Do I need the 2012 Panasonic WT50 or will the lower end models be enough for me?

[Jezo]

I currently have a CRT so this will be my first flat screen. 47" is the size I am set on due to space.

What I do with TV:

We don't have cable so I dont need any sort of tuner.

I have a HTPC so everything runs through that so I have no need for social features or built in programs, everything is done via Windows 7.

I have a wireless keyboard and mouse with a WMC remote so I don't need fancy input devices as it's all done with computer stuff.

I watch SD content mostly as the bandwidth for HD is too much most of the time.

I don't own a blue ray player, the most I might put in is a DVD.

3D content, no idea, I have been to two 3d movies in my life so it's not really something I know about. Can I watch 3d online yet?

Gaming: I own a Wii and will sometimes play N64 or PS2 games.

[Dierk]

Apparently no-one has much of an idea as to how well the "lower end models" stack up against the WT50.

If I were shopping, would visit the various LCD boards to get an idea what sort of feedback (likes / dislikes / problem areas) owners are reporting.

And, of course, look about to see if any Reviews have been released yet.

BTW: Why the WT50?

As much as I LIKE Panasonic - we have 3 Pan plasma sets, and more than I can count on my fingers in the family (without going BINARY, of course!) - my first choice as a "standard of comparison" for LCDs would probably be a Samsung (always assuming budget forbade an Elite or high-end Sony...).

Not saying that we would necessarily BUY a Samsung (but then, the odds of our buying ANY current LCD are somewhere between "Slim" and "None"!), but simply that, based upon Reputation, I would expect ONE of the Samsung models to stand out as a likely Price / Performance bargain, and therefore would want any other potential candidate to "prove" superiority....

Best of luck with your search!