Panasonic 46" 1080P or Samsung 50" 1080P Plasma?

mshulman · 11-23-2009, 12:13 PM

Which TV would be a better choice?

I've always liked the Samsung HDTV's and feel they have a great picture so I was thinking of going with that. It's also larger which appeals.

Panasonic: http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features

Specification wise they seem about equal.

Any advice is appreciated.

**PFC5** · 11-23-2009, 01:24 PM

How about a 54" P54S1 for only $1100.00?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=Y&origin=prod

It is bigger and cheaper (while on sale) than the Samsung.

Five things that made me choose Panasonic over Samsung for a plasma last year are:

1. Panasonic reliability is rated the highest for a few years.
2. Panasonic plasmas have better black levels and this is one of the most important things for me with PQ especially with darker movies.
3. Panasonic has better customer service if something should go wrong.
4. Panasonic is more resistant to Image Retention than Samsung.
5. Samsungs have had issues with the panels buzzing on brighter scenes.

Now with that link you can get a 54" for a couple of hundred less and at a local store than the 50" Samsung too. For me this would make it a no brainer.

Hope this helps!

HiDefRev · 11-23-2009, 01:42 PM

Panasonic. For all of the reasons listed by PFC5. Quite frankly, Panasonic makes the best plasmas on the market today.

mshulman · 11-23-2009, 09:44 PM

Thanks PFC5. I ended up pulling the trigger before seeing your response (I know.. stupid

)..

I did go with the 50" Samsung and my wife feels its too big. I figured size wouldn't matter so much since we are used to watching on our projector at 102" sitting about 10' from the image. So 50" at 8' didn't seem like it would be a big deal, but she feels the TV takes over the room.

I suppose she is right. I think it could be a little better if we mounted it on the wall, but I'm not sure she'll agree.

Looking at all the Best Buy info I can find on the return policy, It seems I won't even pay a restocking fee if I bring it back, so I may do that and go with the 46" panny.. I think she may still think that is too big though lol

Any suggestions on something smaller in case 46" is still too large?

Personally, I like the large screen

It does take up half the wall though if we were to mount it.

**PFC5** · 11-23-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

Thanks PFC5. I ended up pulling the trigger before seeing your response (I know.. stupid

)..

I did go with the 50" Samsung and my wife feels its too big. I figured size wouldn't matter so much since we are used to watching on our projector at 102" sitting about 10' from the image. So 50" at 8' didn't seem like it would be a big deal, but she feels the TV takes over the room.

I suppose she is right. I think it could be a little better if we mounted it on the wall, but I'm not sure she'll agree.

Looking at all the Best Buy info I can find on the return policy, It seems I won't even pay a restocking fee if I bring it back, so I may do that and go with the 46" panny.. I think she may still think that is too big though lol

Any suggestions on something smaller in case 46" is still too large?

Personally, I like the large screen

It does take up half the wall though if we were to mount it.

Wow!

You pulled the trigger in less than an hour/11 min. for the time I responded? Someone here is an impulse shopper huh?

I would wait a week (or 3) before deciding to return the 50" display. Give her time to adjust to it. Many women convince the guys that xx size is too big for the room because they are going from a 27" tube TV or similar size and some are posting back saying it is a go to get a bigger size after the wife has a few months to get use the smaller size one and realize they seem to shrink with familiarity.

I was excited to post that link for the P54S1 that Mytime pointed me to because it was such a great deal. I thought you would be so excited to see that since I knew you had a big FP setup already and figured you would appreciate getting a bigger screen for less money.

mshulman · 11-23-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Wow!

You pulled the trigger in less than an hour/11 min. for the time I responded? Someone here is an impulse shopper huh?

I would wait a week (or 3) before deciding to return the 50" display. Give her time to adjust to it. Many women convince the guys that xx size is too big for the room because they are going from a 27" tube TV or similar size and some are posting back saying it is a go to get a bigger size after the wife has a few months to get use the smaller size one and realize they seem to shrink with familiarity.

