Advice Needed for new TV, etc...

[ecornwell]

Hello,

I've got a few questions that cover multiple areas but I figured it'd be easier to post in one place. I've tried to read and search but I haven't been able to find exactly what I need. I'm looking for a system upgrade. My current setup is pretty old that I got in parts and pieces in college nearly 9 years ago. I currently have a 27" Toshiba TV, Toshiba DVD Player, and Kenwood VR-507 receiver. I've got a Wii, Xbox 360, Cable Box, and VCR connected. (Yes, my wife still has tapes that she likes to watch.) I've been looking at upgrades over the years and I think the time is right. I don't want to spend too much and I don't need the best of the best but I do want something that is good, current, and will last for a while. I've also got a 5.1 setup that I really enjoy. The rear (instead of sides, I did it wrong) speakers are in-walls and the room layout doesn't allow for much else.

I've been looking at something in the 50"-54" range and my number one choice from reading on here is a Panasonic G25. From what I've seen recommended, this seems to be the TV to get. Since Amazon is offering some good financing deals, I've been thinking about getting the 50". Along with it, I've been looking at the Panasonic BD85.

I have a friend that works at an electronics store and he said he can get me a 50" S2 and BD65 for $899 as a combo. The deal sounds pretty good to me. Thoughts? I've also wondered if I should replace my receiver as well. We use it as the only source of sound for the system and use a Harmony One to control the whole thing. (If the TV wasn't supported by the Harmony, the tv is out of the running.) The receiver is also the main "video hub" for the Wii, VCR, and Xbox. The Xbox doesn't get used hardly at all. The TV has a component, S-Video, and video input so the receiver feeds in on the Video. (DVD and Cable use the other connections.)

I was also looking at the LG players. (Or TV's) The only thing I don't want is Sony!

The main things I'm interested in:

Are the TV's I selected the right way to go?
Given I don't want to spend too much, would the bundle be that good of a deal to go with it?
DVD's are our main source of movie watching (Netflix) but we do streaming as well.
Should I replace the receiver?

Have I missed anything?

Thank you in advance!

[ecornwell]

I confused myself even more... I went to Best Buy tonight and looked at the S2 and I didn't like it. It was sitting next to a Samsung plasma and then there were LCD and LED TV's all around. The S2 looked really grainy. I didn't really like the look of it. Most of the plasmas looked grainy. Is this the case or was I not seeing things properly?

Edit: The Samsung PN50C550 is now in the running too...

[MrBoylan]

I can't tell you whether or not you may need to upgrade your receiver without knowing what receiver you are using. For advice on receivers, I would recommend posting in the receivers category and make sure you post your current receiver model.

As for TVs, I do like the Panasonic plasmas personally. It has been our reference set for some time. Right now the VT25 series. In terms of quality, the G25 is excellent for 2D playback. Significantly better than the S2. With the financing deals, and the various freebies, it's hard to say no to the 50-inch 3D-capable GT25: $1789 including shipping on Amazon, but it comes with a Blu-ray 3D player, 2 pairs of glasses, 2 Blu-ray 3D movies plus you're eligible to get "Avatar" on Blu-ray 3D Disc when it becomes available (12/1/10). It's actually best to buy the TV and player now, because you'll get "Ice Age 3" and "Coraline" on Blu-ray 3D Disc *plus* Avatar. If you wait until 12/1 to buy, then I'm not sure you will still get those other 2 movies.

Of course, you don't need to use it in 3D mode, as most content is still only 2D, but it does work well for both.

Some details on the offer are available here:

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/3D...Purchase.shtml

-CB

[MrBoylan]

I confused myself even more... I went to Best Buy tonight and looked at the S2 and I didn't like it. It was sitting next to a Samsung plasma and then there were LCD and LED TV's all around. The S2 looked really grainy. I didn't really like the look of it. Most of the plasmas looked grainy. Is this the case or was I not seeing things properly?

Edit: The Samsung PN50C550 is now in the running too...

Plasmas typically aren't as impressive as LED or LCD TVs in the store under the fluourescent lights, but once you get them into a home environment and have them properly calibrated, they really shine. Don't judge TVs by what they look like in the showroom otherwise you will end up with something that does not look as good at home under somewhat more subdued lighting conditions. The S2 is a fine TV but the G25, GT25 and VT25 are clearly better. Samsung plasmas are also a fine choice but in my experience they are a little more susceptible to image retention issues.

-CB

[ecornwell]

Thanks for the response.

I've read some problems with the newer series plasmas about the blacks changing and some noise produced by the TV. Some people have said it is hype others say its real and a big deal. Thoughts?

Is there a significant difference between the G25 and the S2?

[MrBoylan]

All TVs degrade in performance over time. The 2009 Panasonics had their black levels degrade a bit more abruptly than expected which led to some measurable loss in black level after a few months of use, but the performance even with the lower black levels was higher than most of its competition. I haven't seen any evidence that this is still the case with the 2010 models.

I'm not sure what you're talking about RE: noise. Are you talking about audio noise or video noise? None of either has been evident on the VT25 and G25 we have tested. The S2 series is lacking all of the internet streaming features (VIERA Cast) and also does not quite have the picture performance of the G25, GT25 and VT25 series TVs. It still produces an excellent picture, but is lacking some of the more advanced features like the louvred filter which rejects ambient light and the fast-switching phosphors from the VT25 series which enhance motion resolution and contrast, and also make high quality 3D possible on the VT25 and GT25 series TVs.

-CB

[ecornwell]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The noise was audio noise that has been described as a buzz or whine that comes from the TV.

It looks like my best bet is something like the G25, it fits within my price range and has the features I need.

Thank you for your help!

[MrBoylan]

Well our writer Chris Chiarella did not notice any noises on the G25, and I'm definitely not hearing anything on our VT25. The G25 is a nice set, you can read more about it in our full review (linked below) and it's nicely priced on Amazon around $1000 including shipping. But I would wait a week or two and keep an eye on it in case they do any promos. For a while the Skype camera was included free with purchase (a $100 freebie).

Here is a link to our review:

TC-P50G25 review

And our affiliate link to buy it on Amazon:

TC-P50G25 on Amazon.com

Regards,

-Chris

[ecornwell]

I used your link to add it to my cart. Thanks for your help!

[MrBoylan]

Thank you, come again.

-CB