Recommend me a TV (55"+)

[wooohooo]

I'm looking at upgrading my 60" Sony Grand Wega TV and went to bestbuy/FS today and couldn't decide. I feel so illiterate now with TV's, that I hope the CP faithful will have a better idea than me! So here it is,

I would ideally like to stay under $2000, but if there is something awesome, a little wiggle room is okay.

I would prefer a LED since the room has lots of windows and lighting, but I heard new plasma's are pretty good with that.

I don't need to worry about sound, have separate speakers.

I also don't care for 3D, but having it wouldn't be bad. And preferably 60".

Summary:
<$2000, LED/Plasma (bright room), no sound, don't care about 3D.

Thanks!

[DownhillGoat]

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60ST50. Depending how much 'wiggle' there is in 'wiggle room', the GT is fantastic, but it's around 3k for the 60" model.

Unfortunately a lot of the better models only come in 3D.

[Rubicant]

I tend towards the plasma end of things, and this 60" Panasonic plasma

Link

is apparently quite nice. Panasonic lists its MSRP at 1999 so it sounds like it is in your ball park.

I don't know if FS actually carries it and their website is down.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Rubicant

I tend towards the plasma end of things, and this 60" Panasonic plasma

Link

is apparently quite nice. Panasonic lists its MSRP at 1999 so it sounds like it is in your ball park.

I don't know if FS actually carries it and their website is down.

I have the 55" (UT50) version of this TV. It's a great TV and gets good reviews everywhere I've seen but it doesn't have the anti-reflective coating like the ST50, so it may not work for the opening poster. For me it was 4 or 5 hundred dollars cheaper than the ST50 and it's picture rivals the top end VT50, so I bought it and as I said, I'm very pleased with it. I'm willing to close the curtains when needed. The other thing is it only has 2 HDMI inputs so you should have a A/V receiver to mate with it.

It's a plasma so burn in is a possibility, so I kind of baby it, especially since it's new. I don't watch CNN with their ticker on the bottom of the screen or 4x3 SD TV programs, I have an LCD for that. I use it for HD nature programs, documentaries, movies and sports. Some would say I'm overly cautious but I bought it with this in mind and don't mind the tradeoff for the better picture and better price.

Memory Express has the 60 ST50 on for $2299. The 60 UT50 for $1699.

[wooohooo]

I'll check those out tonight. Meanwhile, I was on Bestbuy's website and they show the LG 60PA6500 for only $1000!

Do you guys know anything about this model? That would potentially mean I could get two of these babies! hahaha

Or should I stick with Panasonic? I heard they are the 'best' with plasma, but I'm not that picky and don't need top of the line.

My main concerns are longevity and having a good quality picture.

[Telgip33]

I have had the 46" version of the TV listed below for about a Month now and its been great. It has a built in wifi so I can get on the internet with it no problem. Got a usb keyboard and I'm off the the races. This also allows Netfix with out the having to have anything else attached.

It's on sale at BB until Thursday, but a little over your 2K @ $2300.

Samsung 6100 - 60"

The 55" will save you about $600

6100 - 55"

You could go with one model down (6000) and save a little coin and come in right at 2K

6000 - 60"

The 55" will save you about $600 again.

6000 - 55"

[secol]

bright room i'd go with led......also check market mall and downtown bay. they are clearing out electronics (including TVs) and giving an additional 20% off last ticket price.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

Or should I stick with Panasonic? I heard they are the 'best' with plasma, but I'm not that picky and don't need top of the line.

If you're going with plasma, yes.

[Rhettzky]

I love my samsung (55ES7500) but right now prices are not very good. I've been helping my mom pick out a set for the past few weeks and everything seems about 800-1000 more expensive then when I bought mine in february. Probably because all the new models are out and all last years are long gone. Best bet is to wait a few months until Black Friday (Nov. 30) as we get some pretty good deals here around then. Last year the black friday deals blew the boxing day deals out of the water.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and check out this site for TV specifications, descriptions and reviews. www.televisioninfo.com I know that I plug it in pretty much every TV thread but it really gives you a good idea of any TV's performance that you are looking at.

[HotHotHeat]

Panasonic for sure. I bought the VT50 in a 60" from Visions a few weeks ago. The Picture is apparently similar to the ST, but I liked the styling a lot better on the VT, so I could justify the premium. Incredible black levels, so crisp and no buzzing sound like you find on the Samsung plasmas.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

If you're going with plasma, yes.

I have LG and Samsung plasmas that are as good as Panasonic Vieras but cheaper.

I've always said, it depends on specific model and panel, not the brand on the front.