Thread: Novice that needs help.

Ok, I was reading some amazon reviews, and several times it was mentioned to come read the forums here.

My wife has finally let me get a new TV, and I am looking to get a 55 inch. I'm not a techy, but I watch a lot of TV and want a good experience.

I was a fair amount of blu rays, sports, tv shows, and cartoons for my kids.

A few years back, I purchased a 42 inch Vizio LCD that I have paired with a Pansonic Blu Ray, Onkyo Receiver, and Mirage Speakers. I seem to be happy with it. Over the years, I've added a 32" Pansonic LCd and 37" LG Plasma. Both seem to be solid for a basement and bedroom tv.

Please go easy on me. I am looking for the best display for around $1,500. Any thoughts?

For around $1500 you can't go wrong the Panasonic TC-P55ST50. It's been really well liked around here and has been highly reviewed by CNET.
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-35118300.html

You don't mention Viewing Distance, or Environment (Brightly lit Living Room - ?), either of which could impact your choice.

55" is a nice comfortable size for 8 - 10 foot viewing distance. Perhaps a bit closer for Blu-rays, perhaps a bit farther away for Upconverted SD material, including MOST so-called "HD TV" programs. (Moving from a 42" to a 55" will "allow" you to see all of the FLAWS in less-than blu-ray or HDDVD sources.)

Although only a handful of reviews - of ANY 2012 models - have turned up thus far, it appears that the Pan ST50 may well be the top "bang-for-the-buck" set for 2012, although AT THIS TIME it is not yet "Bargain Priced."

The Interesting Alternatives for 2012 could be from LG:
1) PM6700 - feature competitive with the ST50, but with much more extensive end-user controls: a 60" should run around the same $$ as a 55" ST50.

2) For a less expensive option, look at the LG PA6500: a basic (2D, no "smart tv") 1080p panel, but LG's specs suggest it should have the same PQ & Controls as the PM6700 - but a 60" panel can be had for under $1200 - and under 1K at CostCo right now!


The LGs will probably have better color OOTB than the ST50 - and perhaps so even after calibration - but the ST50 should trump them for Black Levels - and the LG screens are likely much more reflective than the STs.


In any case, Happy Hunting - and try to buy from an outlet with a Good Return Policy, just in case you find something you can't live with...