pana th50py800 vs pio 508xda

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kiwi00

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 25559 25-Aug-2008 15:41

Hi all

In the process of buying a new telly. Have spent lots of time looking at various options and wondered what the forums thoughts might be on the benefits or otherwise of the pana vs pio models noted in the thread topic. We have a reasonably large room so would not be sitting close to the tv. We use the tv mostly for watching movies via blue ray and HTPC also some HDtv viewing. Probably think the general processing of the pio might be superior to the pana but wonder about the difference 1080p on the pana might make given our viewing habits. Quality of picture would is most important for us. Is the pioneer that much better than the pana that 1080p becomes irrelevant.

Price is the same for both, well under $4k.

Thanks in advance for any opinions you may have.

AncestralGeek

91 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 159680 25-Aug-2008 19:28

While I have not compared the two models you are looking at it really comes down to your own personel preferences. You do not mention how you handle audio, through the TV's own sound system or through a home thearte system or other means. If through the TV only consider how thay sound to you. Hopefully you can find a showroom that will allow you to view both TV's side by side being fed with the same feed, using the same input ie both HDMI or both component etc.

Try and have them show you a film or flims that you are fimilar with that are representative of what you watch. While showroom lighting is quite different from your living room also have the showroom change the display setting from showroom to normal.

Hope this helps.

gumdigger

411 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 2

Reply # 159743 25-Aug-2008 23:07

the pioneer produces the best blacks. the will obviously give u the depth in the picture more. if you want to see that. have both of them side by side and turn them off. notice pana looks a bit gray where as pioneer is very BLACK.

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BazNZ

256 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 159783 26-Aug-2008 09:02

Hi Kiwi,
Your choice mate...I have the Panasonic TH-50PY800 and I'm very happy with it's picture quality. The Panasonic is Full HD 1920 x 1080p the Pioneer is 1365 x 768 pixels(resolution). The Pioneer model is much older and it's specs are less than that of the latest Panasonic. Good advice from gumdigger is to place them side by side in store and compare with your own eyes. Pioneer have been a leading Plasma brand for many years but at a much higher price. Panasonic is now coming a very close second or at least on par at a very good price in the market. The reason I'm guessing the Pioneer is the same price of the Panasonic is that it's last years model. The Panasonic was only released here in August 2008. The Pioneer I believe produce very good blacks but you won't be disappointed with the Panasonic. The Panasonic I hear make the best Screens. As it happens Pioneer and Panasonic have joined force's now to share their Plasma technology's with each other... so in the future you will get the best of both worlds. I've been told that all future Pioneer Plasma's will have Pansonic Screens in them. This will bring down the Plasma price's for the consumer no end for both Panasonic's Viera and Pioneer's Kuros Plasma HDTV's over the next few years.

Regards
BazNZ

kiwi00

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 159801 26-Aug-2008 09:58

thanks for the replies guys. It is an interesting question. The pioneer is the current model, but will been replaced by gen 9 overseas, although who knows when in nz. You are right that the pana is a newer model, but from everything i have read pio still retain a picture and technology edge. The real issue is, is the edge enough to outweigh 1080p res and slightly later technology. I just dont know. People seem to say that the difference between 720p and 1080p is hard to pick in terms of detail and picture quality unless you are sitting up close to the screen where pure pixel density will be an issue. The pio picture instore looks a little more dynamic to me, but lighting makes things difficult to compare in shop vs home. Sigh...not an easy decision.

BazNZ

256 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 159843 26-Aug-2008 11:59

Sounds to me like you know what your doing Kiwi and you will make the right choice. Your right! there is a big difference between store and home viewing regarding light. As we know.... Plasma's like a darker environment which produces outstanding picture quality for movies,sports and excellent when watching TV at night. Which lets face it...most us view TV (primetime) at night anyway. This is why many consumers get sucked into LCD's when shopping in store. The bright lights and dynamic lighting makes the LCD picture quality look better than they actually produce in a home environment. This gets worse as you increase screen size (over 32") and when the sun goes down. I'm happy I got the Panasonic Plasma...I still go back to stores to view the top of the range LCD's with there Settings set to full Bright Dynamic lighting to lure in more new victims. Convinces me everytime I made the right choice. Pioneer or Panasonic will give you great quality. Remember to get them side by side in store under the same lighting conditions and compare with your own eyes. You'll make the right decision.

Regards
BazNZ

Dobo

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 160522 28-Aug-2008 18:25

How do the new plasma's handle console gaming? Do they struggle to keep a sharp image? I'm also looking at buying a 40" + Full HD Tv but can't decide on Lcd or Plasma! Nightmare choosing!

BazNZ

256 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 160874 30-Aug-2008 13:17

Hi Dobo,
I just purchased a PS3 80GB model on Thursday night to go with my Panasonic Plasma 50" Full HDTV. I inserted the game disc Gran Turismo 5 prologue and WOW !!!! The PS3 or the game GT5 made my HDTV come alive!... not to mention the awesome sound through my Logitech 5.1 THX system. This really enhanced and complimented my Plasma. Stunning picture! Now I can't compare a 50" LCD picture with what I'm seeing but boy I'm more than happy. Call Of Duty 4 and Metal Gear Solid 4 look fantastic too. Graphics in video gaming have come a long way! I remember playing games on the Commodore 64 in the eighties and thought then cool graphics....LOL. I recommend the PS3 to anyone wanting a HD Gaming console, DVD Player and Blu-Ray HD player all in one.

P.S Dobo if your looking at getting 40" plus Plasma get this model "Panasonic TH-42"PY800" you won't be disappointed ! Great Price & Great Full 42" HDTV. You should be able to pick one up for well under $2999.