WOW!!! Picking A TV Is Not Easy

[Mr. Big]

The term LED is used by the manufacturers to mask the fact that they are all really LCD panels that suffer the same problems with motion lag, viewing angles and black levels that are not issues with plasmas. LEDs merely replaced the fluorescent tube backlights that light up LCD panels. Although the use of LEDs did improve black levels with their ability to do local dimming, the motion lag and viewing angle issues remain. The fix for motion lag is frame interpolation and increasing the refresh rate to 120Hz makes movies shot on film look like video (or the soap opera effect). I only hope my Pioneer Kuro plasma lasts long enough for OLEDs to come down in price.

[Pider]

Michael, if there are Pani plasmas left, snag one. Enjoy it for five years while the OLED and 4K stuff gets worked out. I'll bring the popcorn.

[-E-]

Originally Posted by Toobs

I think 4k is the future so why not buy a set that is future proof.

While it may be the future - it is certainly not the present. 4k is a mishmash that any 4k TV purchased now would be obsolete by next CES cycle and not future-proof by any means. 18 months from now, when more standards are adopted, perhaps.

[Doug Lax]

Originally Posted by Toobs

Michael
I would go with the Sony and forget about Samsuck(oops, I mean Samsung). As far as 4k, there is not a lot of 4k content out there, but what there is Sony has the most to offer. I think 4k is the future so why not buy a set that is future proof. Sony makes three 4k models:

X850B
X900B
X950B

The 850b and 900b are edge-lit with local dimming. The 950b is a full array backlight with local dimming. The x950b is Sony's most expensive model coming in @ $8k for the 65 inch model.

I can't link to it but there is a review by David Katzmaier on CNET for the XBR65X900B. I suggest you give it a read.

With everything that tv's can do nowadays making a decision is not an easy thing to do.

Good luck with your search. Please let us know what you decide.

+ 1 on Sony

[Yamaki]

Originally Posted by Pider

Michael, if there are Pani plasmas left, snag one. Enjoy it for five years while the OLED and 4K stuff gets worked out. I'll bring the popcorn.

Okie dokie, John. I'll provide the beverage of choice.

Do you know how hard it is to find a Panasonic plasma these days? I'll keep looking but it's been a very difficult endeavor as Panasonic and Samsung plasma units were at the top of my list.

I did find one open box or repack Samsung plasma at the Portland Video Only by sending in an inquiry.

Almost everyone seems to be out of the Panasonic units these days.

[NOLG4EVR]

Originally Posted by Pider

Michael, if there are Pani plasmas left, snag one. Enjoy it for five years while the OLED and 4K stuff gets worked out. I'll bring the popcorn.

I bought a Panasonic plasma just after I heard they were going to stop producing them. Great tv. If you can find one you will be pleased.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

Okie dokie, John. I'll provide the beverage of choice.

Do you know how hard it is to find a Panasonic plasma these days? I'll keep looking but it's been a very difficult endeavor as Panasonic and Samsung plasma units were at the top of my list.

I did find one open box or repack Samsung plasma at the Portland Video Only by sending in an inquiry.

Almost everyone seems to be out of the Panasonic units these days.

Not too hard

Amazon.com: Panasonic TC-P65VT60 65-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Smart Plasma HDTV (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

[Pider]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Not too hard Amazon.com: Panasonic TC-P65VT60 65-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Smart Plasma HDTV (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

Pass the butter!

[robfine]

I have a Panasonic Plasma and I love it. But I saw a 75" Samsung 4k Curved, and it was really something. It may not be for you, but you might want to have a look before you make a final decision.

[Yamaki]

JJ, I agree with that. I still think that a plasma is a great choice if 4K content isn't what you have to have. I haven't gotten to that decision point. I appreciate the input!

Thanks, Ivan! I was looking in local stores and all the sales folks were shaking their head as soon as I uttered "plasma" to them.

I ran across that link last night and added it to my list!

John...is this old fashioned, popped in a pan, melted butter with real salt popcorn???

robfine, I saw some of those when I was out and about over the weekend. I'll take a closer look.