator and reviewer on AVS

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1450484/official-panasonic-tc-pxxst60-series-thread/400_100#post_23145359

 

[kobyh15]

the reviews by calibrators are starting to come in

here is one by Chad B who is a well respected calibrator and reviewer on AVS

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1450484/official-panasonic-tc-pxxst60-series-thread/400_100#post_23145359

Thanks for posting! Sounds like he had positive impressions even in a brighter environment. That is encouraging. I'm really interested in this set. Still slightly concerned about reflections.

 

[Rifter]

Another vote for the ST50, I have the 55" version and love it.