Which Company Makes the Best HDTV's? [POLL]

[JackBurton]

Yep, and from what I understand, with the same POS one that it came with. I got a 4071F, and know it's just a matter of time. This is upstairs in the bonus room, and gets little use compared to those who use them as their everyday TV, so I'm sure it will bite me. Good point about Pioneer, but their price point put them out of most people's league.

My parents had a 5271F, however instead of taking a chance on Samsung replacing the PS board with another defective board, I opened up the TV and replaced the caps myself. Even worse though, if you let that issue go on too long, it would damage the rest of the TV. After replacing the cap, it was good for about 1 yr then other components started failing. In the end Samsung pretty much replaced every part on the TV, including the LCD panel.

 

[JackBurton]

I really considered an AQUOS, but they had terrible banding problems at the time. Has this been fixed?

The Sharp Elite is their flagship model (however you won't find the Sharp name anywhere on the front bezel) and no, there are no reported banding issues with it. Not saying it is issue free, but there is not one TV on the market that is perfect. The good thing about the Elite is, the issues that it does have would most likely not even be noticed unless someone pointed them out before hand and you looked for them specifically. Even then it is very hard to notice. The Elite is a thing of beauty, however it does come with a steep price tag. But you know what they say, you gotta pay to play.

 

[ICXRa]

My parents had a 5271F, however instead of taking a chance of Samsung replacing PS board with another defective board, I opened up the TV and replaced the caps myself. Even worse though, if you let that issue go on too long, it would damage the rest of the TV. After replacing the cap, it was good for about 1 yr then other components started failing. In the end Samsung pretty much replaced every part on the TV, including the LCD panel.

I hadn't read about it causing issues with other components. I've taken survey's from two law firms considering class action suits against Samsung, right before they started doing everyone the "favor" of replacing the PS. So far, I haven't experienced any of the power supply related issues. I don't know if I got lucky, and actually got a good one, or if it's just the limited use it sees.

 

[Modelworks]

The PSU is the main failure item on most displays.
I have had good experiences with hitachi LCD , they have now become sony's manufacturer for sets, so if you buy a sony set, you got a hitachi now

 

[JackBurton]

The PSU is the main failure item on most displays.
I have had good experiences with hitachi LCD , they have now become sony's manufacturer for sets, so if you buy a sony set, you got a hitachi now

Samsung's was a different case. It wasn't just a matter of the PSU just failing, it was a matter of Samsung using capacitors that were underspecced.

 

[JackBurton]

I hadn't read about it causing issues with other components. I've taken survey's from two law firms considering class action suits against Samsung, right before they started doing everyone the "favor" of replacing the PS. So far, I haven't experienced any of the power supply related issues. I don't know if I got lucky, and actually got a good one, or if it's just the limited use it sees.

A class action lawsuit has already been settled by Samsung for this issue. You should be able to call up Samsung and ask them to replace your PS board and refer to the class action lawsuit.

The only real way to know your display is affected is to open up your display and inspect the capacitors, and note the ratings of each of the caps in question. If they are underspecced they WILL fail prematurely. I'm not sure if you want to go through all that trouble, but that is really the only way to know for sure if you are safe.

 

[frowertr]

This is actually pretty sad. Yes, Panasonic currently has the best plasma on the market, but even in 2012 they are still trying to play catch up with Pioneer's 2008 technology. But this really isn't Panasonic's fault. Why should they produce the best plasma possible when consumers aren't willing to fork over the money for the best tech?

Well Pioneer stop making Plasma years ago. The OP asked who makes the best TV's and, in my opinion of today's technology, you will be hard pressed to find better TV's than the current ST, GT, and VT series of Panasonic TV's in that order of quality.

As far as PQ, the Pioneer Kuro's were light years ahead of the industry in 2008 and we are just now catching up to them. Reading on AVS there are many people who are comparing the 2012 VT series to the Kuros which is good news. Secondly, the Kuro's weren't "smart". No Netflix, Skype, etc... If you were to give me a Kuro I would take it, but on the other hand, if you gave me $3000 and told me to pick a GT/VT or a Kuro I would purchase the Panasonic TV's everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

My .02¢

 

[donfm]

you will be hard pressed to find better TV's than the current ST, GT, and VT series of Panasonic TV's in that order of quality.

