HELP!!! PLASMA QUEST ALMOST DONE
kfccon123 -- Sun, 03/05/2006 - 08:36
Looking for a good 50" plasma. Don't want to pay top dollar for say, a Fujitsu, at this time, due to new technology coming out very soon. If the new 1080p plasmas end up being as fantastic as all of the hype, then I can buy one at the end of the year.
Have DIRECTV (HD tuner), watch a ton of sports , regular programs and movies, and DVDs occasionally. Watch mostly non local channels.
On the advice of Scott Wilkinson, for which I am most appreciative, I went to Costco to check out the 50" Vizio (in stock, not on display). Did have a 50" Panasonic TH-50PM50U for about $3,000 after discount.
Saw the 50" Professional Series HD Plasma Display, TH-50PHD8UK, on Panasonic's website. I would love to get just a display because I will need an audio system anyway. Can get this model for $3,000 or so.
Ok folks. Time for the experts to fire away!!! Please tell me what you think.
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Are you saying that the consumer and pro version are the same price?
Remember that with the Panny Pro Model, you'll most likely have to buy extra "blades" to connect it, a stand or wall mount, and it lacks the convenience features of the consumer version. Availability is also an issue on the 50PHDUK as most of the reputable places have waiting lists on it. The picture quality is very good.
With discounts on the 1080 RPTVs like the new Sony SXRD and JVC 56" LCOS, they might also be on your short list (unless you need to hang the display on the wall)
Yes the consumer and the pro are about the same price, but I have not even called or visited the retailers who sell the pro. There is a very short list of authorized dealers here in Miami, Florida.
Who are some reputable dealers that I can buy the pro model from?
The consumer version is at Costco, and it comes with audio, which I really would like to do without, but since Costco has such a great satisfaction guarantee, I am weighing my desire to have just a display and having to buy it online or at a small retailer, which I am not thrilled about.
Jim, what do you mean by "blades?" I am a complete moron when it comes to this tech stuff.
As for other options, I was absolutely, positively and without a doubt going to buy the 60" Sony SXRD. One of the best pictures of any type of TV available, hands down. However, I hate the "Dumbo" ear speakers, am willing to wait until late Summer/Fall for the new model, which is guaranteed to be redesigned, and I became enamored with the prospect of hanging my set on the wall.
Also, a number of months ago, I was misinformed by a an audiophile friend, that plasma was no good and being phased out, so I did not even consider it until recently, after doing my research on forums like these.
It's tough to beat Costco's pricing and return policies.
Some mail order firms make you inspect the glass of the plasma BEFORE the UPS guy leaves (Ever try to get one of them to slow down?) and charge hefty restocking fees.
Should you decide to buy mail order, Visual Apex comes highly recommended (www.visualapex.com), but I'm sure there are others to consider. The Visual Apex folks seem much more knowledgeable about the Pro Panny than the norm.
Blades is a slang term for the terminal card options for the Panasonic Plasmas (Pro Versions). If you want HDMI, for examples, you'll need to add an optional terminal card.
Good Luck!