[BobM]

Also, be aware of huge markups at certain size levels. For example, I was looking for a 60 inch and the Samsung and Panni models that had my interest were priced around $1700-2200. But the 55 inch models from each in the same series were about $500 cheaper or more on average. That's only a loss of about 2 inches on each side (left and right). Not really even noticeable to tell the truth and a big savings overall.

[rbbert]

The Panasonic ST50 55" is tough to beat for value!

[zybar]

Hi Guy:

On the Oppo and for what it is worth, they offer excellent product support. Do a search on Oppo on this site, and you will read posts about how owners have received service even after their warranties have expired.

I watched a videocast with Scott Wilkinson (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/video-coverage/video-coverage/oled-tv-calibration-smart-tv-s-4k-or-8k-and-more-in-the-chat-room.html) yesterday, and he had nice things to say about Panasonic's new ZT series as well as observations on refresh rates, 4K resolution, and a lot more.

Steve

I own or have purchased almost a dozen of their dvd and bluray players over the years and couldn't be happier.

For the one time I had a technical issue, Oppo's customer service was outstanding!!

BTW, I also own multiple Panny plasma tv's and highly recommend them as well.

George

[Atlplasma]

Also, be aware of huge markups at certain size levels. For example, I was looking for a 60 inch and the Samsung and Panni models that had my interest were priced around $1700-2200. But the 55 inch models from each in the same series were about $500 cheaper or more on average. That's only a loss of about 2 inches on each side (left and right). Not really even noticeable to tell the truth and a big savings overall.

When I think back to what I paid for my 50 inch Pioneer, ouch! At the time, they had had just introduced a 1080p model, which was TWICE the cost of the set I bought.

[zybar]

When I think back to what I paid for my 50 inch Pioneer, ouch! At the time, they had had just introduced a 1080p model, which was TWICE the cost of the set I bought.

That's how it goes.

I remember when 1024x768 42" plasma tv's were $5k and a 720p high end pj was $10-15k!!!   

At least the prices are going in the right direction.   

George

[Guy 13]

That's how it goes.

I remember when 1024x768 42" plasma tv's were $5k and a 720p high end pj was $10-15k!!!   

At least the prices are going in the right direction.   

George

Hi George (aka: zybar or vice versa) and all Audio Circle members.
Hopefully by the time I will be ready to buy my plasma TV (Middle 2014)
the prices will have gone down even more.
I would like (My goal) to pay 500 USD for a 50" Panasonic plasma TV.
Am I dreaming or asking for too much? I hope not!
Guy 13

[Guy 13]

When I think back to what I paid for my 50 inch Pioneer, ouch! At the time, they had had just introduced a 1080p model, which was TWICE the cost of the set I bought.

Hi Atlplasma and all Audio Circle members.
I almost never buy something that is new on the market.
All the time those new items prices go down by a lot in the first year,
therefore I can wait and pay less.
I am not the type to get everything that is new on the market.
One other good reason to wait, is that the manufacturers will always come up with an improve and better model withing a year or so.
Also, they will many times, get rid of the bugs associated with most new products. (Especially cars)

Guy 13

[Napalm]

May I suggest to look at the Playstation 3 as a blu-ray player? The DVD upconversion to HD is top notch. Aside from playing BluRay and DVDs, it also does some other useful things, like providing local storage and some means to manage a copy of your personal photo/video collection. Plus other goodies of which my favorite one is the ability to play Call Of Duty.

The only situation you wouldn't want a PS3 is if you plan to play copies / rips of Blurays protected with "Cinavia". It will refuse to play them. Of course the originals will play just fine.

[Guy 13]

The Panasonic ST50 55" is tough to beat for value!

Hi rbbert and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for your opinion on the Panasonic plasma TV,
after searching for a price for that ideal TV I was shocked to see on Amazon the price of 1,697 USD, that more than double the price I had in mind.
1,500 USD is the price for the TV with the Bluray player.
Hope the price will go down by the time I am ready to buy.

Guy 13

[Guy 13]

Also, be aware of huge markups at certain size levels. For example, I was looking for a 60 inch and the Samsung and Panni models that had my interest were priced around $1700-2200. But the 55 inch models from each in the same series were about $500 cheaper or more on average. That's only a loss of about 2 inches on each side (left and right). Not really even noticeable to tell the truth and a big savings overall.

Hi Bobm and all Audio Circle members.
I want a 50" plasma TV
but I might change my mind and go for a smaller size,
if the prices of the 50"
don't go down by 50% by the time I am ready to buy (2014).

Guy 13

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
No one have comment and/or answer my question about using my
Sennheiser HD-570 (60 Ohms) headphones.
Does anyone have tried high impedance headphones
with the headphone jack on the Panasonic?
In addition, can you tell me what it takes to up-grade the TV software on the TV.
I have been told that even a TV out of the box, needs up grading.
How do you do it ? ? ?

Guy 13

[srb]

In addition, can you tell me what it takes to up-grade the TV software on the TV.
I have been told that even a TV out of the box, needs up grading.
How do you do it ? ? ?

Panasonic has only released firmware updates for a few select models, so it is untrue that most need updating.

If a firmware update has been released for your Panasonic model, it is simply downloaded to an SD memory card.  When the card is inserted into the TV's SD card slot, you will be prompted with on-screen instructions.

Steve

[Philistine]

COSTCO are currently selling a 50 inch Panasonic plasma for $699.99, based on this you should be in good shape to meet your future target price...

I've got 2 Panasonic plasma's - a 45 inch and a 55 inch, and couldn't be happier.  Before getting the first one I checked out LED sets and thought they were too bright and artificial.  Another option could be to buy the previous years model when they price clear for new model launches.

[Guy 13]

Panasonic has only released firmware updates for a few select models, so it is untrue that most need updating.

If a firmware update has been released for your Panasonic model, it is simply downloaded to an SD memory card.  When the card is inserted into the TV's SD card slot, you will be prompted with on-screen instructions.

Steve

Hi srb and all Audio Circle members.
When you say:

" it is simply downloaded to an SD memory card ".

Do you mean you get the information from a Panasonic site
via the Internet and your computer?

Guy 13
 

[Guy 13]

COSTCO are currently selling a 50 inch Panasonic plasma for $699.99, based on this you should be in good shape to meet your future target price...

I've got 2 Panasonic plasma's - a 45 inch and a 55 inch, and couldn't be happier.  Before getting the first one I checked out LED sets and thought they were too bright and artificial.  Another option could be to buy the previous years model when they price clear for new model launches.

Hi Philistine and all Audio Circle members.
I don't have a COSTCO member card,
but my cousin will be more than happy to go with me to COSTCO
to help me buy a Panasonic TV over there.
A 55 inch plasma Panasonic for 699.99 (Plus tax 105$)
that's within my budget and by the time I am back in Canada
and ready to buy it, maybe it will be 699.99$ including tax.
Even better.

Guy 13