Which 50" Plasma is the best ? I am considering 3; a Panasonic, Samsung & LG.?

Question

These 3 models I am considering is Pansonic ( http://panasonic.com.sg/web/pid/17/), Samsung (http://www.samsung.com/sg/products/tv/archivedtv/ps_50p5h.asp) and the LG ( model 50PC1R in LG singapore website ) which are avialable in my local shop. Although the Panasonic in its website says it upscales Standard definition to resolution of the TV (max1080i ) Is this a standard for all HD ready TVs, it upscales all SD souces to HD picture quality? Its not mentioned anyway in LG or Samsung models. Panasonic website has a lot more detail but is it all just marketing? I also read that there only 5 plasma screen manufacturers ( panasonic, pioneer , fujuitsu-hitachi, samsung and LG) , every one else buys the screen from them and just rebrand with picture enhancing technology. Its kind of lame though for the other manufacturers to do this ! A friend advice me to buy from the maufacturers who makes their own screen in the first place.

Answer 1

Panasonic has the best picture hands down. You will notice the blacks are much deeper than Samsung or LG. But, you will also notice that Panasonic costs $500 more than competiting models.

I would vote for LG/Zenith having the best buy though. You get an awesome picture and at a great price. LG and Zenith are the same company. For a 50" Zenith plasma, they go for close to $1500 these days. Just a reference point.

As for upscaling, all HDTV's will scale the source signal to the native resolution of the TV. If the native resolution is 720p, then it will upscale a 480p to 720p and downscale a 1080i to a 720p. While it doesn't say, it is implied with HDTV's. While on paper, scaling sounds great, you will find that a tube TV will always look better than an HDTV with a 480i analog tv station.

The whole OEM/rebranding business practice has been going on for years. That is the way it is for all electronics; dvd players, computers, lamps, appliances.

I would not recommend to always buy from the original manufacturer because this can often result in the highest price. Look at the features and price.

LG makes Zenith TV's. Zenith TV's are cheaper than LG. Doesn't that really make sense? Not really, but it's true.

Answer 2

All 3 brands you mention are great brands, but consider also HP, the PL5060N (www.hp.com)

Consumer Reports (Check their Nov. 2006 Issue, I think) ranks it among the top 3 TVs, up there with Panasonic and among the best values.

You are correct, all TVs need to upscale standard definition to 720p.

Finally, Even if someone gets panels from one of the main manufacturers, there is still lot of engr. to be done. Don't forget to take into account warranty and support reputation.

Answer 3

LG is unreliable, their Zenith line even worse. Samsung and Panasonic are both pretty good. I would personally get the Panasonic though. Pioneer and Pioneer Elite are really really good, the Elite line though is very pricey.

In a couple of years though they will all be trash, the new SED tv's are coming! Check out the picture!
http://www.dagbladet.no/dinside/2006/10/04/478712.html

Answer 4

OMG! a salesperson instructed a guy or woman who plasmas leak? they decide on a definite plug? they're going to say something to make a sale. this actual salesman could be fired. Plasmas are greater effective for video games simply by fact they have close to prompt reaction situations and lots bigger refresh fees. liquid crystal demonstrate's can get greater costly simply by fact they decide on different styles of technologies to examine what comes organic to plasmas. speedy photographs on greater low-fee liquid crystal demonstrate's can lag and could lead them to instruct a streak around the demonstrate. greater effective liquid crystal demonstrate's won't try this yet you are able to could desire to spend over $450. One enormous funds saver is getting a television that's 720p fairly of 1080p. maximum video games and HD indicators are in 720p. you will no longer even word the adaptation between 720 and 1080 with monitors 40 two" or decrease. the only time 1080 may well be greater effective is on greater effective monitors and with Blue-ray movies. I truly have a 40 two" LG plasma that I paid approximately $450 for. I play video games on it all the time and that i by no skill had a burn-in subject yet plasmas do use greater power besides the undeniable fact that. given which you would be utilising it for 20 hours an afternoon you will see bigger power expenses. How lots bigger i do no longer understand simply by fact i do no longer save mine on that long besides the undeniable fact that it truly is going to likely be noticeable.

Answer 5

I have a Panasonic and I absolutely love it. The picture is immaculate. As customer service goes, I don't know. I haven't called nor do I anticipate calling. The warranty is excellent. Panasonic makes a very reliable, long-lasting product.

Answer 6

Readers' Choice: HDTV Survey
09.20.06
Download Now: HDTVs.pdf

Total posts: 13

It's about time. This year, along with satellite radios, we add HDTVs to the mix. And, as you might expect, readers rate all sorts of vendors offering all sorts of HD technologies, from plasma TVs and rear-projections to good ol' CRTs. But two companies stand out: Pioneer and Sony.
If you look at the overall scores across all technologies, Pioneer is king, with a significantly above-average overall score of 9.0 out of 10. This has a lot do with the fact that readers prefer plasmas to all other HD technologies. Pioneer is one of the biggest plasma vendors, and it's the lone Readers' Choice for this segment of the market, with a 9.1 out of 10. It's also the Readers' Choice for rear-projection TVs, with an 8.7.
In the big picture, across all technologies, Sony is just behind Pioneer, with an overall score of 8.5, and it receives a Readers' Choice award for CRTs (8.4), and LCDs (8.6). Readers also shared their experiences with front-projection TVs, but Sony was the only vendor rated. And because Sony received only 50 responses in total, a Readers' Choice in that niche category will have to wait until next year.
Pioneer
No one comes close. Pioneer garners the highest overall score. The company comes out ahead on rear-projection TVs and, in particular, plasmas.
Sony
Looking for an LCD model—or even a good old CRT? Look to Sony. And Sony's scores are pretty darn good for rear-projection models, too.
SUBCATEGORIES:
Plasma: Pioneer; Rear-projection: Pioneer; CRT: Sony; LCD: Sony; Front-projection: None
Download the HDTV Readers' Survey Results (PDF)
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2017611,00.asp

Answer 7

I prefer SAMSUNG. Great quality, customer service, and price. I have a SAMSUNG cell phone and TV which I have never had any problems.

LG is horrible.

Instead of plasma you might want to purchase DLP.

check out the website below

Answer 8

I've heard panasonic has the best picture

Answer 9

they are all the same to me so i would say just go with what u can get your hands on first if you are in a rush to get one already