I can't understand why they'd run an ad on a TV that's unavailable? The sales manager couldn't explain it, sounds like a bait and switch!! :nono:
Advice on 40 - 50" ish LCD vs Plasma...
- Thread starter LCruiser122
- Start date
LCruiser122
Member
Do you remember the "Black Friday" Samsung 40" 1080p LCD that EVERYBODY had and ran out of? I first thought it might be one of those deals, you know a stripped down version. Then, I thought that the 85U replaced it (I have yet to see a 46" in the 85U) and that was the reason for the low price. BB store AND BB online say more are coming (my BB store said end of March). This COULD make sense as everything is shipped in from overseas. I order from a vendor who orders from Korea / China, etc. His orders are usually 3 months to arrive in containers. I kinda think they priced it lower than they needed to and it "stole" many 32"-40" and 720p buyers which sparked the shortage. (notice the new sale price is $1299.)
If nothing happens soon, I'm thinking the 46" 85U at around $1300 wouldn't be bad. The 42" 85U is currently $1099.
It IS very strange they would have them on sale so to speak when they aren't available. Anybody have any ideas? Where's Zeromancer when you need him? He's the GURU of Panasonic.
I'd be interested in the difference between TN-46PZ80U and the 50" 85U (other than size obviously). I don't see anything really except contrast.
Google both numbers and you will find scoodles of reviews on both. iirc the '80' is the one you want but it has been awhile. I looked hard at the big Samsung and at the Panasonic before buying my Pioneer Elite PRO-111FD.
I got such a good deal on my Pio that I grabbed it. Work hard enough and you can get a Pio discounted. You won't get a deal at BB or other similiar places but hit the tweak shops hard.
Its hard to walk in the door of a dealer for the first time demanding a 30-40% discount. They'll tell you to pound sand. . . You have to give them a reason first. In my case I bought mine from the same store I've bought all my AV gear from for the last 25 plus years and they know me plus consider me a good loyal customer.
I can't do it for anyone else so usually I don't talk about it or brag about my price. My only point is that the deals are out there but it may take some work to find it. . .
Zeromancer
Super Member
The PZ80U and the PZ85U are using the same exact panel and processor. Panasonic lists a higher contrast ratio for the 85u because it has an ambient light sensor which adjusts the brightness of the TV depending on the amount of light in the room. That is why they list a 30,000:1 contrast for 85u. You can turn the senor on or off and panasonic calls it C.A.T.S. (Contrast Automatic Tracking System)This feature also helps reduce power consumption and minimize phosphor aging.
silversport
Super Member
I think they get all the stuff ready for the sales flyer LONG before the actual sale...didja notice last weekend the sales flyer for Circuit City???...What Circuit City...good luck finding your TV...
Bill
Bill
Zeromancer
Super Member
Circuit City here won't shut down until Mar. 31st.
A few eeks ago I was looking at the cost of the KURO sets because my crt based Elite was having problems with power. At BB the PRO-11FD was marked down to $2800. I almost bit, but I told myself to walk away and not do an emotional purchease. They are good looking sets. Thank goodness my set was repaired and doing well.
SSBN 618
Active Member
All you ever wanted to know and more...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1112512
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1082528&highlight=80+85+850
Costco Panny here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1111491
If that's a PRO-111Fd and new in the box, not an 'open box special' I'd be all over that. . .
Pio discounted them from 4999 to 4599 for the holidays but you could find them for less plus they were giving away a new 499 Pio BD player to everyone who bought one making it a great deal. . .
I paid what I considered a great price for mine from a bonafide Pioneer Elite dealer but it wasn;t anywhere near that price.
I've seen used ones sell for 3,000-3,500. . . Shoot buy it then sell it for profit. . .
Zeromancer
Super Member
:thmbsp::thmbsp: man I'm so jealous
Once you get everything set up can you take some pics??
LCruiser122
Member
Hey Zeromancer....
Since you are the Panisonic guru...do you know anything about the Panasonic TH-46PZ850U ? At $1299, looks pretty good.
Thanks
Since you are the Panisonic guru...do you know anything about the Panasonic TH-46PZ850U ? At $1299, looks pretty good.
Thanks
Ronnie, you better give that man a call unless you know its comming. . . Sometimes they get busy and forget. In my case both the TV and the SC-05 receiver came as one pkg with the receiver shrink wrapped to the top of the TV box. Mine did come direct from Pio's warehouse though. . .
I think it may come by different trucks however. . . Mine came FedEx Freight. . . Could be the holder comes by regular ground. . .
Read the directions before taking her out of the box. . . There is a special way to lift that bad boy. . . Also you might not ever figure out how to turn it on once plugged in. . . Took me 20 minutes to figure out how along with some other kinda hidden inputs. . . LOL. . .
