Plasma TV ?

3wide · 04-30-08, 10:33

I'm looking at a new tv, leaning twords the new Panasonic plasmas. Either their 42" model or the 50" model, priced at $1200 and $1600 respectively. My main question is there still a risk of burn in on the newer models, any one have experience with them? Alot of the channels will have thier logo in the corner i wonder over time will that get burnt in? I had some one tell me about their older projection model and they always left the close caption on and over time some letters have been burnt in. I know that older technology ect, but that's the type of thing i'm cautions about. The Panasonic is the only plasma i'm looking at, if i don't get one i'm looking at, i'm going the LCD route.

Thanks.

awahl63 · 04-30-08, 10:37

Check out costco for the Panasonic Viera 42". It was $950 and an excellent TV. I made sure to turn down all the settings for the first couple weeks and not leave it on any channel for too long without a quick change.

I don't think Image Retention is a big deal with the newer Plasmas.

bumoftheday · 04-30-08, 11:26

I've got a 50" 60u series panasonic and I love it. I have never had a problem with image retention. I use it as my primary monitor for my computer with the start menu there for hours at a time with no problems.

As a side note, are those 1080p prices? I paid $1200 for my 50" over a year ago and got my dad's 42" panasonic plasma for around $800 at Christmas time.

cajunfirehawk · 04-30-08, 11:31

Get ready to do some reading, this is the home theater forum meca of knowledge:
Plasma Flat Panel Displays - AVS Forum

BlueZero · 04-30-08, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajunfirehawk

Get ready to do some reading, this is the home theater forum meca of knowledge:
Plasma Flat Panel Displays - AVS Forum

Agreed! I've spent way too many hours over there.

Panasonic makes a great plasma TV, I'm sure you will be happy with it.

EisenHulk · 04-30-08, 12:18

I'd also check out:

Tech product reviews for cell phones, computers, MP3 players - CNET

delikid · 04-30-08, 07:02

3wide,

Three words for ya: Panasonic, Panasonic, Panasonic.

For a while now, Pioneer was #1 and Panasonic was #2. Well, last month Pioneer announced it would no longer be making its own plasmas... ready for this? They announced that Pioneer plasma would be made by... ready for this?

PANASONIC!

I have a Panasonic TH-50PZ700U 50" 1080p High Definition Plasma TV. Got it from Crutchfield for $2,389.00. Yes, yes, you can get it cheaper. BUT, for 7 years I've ben ordering from Crutchfield and they are total no-nonsense. Any issue, call them and that make it right immediately. So, that's the extra dollars you pay.

So, I say go with a Panasonic. Figure out what features are right for you now and possibly in the future. And narrow it down from there.

Also, don't be a cheap *** on the wall mount (if you're gonna go that way). You just layed down 2-3K for a TV... and you're gonna get a cheapy mount? I see SO many people thinking that way. Get a quality mount that holds 50-75 pounds more that your TV weighs.

Good luck... I know it's hell! Send me a PM and I'll mail ya a few reports from consumer reports that I used during my searching...

Cheers,

Ian

bumoftheday · 05-01-08, 04:54

I would also recommend looking at HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! for all of your cable and wall mount needs. They are the cheapest that I have found consistently on both.

jfelbab · 05-01-08, 05:07

I have an older 50" Pioneer Elite plasma. Never had any image retention issues or burn in. I prefer plasma over LCD for their blacker black levels, wider viewing angle, and their ability to display fast action with out trailing. Some of the newer LCD's have corrected that trailing problem but the best black levels are still the domain of plasma. The only downside of my plasma is that it draws a lot of power and generates a lot of room heat.

Given the choice I'd still pick plasma today. I'd also go as large as you can fit into the room.

Polygon · 05-02-08, 05:32

I wouldn't buy a plasma to be honest with you. Granted they do have a better black level than LCD, for the time being. However, OLED LCDs are changing that. Besides, you'd be buying into a dead technology.

Plasma TV is Dead - Pioneer Exits — Audioholics Home Theater Reviews and News

qballjr13 · 05-02-08, 05:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polygon

Besides, you'd be buying into a dead technology.

I have to somewhat agree with you Polygon. I think LCD and the OLED are the way all tv's will be going. I also prefer my LCD because my house has alot of natural sunlight and the LCD does not use glass on the front so it cuts way down on glare. I bought a 47" LG thinking it would be too big....I was wrong...it's the perfect size...ALWAYS buy bigger than you think you want.

bumoftheday · 05-02-08, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polygon

I wouldn't buy a plasma to be honest with you. Granted they do have a better black level than LCD, for the time being. However, OLED LCDs are changing that. Besides, you'd be buying into a dead technology.

Plasma TV is Dead - Pioneer Exits — Audioholics Home Theater Reviews and News

That article reads like a player in the high end plasma market couldn't stop losing money because they won't put out lower end tv's stopped making plasma. The 4 largest manufacturers still make plasmas. It is on it's way out eventually, especially with OLED's and other upcoming tech, but it is far from dead as the article proclaims.