Panasonic Viera (TH-50PZ85U) vs. LG LCD's

[Halon451]

Hey all - I haven't been around much lately, but as I've been sitting here contemplating the nature of our spoiled economy, I figured I would do my part to pump some more money into it and go buy myself a new TV.

I was wondering if anyone has had any direct experience with the Panasonic Viera Plasmas? I'm shooting for a relatively low-cost option but with decent quality, and I've always been an admirer of Panny's Plasma displays.

I've also narrowed my options to include strong consideration for some of the LG LCD's...

Yes, I bring into question the age-old debate of plasma vs. LCD, and have already weighed the pros and cons of each. I would tend to lean more towards plasma for a couple of reasons: Higher contrast ratios, and less motion blur (other factors have weighed in favor of LCD including lower power consumption, less heat, etc.) I've had a soft spot for LG LCD's for some time now. 1080p and a wide viewing angle are two of my principle requirements.

I have gone to my local BB to look at the Viera on display and am quite satisfied with the way it looks in the store, but of course have not spoken with anyone yet who has owned one. Obviously, I have no way of knowing if any of those sets are properly calibrated, and my guess is probably not, but I can still determine certain factors regardless.

It seems these days the distinctions between the two technologies are becoming far less pronounced, with some LCD's achieving stunning contrast ratios and response times, and my own knowledge, experience and research has gotten me to these two fine choices so far.

Input is welcomed! Hope everyone has been well!

 

[jostenmeat]

welcome back halon.

Count me in on the plasma, and all I own is a PJ. I will never recommend an LCD to any of my friends. Motion blur is a real thing IMO. Even with modest viewing angle, or sitting afar, is it easily detectable on a lot of them. Where they have come a lot closer is black level. But why pay so much more?

I believe that power consumption could be either exaggerated or a misconception. AFAIK, LCDs are always using max power... or something close to it? Plasma's max power I think is only achieved when its a fully bright white screen. Who watches a big blazing white screen all day long? FWIW, LCDs get just as warm as plasmas when I get close to them, however, I don't have a ton of experience with either.

All I know is that I wouldn't even spend one minute researching LCD if I was looking for my first flat panel. I'd get a Panny for sure, unless a KURO could be had for not tremendously more. My vote. Take a poll?!

 

[Emusica]

Panasonic all the way, but I am biased I'm on my second Panny now, my first one still going strong (no 'burn-in' despite multiple, multiple hours of video games). I just got the 58" pz800u a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier (unless maybe I got the Pioneer Kuro, but I didn't want to spend 3K more for a little better performance that I probably wouldn't even notice) Just my .02's

I have it mounted now and it looks great. The shiny black bezel gives it a nice piano polished look. I was considering the same model you are now, but I decided to go bigger. The model you are considering has a one-sheet-glass design, so the front is totally flush, a very nice touch IMO. Again though, I am baised.

 

[Alex2507]

Panny plasma all the way. I chose to get one after doing my reading hear at AH.

 

[Halon451]

Thanks guys - hehe, I kind of figured the general consensus around these parts would swing towards the Panny. I've seen little in the way of negative reviews on Panny's plasmas over the years, and although have never owned one for my home, have worked with dozens of them before. I figure I will be quite happy with this purchase either way - of course, $$ being the limited factor, yes - Kuro, Elite, etc. Out of my range for now, and probably will be for quite some time.

I had read a few reviews on the Viera that has prompted me to post about it - one being color reproduction (i.e., reds and greens tend to be just a tad over-saturated). Also, it tends to overscan with 720p sources. Minor things, that I think could be offset with a little tweaking, but this is why I was wondering if anyone had had any direct experience with this in their home and if either of these things were an issue with them.