Considering the Panasonic TC-P50G10

shimmishim · 06-30-2009, 01:06 PM

I've read the noob thread (which was very much appreciated) and I've been doing as much research as I can for a new TV.

After trying to decide between an LCD and Plasma TV, I've decided that Plasma might be the best way to go.

I understand that plasma tv's have a bit of a glare due to the shiny screen but can be controlled with blinds and what not to prevent light from glaring off the glass. I don't think this will be too much of a problem.

From what I've read it seems like the G10 series is a lower end model that Panasonic makes.

For those that own a G10 series tv, how would you rate the PQ to another LCD tv you own or have compared it to.

I currently have a 32" Dell LCD tv (purchased in 2006) that I've enjoyed but the fiancee wants something bigger for the living room.

edit:
We are planning to go see the tv today at best buy and i understand that plasmas are underrated in the bright store lighting hence why i'm asking for personal experience in home. thanks

**PFC5** · 06-30-2009, 06:05 PM

Welcome to the forum!

You have learned well Grasshopper.

I can tell you my prior year lowest end model Panasonic 1080p plasma (50pz80u) looks great and blows my 1080p 47" LCD out the window with dark scenes AND with dimmer lighting even on the brighter material. It is more pronounced as the room lighting goes down like when you would watch a movie at night.

The viewing angle is also much more pronounced in typical home lighting and is much greater than what you see when trying to find it in the ultra bright stores. After getting my first HDTV that was LCD for my bedroom (32" 768p LCD) and seeing the viewing angle & black level issues i was determined to check this much closer when I was replacing my bedroom display. I tried like hell to see the issues on the 47" 1080p LCD in the store but could hardly see any off those issues and decided to go with LCD. Black levels are more important in a bedroom IMO, since that is more likely to be watched with the lights off and that shows poor black levels much more than in a bright room.

Despite checking all this out this time around for my 2nd LCD, I still saw these issues when i got home. I kept it as my son's TV in his bedroom died and he got the 32" LCD. 6 months later I had the chance to get my first (and only) plasma which was the 50pz80u which I got for only $1,300.00 back in 5/2008. Back then prices for both techs were much higher although that is about the norm (or higher) now for the entry Panasonic plasma models.

After calibrating both to the best they could be with the Blu-ray version of DVE (Digital Video Essentials), I compared them both with the same various BD movies of different movie types, and the difference was not even close for PQ. In fact, with about 40 different people comparing both, NOT ONE person thinks the LCD is even close in PQ and they have all said unless it is a bright daylight scene the differnce is so much better with the plasma. The newer panasonic plasmas are even better than mine and the G10 model this year is much better.

I will say that plasma is not the best solution in all situations, but the glare issue is overblown IMO, especially for people coming from a CRT which has more reflection than the current plasmas do. The applications where I believe LCD is a better choice are:

1. In a bright room where a lot of the material is watched during daylight shining in if it is at least half the total viewing time, and people do not want to have blinds closed.

2. In a sunroom that has extreme light coming in which of course could not be blocked wtihout changing the room design extensively.

3. As a store type display in a very bright area and/or showing static images most of the time. (but LCD can also have what is called Image Memory that is like Image Retension on plasmas). Neither is permanent but burn-in is, but mostly erroneously labeled as this when in reality it is IR and goes away once moving images are shown for a few minutes (at least with Panasonic plasmas that I am familiar with).

4. More than very casual computer monitor use. I think any more than 55 use as a computer monitor would dictate an LCD would be a better choice. Many think this % of use is too low, but I err on the side of caution here.

That IMO are the only times going with LCD is the better choice, based on owning both techs and watching them in home lighting. Yes there are LED backlit LCDs that take away the worries of poor black levels, but they cost 2x or more over the cost of a plasma to get that black level and every pro review I have read states that the LED backlit LCDs have worse viewing angles compared to florescent backlit LCDs, so for LCD to even the black level field with plasma, you have to pay a much higher price for such LCD, AND get greater viewing angle issues to get it, with plasma already beating LCDs in viewing angles already.

Neither is a "perfect" display tech and they both have trade offs. Personally the tradeoffs with plasma for my uses are much lower than with LCD as a owner of both. Someone who absolutely hates glare will likely think that this issue with plasmas is the most important and in that case they would be correct to go with LCD. But even the high end LCD models have a glass screen instead of the matte screen so this will STILL be an issue if you get a high end LCD.

As far as LCD looking "better' in those ultra bright stores with Sodium gas lights, I would say would you rather have it look better in a store, or how you use a display in your HOME?

Hope this helps!

shimmishim · 06-30-2009, 08:07 PM

That was very helpful!