I was excited to post that link for the P54S1 that Mytime pointed me to because it was such a great deal. I thought you would be so excited to see that since I knew you had a big FP setup already and figured you would appreciate getting a bigger screen for less money.

Yeah.. I kind of had already made up my mind

I figured you'd post in favor of the panny.. I must say, sitting here watching the samsung, it's an awesome picture. At first I wasn't as wowed as I had hoped and then I realized my cable box was outputting 720p. I changed it to 1080i and it now looks WOW.

It is very BIG for the room though - It's probably a 13'x16' room (just measured with my feet).

But as you know, using the FP for most viewing, I'm very used to the huge picture in front of me. My wife was planning on this TV going into our bedroom (which is being redone) but I figured we'd keep it in here. In the bedroom, we will be much further from it - probably closer to 16-20'.. It would be at the farthest end of the room from us. I'm inclined to keep it and hope she gets used to it here, but know it would be a good size in the bedroom if she can't get used to it here. Her one comment to the bedroom is that she doesn't feel we watch enough TV there...

Anyway, thanks for the input. I think I will hang on to it at least for a few days. Everything I've read indicates I have 30 days to return for full purchase price. Worst case, I'll find a smaller TV with an equal picture quality if need be.

Tomorrow I'll have to get my spare HD-A3 out of the attic and hook it up and see how Planet Earth and some other titles look!

PS - Any recommendations on a wall mount bracket? It seems most would support a 30-60" so even if we did downsize I could still use it. I'm thinking with it mounted to the wall, it might fit in better.

**PFC5** · 11-23-2009, 11:24 PM

My HT/living room is 14' x 12' and I am thinking of moving up to a 54" from 50" at some point. Check out my horrible cell phone pics in the thread I started HERE to see it. At some point I have to mount mine as well I guess, but I would still need a rack for the gear still so I haven't really thought much about it. At some point I want a display for over the fireplace in the family room also. But that would put 3 HDTVs on the main floor and then 4 in the bedrooms upstairs. I think I have a problem with always wanting more HDTVs.

Check out www.monoprice.com for good and cheap mounts.

mshulman · 11-24-2009, 01:45 PM

I like your pics. That seems like a similiar sized room. The only problem in my case is she doesn't want this room to be a TV room.

She's pretty adamant that she hates it and wants it taken back. I'm trying to determine what size might work ok. Even 46" would probably be too big. I'm thinking 42" would be about right probably.

**PFC5** · 11-24-2009, 06:28 PM

Maybe you should mention the 11" Sony OLED display at $2500.00 for her.

HiDefRev · 11-24-2009, 06:55 PM

OK, you can always go with the TC-P42V10. That is, unless she gets used to the 50" set before you take it back. Either way, do yourself a favor and get a Panny plasma !

mshulman · 11-24-2009, 06:57 PM

Well.. She was so adamant that I gave in and brought the 50" back. I went with a 42" Panasonic Plasma instead. Figured I'd take your advice there

It's a great picture. My only issue is the glare. The samsung either didn't have it or it wasn't noticable. This TV is like a mirror. I may get used to it, but I'm not sure. I'm going to give it some time.

The size is acceptable, but I really did like the 50" TV

So I guess at this point if I can't live with the glare I'll just need to swap for a 42" that does not have as much.

The one I got is the TC-P42U1. Is this known for more glare? I suppose I should have done a bit more research, but didn't want to give my wife an opportunity to say forget it altogether

**PFC5** · 11-24-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

Well.. She was so adamant that I gave in and brought the 50" back. I went with a 42" Panasonic Plasma instead. Figured I'd take your advice there

It's a great picture. My only issue is the glare. The samsung either didn't have it or it wasn't noticable. This TV is like a mirror. I may get used to it, but I'm not sure. I'm going to give it some time.

The size is acceptable, but I really did like the 50" TV

So I guess at this point if I can't live with the glare I'll just need to swap for a 42" that does not have as much.

The one I got is the TC-P42U1. Is this known for more glare? I suppose I should have done a bit more research, but didn't want to give my wife an opportunity to say forget it altogether

That model has no anti glare coating. I noticed it was much worse than the S1 when I was at BB last week. Take it back and get the S1 series model. They are the same price when I just checked on BB's website.

