First HDTV question (I'm a noob, but done craploads of research)

radiofrog · 11-04-2009, 02:13 PM

I need a little help selecting a TV, please. After tons of reading, my eyeballs are starting to bleed gamma and color temp stats. But I think I've narrowed down my decision (mostly) to three 46" Panasonic plasmas:
TH-46PZ85U (older, but cheaper)
TCP46G10
TH-46PZ850U (older and pricier, but with versatile calibration controls)

I started out planning on spending $6-700, but my eyes (and panel size) grew. I considered going with a 720P plasma like the X1, but I think I probably want 1080P for the size I'm looking at and my uses.

My watching habits are about 1/3 movies & TV shows, 1/3 Sports, 1/3 gaming from 9-10' away, so I was thinking 42" might be too small. Currently I watch a 32" CRT. If I use the display as a monitor, it would probably be only occasionally. Most movie/TV watching I do from my PC I stream to my Xbox360 via Vuze. I will probably eventually get a PS3/BluRay and possibly HD cable. I will also do a lot of DVD/SD stuff.

Thoughts anyone?

Loves2Watch · 11-04-2009, 03:18 PM

Go with the current years model (G10) as the improvements in glass, and the Neo PDP panel are leaps and bounds better than last years models. They are brighter as well.

Bigloww · 11-04-2009, 03:57 PM

G10 all the way...

radiofrog · 11-04-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Go with the current years model (G10) as the improvements in glass, and the Neo PDP panel are leaps and bounds better than last years models. They are brighter as well.

Thanks for the quick responses! And the tech improvements were what I was wondering about.

So, on a couple side-notes, how important do you find having grayscale control or not? Will I find I have enough control over the G10? I've also read about getting deeper into picture controls with a service menu, but that it might void your warranty. Also, I read the 48Hz refresh mode makes the picture shudder to the point of being unwatchable. So just how important is that 48Hz?

NDyse10 · 11-04-2009, 07:45 PM

I would most def go with the G10 because it is the newer piece of machienery.

Loves2Watch · 11-04-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiofrog

Thanks for the quick responses! And the tech improvements were what I was wondering about.

So, on a couple side-notes, how important do you find having grayscale control or not? Will I find I have enough control over the G10? I've also read about getting deeper into picture controls with a service menu, but that it might void your warranty. Also, I read the 48Hz refresh mode makes the picture shudder to the point of being unwatchable. So just how important is that 48Hz?

Not really important at all.

**PFC5** · 11-04-2009, 09:56 PM

I agree with getting the G10 over the pz85u. I own the pz80u and the new model year displays are better for the reasons L2W stated.

The 48Hz doesn't mean anything really as you do not have to use that mode and can just use the 60Hz mode and use the same 2:3 pulldown with movies you have always used and watched films with. No flicker and we are already use to the judder as we have been watching it like that for decades.

Techlord · 11-04-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiofrog

Thanks for the quick responses! And the tech improvements were what I was wondering about.

So, on a couple side-notes, how important do you find having grayscale control or not? Will I find I have enough control over the G10? I've also read about getting deeper into picture controls with a service menu, but that it might void your warranty. Also, I read the 48Hz refresh mode makes the picture shudder to the point of being unwatchable. So just how important is that 48Hz?

The thing about going into the service menu, you could brick your display by pressing the wrong button! As for the 48Hz mode for 1080p/24 playback, select the 60Hz instead and it will do the 2:3 pulldown without that flickering.

radiofrog · 11-05-2009, 09:56 AM

Thanks for all the inputs! Looks like the G10 it is!
(and I'll stay away from the service menu)

I'm also looking at a Rosewill Tilt Wall Mount (RMS-MT5010). My one concern is enough access (visual) to rear connections, but I have seen spacers to put it further off the wall.

Then I just need a new subwoofer (Cambridge Basscube crapped out) and I'm good to go.

radiofrog · 11-05-2009, 04:48 PM

One last thing...

I've never been one to go for extended warranty plans, but what's the general consensus here on those for plasmas? (Panasonics in particular)

**PFC5** · 11-05-2009, 04:51 PM

I got one as a condition to get the 2008 Panasonic model I bought back in 5/2008 for $1300.00 when the price was $2300.00. I could have canceled it after the sale but I kept it. I doubt I would need it but who knows?

11-04-2009, 02:13 PM	#1
radiofrog What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	First HDTV question (I'm a noob, but done craploads of research) I need a little help selecting a TV, please. After tons of reading, my eyeballs are starting to bleed gamma and color temp stats. But I think I've narrowed down my decision (mostly) to three 46" Panasonic plasmas: TH-46PZ85U (older, but cheaper) TCP46G10 TH-46PZ850U (older and pricier, but with versatile calibration controls) I started out planning on spending $6-700, but my eyes (and panel size) grew. I considered going with a 720P plasma like the X1, but I think I probably want 1080P for the size I'm looking at and my uses. My watching habits are about 1/3 movies & TV shows, 1/3 Sports, 1/3 gaming from 9-10' away, so I was thinking 42" might be too small. Currently I watch a 32" CRT. If I use the display as a monitor, it would probably be only occasionally. Most movie/TV watching I do from my PC I stream to my Xbox360 via Vuze. I will probably eventually get a PS3/BluRay and possibly HD cable. I will also do a lot of DVD/SD stuff. Thoughts anyone?

11-04-2009, 03:18 PM	#2
Loves2Watch SPAM Police Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ, NM, TX, MX Posts: 13,972	Go with the current years model (G10) as the improvements in glass, and the Neo PDP panel are leaps and bounds better than last years models. They are brighter as well. __________________ Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.

11-04-2009, 03:57 PM	#3
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	G10 all the way... __________________ Commit to the Indian.. *In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..*

11-04-2009, 09:56 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,420	I agree with getting the G10 over the pz85u. I own the pz80u and the new model year displays are better for the reasons L2W stated. The 48Hz doesn't mean anything really as you do not have to use that mode and can just use the 60Hz mode and use the same 2:3 pulldown with movies you have always used and watched films with. No flicker and we are already use to the judder as we have been watching it like that for decades. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

11-05-2009, 04:51 PM	#11
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,420	I got one as a condition to get the 2008 Panasonic model I bought back in 5/2008 for $1300.00 when the price was $2300.00. I could have canceled it after the sale but I kept it. I doubt I would need it but who knows? __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

11-04-2009, 07:45 PM	#5
NDyse10 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 15	I would most def go with the G10 because it is the newer piece of machienery.

11-05-2009, 09:56 AM	#9
radiofrog What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	Thanks for all the inputs! Looks like the G10 it is! (and I'll stay away from the service menu) I'm also looking at a Rosewill Tilt Wall Mount (RMS-MT5010). My one concern is enough access (visual) to rear connections, but I have seen spacers to put it further off the wall. Then I just need a new subwoofer (Cambridge Basscube crapped out) and I'm good to go.

11-05-2009, 04:48 PM	#10
radiofrog What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	One last thing... I've never been one to go for extended warranty plans, but what's the general consensus here on those for plasmas? (Panasonics in particular)