Samsung versus Panasonic dilemma

Sampath78

Friends

I am quite new to LCD buying and have been doing some online research.
I am looking to buy a 32" LCD TV and have a budget of $500. After a bit of research, I am looking to buy one of these two TVs and am struggling to chose between the two. If it were you, which one would you recommend?

Option 1:
Samsung LN32B360 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
Two HDMI, one component, and one composite video input
30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 8ms response time
Cost: $449 in Best buy

Option 2:
Panasonic VIERA 32" TCL32X1 720p LCD HDTV w/iPod dock
Three HDMI inputs and PC input , SD cards slot
Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1, Response Time: 8 msec
Cost: $449 in Dell

Thanks for your help,
Sampath

daleb

The contrast specs are utter crap..if you like them the 460 and 540 Samsungs are 50,000 and 60,000:1 respectively.
All the hype aside, Samsung LN32B540 is now $499 in Costco until July 4th... Best deal around right now for money.

The 360 (older model) only has 2 HDMI ports, and lower contrast rating.

Costco gives you a 90 day return policy, plus the factory warranty is extended to 2 years. With tax, this may bump your 500 limit a bit, but overall you will get a newer model and superior customer service.

I just bought the same set for the BR..very happy with it!

Costco also has the same basic Panasonic model for $479..I think the $30 is worth the customer service (with no sales geek breathing down your neck
I preferred the Samsung..but you could do well with either over the Sony for the price IMO.

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Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83SE, Roku Digital, Furman Elite power conditioner

Diamond

Panasonic is a better choice.Higher contrast ratio,more HDMI ports.

Loves2Watch

I prefer the Panasonic brand but the Samsung would be a fine addition as well. The new Panny LCD's have been getting great reviews and are as good as if not better than any other brand.

I would suggest going to demo some in a store and choose which looks best to you.

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Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Blu-ray players.
Main HT Room TV, Projector, Receiver, Speakers, Blu-ray player, HD DVD player, Dish Network HD DVR, 300 Disc CD Changer and so on.

daleb

Not compared with the 460 or 540 Samsung,..same number of ports and higher contrast ratio than the Panasonic not just from the specs, but from what I've seen. Any of the 3 though is superior to the 360 which is not a bad display, but 'dated'.

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Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83SE, Roku Digital, Furman Elite power conditioner