Comments on: Any (specific) tips on a new flat-panel TV?

By: Jeremy Toeman’s LIVEdigitally » Blog Archive » New plasma ordered: Panasonic TH-50PZ77U

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:32:06 +0000

[...] wrote an article many moons ago about getting a new flatscreen. Upon reviewing that post, looks like I stayed within my original criteria. I have to say, this [...]

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:11:43 +0000

I bought the Panasonic TH-42PC77U at Costco for $999.00 after the $300 instant rebate. I had looked at numerous brands and types of TVs, and decided the Panny gave me the best bang for the buck!
Pros:
AntiGlare screen - I found other plasmas with the mirror-like screens unbearable when watching. That lamp or other source of light would seem to reflect on the screen right where I was looking.
HD Picture - even though it’s not fully 720P, it handles 720P and 1080i material very well. I had considered a 1080P model, but I sit more than 8 feet away, so it doesn’t make sense for me.
SD picture- the processor does a great job with standard definition pictures. Some TVs can’t handle the DVD and regular broadcast material very well.

Processor - is fast compared to many other brands. I have a Sharp Aquos LCD that takes forever to process a change of channels.

Cons

Lack of VGA input, although I use a DVI to HDMI cable that works fine.

No picture and picture - although I never use it anyway.

SD Card slot and “front mounted” cable connectors are on the back side of the unit. It makes it a little inconvenient if you put the plasma in a cabinet.

As far as buying from Costco goes, the 90 day return, 30 day price protection, and additional year of warranty are big pluses!

By: AG

AG — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 04:15:12 +0000

JT,

How ’bout buying online from Costco? Convenience of online, return policy of the stores.

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 03:40:54 +0000

Check out the Pioneer PDP-4280HD. It only does 720p, but the difference in picture quality between Pioneer’s line and every other TV on the market is staggering.

By: Jeremy Toeman

Jeremy Toeman — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:27:43 +0000

Thanks for all the tips guys, will let y’all know where I end up after Thanksgiving!

By: mike

mike — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:52:36 +0000

Data point,
I have 3 friends that recently bought the 46″ Sharp Aquos LCD, after much research.

By: tivoboy

tivoboy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:13:31 +0000

I think I SAID that one could PUT IN HDMI boards, DVI, anything one wants, configure as needed. As for any price advantage, the boards run about 100-110. The devices do come with VGA, PC, component and of course S and RCA as standard. But, to add a couple HDMI boards for 220$, doesn’t really negate the cost advantage, as the advantage could still be 500-700$ savings.

If one is using a good quality receiver - which it sounds like JT does, then all one really needs is ONE hdmi in (or dvi acutally is fine since no audio is required) and then let the receiver do the HDMI switching, component upscaling, etc. Makes for a nice interface to the set as well.

I personally, think that the devices are more pro friendly, with easy discrete configuration of each and every input, something which I still don’t think the consumer panasonic TV’s allow.

I also like the more streamlined form factors, but this would only be a soft value, not the hard cost and feature advantages already mentioned.

By: Jonas

Jonas — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:15:49 +0000

Over the summer, I upgraded to a Samsung 26″ LCD. It’s a great set, and in my mind, they are the LCD leaders. Even in a room with a large skylight, the colors are excellent, and motion blur hasn’t been an issue on anything I’ve watched. If you’re going LCD, don’t even look at Sony, Samsung is much better- and I went to several store multiple times to come to that conclusion.