Which one to consider: Plasma, LED (ruled out LCD as LED TVs are the better version of LCD TVs).
When I went to store and compared the picture quality between top-of-the line Plasma TV (Panasonic P54VT25) and top-of-line LED (Samsung's UN55C8000) next to each other, the plasma TV represented colors much better and looked lot more natural.
Talking to different store personnel (several best buy stores, videoonly store) and looking up several websites, it was made clear that Plasmas are still the best for picture quality. The blacks are lot deeper in plasmas. And LED TVs are much brighter (looks good for cartoons/text). To me, the LED TVs has the same effect of doing a "Fill Light" in picasa picture edit, gives a faded out effect when compared next to a Plasma TV. And Plasma TVs (work at 600Hz refresh rate) do a much better job for fast pace action (read sports) than LED TVs (240/120 Hz).
Then I was curious why is there so much hype/publicity for LED TVs while LED TVs are much more expensive than the Plasma TVs for inferior picture quality. The answers that I got were:
1. LED TVs do a better job in bright living room atmosphere. What I learnt is that Plasma TVs have come a long ways and most manufacturers have included anti-glare screens just for this.
2. LED TVs are much lighter and thinner... so, can be hung on the wall much easily. The comparison we are looking at 3.5'' in Plasmas to 1.5'' in LEDs... The LEDs weight something around 35-40lbs, while Plasmas weight ~60lbs, but each manufacturer makes stands/wall mounts for each (plasma TV would project out a little bit more from the wall). I wasn't planning to hang it anytime soon. However, not a biggie to sway the decision.
3. LED TVs consume less power than Plasmas. From cnet link:
For households that pay somewhere near the average retail cost for energy--11.55 cents per kilowatt per hour in 2009--and that watch near the average amount per TV--about 5.2 hours per day--the cost to watch a 50-inch 1080p plasma TV is about $64 per year in the calibrated light output mode (see How We Test). The average 52- to 55-inch LCD TV costs about $29 per year for the same light output, and, of course, smaller TVs use less energy. Sure, both electricity costs and average daily TV use are increasing steadily every year; however, those amounts still don't take a major chunk out of most household budgets. According to the Department of Energy, for example, the average refrigerator uses nearly $90 worth of energy per year.
At 5.2 hours a day, 35$ per year more for Plasma (as against LCD & maybe slightly higher as against LED) is not bad.
4. LED TVs are the newest thing out there... so?So, it was clear for my scenario that I would go with Plasma TV saving some benjamins...
Then which brand: Panasonic, Samsung, LG, etc (Sony does not make Plasma TVs at all).
Reading up online, and talking to several store representatives, I learnt that Panasonic does the best plasmas out there... and with their recent acquisition of Pioneer Kuro engineers, they got even better. [Pioneer Kuro was heralded as the best picture some 2 years or so ago, even better than the current TVs -- however much much more costlier. PDP-5020FD Pioneer Kuro TV (>$3000): 2008 model: Best black levels.
http://reviews.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/pioneer-plasma-tv/pioneer-pdp5020fd.html].
Size of the TV considered: 46'' or 50'' for my apartment living room. Much of the research here is applicable for other sizes too (like 54'', 60'', etc).
Eventually purchased Panasonic P50VT25: This is a 50inch 3D TV and Panasonic's best/costliest TV (at 50''). I purchased it at VideoOnly store which is quite well-known for TVs in Portland area for $1650 for the TV+3D bundle (BluRay player, total 3 3D glasses, Avatar 3D disc)... almost $150 less than the best buy deal for the same.
CNET rated the Panasonic P50VT25 as the best TV out there (for 2D viewing, though the TV does 3D as well with top quality). The closest non-3D TV w.r.t picture quality from Panasonic is P50G20 (or the 46inch P46G20), P50G25. The G-series also a 3D models: P50GT20, P50GT25. However US does not have non-3D (i.e. 2D) series of V-series
Differences between several series of Panasonic Plasma TVs:
Differences between P50VT20, P50VT25:
VT25 has RS232C connection and ISFccc capability
The VT25 also offers ISFccc, a protocol to help professional calibrators home in on the perfect picture, and an RS-232 port for custom installations. Much like the 2009 V10 series, the VT25 has a 96Hz option to better display native1080p/24 content.
Pasted from <http://ces.cnet.com/8301-31045_1-10427983-269.html>
[same is the difference between P50G20, P50G25]
I seriously contemplated between the Panasonic G-series and VT-series just because the G-series was a 2D, VT-series was 3D and I did not care for 3D (and also did not want to pay extra for the 3D). {did not consider any of the Panasonic lower end models like S-series, U-series or C, X-series: picture quality is not good at screen sizes of 46/50inch}
Here is a detailed list of differences (some 10 differences) between the 2 series:
Difference between P50G20 (or P50G25), P50VT20:
[source is comparison sheet from panasonic.com site for the above specified models]
- G-series (including the 3D GT-series) have the contrast ratio referred as Infinite Black Panel, while VT-series have the contrast ratio referred as Infinite Black Pro [found little info about this].
