Originally posted by: GZFant
If this is any help, then I will be happy...
I just bought the Samsung T5054 which is 720p. The TV you listed is 1080p including the 18 bit color and the new Samsung goodies. I was at best buy and got to look at all the other TVs. I was speaking to multiple sales reps and all the magnolias team about the different TVs. They said that this particular model, the T5054 (same as 5084 only 1080p) was easily the best priced TV with the best color, black levels and PQ. Mine was on sale for 1699 which is almost at cost, which is worlds cheaper than the Pioneer with almost imperceivable differences. In person, you couldn't even tell the difference between this TV and the "higher-end" models in the Magnolias room. Except for it was thousands of dollars cheaper.
With that said, hopefully you get the 5084 because my 5054 is incredible, I couldn't even imagine what 1080p would look like.
Originally posted by: tank171
Originally posted by: GZFant
If this is any help, then I will be happy...
I just bought the Samsung T5054 which is 720p. The TV you listed is 1080p including the 18 bit color and the new Samsung goodies. I was at best buy and got to look at all the other TVs. I was speaking to multiple sales reps and all the magnolias team about the different TVs. They said that this particular model, the T5054 (same as 5084 only 1080p) was easily the best priced TV with the best color, black levels and PQ. Mine was on sale for 1699 which is almost at cost, which is worlds cheaper than the Pioneer with almost imperceivable differences. In person, you couldn't even tell the difference between this TV and the "higher-end" models in the Magnolias room. Except for it was thousands of dollars cheaper.
With that said, hopefully you get the 5084 because my 5054 is incredible, I couldn't even imagine what 1080p would look like.
Thank you sir. Your post was very helpful and informative unlike the other post.
Originally posted by: tank171
Originally posted by: GZFant
If this is any help, then I will be happy...
I just bought the Samsung T5054 which is 720p. The TV you listed is 1080p including the 18 bit color and the new Samsung goodies. I was at best buy and got to look at all the other TVs. I was speaking to multiple sales reps and all the magnolias team about the different TVs. They said that this particular model, the T5054 (same as 5084 only 1080p) was easily the best priced TV with the best color, black levels and PQ. Mine was on sale for 1699 which is almost at cost, which is worlds cheaper than the Pioneer with almost imperceivable differences. In person, you couldn't even tell the difference between this TV and the "higher-end" models in the Magnolias room. Except for it was thousands of dollars cheaper.
With that said, hopefully you get the 5084 because my 5054 is incredible, I couldn't even imagine what 1080p would look like.
Thank you sir. Your post was very helpful and informative unlike the other post.
Originally posted by: SLCentral
Helpful and informative, but unfortunately, not true. Yes, the Samsung 5054 is a great deal, and, along with the Panasonic, are my two picks for the plasma with the best bang for the buck. But to say that it's impossible, or even difficult, to tell the difference between a 5054 or Panasonic 75U is 100% incorrect. In PROPER lighting conditions, such as a living room, the difference between one of these plasmas and a higher end set like a Pioneer or a Fujitsu is night and day. Of course, the difference between the 5084 and the Pioneer 5080 aren't quite as extreme, but when spending more then $2,000, I'd like to feel comfortable that I'm buying the best set that I can.
The Pioneer has black levels to the point where in a dark room, a black screen will actually blend in with the black bezel. NO set has ever been able to do this, including the 5084. The Samsung will also likely look more vibrant, but FAR from as accurate as the Pioneer. If you like to watch a picture that looks like the saturation is set all the way up, go with the Samsung. If you prefer a picture that looks the way the director intended it to look, Pioneer is the one.
Before you start screaming out 1080p, keep in mind that on a 50" set, when you sit 8' or further from the TV, your eyes cannot physically tell the difference between 1080p and 720p. It is a physical impossibility. Hell, also keep in mind that there is almost no SOURCE for 1080p. As of right now, the only ways to get it are the PS3, Xbox 360, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and a PC input. That's IT.
Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: SLCentral
Helpful and informative, but unfortunately, not true. Yes, the Samsung 5054 is a great deal, and, along with the Panasonic, are my two picks for the plasma with the best bang for the buck. But to say that it's impossible, or even difficult, to tell the difference between a 5054 or Panasonic 75U is 100% incorrect. In PROPER lighting conditions, such as a living room, the difference between one of these plasmas and a higher end set like a Pioneer or a Fujitsu is night and day. Of course, the difference between the 5084 and the Pioneer 5080 aren't quite as extreme, but when spending more then $2,000, I'd like to feel comfortable that I'm buying the best set that I can.
The difference is there but it's certainly not night and day as you suggest. If you are getting your info from AVS forums, it's my opinion that you need to read the threads on all the TVs you are interested in, filter out the obvious blind fans and average everything else. You can't just read the Pioneer thread since it is obviously going to have a great deal of bias.
Remember that some pretty reliable sources had the 700u Panasonic as the color and black level leader until the new Pioneer hit the market. That puts it ahead of last generations Pioneer. Either way, I have a hard time believing that the difference is night and day.
The Pioneer has black levels to the point where in a dark room, a black screen will actually blend in with the black bezel. NO set has ever been able to do this, including the 5084. The Samsung will also likely look more vibrant, but FAR from as accurate as the Pioneer. If you like to watch a picture that looks like the saturation is set all the way up, go with the Samsung. If you prefer a picture that looks the way the director intended it to look, Pioneer is the one.
I don't dispute that the Pioneer is the black level leader and I have not had the ability to compare the new Samsungs but the Panasonic is no slouch with reagard to black level and its color accuracy is pretty spot-on. No over saturation to speak of. I know what you mean regarding the older Samsungs but perhaps that is fixed ion the newer models?
Before you start screaming out 1080p, keep in mind that on a 50" set, when you sit 8' or further from the TV, your eyes cannot physically tell the difference between 1080p and 720p. It is a physical impossibility. Hell, also keep in mind that there is almost no SOURCE for 1080p. As of right now, the only ways to get it are the PS3, Xbox 360, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and a PC input. That's IT.
Many people sit less than 8' from a 50" set. My living room configuration has seats that vary between 6 and 9 ft. According to the more reputable charts that I have seen, this puts one in the range to be able to discern 1080p resolution. In addition, a 1080p is nicer if you have any intention of hooking up to a computer. Also, it's nice to know that you will be able to fully compatible with whichever format wins (HD or Blu-ray) and that you can benefit form the extra detail if you so choose by sitting closer.
You are also misinformed regarding 1080p sources. You can certainly display a 1080p source from many 1080i sources which are already being broadcast. Through proper de-interlacing a good 1080p TV can convert a 1080i/60 signal into a real 1080p picture, with all the resolution you would expect.
The whole idea that you do not need 1080p resolution b/c you sit too far is just as wrong as someone who only wants to consider a TV with 1080p resolution. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Understood. I was just disputing your comment regarding the only source of 1080p. While technically correct, you can get a 1080p signal from a 1080i signal, so the "but you can't watch 1080p on network TV" argument is wrong.Originally posted by: SLCentral
I'm quite aware on the de-interlacing process from 1080i to 1080p. The fact is, though, that at the distance most people sit, 1080p will not give a major increase in quality. The Pioneer will look significantly better then the Samsung from a 10ft distance, even when displaying a 1080p signal (the Pioneer can accept a full 1080p signal and then downconvert).
Working for Magnolia Home Theater, I have been able to extensively compare the Pioneer Elite 1150 to the Panasonic 750U and the Samsung 5084. After adjusting settings to get them out of dynamic mode, and dimming the lighting in the viewing room, the Pioneer did look significantly better then both the 750U and the 5084. On black/dark scenes, the difference was night and day, as I suggested. That didn't stop me from purchasing the 58" 700U because of price reasons (and the fact that the new Pioneer 6010's aren't out yet), but when watching the set at home, I am very well aware of the difference between my set and the 8G Pioneer's.
