Best flat panel HDTV (PLASMA) for the money, right now! | Top Value, and Performance.

The new Panasonic plasmas do. It took them 5 years to do it, but they finally did it with 2013 models.

I look forward to seeing that with my own eyes, but do I hope so. I've been wondering how I could replace the Kuro when the time comes.
 
I just got a 65VT60 this past weekend. It's not calibrated yet, I'm still merely breaking it in and watching mostly full screen content while the phosphors and pixels age during the first 100/200 hours, plus I merely tweaked the settings using Cnet's recommendations... but I will say this: this thing gets REALLY dark! As in Kuro dark. The contrast ratio and depth is off the charts. Unlike the Kuro, it has tons of other features, too (most I will never use, such as 3D, but some are truly interesting, like the ability to rename and change inputs, copy and paste settings, etc). Additionally, the built-in, front firing speakers are surprisingly of more than acceptable quality. I could easily watch a music show on this set without turning my 2-CH amp on. This is a big plus in my book. Living in South FL and having my stereo and HT system in the same medium-sized room, sometimes it's not really worth firing up the tube amp, receiver, TV, etc in order to just watch "Sense And Sensibility". The room would get too damn hot in 5 minutes! Having great speakers on the VT60 was a big relief.

A word of warning, though: unlike my previous 65V10, the VT60 does get really, really hot (due to its thinness and extra processing power, I suppose). The fans are ALWAYS running and I can hear them. I am experimenting with some fan filters that I just purchased and hoping to completely eliminate the noise. I'll report back with an update soon. This is the the only drawback I can see on the VT60, other than the cheesy looking stand/base and the silver trim (I'd have preferred a plain black bezel instead).
 
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Perfect timing as I am looking at these today and ready to make a purchase.I guess I won't go wrong with either the Samsung or the Panasonic.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the ST50 and ST60?
Is the 50 just last years model?
 
Perfect timing as I am looking at these today and ready to make a purchase.I guess I won't go wrong with either the Samsung or the Panasonic.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the ST50 and ST60?
Is the 50 just last years model?

Yes, the ST50 is last year's (2012) model, and is very good.
The ST60 is this year's (2013) model, and is also excellent.

And you're right too regarding Samsung and Panasonic plasma HDTVs; you can't go wrong with either one; from their top tier models (respectively their three top models).

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Me personally I prefer Samsung; not for the name, but for their overall design, good looks, performance, and ergonomics & features. Still, I'd be perfectly happy with the ST60 (65" Class).
The Panasonics might have slightly better black levels, but without carefully comparing them side by side you'd never know. ...And the blacks of the Samsungs are black enough, IMO.

No one is truly better; they both have their pros and cons.
At the end it's a relation between your eye's satisfaction, and your wallet.
 
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Perfect timing as I am looking at these today and ready to make a purchase.I guess I won't go wrong with either the Samsung or the Panasonic.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the ST50 and ST60?
Is the 50 just last years model?

Compared to the ST50, the ST60 offers considerably more calibration options, has much better blacks (very close to the VT60, in fact), a 96HZ mode and comes with 2 pairs of 3D glasses. It's an amazing deal for the money. I went all the way to the VT60 mainly because I got a great price on it and also because I wanted the best blacks possible and I appreciated the front-firing speakers. But as Bob said, you can't go wrong with any of them. :)
 
Thanks for confirming.
Honestly I believe I am over thinking my purchase.I have a 60 DLP i am replacing a dim torn.
55 or 60
ST or VT
Maybe the F from Samsung
Decisions decisions.
 
Thanks for confirming.
Honestly I believe I am over thinking my purchase.I have a 60 DLP i am replacing a dim torn.
55 or 60
ST or VT
Maybe the F from Samsung
Decisions decisions.

Take your time, check that other thread on the Flat Panels 2013 Shootout from Value Electronics.
Check the prices between the three top Samsung and three top Panasonic plasma models.
Then get out, and go where they are to have a look at them.
You only have six of them on paper.

And as for size, go with the biggest one (65" Class in this case here).
...If not, 60" minimum (much better than 55").

And that's my
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Thanks for confirming.
Honestly I believe I am over thinking my purchase.I have a 60 DLP i am replacing a dim torn.
55 or 60
ST or VT
Maybe the F from Samsung
Decisions decisions.

ST60 all the way. Better than Samsung ... in fact better than almost everything else.
 
ST60 all the way. Better than Samsung ... in fact better than almost everything else.

I agree with you; in that price range, and even higher on the money echelon.
- Panasonic Viera TC-P60ST60 3D Plasma HDTV | Home Theater

* This year's Panasonic ST60 plasma Series measured essentially the same as last year's VT50 Series!

---------------------ST60------.------VT50

1. Contrast Ratio: -13,208:1---------16,165:1
2. Peak White: ----31.7 ft-L---------32.33 ft-L
3. Black Level: ----0.0024 ft-L---.---0.002 ft-L
 
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Yep,going out to try and find the ST60 local.I'd like to get it and set it up this weekend since it will be a major redesign of the whole setup getting this DLP outta here and having more space.
Hope i can find one.
 
Got my st60 at best buy. It's in the master bedroom. Flagship Samsung F series showing up today for family room.
 
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