Choosing plasma TV under $1K

gmcman

Not my dedicated HT set, but the upstairs replacement and won't need to be a high-end set. I'm focused on the Panasonic and I just haven't seen a LCD set that just wows me, especially for under $3K. The next time I spend some coin, above $2K...it will be to replace my RP Hitachi when it ever takes a dive.

That being said, I'm after a 50" and have seen the S60, the ST60, and just recently the S64 at Costco which apparently has a similar AR panel to the ST but not all the bells and whistles. The room is roughly 15x15 with 3 windows facing the set but with curtains.

The S60 just didn't give me the warm fuzzies I was after but has a good pic, the ST 60 did look better. Being after a budget set and realistically trying to stay under $700, I think the S64 is the best deal. The S64 is $599 and just wanted to get some opinions for any comparisons...all criticism is appreciated.

From what I understand, 720P is good for sets under 47" but I want to say I could see the difference in the 720P 46" sets as well as the 50" over the 1080P. The S64 is 1080P which is nice. I think the plasma may struggle a little in daylight but I will take a little darkness over the "fakish" skin tones of a lower $$ LCD.

cnh

I like the Pannie plasmas. Not sure about the two units you mention but most are very good.

As for 720p vs. 1080p. that is "only" true for sets 32" and smaller. It is hard to see a clear difference between 720 and 1080 on a 32" at the "appropriate" viewing distance. That is NOT true for larger sets which would include 40" and above (the most common sizes). Obviously that includes 46". It is pretty easy to see the difference on such a set.

Happy hunting. Those sound like nice prices above!

cnh

nguyendot

Those two sets are entry level units - but don't let that fool you. The picture quality is still superb so long as you don't have any windows shining light on the panel. They are reflective and do not have the antiglare coating. I think only the GT series an above have that.

Either way, I would not hesitate to own either of those models for a secondary display. I am looking now for an upstairs TV as well.

jeremymarcinko

For bright rooms or daytime watching. The Lg plasma tv are arguably better at the mentioned price point. The blacks a re not as deep as the Panny/Sammy plasmas but look very good in brighter rooms and give better detail in dark scenes. Color banding and temporary image retention are more noticeable on the lg sets however.

gmcman

cnh wrote: »

As for 720p vs. 1080p. that is "only" true for sets 32" and smaller. It is hard to see a clear difference between 720 and 1080 on a 32" at the "appropriate" viewing distance. That is NOT true for larger sets which would include 40" and above (the most common sizes). Obviously that includes 46". It is pretty easy to see the difference on such a set.

Ok, then that makes it a 1080 quest for sure, I saw the difference right away and now at least I don't need to fiddle around with any more settings in-store.

nguyendot wrote: »

They are reflective and do not have the antiglare coating. I think only the GT series an above have that.

Either way, I would not hesitate to own either of those models for a secondary display. I am looking now for an upstairs TV as well.

They are indeed reflective but the S64 was (at least from what I could tell) had a different AR than the S model, indeed the GT is nice but I cannot justify that until they really drop in price after the UHD sets hit the market full-tilt. AFAIK, the S64 is the ST without the added features other than AR...could be a Costco-only model.....not sure.

Also, there are no remotes handy to change the settings at Costco but I was able to use the side buttons on the S64 for the menu. Once I changed the black level to FULL, everything changed dramatically....was initially set on HALF, those were the terms used if I remember correctly. Made a huge difference in contrast and even the wifey noticed it.

jeremymarcinko wrote: »

For bright rooms or daytime watching. The Lg plasma tv are arguably better at the mentioned price point. The blacks a re not as deep as the Panny/Sammy plasmas but look very good in brighter rooms and give better detail in dark scenes. Color banding and temporary image retention are more noticeable on the lg sets however.

I will check out the LG sets as well, thanks. Brightness is a key factor so it's a fine balancing point over PQ. Once I have my way with the menu, either the faces will either be somewhat true to life or not...that just jumps right out.

If you're in the market for a set like this, the S64 is a sweet unit for the price. If they come down on Labor Day, Costco will honor the difference within 30-days.

Conradicles

Get the S64.

EndersShadow

I own the ST60 and was in deep debates on the ST, GT, S, S3 Panasonic models.

I am VERY happy with my ST60 coming from a Panasonic 56" DLP. I have very little issue with it and honestly think you should just go with the highest model in the Pansonic line you can afford.

As a FYI the ST model uses the same panel as the G series in the model year before. The GT models while nice since they do include the THX mode, I could couldnt afford a screen as big as I wanted for what I could afford.

I looked at Samsung and LG models but just wasnt impressed. Panasonic models consistently get better reviews from owners than Samsung's.

My personal taste is Panasonic > Samsung for Plasma. Panasonic < Samsung for LCD's.

Get a 1080p Panasonic Plasma with the biggest screen you can within your budget but I would try to get one of the ST models over the older S series.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

gmcman

What do I gain with the 2500 focus field drive over the 600Hz sub-field drive? I want the ST but I'm looking at maybe 60% more in price. I hear the S64 is limited so I need to make up my mind before this weekend for peace of mind.

nguyendot

Just buy it man... Guarantee you will be happy. I would buy one again for my non theater.

gmcman

Update on this, I picked up the S64 last weekend. So far I like it but apparently it needs some time to burn. I have the Spears & Munsil DVD coming and will hopefully get it all squared away before too long. There sure is a lot of settings compared to what I'm used to, W/B, high and low RGB, etc.

GlennDog

gmcman,

please keep us posted as I am moving in the same direction . . .

G