Need help choosing a new HDTV in my price range

[jdoren1990]

Hello,

As you can tell from the title in the post my Fiance and I are getting ready to purchase a new HDTV. We currently have a 39" insignia LED 120Hz set, we are just ready to move onto something a little better and bigger. Our price range is around 700$ give or take a few bucks and we are looking at sets between 47-51''. All in all we are just trying to get the best bang for our buck but i know it all boils down to personal preference but i was hoping i could link a few sets we are looking at and maybe get some opinions from people who know a little more about TV's.

Panasonic - VIERA - 50" Class (49-9/10" Diag.) - Plasma - 1080p - 600Hz - Smart - HDTV

From what I have heard and read it seems people say plasmas are the best For Watching sports and playing games because of the high refresh rate which is probably also good when watching movies with alot of action too. However i cannot speak from personal experience seeing as i have never owned a plasma. Was also told plasmas produce the best colors espicially Black levels.

VIZIO - M-Series - 50" Class (49-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - 240Hz - Smart - 3D - HDTV

This was recommended to me by a sales associate at Best Buy. From what i can see LED seem brighter more vivid colors than the plasmas also it is 240Hz
the TV i currently own is 120Hz so i have kind become use to the soap opera effect in movies where you feel like you actually on set with actors. Im not sure if you can get that same look with a plasma but i really do not want that to be a deciding factor when making my purchase. Also how is gaming on a set with 240Hz?

Seiki 50" Class 4K 120Hz LED Ultra HDTV - SE50UY04

This is the last set we looked at and probably the most controversial of them all. I have read alot of mixed reviews about this set. A lot of people say as of right now these sets are a waste because we are not able to push these TV's to their full potential because media has just not caught up yet. However buying a set like this i feel would more or less be some kind of future proofing for when the technology does catch up if that make sense. The other thing that kinda made me stray away was the fact that this TV is so much cheaper than all the rest it make me think it is poor design and quality which can mean issue down the road.

All in all I guess the main things we are aiming for are:

Picture Quality

Smoothness

Life Span (Not something that will break in a year)

Not something that will be obsolete in 2-3 years (This one especially i would really hate to spend a lot of money if in a year there is gonna be some new affordable super tv that blows current gen tv's out of the water)

Thanks for any replies ahead of time

 

[poofyhairguy]

How much ambient light in the room? Is there a window or something across from where the TV will be that would a bright light source that might reflect?

If the room is dark with no windows, the Panny has the best PQ. But if the room is bright with a window across from the TV the Visio will have better daytime viewing.

The 4K TV should not be considered. If you were spending 4k on the TV then ya maybe get a 4K set. But at your price point a better 1080p set is a much better long-term decision then a crappy 4K tv (which that is).

 

[jdoren1990]

Thanks Poofy and to answer any question about lighting my room is actually in a finished basement so i have one window (which is half the size of a normal window) so there is little to no light down here.

 

[sdifox]

Thanks Poofy and to answer any question about lighting my room is actually in a finished basement so i have one window (which is half the size of a normal window) so there is little to no light down here.

Viera

 

[queequeg99]

Viera

+1. I really like the look of plasma over most LCDs for the reasons you described but the glare is tough to handle (but it sounds like you can address it).

You don't indicate if 3D is something you are interested in. The Vizio set uses passive 3D, which I prefer to active since I don't get the headaches (plus the glasses are dirt cheap). I have the 65 inch version and I really like the 3D.

Another thing about the Vizio (and most LCDs): the soap opera effect can be almost entirely eliminated on most sets these days by turning off a certain feature. On Vizio sets, I believe it's called something like "motion compensation" or something similar. But the difference is very noticeable.

 

[jdoren1990]

Yah i was gonna add some things in my original post. 3D is probably not something i would use often if ever. the other thing was is it necessary for me to have a smart TV if i use a roku and a PS3? i dont think the panasonic has a model of the same tv w/o the smart tv features. Also if another TV pops in anyones head that i did not link feel free to post it i am open to any opinions the Tv's listed above are just the ones i have seen so far that seem to fit my price range and also what i am looking for in a set =]

 

[poofyhairguy]

Thanks Poofy and to answer any question about lighting my room is actually in a finished basement so i have one window (which is half the size of a normal window) so there is little to no light down here.

Then RUN (don't walk) and buy that plasma. That is perfect conditions for a plasma, and a plasma at its best is the best TV you can get (well outside of a $15k OLED TV).

I have a 65 inch Panny Plasma. The motion, blacks, and action is on another level compared to LED tvs.

 

[Midwayman]

The panasonic viera will be the best set by leaps and bounds under home lighting conditions.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Viera

And it's not even close. Those other two sets aren't even in the same stratosphere as the Panasonic.

