Ok, so Im moving, and we will be living with the in laws for a month or two. Im debating whether to deal with transporting the 2008 Panny plasma or just selling it here.

I'm looking at spending around $3k if I do buy another so here are my options:

Panny 54" or 58" V10
Amazon.com: Panasonic TCP54V10 54 inch Viera Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV: Electronics

Sammy 55" LED
Amazon.com: Samsung UN55B8000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV: Electronics

Sony XBR9 (really cheap, is there a new model coming?)
Amazon.com: Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-52XBR9 52-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV, Black: Electronics

I think either are a big step up from what I have now, and I like the LED, but still hesitant on LCD's.

Opinions welcome, spend my money!

TIA

I know you like the Panasonic plasmas, but the Samsung LED's are sweet.

S~

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I do, but Im with you man.

BTW, I respect your opinion so....

I've been trying to get Gregg to weigh on too...

Man, Gregg is kicken me towards the V10.

Ya know, you guys suck at TV recommendations


My standard right now would be black level, and ease of access of menu settings.

Is the current model one to stick with, or should I wait?

Really tough questions.

First, the resale value is not a good story for any TV. You won't get that money you spent for the calibration back unless you can find someone who appreciates what was done there. Personally, I'd sell if you can find the right buyer who will pay a premium for the calibration. If not, I'd move it.

Second, how much other stuff are you moving? If the set is part of a large bunch of furniture, it probably makes sense. If you are selling everything else and starting over then it probably doesn't make sense to move it. Sorry, vague answer, but its kind of a fuzzy decision.

You probably need to add the cost of a new cal to either decision, as I suspect that the Panny would need a re-cal after moving.

A lot of the decisions are going to be dependent on the room you end up with. Ambient light, max size, etc. You might just find that home theater space, and decide to go FP.

As for models, they change so often that it is tough to plan ahead. I haven't even seen the XBR10 yet, but I am looking forward to it. The Samsungs probably have about 6 months before the next gen, and the Pannys are about due.

To be honest, I like the picture quality of all three of the current models and don't think you can go wrong. I have a slight bias against the Sonys because of premium pricing and quality control issues on a couple of units I have owned. Nice sets, but not sure they are that much nicer.

It's fun to plan though, and it will help keep you sane while you deal with living with family. Good luck, and keep us posted.

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Living Room: Toshiba 56" 720P DLP, Onkyo 806, Klipsch KG5 mains and RC35 series center/surrounds, Velodyne 12" sub, Panasonic BD60 Blu-Ray, Toshiba A30 HD-DVD, Panasonic Laserdisc player, Motorola HD-DVR.
Bedroom: Panasonic 50" 1080P Plasma, Onkyo 605, Denon HTIB speakers, Toshiba A2 HD-DVD, Insignia BD1 Blu-Ray, Motorola HD-DVR
Misc: Optoma 720P projector and 60" screen. Basement full of surplus.

Thanks Jay.

Im with Teachsac and you in liking the new LED's, so I guess the next debate is whether to take the 55" LED or 58" Plasma? I guess that size diff is moot...

Guess I need to go lurk at AVS and do some reading on the 8000. I have owned a plasma HDTV for much of my high def life, so I guess i'm acting like a scared kid when it comes to changing tech's

I am not too worried about getting my money back for the TV. It still has 2 years on the in home and the ISF calibration, so it'll be fair if I list it over at AVS and here. Prob wont ebay at first. The new tv purchase is really a present to myself, for my new job

Should I buy on Black Friday or in Dec/Jan? Basically, we wont move in to a new home until Feb 1.

Thanks guys.

Another thing to consider is calibration abilities. The panny plasmas have no gamma adjustment. I know the sammy lcd's allow you to adjust tons of stuff. I'd assume this means more accurate pic, just less black level. Though, I gotta think the LED's have pretty good blacks.

Well did some reading, and checked the cnet reviews, and I think the V10 58" is my set. Looks like they fixed a couple of issues I have with the 50" 85u I have, and this current gen actually handles 1080p/24 properly.

V10 has the THX mode, but also has better adjustments for a calibrator like Gregg to tweak with.

Next question is, what should I ask for my 85u?

The physical condition is mint of course, it still has 2.5 yrs on the Panasonic in home warranty, and has been ISF calibrated once, and touched up once.

$1000-$750?

Thanks

I always leave out Sammy plasmas, but the 860 looks like a great model too. More color accuracy, little less black.

Which would be most important in choosing a HDTV? I'd assume the color accuracy, because blacks on all premium tv's are pretty good now.