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View Full Version : Panasonic PT-50LC14?

|MaguS|
04-02-07, 12:19 AM
Someone offered me this TV for $800, its a 50" 720p compatible TV. I was planning on getting a 42" Westinghouse 1080p TV since thats what I had previously but the Panasonic TV is about $200 cheaper and I can pick it up locally. Is the larger size and lack of 1080p support worth the 8" and $200 savings?

I can't be spending too much because Im moving in two weeks or so and need to be buying furniture and all that jazz.
superklye
04-02-07, 12:41 AM
I dunno man...reading some reviews on Amazon, it looks like that TV's got a lot of problems with bulbs burning out quickly ($300/ea) and all-out failing.

I'd say stick with the Westy.
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 12:44 AM
Yeah I saw those also but most of them are from late 2005 to 2006, guy says he has had the TV for less then a year so it might be a fixed version. Also read that all it needs is a new Balast which only runs $40 or so.

Was looking up information on AVS and saw that many people are getting good hours with their bulbs recently.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=353230&page=9&pp=30&highlight=50LC14

Gonna go and check out the set myself, I know how to access the status screen now.
russ_3d
04-02-07, 08:56 AM
cant believe your dropping that many lines of res for a measly £100
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 10:03 AM
1080p is really only noticable if your using it as a PC monitor or sitting further away. My living room isn't big enough to put the distance and 720p seems to be the sweet spot since well every game supports that but few at this time support 1080p.

Im only worried about Blu-Ray playback, from what people have been saying the Ps3 has issues playing Blu-ray at 720p right now.
Mr. Hunt
04-02-07, 10:47 AM
1080p is really only noticable if your using it as a PC monitor or sitting further away. My living room isn't big enough to put the distance and 720p seems to be the sweet spot since well every game supports that but few at this time support 1080p.

Im only worried about Blu-Ray playback, from what people have been saying the Ps3 has issues playing Blu-ray at 720p right now.

Bragging rights man... bragging rights!

;)

Personally I would go with the Westinghouse... I have not used it personally and am not a big fan of LCDs, but just reading around it just seems like it is going to be better than the Panasonic.
russ_3d
04-02-07, 10:56 AM
i didnt realise res on a tv was seen differently from a monitor

but you did say 'not all games support 1080p at this time' but they will in the future, and how long do you plan on owning this tv?

i woldnt worry about the 8" - surely you can just sit closer:P
evilchris
04-02-07, 02:19 PM
1080p is really only noticable if your using it as a PC monitor or sitting further away.

Got that wrong. 1080 is noticable if you are *close enough*. For example: from 30 feet on my screen 480 and 1080 will appear the same. I sit at 12' and can *barely* see the difference between 720 and 1080. I'd have to be at 8' on a 70" screen to really get the most out of 1080.
evilchris
04-02-07, 02:20 PM
i didnt realise res on a tv was seen differently from a monitor



It isn't.
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 02:21 PM
eh, thought it was the other way... So you suggest Westinghouse? I might not listen to you in other forums but this is where you shine... your the av guy, give me info. I got about a grand to spend on my TV, rest has to go towards the condo.
evilchris
04-02-07, 02:22 PM
eh, thought it was the other way... So you suggest Westinghouse?

Since you have a PS3, yes. Sony has "promised" to fix its issue but who knows....

What distance are you sitting? That is what determines the diagonal size of the screen you should get. From there you can examine resolution.
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 02:23 PM
Since you have a PS3, yes. Sony has "promised" to fix its issue but who knows....

What distance are you sitting?

about 8' to 10', have too really see which couch I pick up but my living room isn't large enough to sit 20' or so away.
evilchris
04-02-07, 02:26 PM
about 8' to 10', have too really see which couch I pick up but my living room isn't large enough to sit 20' or so away.

At that distance I think 42" is rather small. I doubt you would notice 720 v 1080 at that range with a 42 or 50" TV.

Since your PS3 is your gaming/movie device I really think you should stick with a 1080 TV though.
evilchris
04-02-07, 02:28 PM
about 8' to 10', have too really see which couch I pick up but my living room isn't large enough to sit 20' or so away.
The closer the better. Always sit as close as TV size/resolution permits for the optimum experience.

have a read here:

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 02:32 PM
The closer the better. Always sit as close as TV size/resolution permits for the optimum experience.

have a read here:

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

LOL, Your gonna make alot of mothers angry with that statement.
|MaguS|
04-02-07, 04:47 PM
evilchris, I don't think I could get a 1080p TV within my budget so what TV would you recommend? Im looking at these two sets right now...

Toshiba 56HM195 (56" 1080p non-native, Up converts 720p signal)

or

Samsung HL-S5086W (50" 720p native)

or should I jut get the 37" Westinghouse? The 42" is about $1200, and thats $200 more then I can spend right now. I really want to get a TV now and not wait since well im tired of playing my PS3 and X360 on my PC Monitor.