Best Of The Panasonics

[Inferno]

Looking at a 50". Was going to go LCD Samsung or Sony, but last minute change of heart and thinking about a panasonic plasma. What is the difference between all the different versions G, U, V, Z whatever? Which is best? Looking to spend max $2k.

[diesel]

Have a look here for differences

2010 Panasonic Tv Lineup, Which will we get here?

[Guest]

Looking at a 50". Was going to go LCD Samsung or Sony, but last minute change of heart and thinking about a panasonic plasma. What is the difference between all the different versions G, U, V, Z whatever? Which is best? Looking to spend max $2k.

I think with your price range you will be looking at which is in my budget, not 'best' tv

G is a mid range 2009 model, the others generally go up in price and features in the order you listed

[BigBad64]

Looking at a 50". Was going to go LCD Samsung or Sony, but last minute change of heart and thinking about a panasonic plasma. What is the difference between all the different versions G, U, V, Z whatever? Which is best? Looking to spend max $2k.

You probably need to spend 10-15 minutes Googling Panasonic's website and having a look at the differences.

I noticed The Good Guys locally were selling off TH-P50V10A's (slimline 2009 model) full HD TV's for something near $2000.

I have one and have found it to be a great TV.

[mikeathome]

I don't wish to speak for the OP but looking at the websites doesn't help me because I don't really understand the implications of all the specifications that I read there. I have been tossing up between a V20 and a Sony EX 55 inch. They can apparently be got for about the same price. I have been reading all of the relevant posts in this section for a few weeks and find it really hard to judge whether the comments here are made to justify the writer's personal purchase decisions, or are factual, or even just supposition.

For example, I have seen comments that all the Panasonic panels are the same with only firmware and ancilliary features differentiating the models, compared with other comment that the panels are different and give different picture quality. Someone has said that the V20 panel in 2010 is the only one of the series made in Japan whereas someone else has said it comes, like the rest, from China. It's hard to believe the salesmen on this too. My local HN reckons the V20 panel is Japanese and superior whereas the GG guy nearly next door says Chinese and inferior. And as for the debates here on the Pana's black levels - what a nightmare for the uninitiated. All the uncertainty might well mean that I am never confident to buy anything. The Missus reckons we go to our favourite retailer (GGs), find a TV with a picture we like at an acceptable price and just buy it.

[BigBad64]

I have been tossing up between a V20 and a Sony EX 55 inch. They can apparently be got for about the same price. The Missus reckons we go to our favourite retailer (GGs), find a TV with a picture we like at an acceptable price and just buy it.

You can definitely get overwhelmed with all the differing opinions on here.

Sometimes the missus who hasn't been doing all the research has the clearest outlook on it.

Maybe go to GG's, look at the above 2 TV's one after the other and then buy the one you like best?

Both good brands, you'd probably be very happy with either.

Probably comes down to the old Plasma vs LCD debate in the end. Decide that and you've decided on your TV.

Plasma = Panasonic & LCD = Sony.

Just my 2c worth.

Good luck.

[Inferno]

Thanks all. I think I'll stick to the LCD. In the end, I probably can't tell the difference between all these sets! Just need to make a decision and stick to it.

[bigblue]

Thanks all. I think I'll stick to the LCD. In the end, I probably can't tell the difference between all these sets! Just need to make a decision and stick to it.

The V20/VT20 is the only series of Panasonic Plasma panel made in Japan. I think the rest are made in China or Taiwan

There are major PQ differences between the V series and others, and its tough to tell the V series and Z1 series (now discontinued) apart. Compare the others to the Z1 and you see quite a bit of difference.

The Sony is excellent set too, just depends which one your eyes like more at the end of the day.

[diesel]

The V20/VT20 is the only series of Panasonic Plasma panel made in Japan. I think the rest are made in China or Taiwan

There are major PQ differences between the V series and others, and its tough to tell the V series and Z1 series (now discontinued) apart. Compare the others to the Z1 and you see quite a bit of difference.

The Sony is excellent set too, just depends which one your eyes like more at the end of the day.

If country of origin is important - where are Sony's made and who supplies their glass?

IMO with the major brands, country of origin is not important as they expect the same standards, after all they have spent years and loads of money building their brands.

[kfj007]

If country of origin is important - where are Sony's made and who supplies their glass?

IMO with the major brands, country of origin is not important as they expect the same standards, after all they have spent years and loads of money building their brands.

+1, Major brand names, depend on their products to live up to customer expectations, who have mainly gained a trust in their brand name, and so have put a lot of money into setting up factories all around the world to meet their stringent standards. I would be more interested in the PQ and what is pleasing to your eyes and home enviroment, packaged with extended warranty. Just in case.

[Guest]

+1, Major brand names, depend on their products to live up to customer expectations, who have mainly gained a trust in their brand name, and so have put a lot of money into setting up factories all around the world to meet their stringent standards. I would be more interested in the PQ and what is pleasing to your eyes and home enviroment, packaged with extended warranty. Just in case.

+2 modern Chinese and Tiawanese plants are super hi-tech,