I think perhaps you were just typing faster than you were thinking and didn't realize what you said.....the Panasonic VT is the flagship of the line. You're not suggesting the ST is a better quality TV than the VT are you.

 

[frowertr]

I think perhaps you were just typing faster than you were thinking and didn't realize what you said.....the Panasonic VT is the flagship of the line. You're not suggesting the ST is a better quality TV than the VT are you.

Woops! I was three beers in when I wrote that. Long day at work!

 

[JackBurton]

Well Pioneer stop making Plasma years ago. The OP asked who makes the best TV's and, in my opinion of today's technology, you will be hard pressed to find better TV's than the current ST, GT, and VT series of Panasonic TV's in that order of quality.

I covered that on the first page, Pioneer stopped making TV's in early 2009. I would also rank the Sharp Elite over any Panasonic plasma.

As far as PQ, the Pioneer Kuro's were light years ahead of the industry in 2008 and we are just now catching up to them. Reading on AVS there are many people who are comparing the 2012 VT series to the Kuros which is good news. Secondly, the Kuro's weren't "smart". No Netflix, Skype, etc... If you were to give me a Kuro I would take it, but on the other hand, if you gave me $3000 and told me to pick a GT/VT or a Kuro I would purchase the Panasonic TV's everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

My .02¢

IMO, TV's shouldn't be "smart." They should do ONE thing, display the best PQ possible. The stupid smart crap can be relegated to an external device that can be upgraded whenever needed (ie. Apple TV, PS3, whatever), rather than replacing the TV because the TV isn't so "smart" in 2015. If you want a "smart TV" for something like a bedroom, I can understand the need/want (a very minimalistic all-in-one unit). But for critical movie watching, PQ should trump any goofy knick-knack features. I actually have a Kuro and there is NO WAY I'd trade it for a Panasonic plasma.

 

[frowertr]

I covered that on the first page, Pioneer stopped making TV's in early 2009. I would also rank the Sharp Elite over any Panasonic plasma.

Splitting hairs when comparing the VT's vs. the Elites. No clear winner and I would be the proud owner of either...

IMO, TV's shouldn't be "smart." They should do ONE thing, display the best PQ possible. The stupid smart crap can be relegated to an external device that can be upgraded whenever needed (ie. Apple TV, PS3, whatever), rather than replacing the TV because the TV isn't so "smart" in 2015. If you want a "smart TV" for something like a bedroom, I can understand the need/want (a very minimalistic all-in-one unit). But for critical movie watching, PQ should trump any goofy knick-knack features. I actually have a Kuro and there is NO WAY I'd trade it for a Panasonic plasma.

To each their own. Look, as I said, if you were to give me a Kuro I would be glad to take it. It has been the reigning king in the plasma world since its introduction. But if I had the cash in hand to purchase a GT/VT, I'd take the GT/VT over the Kuro. I'd rather have 2012 technology working for me. You think that '08 Kuro is going to last forever? I'd much rather have a TV that is currently supported with firmware updates, warranty service, 3D, and all the other bells and whistles that make current generation TV's "fun". Especially considering how good the VT's are.

The bottom line is that today's Panasonic Plasma's are leaps and bounds better than they were when the Kuro was released. I venture to say the VT is "better" than the Kuro just in the sheer amount of shit it can do. And it's PQ isn't bad either.

Buy a Kuro, buy a GT/Vt, or buy an Elite. Nothing wrong with any choice.

 

[NutBucket]

What about Mitsubishi? LaserVue is beautiful.

 

[donfm]

Woops! I was three beers in when I wrote that. Long day at work!

I figured you didn't mean that and I thought I'd politely tell you about your error before some self proclaimed expert jumped all over your case for nothing....