The Panasonic color has tested pretty accurate. What exactly would be better about the color produced by the pioneer? I can understand black levels giving increased contrast as well a better shadow detail but both TV produce accurate colors, according to what I have read.I was not saying that the Panasonic has oversaturated colors, but rather, the Samsung does. It's a common issue that is all over the internet, and requires a great amount of calibrating (obviously ISF would be most effective) to get the colors to a neutral state. Neither the Samsung, nor the Panasonic, can compare to the Pioneer in regards to black levels, color reproduction, color saturation, or SD picture quality.
I have also been able to compare a Blu-Ray feed on the Panasonic 750U, which is 1080p, and the new Pioneer's. I didn't have a chance to see it on the 5084. While from 8' away, the Panasonic did display slightly more detail, and produced a sharper picture, the Pioneer literally blew it away in color reproduction, which I feel is significantly more important.
I don't disagree with you in saying that the new 8G Pioneer's are not the second coming, and other sets still have a fantastic picture, even when compared to the new Pioneer's, but when you are able to purchase the PDP-5080 for just $2500, only a couple hundred dollars more then the Samsung and the Panasonic, it should most definitely be on everyone's shopping list.
Originally posted by: DBL
Understood. I was just disputing your comment regarding the only source of 1080p. While technically correct, you can get a 1080p signal form a 1080i signal, so the "but you can't watch 1080p on network TV" argument is wrong.Originally posted by: SLCentral
I'm quite aware on the de-interlacing process from 1080i to 1080p. The fact is, though, that at the distance most people sit, 1080p will not give a major increase in quality. The Pioneer will look significantly better then the Samsung from a 10ft distance, even when displaying a 1080p signal (the Pioneer can accept a full 1080p signal and then downconvert).
Working for Magnolia Home Theater, I have been able to extensively compare the Pioneer Elite 1150 to the Panasonic 750U and the Samsung 5084. After adjusting settings to get them out of dynamic mode, and dimming the lighting in the viewing room, the Pioneer did look significantly better then both the 750U and the 5084. On black/dark scenes, the difference was night and day, as I suggested. That didn't stop me from purchasing the 58" 700U because of price reasons (and the fact that the new Pioneer 6010's aren't out yet), but when watching the set at home, I am very well aware of the difference between my set and the 8G Pioneer's.
I certainly can respect your opinion since you have in fact tested this extensively for yourself. I'd be interested to see this myself. I'm curious to know whether this "night and day" difference is as dramatic as the difference between my 62u Aquos LCD and the 700u Panasonic with regard to black level and contrast. I would call that night and day myself, although truthfully that might be stretching the truth since you really need to watch the TV side by side to understand the magnitude of the difference in picture quality.
The Panasonic color has tested pretty accurate. What exactly would be better about the color produced by the pioneer? I can understand black levels giving increased contrast as well a better shadow detail but both TV produce accurate colors, according to what I have read.I was not saying that the Panasonic has oversaturated colors, but rather, the Samsung does. It's a common issue that is all over the internet, and requires a great amount of calibrating (obviously ISF would be most effective) to get the colors to a neutral state. Neither the Samsung, nor the Panasonic, can compare to the Pioneer in regards to black levels, color reproduction, color saturation, or SD picture quality.
I have also been able to compare a Blu-Ray feed on the Panasonic 750U, which is 1080p, and the new Pioneer's. I didn't have a chance to see it on the 5084. While from 8' away, the Panasonic did display slightly more detail, and produced a sharper picture, the Pioneer literally blew it away in color reproduction, which I feel is significantly more important.
I don't disagree with you in saying that the new 8G Pioneer's are not the second coming, and other sets still have a fantastic picture, even when compared to the new Pioneer's, but when you are able to purchase the PDP-5080 for just $2500, only a couple hundred dollars more then the Samsung and the Panasonic, it should most definitely be on everyone's shopping list.