 

[jdoren1990]

LOL wow thanks everyone for all the answers i would say the panasonic won by a mile if not more lol Thanks again everyone =]

 

[slugg]

Hey before you buy the plasma, go to the store and take a look at it, especially when the screen is white or otherwise very bright. If you see a flicker, decide whether or not you can live with it. I can see the flicker and it gives me a headache, so I didn't buy it. Also, the Panasonic ST60 series has a high input lag, which is bad for gaming. Decide if that is important to you. Besides that, it's a superior TV.

I actually ended up buying the 65 inch version of the VIZIO 50 inch tv you mentioned. If you want to know why, see post #16 in this thread. But by all means, if the Panasonic meets your needs, go for it! If it weren't for headaches, I would've gotten it myself.

 

[iRONic]

Another + vote for the Viera.

I have the 65" S60 in a basement media room. It's glorious!

 

[queequeg99]

the other thing was is it necessary for me to have a smart TV if i use a roku and a PS3? i

Most likely not, although it really depends on the specific services you want to use. Also consider other limitations of the TV. For example, my Vizio has some pretty good smart TV apps. However, despite the fact that Vizio advertises it as being HDMI-ARC capable, I have never been able to get the audio return to work with my Denon 1713 AVR (and I've read numerous posts about others experiencing ARC problems with Vizios). So the only way I can get surround sound through Netflix streaming is by using a third party media box.

 

[jdoren1990]

thanks for the advice on the screen flicker i am gonna be heading out to best buy in a bit to really look again at the sets.

Also, the Panasonic ST60 series has a high input lag, which is bad for gaming.

This is kinda disappointing to read only because aside from streaming movies i will be gaming quite a bit.

The only other thing that is causing hesitation about getting a plasma is all the horror stories of image retention/burn ins. Do not want to ruin the TV if i forget to shut it off one day ... Honestly though and correct me if im wrong it seems that over the years they have came up with better technology and ways to prevent burn ins. Maybe im just over thinking it.

Also don't know if this make a difference but i am not limited to just Best Buy there is pretty much just about every store in my area including a microcenter

 

[slugg]

thanks for the advice on the screen flicker i am gonna be heading out to best buy in a bit to really look again at the sets.



This is kinda disappointing to read only because aside from streaming movies i will be gaming quite a bit.

The only other thing that is causing hesitation about getting a plasma is all the horror stories of image retention/burn ins. Do not want to ruin the TV if i forget to shut it off one day ... Honestly though and correct me if im wrong it seems that over the years they have came up with better technology and ways to prevent burn ins. Maybe im just over thinking it.

"They" say that all of these things are myths and rumors. What I can tell you is that all the times I've ever seen burn-in and/or image retention at a store, it has been on a plasma screen. Plasmas also have plasma buzz, which may or may not be a problem for you, but just be aware of it. You'll never hear it in the stores, FYI.

Another consideration: if 3D is a factor for you, try to preview the 3D glasses before you buy whichever one you're interested. For example, my girlfriend, who doesn't notice flicker on plasmas, complains about flickering when using active/shutter 3D glasses. And this is universal for both plasma *and* LCD screens. My eyes can't handle shutter glasses, either, but maybe you'll be fine. There are pros and cons to both active and passive 3D.

Finally, don't completely ignore flickering LCDs. There are different ways to power the backlight in an "LED TV" (i.e. LED backlit TV). The cheapest and crappiest way is flicker fusion, which by definition, flickers. This means the backlight is strobed on and off super fast, in order to trick your brain into thinking it's dimming. The good way to do it is with rectified DC through current/voltage regulation. This has no flicker; it really does adjust the actual brightness of the LEDs. Most major brands do it this way, but not necessarily all models, so do pay attention to this. Look for flicker in LCD TVs, too. Nowadays in 2013, this is rare, but don't underestimate the willingness of companies to cut costs.

 

[iRONic]

This is kinda disappointing to read only because aside from streaming movies i will be gaming quite a bit.

ST60 thread

A post at AVS regarding lag;

Well, long story short, within about 30 seconds of using the ST60 I had decided it was going back. My mouse cursor lagged behind my hand movement noticeably, causing me to overshoot click targets on the screen. I quickly went to enable the game mode, and noticed hardly any difference. Dragging a list up and down on my Wii U Gamepad causes a clearly delayed reaction on the TV as opposed to the Gamepad screen. The issue is most noticeable when dragging a window around between the plasma and my LCD monitor. I was so disappointed by this I made a video for you guys: [ST60 input lag] I've since gone through every single picture setting, and nothing can seem to help with this.

 

[jdoren1990]

Hey iRONic in reference to what you posted i am planning on going with the S60 not the ST60 which according to midways post on the AVS forums he says

I picked up the P50S60 first a couple weeks ago, after plenty of research. Panasonic seemed like the way to go, and the 2013 models just arrived. The S60 was my first plasma display. I wanted it primarily for PC use -- plenty of gaming and multimedia, but also general use, editing etc. I play a good mix of games, plenty of shooters in particular, and input lag is something I am highly sensitive to; something I read would be minimal with a plasma. The S60 was wonderful for that; it felt as immediately responsive as my LCD monitor. Picture quality was great too, rich colors and the blacks were getting better and better as I used it. No crazy buzzing, no horrible IR issues. I felt like I had found pretty much the perfect display.