 

[Zivic]

Pioneer stopped making TV's in early 2009.

you don't say... must have been the reason I picked up a 151 and 600m in 2009


LOL at OP stating "LED" .... manufacturers have people brainwashed into thinking that they are buying some new LED tech as they sell them the same ol' LCD panels..... still have backlighting problems, some even worse with LED's, off axis viewing is still an issue, "soap opera affect" still in affect. Sad that pioneer stopped production. there are still good displays out there, some even LCD, but it would have been nice to see a 11th gen or higher kuro

 

[Zivic]

To each their own. Look, as I said, if you were to give me a Kuro I would be glad to take it. It has been the reigning king in the plasma world since its introduction. But if I had the cash in hand to purchase a GT/VT, I'd take the GT/VT over the Kuro. I'd rather have 2012 technology working for me. You think that '08 Kuro is going to last forever? I'd much rather have a TV that is currently supported with firmware updates, warranty service, 3D, and all the other bells and whistles that make current generation TV's "fun". Especially considering how good the VT's are.

The bottom line is that today's Panasonic Plasma's are leaps and bounds better than they were when the Kuro was released. I venture to say the VT is "better" than the Kuro just in the sheer amount of shit it can do. And it's PQ isn't bad either.

Buy a Kuro, buy a GT/Vt, or buy an Elite. Nothing wrong with any choice.

only reason I would buy a VT over my current pioneers would be size. If I can get a VT in a 70" panel for around 3 grand, I will gladly replace a pioneer with it.

 

[TheDev]

Wow, I had no idea that Panasonic was so respected as a TV manufacturer. Is this just for large HDTV's? What about medium-sized ones?

 

[JackBurton]

To each their own. Look, as I said, if you were to give me a Kuro I would be glad to take it. It has been the reigning king in the plasma world since its introduction. But if I had the cash in hand to purchase a GT/VT, I'd take the GT/VT over the Kuro. I'd rather have 2012 technology working for me. You think that '08 Kuro is going to last forever? I'd much rather have a TV that is currently supported with firmware updates, warranty service, 3D, and all the other bells and whistles that make current generation TV's "fun". Especially considering how good the VT's are.

The bottom line is that today's Panasonic Plasma's are leaps and bounds better than they were when the Kuro was released. I venture to say the VT is "better" than the Kuro just in the sheer amount of shit it can do. And it's PQ isn't bad either.

Buy a Kuro, buy a GT/Vt, or buy an Elite. Nothing wrong with any choice.

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I never said someone should buy a used 2008 Kuro over a VT50. I wouldn't buy ANY used TV. If I were in the market today, it would be between the VT50, Sharp Elite or Sony HX929. And in the end I'd choose the Elite. And guess what, my choice would have NOTHING to do with the goofy apps included with the TV. I'm not spending $7K on a TV because it has a "cool" Twitter app. This BS is the reason Panasonic is so far behind Pioneer's tech. They highlight features like, "Oooo, Twitter and Facebook" because that distracts the consumer from the main focus which is PQ performance. How else do you explain why Panasonic can't even get 1080p/24 right even in 2012? How else do you explain why Pioneer in 2008 had MUCH better anti-IR prevention than Panasonic's new plasmas? It's just pathetic. And these stupid distractions are a big reason why these companies get away with it. If you want apps, get an Apple TV.

 

[JackBurton]

you don't say... must have been the reason I picked up a 151 and 600m in 2009

I bought my 141FD when it was released in late 2008 and then a 111FD in early 2009 after the news broke that Pioneer was shutting down. And when the announcement was made public, it was a VERY sad day for me. It was great that I was able to get a couple of Kuro's, but I was REALLY looking forward to their Extreme Contrast Concept (ECC). Panasonic has proven they are not capable of releasing ANYTHING like it. But hey, our panels have Twitter! YEAH!!!! Give me a Pioneer ECC plasma now, and you can keep your 3D and BS apps.