Let me know how long it takes to turn it on. . .LOL
Zeromancer
Super Member
That one has some nice features - THX certified and 24fps playback
I'm looking more towards a 50"
Here is a good deal on a 50" Panasonic for $ 1350
Although it doesn't have the increased contrast ratio, pc input, 24fps playback - it provides amazing picture quality and gets tons of great reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...c=OTC-Froogle-_-Plasma-_-Panasonic-_-89187083
As for staying with a 46" I recommend this model TH46PZ85U
That is if you are trying to save even more $$$.
On sale for $1,099.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889187085
If you can afford $1300 then definitely go with the TH-46PZ850U
Zeromancer
Super Member
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Viera-TH-46PZ85U-46-Inch-Plasma/dp/B00142MUEC/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_t
scroll down to where it says which is the right Viera for you and you can compare features between the models and sizes.
scroll down to where it says which is the right Viera for you and you can compare features between the models and sizes.
BrocLuno
Lunatic Member
Well my 42" KURO did not work out. Seems it was a damaged unit and after I spoke to the sales person I pulled the plug on the set 
Then I found a used Pioneer Elite KURO 42 locally on CL that still has the warranty and is pristine for close to the same $$. Salivated over that for a while. Was making arrangements to go get it (2 hours away) and he called me back saying his new 50" won't be here any time soon, so he's keeping the old set - fudge
So now I'm back to the Panasonics I guess? Probably an 80U as we still do SD and I'll just pocket the difference to use on other audio gear. My wife will be happy and I can proceed with the space remodel as I can figure the cable runs and such. Besides, I won't care about hacking the speakers on a $700 set near as much as a $1,600 one.
Then I found a used Pioneer Elite KURO 42 locally on CL that still has the warranty and is pristine for close to the same $$. Salivated over that for a while. Was making arrangements to go get it (2 hours away) and he called me back saying his new 50" won't be here any time soon, so he's keeping the old set - fudge
So now I'm back to the Panasonics I guess? Probably an 80U as we still do SD and I'll just pocket the difference to use on other audio gear. My wife will be happy and I can proceed with the space remodel as I can figure the cable runs and such. Besides, I won't care about hacking the speakers on a $700 set near as much as a $1,600 one.
MilesCamp
New Member
Glare/Reflection - LCD vs Plasma
I live on a lake with the lakeside wall all glass. Glare was the single biggest reason for purchasing a LCD. If you have any problem with a refection on your present set it will multiply with plasma. There is no refection on my 42" LCD. Even with a lamp in front there is only a small amount of defused light on the face of the LCD, This is the first time in years I can sit anywhere in the room and still see a good picture, even on a bright sunny day which amittedly we have few of up here in puget sound. Take a small light with you to the store and check the difference.
Cheers,
Miles
PS: How do I add an Avatar?
I live on a lake with the lakeside wall all glass. Glare was the single biggest reason for purchasing a LCD. If you have any problem with a refection on your present set it will multiply with plasma. There is no refection on my 42" LCD. Even with a lamp in front there is only a small amount of defused light on the face of the LCD, This is the first time in years I can sit anywhere in the room and still see a good picture, even on a bright sunny day which amittedly we have few of up here in puget sound. Take a small light with you to the store and check the difference.
Cheers,
Miles
PS: How do I add an Avatar?
Zeromancer
Super Member
Newer Panasonic plasmas have the anti-reflective filter.
To add an avatar, click on User CP, then scroll down to edit avatar, then you can either upload one from your computer or if you know the url to one you can add it.
I got my Panasonic TH-46PZ850U today from ABC Warehouse, I couldn't be happier. I tried the SD card and coax in from a tabletop RCA ANT1450 antennae, the local high def stations came in very nice although I'm over 30 miles from the towers. I sure wish I had a Blue-Ray to really test this thing but that will come later after this is paid for, maybe the Oppo will be out by then?? :thmbsp:
MilesCamp
New Member
Plasma Reflection
Not in any of our stores yet. I always figured that was one of the reasons the TV sections were so dark. I was in our local WalMart, the only store that sells TVs in Shelton, and looking at the TVs from an angle noticed that the SONY LCD reflected the lights almost as much as the plasmas.
Thanks for the info on avatars.
Cheers,
Miles
Not in any of our stores yet. I always figured that was one of the reasons the TV sections were so dark. I was in our local WalMart, the only store that sells TVs in Shelton, and looking at the TVs from an angle noticed that the SONY LCD reflected the lights almost as much as the plasmas.
Thanks for the info on avatars.
Cheers,
Miles