We went to go see the TV at best buy and for some reason it looked really horrible even compared to the lower end 720p model plasmas that were on display. Something was definitely wrong with how they had the tv setup.

It's beautiful though.

As for the glare... it's going into the living room where there is a sliding glass door with blinds. The tv is going on the wall perpendicular to the sliding door but the tv isn't right next to thee sliding door. I think it shouldn't be a problem to close the blinds.

Thanks for your input. I'm excited about getting this TV!

**PFC5** · 06-30-2009, 10:19 PM

I found the plasmas do not look anywhere near as good in the Best Buy stores near me and in one store the PQ was so bad even after adjusting it that I truly wonder what they are feeding "some" of these HDTVs. Another time i went back and the same TV looked much better. Strange.

hi2udavid · 07-01-2009, 08:58 AM

I plan on buying the Panny 54V10 later this year. My room is similar to yours so I am very interested in knowing how the angle improves the viewing. I have a Sony 34XBR970 which is a heavy CRT. The relection is annoying but we close the blinds and adjust as needed. Otherwise, it's a good set. I just want the eye popping visuals the V10 has to offer along with the increased size. The ability to show Blue-Ray without flicker is important because next year I plan to upgrade to that too.

Thanks!

Crash7 · 07-01-2009, 05:26 PM

Great choice on the 54" V10. I recently purchased one and am loving it. I have not noticed glare to be an issue at all as I watch both during the day and at night. Also, angle viewing is a non-issue. The picture remains clear from wherever you watch. Enjoy your TV.

numan2good · 07-01-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi2udavid

I plan on buying the Panny 54V10 later this year. My room is similar to yours so I am very interested in knowing how the angle improves the viewing. I have a Sony 34XBR970 which is a heavy CRT. The relection is annoying but we close the blinds and adjust as needed. Otherwise, it's a good set. I just want the eye popping visuals the V10 has to offer along with the increased size. The ability to show Blue-Ray without flicker is important because next year I plan to upgrade to that too.

Thanks!

hello hi2udavid
well no doubt great pick you have....V10 is a nice tv.
http://www.nextag.com/Panasonic-TC-P...53/prices-html
how much you pay for that?
i hope you have campare the prices before you have it.

hi2udavid · 07-01-2009, 06:26 PM

I have not purcahsed teh V10 yet. The G10 listed in the first post was my first choice until I learned aout the V10. I have not seen either set but based on the reviews I will get the 54" V10 instead of the G10. The G10 is a great choice too but I want the V10 instead.

numan2good · 07-01-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi2udavid

I have not purcahsed teh V10 yet. The G10 listed in the first post was my first choice until I learned aout the V10. I have not seen either set but based on the reviews I will get the 54" V10 instead of the G10. The G10 is a great choice too but I want the V10 instead.

true.
i agree

06-30-2009, 01:06 PM	#1
shimmishim What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Considering the Panasonic TC-P50G10 I've read the noob thread (which was very much appreciated) and I've been doing as much research as I can for a new TV. After trying to decide between an LCD and Plasma TV, I've decided that Plasma might be the best way to go. I understand that plasma tv's have a bit of a glare due to the shiny screen but can be controlled with blinds and what not to prevent light from glaring off the glass. I don't think this will be too much of a problem. From what I've read it seems like the G10 series is a lower end model that Panasonic makes. For those that own a G10 series tv, how would you rate the PQ to another LCD tv you own or have compared it to. I currently have a 32" Dell LCD tv (purchased in 2006) that I've enjoyed but the fiancee wants something bigger for the living room. edit: We are planning to go see the tv today at best buy and i understand that plasmas are underrated in the bright store lighting hence why i'm asking for personal experience in home. thanks Last edited by shimmishim; 06-30-2009 at 01:12 PM.