LOL at OP stating "LED" .... manufacturers have people brainwashed into thinking that they are buying some new LED tech as they sell them the same ol' LCD panels..... still have backlighting problems, some even worse with LED's, off axis viewing is still an issue, "soap opera affect" still in affect. Sad that pioneer stopped production. there are still good displays out there, some even LCD, but it would have been nice to see a 11th gen or higher kuro

Their advertising spin on an old tech (LCD) worked REALLY well. People bought that line, hook, line and sinker.

 

[JackBurton]

Wow, I had no idea that Panasonic was so respected as a TV manufacturer. Is this just for large HDTV's? What about medium-sized ones?

I'm being very critical of Panasonic, but they really are one of the best TV's available today. You really can't go wrong with an ST50 or VT50. The ST or VT are only available in the larger sizes though (50" to 65"), but there are other Panasonic plasmas available in a 42" size.

 

[TheDev]

I'm being very critical of Panasonic, but they really are one of the best TV's available today. You really can't go wrong with an ST or VT.

Are they affordable though? Do they have good LED 1080p HDTVs under $600?

 

[frowertr]

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I never said someone should buy a used 2008 Kuro over a VT50. I wouldn't buy ANY used TV. If I were in the market today, it would be between the VT50, Sharp Elite or Sony HX929. And in the end I'd choose the Elite. And guess what, my choice would have NOTHING to do with the goofy apps included with the TV. I'm not spending $7K on a TV because it has a "cool" Twitter app. This BS is the reason Panasonic is so far behind Pioneer's tech. They highlight features like, "Oooo, Twitter and Facebook" because that distracts the consumer from the main focus which is PQ performance. How else do you explain why Panasonic can't even get 1080p/24 right even in 2012? How else do you explain why Pioneer in 2008 had MUCH better anti-IR prevention than Panasonic's new plasmas? It's just pathetic. And these stupid distractions are a big reason why these companies get away with it. If you want apps, get an Apple TV.

/shrugs

We are in the minority my friend. The average consumer only wants the biggest screen they can get. Apps comes second and then PQ comes in way down the line later in terms of importance. The average consumer doesn't even know what good PQ is.

Those "companies" wouldn't sell it if they public didn't want it. The Kuro was a financial failure for Pioneer. Despite a PQ that is still the best in its class today.

BTW, I agree with your top 3 of new TV's.

 

[JackBurton]

Are they affordable though? Do they have good LED 1080p HDTVs under $600?

"Best" and "affordable" (budget conscious) normally don't go together. And for $600 you're in the Vizio price range.

 

[frowertr]

Wow, I had no idea that Panasonic was so respected as a TV manufacturer. Is this just for large HDTV's? What about medium-sized ones?

The order of quality of the new 2012 Panasonic Plasma's are:

1. VT50
2. GT50
3. ST50
10. UT50

They are basically all 50"+. The VT50's start at 55" and go to 60". You can check prices yourself but a 50" ST50 will run you about $1200.

50" is the new 42" so you don't see a lot of 42" TV's anymore. Panasonic does make the UT50 in a 42" size. I listed it as 10th on my list as it is a large step down from the ST50 and I wouldn't put it into the "enthusiast" catagory which is where I would list the top 3.

 

[JackBurton]

/shrugs

We are in the minority my friend. The average consumer only wants the biggest screen they can get. Apps comes second and then PQ comes in way down the line later in terms of importance. The average consumer doesn't even know what good PQ is.

Those "companies" wouldn't sell it if they public didn't want it. The Kuro was a financial failure for Pioneer. Despite a PQ that is still the best in its class today.

BTW, I agree with your top 3 of new TV's.

The majority of consumers want cheap, big, "smart" apps and then a DISTANT fourth they'll look at PQ. Pretty sad. And it's exactly the reason why we have displays today that have problems outperforming 2008 tech.

 

[TheDev]

The majority of consumers want cheap, big, "smart" apps and then a DISTANT fourth they'll look at PQ. Pretty sad. And it's exactly the reason why we have displays today that have problems outperforming 2008 tech.

Stop talking about that kind of stuff. No one here cares about facebook or twitter on your TV. That's just dumb. I hope that's not why people are voting for Panasonic.