I agree here. If it were available when I purchased my 700u, I would have certainly considered it. The thing is, I'm not convinced I would have settled on the Pioneer, since there is real value IMO to having a 1080p TV (especially one as good as the Panasonic), even if it is only 50", despite what some others say.
Originally posted by: SLCentral
Okay, the difference is not quite as dramatic as from the 62U to the 700U. But either way, the ability to have the blacks blend into the bezel is really revolutionary, and I think is extremely significant. Whenever I watch my Panasonic or Fujitsu, I now notice the greyish black levels, and it pisses me off.
When comparing side-by-side (though neither was ISF calibrated), the biggest difference in colors was in that the Pioneer's flesh tones "seemed" much more natural. Consider, though, I didn't really have a reference. So the color accuracy was more based on my personal viewing opinion.
If tank171 really thinks 1080p is that important, I'd suggest at least waiting for the new 1080p non-Elite Pioneer's to come out, which should be at the end of the month or in early September. Since the 720p sets are going for $2500 online (Invision Displays), I'm going to guess the 1080p models will go for ~$3000, which I think is WELL worth the $700 over the Samsung.
Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: SLCentral
Okay, the difference is not quite as dramatic as from the 62U to the 700U. But either way, the ability to have the blacks blend into the bezel is really revolutionary, and I think is extremely significant. Whenever I watch my Panasonic or Fujitsu, I now notice the greyish black levels, and it pisses me off.
When comparing side-by-side (though neither was ISF calibrated), the biggest difference in colors was in that the Pioneer's flesh tones "seemed" much more natural. Consider, though, I didn't really have a reference. So the color accuracy was more based on my personal viewing opinion.
If tank171 really thinks 1080p is that important, I'd suggest at least waiting for the new 1080p non-Elite Pioneer's to come out, which should be at the end of the month or in early September. Since the 720p sets are going for $2500 online (Invision Displays), I'm going to guess the 1080p models will go for ~$3000, which I think is WELL worth the $700 over the Samsung.
Give Tank credit. Despite the fact that he seems interested in some of the more meaningless specs touted by manufactures and easily dismisses some of the more knowledgeable posters in the thread, at least he is concerned enough with picture quality to be looking at Plasma.
I find convincing others of the merits of Plasma over LCD to be increasingly hard. There is so much misinformation out there. Just yesterday, I had to send a rather lengthy email to a family friend who was concerned about buying a 42" Panasonic plasma b/c the Best Buy salesman told her that "it only had 1024 resolution which means you would always have black bars on your screen".
Tell me, do LCD's have better markups or perks associated with selling them. It seems most salesman love LCD's. Of course, this is helped by the fact that most LCDs look much better in store lighting, where the better color and contrast of a Plasma gets muted due to the bright lighting.
In fact, I'm a bit astonished that you work for Best Buy and know what you are talking about. That has not been my experience.
Originally posted by: GZFant
lol
Getting called an ignorant asshat at anand...
Guess there is a first for everything?
Hope you got what you wanted Tank!
Originally posted by: hdembski
Tank,
I'm an average guy who's real close to getting a new TV. I'm not nearly as tech savvy as many of these others but i've done my homework, and have gone to my local stores and have eye balled many of these TV's comapred to others. Yes, there isn't a ton of reviews or stuff on the Samsung 5084 but i can only say when it was lined up against several other TV's i looked at with similar prices and features, visually it looked the best to me. It's great looking and the picture was fabulous. Let's be honest there are tons of sets out there, so i wanted a 50 inch and a plasma d/t better balck levels and for watching sports etc. It just looked best to me and in the end that's what matters, how it looks to you. These tech people, if you sat them down with 3-4 comparable TV's, i doubt even the most discerning pro could diferentiate. Considering i can order the 5084 through internet for maybe a little over $1,800 to me it's a steal for a 50" 1080P plasma of high quality. After awhile you can drive yoursefl crazy doing the homework and shopping around. In the end go eye ball it in a store like i did. To me, it stood out with picture quality and i know i'll love it.