New TV Purchase: Panasonic S60 Plasma vs E6 LCD?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › New TV Purchase: Panasonic S60 Plasma vs E6 LCD?

snowfly

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#129416 14-Sep-2013 23:59

I'm currently researching into buyng a new TV to replace our 6 year old Philips 37" LCD (with ambilight).
But I'm stuck on the fence and can't decide between 2 models, and need some input/advice from others.

Reasons for replacing the Philips: the 2 HDMI ports sometimes stop working, not full HD

Narrowed down to these two models:
- Panasonic 50" S60 Plasma - $959
- Panasonic 42" E6 LCD - $1088

Things I would like in the new TV: Full HD, not 3D (no need), some 'smart' functions (only need limited, e.g. Android/iphone app, youtube), Panasonic TV (to work nicely with the Panasonic freeview recorder I have, DMR-BWT700gz, viera connect).

Firstly, does anyone own either of the 2 Panasonic TV's above, and can give some real world feedback?

Pro's for S60 Plasma:
1. Bigger than the E6 LCD (50 vs 42 ")
2. On super sale at the moment, $959, seems great value? ($1799 retail), cheaper than the E6 LCD at $1088
3. Glass screen, is that a benefit for young kids and hands/fingers on screen? (got a 4 month old daughter, so future proof glass screen?) Or are LCD screens built tougher these days?
4. Deeper blacks, richer colours

Pro's for E6 LCD:
1. More energy efficient
2. Brighter colours (our lounge isn't too bright, only 2 main windows with extended verandah, but reading up on Plasma S60 says its darker, and in the shop the LCD looked much brighter than the plasma)
3. Slimmer, smaller beezel, smaller screen? (perhaps more WAF in our smallish-average lounge size)
4. Slightly more 'smart' features (my home screen?)

Have I missed anything?

So not sure which way to go, or even if I should look at alternative brand TV (similar price) if it can work nicely with our Panasonic DMR-BWT700gz.
Has anyone found 50" too big in a smallish lounge?
Are LCD TV's ok for curious kids fingers these days?
Which of the two TV's above would offer the more pleasureable viewing, smoother, nice colours, for everyday freeview tv viewing, and occassional dvd/blu-ray, and NET/dlna content?

Thanks in advance, any help would be greatly appreciated.

fahrenheit

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#895778 15-Sep-2013 10:24

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=128720

This is almost a mirror of what you are weighing up here, so I think that first couple of pages will be worth reading.

The biggest disparity between your two choices is size. There is nothing that will compensate for how small a 42" will be (even in a small lounge). The notion that the 50" will be too big is something you should erase from your mind. Within two weeks of ownership, you'll be wishing it were 55".

snowfly

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#895981 15-Sep-2013 18:06

Thanks for posting that forum link, had a good read!

Think I'm slightly leaning towards the 50" S60 plasma, but still keen to hear other's thoughts including if anyone owns anything similar.

33coupe

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#896257 16-Sep-2013 11:14

I havent seen either tv, but whenever I go into a shop I always pick out a plasma (without knowing). To me they always seem more natural in terms of colour, LCD appear glossy and a bit fake. Films like Avatar look better on LCD, but for day to day viewing & other films I still prefer plasma.

It would be an easy decision for me tho cos one is 8 inches bigger! My girlfriend wasnt sure about getting a 50" tv, but after 2 weeks it didnt seem that big.
We sometimes move the settee close to the screen to make it feel bigger when watching big action films etc.

Sorry its not much help, just my 2 cents

letmekiwi

41 posts

Geek

#896363 16-Sep-2013 14:14

Do your research, and when you go in store, to have a look in person, you'll know what you want.

There is not much else to it.

wasabi2k

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#896366 16-Sep-2013 14:39

S60 looked like absolute garbage in the store I bought my TV from - the guy there also said he was really disappointed in it and would not advise buying one.

see other threads on the same topic, I bought an ST60 which is a lot more than the S60 and love it, main issue people have with it is input lag for games.

Sorry edit: I also through energy efficiency was a big deal - if you do the numbers it is peanuts per year and not worth choosing a telly based on that.

snowfly

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#896369 16-Sep-2013 14:52

Saw the S60 instore today, as well as the ST60 and the E6 LCD, and think that's made my decision to stay away from the S60, even though $959 is really cheap.

So now to wait for a 50" ST60 or E6 LCD to come down in price.

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wasabi2k

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#896411 16-Sep-2013 16:38

If you are in Auckland give AVWorld a visit - I bought my TV from there. Guy there is super helpful and knows his stuff. Gave me a really good deal on the ST60.

letmekiwi

41 posts

Geek

#897672 18-Sep-2013 13:44

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50s60/4505-6482_7-35558333.html

"It's difficult to overstate how good a deal the Panasonic S60 series represents. In a dark room its inky-deep black levels, accurate color, and perfect uniformity can make it look almost as good as flagship models that cost twice or three times as much. On the other hand its picture fades noticeably when subjected to bright lights, so if you can afford it, I definitely recommend stepping up to an ST60."

"For buyers on a tight budget who still crave a superb picture, can control room lighting, and don't need extra features or inputs, the Panasonic S60 is my early favorite pick of 2013."

It's funny how many people get caught in the cheap sale trick with in-store bright lights. The fact ST60 lags (badly) in fast moving scenes and games is kind of like make up getting ruined in the rain.
But, if you're after a TV for DVD/Blueray/Freeview/Sky only, I suppose it justifies the price? (just can't get myself to think that way)

If I had the money to buy a more expensive TV, I would personally choose ET LCD, rather than ST60 plasma, and get a whole package with no weak spots.

33coupe

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#899171 20-Sep-2013 19:32

I agree with the above post.

I saw a tv in two different stores, and the difference was unbelivable. I'm not sure if it's a sales trick by the store to sell you a better / more expensive tv, but I would recommend searching the net for owners reviews etc

Coming from an old tv, Im sure anything will be a huge improvement.

If the S is the 2013 equivilant to the 2012 UT then I would buy it.

Good luck deciding