I don't even think the U1 series has the newer NeoPDP panel either so it is like you bought the lowest end 2008 model only without the anti glare.

abenak89 · 11-24-2009, 07:58 PM

i vote for 50 inch sammy. keep the sammy they are also awesome plasmas and just as good as panny except for maybe not as good of customer care

mshulman · 11-24-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

That model has no anti glare coating. I noticed it was much worse than the S1 when I was at BB last week. Take it back and get the S1 series model. They are the same price when I just checked on BB's website.

I don't even think the U1 series has the newer NeoPDP panel either so it is like you bought the lowest end 2008 model only without the anti glare.

Damn, I knew I should have talked to you first

Good news is she is happy with the size, so now I just need to get the right one.

I'll get the S1 series.. just have to wait for it to get back in stock.

**PFC5** · 11-24-2009, 08:07 PM

Try the Worcester Store. I think they have it in stock there.

11-23-2009, 12:13 PM	#1
mshulman My Projector is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Marlborough, MA Age: 35 Posts: 6,709	Panasonic 46" 1080P or Samsung 50" 1080P Plasma? Which TV would be a better choice? I've always liked the Samsung HDTV's and feel they have a great picture so I was thinking of going with that. It's also larger which appeals. Panasonic: http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702 Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...l&tab=features Specification wise they seem about equal. Any advice is appreciated. __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A3 PS3 Panasonic BD-P1600 Sanyo PLV-Z3 Canon HF-10 Onkyo 805 Panasonic TC-P46S1 Vholdr 1080P HD Helmet Cam "I eat green berets for breakfast and I'm very hungry!"

11-23-2009, 01:24 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 30,625	How about a 54" P54S1 for only $1100.00? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=Y&origin=prod It is bigger and cheaper (while on sale) than the Samsung. Five things that made me choose Panasonic over Samsung for a plasma last year are: 1. Panasonic reliability is rated the highest for a few years. 2. Panasonic plasmas have better black levels and this is one of the most important things for me with PQ especially with darker movies. 3. Panasonic has better customer service if something should go wrong. 4. Panasonic is more resistant to Image Retention than Samsung. 5. Samsungs have had issues with the panels buzzing on brighter scenes. Now with that link you can get a 54" for a couple of hundred less and at a local store than the 50" Samsung too. For me this would make it a no brainer. Hope this helps! __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5

11-23-2009, 01:42 PM	#3
HiDefRev Trust me. I'm a Doctor. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Land of Relativity, USA Age: 56 Posts: 1,039	Hdtv Panasonic. For all of the reasons listed by PFC5. Quite frankly, Panasonic makes the best plasmas on the market today. __________________ Living Room Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 50" 1080p HDTV, Sony Playstation3 80 Gig, Onkyo HT-R667 7.1 AV Receiver, Yamaha NS-6490 Main, Side and Surround Speakers, Cadence C-17 Center Speaker, Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 15" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 722 HD DVR, Panasonic DVD Recorder/VCR, Monoprice cables Den Viewsonic NX2232W LCD HDTV, RCA RT-2500 5.1 AV Receiver, ESS-308 Main, Center and Surround Speakers, Onkyo 10" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 211 HD Receiver, Magnavox Blu-Ray Player, Nintendo 64 & Wii

11-23-2009, 09:44 PM	#4
mshulman My Projector is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Marlborough, MA Age: 35 Posts: 6,709	Thanks PFC5. I ended up pulling the trigger before seeing your response (I know.. stupid ).. I did go with the 50" Samsung and my wife feels its too big. I figured size wouldn't matter so much since we are used to watching on our projector at 102" sitting about 10' from the image. So 50" at 8' didn't seem like it would be a big deal, but she feels the TV takes over the room. I suppose she is right. I think it could be a little better if we mounted it on the wall, but I'm not sure she'll agree. Looking at all the Best Buy info I can find on the return policy, It seems I won't even pay a restocking fee if I bring it back, so I may do that and go with the 46" panny.. I think she may still think that is too big though lol Any suggestions on something smaller in case 46" is still too large? Personally, I like the large screen It does take up half the wall though if we were to mount it. __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A3 PS3 Panasonic BD-P1600 Sanyo PLV-Z3 Canon HF-10 Onkyo 805 Panasonic TC-P46S1 Vholdr 1080P HD Helmet Cam "I eat green berets for breakfast and I'm very hungry!"