06-30-2009, 06:05 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	Welcome to the forum! You have learned well Grasshopper. I can tell you my prior year lowest end model Panasonic 1080p plasma (50pz80u) looks great and blows my 1080p 47" LCD out the window with dark scenes AND with dimmer lighting even on the brighter material. It is more pronounced as the room lighting goes down like when you would watch a movie at night. The viewing angle is also much more pronounced in typical home lighting and is much greater than what you see when trying to find it in the ultra bright stores. After getting my first HDTV that was LCD for my bedroom (32" 768p LCD) and seeing the viewing angle & black level issues i was determined to check this much closer when I was replacing my bedroom display. I tried like hell to see the issues on the 47" 1080p LCD in the store but could hardly see any off those issues and decided to go with LCD. Black levels are more important in a bedroom IMO, since that is more likely to be watched with the lights off and that shows poor black levels much more than in a bright room. Despite checking all this out this time around for my 2nd LCD, I still saw these issues when i got home. I kept it as my son's TV in his bedroom died and he got the 32" LCD. 6 months later I had the chance to get my first (and only) plasma which was the 50pz80u which I got for only $1,300.00 back in 5/2008. Back then prices for both techs were much higher although that is about the norm (or higher) now for the entry Panasonic plasma models. After calibrating both to the best they could be with the Blu-ray version of DVE (Digital Video Essentials), I compared them both with the same various BD movies of different movie types, and the difference was not even close for PQ. In fact, with about 40 different people comparing both, NOT ONE person thinks the LCD is even close in PQ and they have all said unless it is a bright daylight scene the differnce is so much better with the plasma. The newer panasonic plasmas are even better than mine and the G10 model this year is much better. I will say that plasma is not the best solution in all situations, but the glare issue is overblown IMO, especially for people coming from a CRT which has more reflection than the current plasmas do. The applications where I believe LCD is a better choice are: 1. In a bright room where a lot of the material is watched during daylight shining in if it is at least half the total viewing time, and people do not want to have blinds closed. 2. In a sunroom that has extreme light coming in which of course could not be blocked wtihout changing the room design extensively. 3. As a store type display in a very bright area and/or showing static images most of the time. (but LCD can also have what is called Image Memory that is like Image Retension on plasmas). Neither is permanent but burn-in is, but mostly erroneously labeled as this when in reality it is IR and goes away once moving images are shown for a few minutes (at least with Panasonic plasmas that I am familiar with). 4. More than very casual computer monitor use. I think any more than 55 use as a computer monitor would dictate an LCD would be a better choice. Many think this % of use is too low, but I err on the side of caution here. That IMO are the only times going with LCD is the better choice, based on owning both techs and watching them in home lighting. Yes there are LED backlit LCDs that take away the worries of poor black levels, but they cost 2x or more over the cost of a plasma to get that black level and every pro review I have read states that the LED backlit LCDs have worse viewing angles compared to florescent backlit LCDs, so for LCD to even the black level field with plasma, you have to pay a much higher price for such LCD, AND get greater viewing angle issues to get it, with plasma already beating LCDs in viewing angles already. Neither is a "perfect" display tech and they both have trade offs. Personally the tradeoffs with plasma for my uses are much lower than with LCD as a owner of both. Someone who absolutely hates glare will likely think that this issue with plasmas is the most important and in that case they would be correct to go with LCD. But even the high end LCD models have a glass screen instead of the matte screen so this will STILL be an issue if you get a high end LCD. As far as LCD looking "better' in those ultra bright stores with Sodium gas lights, I would say would you rather have it look better in a store, or how you use a display in your HOME? 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

06-30-2009, 10:19 PM	#4
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	I found the plasmas do not look anywhere near as good in the Best Buy stores near me and in one store the PQ was so bad even after adjusting it that I truly wonder what they are feeding "some" of these HDTVs. Another time i went back and the same TV looked much better. Strange. __________________ 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

07-01-2009, 08:58 AM	#5
hi2udavid Sony 34xbr970 since 9/06 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 26	Please update later... I plan on buying the Panny 54V10 later this year. My room is similar to yours so I am very interested in knowing how the angle improves the viewing. I have a Sony 34XBR970 which is a heavy CRT. The relection is annoying but we close the blinds and adjust as needed. Otherwise, it's a good set. I just want the eye popping visuals the V10 has to offer along with the increased size. The ability to show Blue-Ray without flicker is important because next year I plan to upgrade to that too. Thanks! __________________ Sony 34XBR970 since 9/17/2006

07-01-2009, 06:26 PM	#8
hi2udavid Sony 34xbr970 since 9/06 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 26	I have not purcahsed teh V10 yet. The G10 listed in the first post was my first choice until I learned aout the V10. I have not seen either set but based on the reviews I will get the 54" V10 instead of the G10. The G10 is a great choice too but I want the V10 instead. __________________ Sony 34XBR970 since 9/17/2006

06-30-2009, 08:07 PM	#3
shimmishim What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	That was very helpful! We went to go see the TV at best buy and for some reason it looked really horrible even compared to the lower end 720p model plasmas that were on display. Something was definitely wrong with how they had the tv setup. It's beautiful though. As for the glare... it's going into the living room where there is a sliding glass door with blinds. The tv is going on the wall perpendicular to the sliding door but the tv isn't right next to thee sliding door. I think it shouldn't be a problem to close the blinds. Thanks for your input. I'm excited about getting this TV!

07-01-2009, 05:26 PM	#6
Crash7 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 23	Great choice on the 54" V10. I recently purchased one and am loving it. I have not noticed glare to be an issue at all as I watch both during the day and at night. Also, angle viewing is a non-issue. The picture remains clear from wherever you watch. Enjoy your TV.

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