Which 50" Plasma (yet another spec me thread)

GSXRMovistar

GSXRMovistar

GSXRMovistar

Soldato
Joined
6 Nov 2002
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Right I'm thinking about buying a new TV this week, and need some advice/recommendations. I've currently got a Panasonic PWD6 which I paid a fortune for six and a half years ago. It’s a SD screen but the picture has been and still is great (for SD and scaled media). I've wanted to go HD for sometime but when I made the decision 3D started to kick off so I thought I would wait; but 3D doesn't seem to be taking off as quick as I thought so now thinking of spending less on a 2D screen in the interim.

So I'm after a 50" screen for the following:-

  • Good picture quality
  • Playback of Freeview via my Win7 MediaCentre HTPC (currently SD card installed but looking to replace with a HD Freeview card).
  • Playback of Divx/Mkv/etc via the HTPC.
  • Bit of Xbox gaming (Xbox is normally hooked up in my office most of the time)
What I'm not really interested in:-

  • Built in Freeview/FreeSat/Media player
  • Speakers and their quality (all audio is played via separate Amp/Speakers)
  • All the other extras that are included but never used.
Budget wise I was thinking £500-700, nearer the £500 I'd happily go out tomorrow and pick one up. Upward of £700 I'd need to give it more thought as it may be worth holding on/upping the budget for an all out better, maybe 3D display.

Appreciate any advice/recommendations as I’m really not up to speed with what’s good or not these days.

Cheers. :)
 
Couldnt recommend my PK590 more, for the price I certainly cant fault it and am really enthused every time I sit down and watch a film on it.
 
Having a look around the LG 50PK590 does seem very popular.

Other recommendations in the same bracket have been a Samsung PS50C550 or Panasonic 50S20.

Any ne have any thoughts on any of these three? or other suggestions?

Many thanks.
 
Went out today and had a good look at the various screens and have opted for the LG. Most places seems to be sold out but have one reserved for pick up via RicherSounds tomorrow assuming they receive their planned delivery.

Comet had stock and I asked them about their so called price match but they were less than helpful and then proceeded to try and bad mouth RicherSounds because they couldn't match their price.

So hopefully all going to plan will have one tomorrow. :)
 
Last minute spanner in the works, the LG 50PK350. This can be had for £100 less than the PK590, and from what I've read it's the same other than the following:-

No Freeview HD tuner (no problem for me as I'm only using it for a display being driven by my HTPC)
2 HDMI ports vs 4 (not a problem as I have an AV amp for HDMI switching)
No THX Settings (This I need to find out more about)

Trying to find out if there are any more differences and what exactly THX gives you as the £100 saving would be handy (FreeviewHD card for my HTPC).
 
I've got the PK350 can't recommend it enough.

Fantastic picture quality. Used mostly for COD/Bluray and 1080p (MKV) films, all look fantastic. There is no gaming lag whatsoever so ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. Speakers are pretty good although I've got it all hooked up to a Hi-Fi system.

Screen takes a few weeks to look its best and you have to do a fair bit of tuning. It's not as bright as some of the more expensive LCD models but to be honest who really cares. That aside the picture quality is pretty damn good.

Any questions feel free to ask! :)
 
I would'nt worry to much about the THX feature esp. if you like to adjust your own colour settings mate. Another feature you have missed (but I doubt it will bother you with a HTPC) is DNLA for media streaming.
 
Sent you a link via Trust mate (didnt want to post it here as it has a few adverts).

Forgot to say its a preset of what your TV settings should really be as standard :) ie. best picture possible and this way avoids (as some people hate doing) adjusting the settings yourself.
 
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Thanks guys, seems most places don't have stock of the 50PK350 or if they do it's at a higher price than what I can pick up the 50PK590 for.

RicherSounds have just confirmed they have a 50PK590 put aside for me so I may just go with that.
 
I had planned to buy the 350 myself but due to a sale happening 2 days before I got there ... you guessed it none left. On the way home I called in at RS and picked up the 590 :)
 
scott212 said:
I've got the PK350 can't recommend it enough.

Fantastic picture quality. Used mostly for COD/Bluray and 1080p (MKV) films, all look fantastic. There is no gaming lag whatsoever so ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. Speakers are pretty good although I've got it all hooked up to a Hi-Fi system.

Screen takes a few weeks to look its best and you have to do a fair bit of tuning. It's not as bright as some of the more expensive LCD models but to be honest who really cares. That aside the picture quality is pretty damn good.

Any questions feel free to ask! :)
Click to expand...

It's not fair to say that, I clearly noticed the lag when demoing the set against a panny g20.

Very good set otherwise, with decent enough blacks, some minor temporary ir and amazing value!
 
Picked up a 50PK590 this afternoon, and so far very impressed, been testing various videos (SD & HD) and all looks good. Also had a blast on the xbox (Halo) and found no noticeable lag.

At the moment it's a thumbs up from me. :)

Cheers for all the help.
 
Kreeeee said:
It's not fair to say that, I clearly noticed the lag when demoing the set against a panny g20.

Very good set otherwise, with decent enough blacks, some minor temporary ir and amazing value!
Click to expand...

Is it not a case of being picky though. I've had the set a few months and we've played embarrassing amounts of MW2 and BlackOps and I haven't noticed any lag. Perhaps if someone pointed it out to me I might notice.
 
I just bought one from Amazon, which was displaying 699.99 last night and this morning 626..

I don't think you could fault this TV at £626. Now I just have to play the waiting game.. :(
 
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