11-23-2009, 11:24 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 30,625	My HT/living room is 14' x 12' and I am thinking of moving up to a 54" from 50" at some point. Check out my horrible cell phone pics in the thread I started HERE to see it. At some point I have to mount mine as well I guess, but I would still need a rack for the gear still so I haven't really thought much about it. At some point I want a display for over the fireplace in the family room also. But that would put 3 HDTVs on the main floor and then 4 in the bedrooms upstairs. I think I have a problem with always wanting more HDTVs. Check out www.monoprice.com for good and cheap mounts. __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5

11-24-2009, 01:45 PM	#8
mshulman My Projector is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Marlborough, MA Age: 35 Posts: 6,709	I like your pics. That seems like a similiar sized room. The only problem in my case is she doesn't want this room to be a TV room. She's pretty adamant that she hates it and wants it taken back. I'm trying to determine what size might work ok. Even 46" would probably be too big. I'm thinking 42" would be about right probably. __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A3 PS3 Panasonic BD-P1600 Sanyo PLV-Z3 Canon HF-10 Onkyo 805 Panasonic TC-P46S1 Vholdr 1080P HD Helmet Cam "I eat green berets for breakfast and I'm very hungry!"

11-24-2009, 06:28 PM	#9
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 30,625	Maybe you should mention the 11" Sony OLED display at $2500.00 for her. __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5

11-24-2009, 06:55 PM	#10
HiDefRev Trust me. I'm a Doctor. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Land of Relativity, USA Age: 56 Posts: 1,039	Panny plasma OK, you can always go with the TC-P42V10. That is, unless she gets used to the 50" set before you take it back. Either way, do yourself a favor and get a Panny plasma ! __________________ Living Room Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 50" 1080p HDTV, Sony Playstation3 80 Gig, Onkyo HT-R667 7.1 AV Receiver, Yamaha NS-6490 Main, Side and Surround Speakers, Cadence C-17 Center Speaker, Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 15" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 722 HD DVR, Panasonic DVD Recorder/VCR, Monoprice cables Den Viewsonic NX2232W LCD HDTV, RCA RT-2500 5.1 AV Receiver, ESS-308 Main, Center and Surround Speakers, Onkyo 10" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 211 HD Receiver, Magnavox Blu-Ray Player, Nintendo 64 & Wii

11-24-2009, 06:57 PM	#11
mshulman My Projector is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Marlborough, MA Age: 35 Posts: 6,709	Well.. She was so adamant that I gave in and brought the 50" back. I went with a 42" Panasonic Plasma instead. Figured I'd take your advice there It's a great picture. My only issue is the glare. The samsung either didn't have it or it wasn't noticable. This TV is like a mirror. I may get used to it, but I'm not sure. I'm going to give it some time. The size is acceptable, but I really did like the 50" TV So I guess at this point if I can't live with the glare I'll just need to swap for a 42" that does not have as much. The one I got is the TC-P42U1. Is this known for more glare? I suppose I should have done a bit more research, but didn't want to give my wife an opportunity to say forget it altogether __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A3 PS3 Panasonic BD-P1600 Sanyo PLV-Z3 Canon HF-10 Onkyo 805 Panasonic TC-P46S1 Vholdr 1080P HD Helmet Cam "I eat green berets for breakfast and I'm very hungry!"

11-24-2009, 07:58 PM	#13
abenak89 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 82	i vote for 50 inch sammy. keep the sammy they are also awesome plasmas and just as good as panny except for maybe not as good of customer care

11-24-2009, 08:07 PM	#15
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 30,625	Try the Worcester Store. I think they have it in stock there. __________________ 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 PSN: PFC5