From what im reading it seems like he was really happy with the S60 and traded it for the ST60 because he thought it would be better come to find out he was wrong.

So i guess now it boils down to 2 Sets

Panasonic - VIERA - 50" Class (49-9/10" Diag.) - Plasma - 1080p - 600Hz - Smart - HDTV

or

VIZIO - M-Series - 50" Class (49-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - 240Hz - Smart - 3D - HDTV

From everything i read online and just the responses to this post it seems like the Viero gets the majority of the votes. However i am still fearful of ruining a plasma because someone left it ruining and now i have a netflix logo forever burned in my screen. If i can just shake my fear of that then yes it still seems like the Viero wins hands down.

 

[sdifox]

Hey iRONic in reference to what you posted i am planning on going with the S60 not the ST60 which according to midways post on the AVS forums he says



From what im reading it seems like he was really happy with the S60 and traded it for the ST60 because he thought it would be better come to find out he was wrong.

So i guess now it boils down to 2 Sets

Panasonic - VIERA - 50" Class (49-9/10" Diag.) - Plasma - 1080p - 600Hz - Smart - HDTV

or

VIZIO - M-Series - 50" Class (49-1/2" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - 240Hz - Smart - 3D - HDTV

From everything i read online and just the responses to this post it seems like the Viero gets the majority of the votes. However i am still fearful of ruining a plasma because someone left it ruining and now i have a netflix logo forever burned in my screen. If i can just shake my fear of that then yes it still seems like the Viero wins hands down.

pretty sure they move the logo no? Also there is a setting in viera that moves the image slightly once a while to combat image retention. Burn in is not really a problem these days.

 

[jdoren1990]

true sdifox i did not think of that. Also i forgot the roku has a screensaver feature after 5 minutes of inactivity it will go to a black screen and the word roku moves around the screen which im assuming would be good for a plasma

 

[Midwayman]

. Also, the Panasonic ST60 series has a high input lag, which is bad for gaming. Decide if that is important to you. Besides that, it's a superior TV.

FWIW only the ST series has the relatively high input lag. You many not even notice it. Many ST series owners don't.

If its a big sticking point, the S60, S64, VT60 and ZT60 series all don't experience it.

If you care about 3d- VT60. If you don't the s64 series.

 

[iRONic]

Hey iRONic in reference to what you posted i am planning on going with the S60 not the ST60

As noted by others, the Viera has a screensaver feature.

I watch a lot of hockey & baseball (hours at a time) on the same network and haven't noticed any IR yet. No buzzing. No popping. YMMV

If you end up getting the S60 there's a user in that AVS thread who posts as fairchild99. His S60 settings are beautiful.

 

[destrekor]

FWIW only the ST series has the relatively high input lag. You many not even notice it. Many ST series owners don't.

If its a big sticking point, the S60, S64, VT60 and ZT60 series all don't experience it.

If you care about 3d- VT60. If you don't the s64 series.

Yep, S60 and ST60 are a little different.

ST60 is going to have a more impressive image quality, but the S60 is not THAT far behind.
The major differences between S60 and ST60 series:
no 3D on S60 (-?)
no/lesser anti-reflection filter (-)
lower input lag/faster (+)

There are more technical differences, of course. 3D displays will generally be better than the same type that's 2D only, because the panel is usually better simply to support 3D. But, in this case, you obviously have to pay.


Now, for about the same price, if the product is available, I'd recommend you check out Costco for the S65 series. Typically around the same price, but I've seen it cheaper as well... but the S65 has the same anti-reflective filter as the ST60 series - which will help with apparent black levels.



S60 is a pretty fast panel in regards to input lag.
Regarding input lag for ST60, I have to admit I am one of those who have not really noticed it. It all depends on what you've been acclimated too. I think my previous display had a high input lag, and I've really only ever played console games on TVs. And most console games are highly forgiving of input lag.

 

[jdoren1990]

This is not the first time i have seen someone refer me to the S65 which im having trouble finding can someone link it up also does the "65" mean 65 inch if so that is wayyyy to big for my room.

 

[Midwayman]

This is not the first time i have seen someone refer me to the S65 which im having trouble finding can someone link it up also does the "65" mean 65 inch if so that is wayyyy to big for my room.

I thought it was the S64 series? Anyhow its for the warehouse clubs. Costco and maybe sams. I don't see it online. Might only be in stores. I think they come in multiple sizes.

 

[Midwayman]

Item #850640 is the 50" model at costco. Might need to call around. They are on closeout.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1475776/panasonic-s64-at-costco/300 might help you.

instock refurb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=16G-0003-00003