• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Looking for 50'' Full 1080p TV

mmntech

mmntech

Lifer
My dad has asked me to research some HDTVs for him. He wants something in the 50'' range that's full HD 1080p. He's been looking at the plasma displays. He gave me three options.

LG 50PG70
http://ca.lge.com/en/products/...plasmatv_50pg70.jhtml#

Samsung PN50B550
http://www.samsung.com/us/cons...odel_cd=PN50B550T2FXZA

Panasonic TC-P50G10
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-p...5-6482_7-33497901.html

All three seem pretty decent looking from what I've read. However, plasma displays have been on the way out and even though the Samsung and the Panasonic are energy efficient models, they still consume a heck of a lot of power.

Is it better to go with a similar LCD instead? The LED backlit ones are impressive but they're still extremely expensive. I don't think he wants to spend a penny more than $2000. Any suggestions?
 
They definitely are still competitive, though your eyes and viewing situation (glare etc) will vary.

I'd look at the P54G10, though -- the bigger the better. Or the 58" Samsung... $2k on the dot. How far away is he sitting?
 
He's sitting maybe between 5'' and 10'' away from the TV. The TV is opposite a window but it's never been a problem. They have a 42'' rear projection TV now but it's not HD. A 58'' is definitely way too big for the room.

I'm going to take him to the place I bought my TV. They have the Samsung PN50B530 for $1200 CAD. It's a refurb but then again so is my TV and I've never had issues with it.
 
Originally posted by: mmntech
He's sitting maybe between 5'' and 10'' away from the TV. The TV is opposite a window but it's never been a problem. They have a 42'' rear projection TV now but it's not HD. A 58'' is definitely way too big for the room.
Click to expand...

10 inches is really too close, a 19" should do fine 😉

Seriously, I would go with the Samsung or Panasonic. I did a comparison of power usage between a Panny 42" Plasma and a Panny 42" LCD and surprisingly the average power consumed by the plasma was about 4W less than the LCD. (These were both in the 145W range for average consumption)

Of course if the spec you were looking at was max power usage (I.e. over 300W) then that is with the plasma screen at full brightness and only a white image on the screen (nothing else). If you can find an average power usage that figure will be much more accurate.

 
lol. I didn't even notice. We're metric, go easy on me. 😛

So the general consensus seems to be the Panisonic or the Samsung. I'm leaning towards the latter given how top notch their LCD panels are.
 
I'd personally be happy with either the panny or the samsung (I wouldn't go for the LG). I agree with what another poster said about the size. Going to a 54 or 58" set would be very nice. What is the actual viewing distance (how far is the sofa from the wall). Personally I sit ~5' from my 40" samsung LCD in my bedroom while watching movies / playing games. If it's a 1080p set, you can sit pretty damn close and it will still look amazing. 8-10' viewing distance is certainly not too close to a 58" set (IMHO). Hell, I kinda wish my LCD was a 46 or 52. I really am considering upgrading to a 52" LCD (or perhaps a 50" plasma) in the near future. I'll be buying a new set for my parents for a gift for xmas (for their basement which I'm trying to make into a little theater for them). It'll most likely be a 58" plasma... and the viewing distance is ~10-11' (I'd love to go bigger... but my wallet would have to get bigger too!).

Note: of the 3 you listed, I prefer the panny G10 over the sammy... but that decision would mostly be influenced by price (I haven't looked at them recently... I doubt I would be willing to pay more than $100-150 more for the panny).
 
I suppose I could move up to the Samsung PN58A550. That's $1900 for a refurb but that might be pushing how much they're willing to spend.
 
Originally posted by: s44
Yeah, it's tougher to price things out in fake dollars. 😉
Click to expand...

Hey, our dollar was worth more than yours just a year and a half ago. Ah, I bought so many PS3 games then when they were $60 apiece, $50 used. Now they're back up to $70 again. sigh. 😛


 
HDguru proclaimed the top o line Panny plasma series the best HD "TVs" ever made. They even said they were better than the vaunted Pioneer plasmas proclaiming the new sets (can't remember the model designation) the "New King of HD sets".

So there ya go. Plasma WAS and STILL is king.

Oh, they also reviewed a new LED set and came away less than impressed.
 
Originally posted by: gar655
HDguru proclaimed the top o line Panny plasma series the best HD "TVs" ever made. They even said they were better than the vaunted Pioneer plasmas proclaiming the new sets (can't remember the model designation) the "New King of HD sets".

So there ya go. Plasma WAS and STILL is king.

Oh, they also reviewed a new LED set and came away less than impressed.
Click to expand...

Lots of technical garble in that review that even I didn't understand. Still, it looks like a vary impressive set. The G10 he looked at is the model down from this one but has a lot of the same features. It's got low power consumption too, on par with their current TV. Maybe it is best to go Panasonic.
 
Originally posted by: mmntech
Originally posted by: gar655
HDguru proclaimed the top o line Panny plasma series the best HD "TVs" ever made. They even said they were better than the vaunted Pioneer plasmas proclaiming the new sets (can't remember the model designation) the "New King of HD sets".

So there ya go. Plasma WAS and STILL is king.

Oh, they also reviewed a new LED set and came away less than impressed.
Click to expand...

Lots of technical garble in that review that even I didn't understand. Still, it looks like a vary impressive set. The G10 he looked at is the model down from this one but has a lot of the same features. It's got low power consumption too, on par with their current TV. Maybe it is best to go Panasonic.
Click to expand...

low power consumption would definitely be on the list if i were shopping today.
 
Have you thought about DLP's? I picked up a Mitts 60". It absolutely has a better picture than any lcd that I have seen in person to compare it too. It will save you a lot of green. My 60" model only weights 65 pounds. I rearranged my room so that I am 8 feet away from it, and hd movies look spectacular. Blacks are really good, and a super sharp picture. I could not be happier.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/product/WD60737

Here is the model I got.
 
Originally posted by: james1701
Have you thought about DLP's? I picked up a Mitts 60". It absolutely has a better picture than any lcd that I have seen in person to compare it too. It will save you a lot of green. My 60" model only weights 65 pounds. I rearranged my room so that I am 8 feet away from it, and hd movies look spectacular. Blacks are really good, and a super sharp picture. I could not be happier.

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/product/WD60737

Here is the model I got.
Click to expand...

DLP does offer excellent picture quality but it has a couple of drawbacks. Namely my parents want something that can be wall mounted. Right now they already have a rear projection CRT TV but it takes up a heck of a lot of space as is. Also, replacing bulbs is a bit of a PITA, especially given how expensive the are. That's why I pushed them towards plasma. Superior picture to LCD but is still flat panel. A bit of a compromise between LCD and DLP/CRT.
 
True, replacing a bulb about every 2 to 3 years is a pain at 150 a shot, but at least its very easy to do. I just hate the heat lcd's and plasmas puts out. That one of the best thing about DLP's, nice and cool, and are very energy efficient.
 
Originally posted by: james1701
True, replacing a bulb about every 2 to 3 years is a pain at 150 a shot, but at least its very easy to do. I just hate the heat lcd's and plasmas puts out. That one of the best thing about DLP's, nice and cool, and are very energy efficient.
Click to expand...

That's why they make LED DLP's
 
Well, we ended up getting the Sammy as the Panasonic was too expensive. I must say I'm quite impressed with it. Definitely has excellent picture quality. They picked up a Blu-ray player with it and they're coming to install the HD satellite system next week.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top