Hi,

I am after a 50" plasma, and have narrowed choice down to either the new Pioneer PDP-506HD with a RRP $7999 or the Panasonic TH-50PV500A RRP $7699.
I like them both, so need some help to choose. I have an MX-3000 universal remote, so discretes will be necessary. The Panasonic is $300 cheaper, but to bring its warranty up to the 5 years that comes with the Pioneer will make them cost about the same. (these are Australian models, and Australian RRP-recommended retail prices).
Also seating will be about 15ft + from the screen so 50" won't be too big will it, maybe I should also be looking at 42"????
Thanks all help and advise much appreciated.

wilso17aus

This message was edited by wilso17aus on 10/26/05 05:59 ET.

I would go with the 50" reguardless of brand.
I do prefer the Pioneer because of a discrete problem I had with a Panny(different mo#) a while back. Funny how a 'little' issue can taint your attitude towards an entire product!!

Hi,

What did you think from a professional point of view in regards to picture quality of the two? On the previous models I thought the Panasonic was a little better with blacks, but the new Pioneer claims a contrast of 4000:1 against the new Panasonics 3000:1. Looking at the two there doesnt seem to be a lot between them in regards to pictures, so I guess it comes down to discretes, reliability, and what you guys think??
Thanks

I like the pioneer the most of any, And spec it into every job. Not only are the black levels great but the colors to. Not to metion the black bezel that most of the ladies like. So all are happy in the house...

Hi,
Yeah I think I'm leaning towards the Pioneer, but just have a soft spot for Panasonic and wanted to make sure I was doing right thing. The last Panasonic I had was faultless in reliability, and just didn't want to go with the Pioneer and regret it.
Also do both these models have good precautions for avoiding burnin? I have heard a lot about a feature which shifts the pixels or something ever so slightly, and is ment to eliminate burnin? has anyone had problems with burnin on either of these screens?
Thansk heaps

Anymore opinions?

If you shop around you should be able to pick up a 55in Hitachi for the same sort of money, also worth a look at. The veiwing distance should still be okay.

Iain

Hi,

Yeah I saw the Hitachi 55" advertised for similar money, but couple things put me off.
1. Was worried that the 55" would be too big for viewing distance?
2. Had been told that the Hitachi 55" is an older model then the current Panasonic and Pioneer, and as a result has a shorter panel life, lower contrast, lower brightness, and no digital input e.g HDMI/DVI? (not sure if this is a problems, as have heard component is the way to go anyway?)
3. The Pioneer has a 5 year standard warranty, the Panasonic can be upgraded to 5 years for about $300 odd. Not too sure bout the Hitachi, which only seems to have a 1 year warranty???
Thanks appreciate all help/advice

You said your sitting 15ft + from the screen. Anything smaller than about 92" diaganol would not be too big.. :)

55PMA550 does have DVI input!

Hmmmm.

So who is making a 92" PDP?......lol

My opinion?

Buy the Pioneer and forget about it.....

You'll be very happy with the Pioneer...

Hi,
Yeah majority seems to be with the Pioneer. Does anyone know what its anti burnin features are like???

Hey,

Just got email back, and Hitachi do not offer an extended warranty on their 55" Plasma. So all you get is their 12 month warranty? Pioneer offer 5 years included in purchase price, and Panasonic offer one for not miuch more. Think I know which one to definately not go with, even if it is 5" bigger!

From my 14 foot head to display distance, a 50" plasma was WAY too small. I've had a 55" 4:3 RPTV for years in the same spot and the 50" Fujitsu plasma wasn't even close to big enough for me. YMMV. I would say go for the 55" minimum, or if you want to swing the extra$$, go for a 60" Pioneer plasma.