The main difference between Infinite Black Pro and Infinite Black seems to be a better AR filter. Otherwise, the specs seem to be the same with 5M:1 contrast ratio. But nevertheless, there should be a difference in black levels and real contrast due to the better coating.
Regarding "Infinite Black": It certainly isn't the case that there is anything remotely amateurish about the contrast performance of the non-Pro version, but Panasonic claims that the latter incarnation delivers more consistent black levels
Pasted from <http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1510885>
- G/GT-series does not have the 24p Cinematic Playback mode [24p Cinematic Playback displays movies in natural, cinematic motion, allowing you to experience theater-like viewing at home ].. When asked at BestBuy store (Magnolia part of the store), the representative said that this mode is not a big deal... He tried & wasn't successful in switching to that mode on VT25 model.
Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>
Native 24p Playback explained nicely in the following link:
In summary, for quality matching that of the theatrical release one must purchase a HDTV which is capable of native 24p playback and match it to a video source capable of outputting a 24p video signal. Educated viewers will notice a difference in the quality produced by native 24p playback while the average viewer may not notice the difference. Finally, it should be emphasized that 24p does not guarantee perfection – only quality matching the theatrical release with any judder resulting from filming at 24 fps remaining.
- Regarding VT's that got faster phosphors primarily for 3D: It's not just 3D that you get but faster phosphors than Panasonic's other plasmas giving you a better 2D pic.
- Number of HDMI ports on G/GT-series is 3, while VT-series has 4.
- VT-series audio output is 30W as number of speakers is 3 (as against 2 of G/GT-series)... That additional speaker is a woofer. However, I don't think it does matter as the sound quality of any HDTV is not up there.
As flatscreen TVs go, the P42VT20, has pretty decent audio but despite the built-in subwoofer low frequencies don't have much more impact than the G20 models, which only have two speakers.
- VT-series have BBE® VIVA HD3D Sound while G/GT-series do not
- G/GT-series are 3lbs lighter at 57lbs as compared to 60lbs for VT-series (without stand).
- GT-series has the 2D to 3D conversion, while VT-series does not.
- In other words, only the VT25 series gets the Pro Setting menu found on the V10 and Z1 models from 2009, which offers a few advanced controls over the standard Panasonic TV menu found on lower-end models, and no 2010 Panasonic will offer the same level of user menu control as Sony, Samsung or LG, for example. Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>
- G-series has 42'', 46'', 50'' models, while the V-series goes from 42'' to 50'' (no 46'').
- Price difference: G-series is probably $400 or so more than the VT-series. However, when I purchased the P50VT25 tv, I got it for $1650 (a bundle of 3D bluray player: $100, 3 3D glasses:$300 and Avatar 3D BluRay disc:$45) while the P50G25 was priced at $1100... the price difference is almost made up by the bundle.
About the G-series:
Complaint about G-series:
The singular reported concern from some end-users "is a persistent hum coming from the rear of the tv. It's not earsplitting, still it's notable". A lot of the public who observe this challenge are regular gamers.
Pasted from <http://www.articlemarketing.org/article.php?id=329491>
Differences between P50G20, P50G25:
- The sole difference between the G25 and the G20 series is the omission of the ability to connect a Panasonic security camera
The G25 and VT25 models, but not the G20, will also work with the company's networked camera (wired BL-C210, $199; wireless BL-C230, $299) for in-home applications like security and baby monitoring.
Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10455653-1.html>
About the model: P50V20 (looks like this is only available in UK)... This is the non-3D model of VT20:
Picture Quality
So with all the testing out of the way, it was time to see just what the V20 was capable of with normal film and TV content.
The first question people will ask is about the black levels and I am happy to report that they are the same solid and deep levels witnessed on the VT20. Once calibrated, there was a good degree of shadow detailing and the greyscale was rock solid (as seen above in the test area). When sat side by side with our reference Pioneer LX5090 there was little to distinguish between the two screens and only in completely dark surroundings could you see that the Kuro still had a slight edge here. However, in terms of TVs that are available to buy on the market today, the V20 offers the best black levels along with its big brother the VT20.
And its not just the black levels that excel on this plasma screen. Colour performance out of the box and calibrated is reference level with natural looking hues and tones, along with accurate and life-like skin tones. Again, when next to our reference screen, there is very little in it between this panel and the Kuro. There are however a couple of little issues worth noting. Colour banding with high gradation scenes, was a little more pronounced on the Panasonic and was also visible on a few faces here and there. This may not be a deal breaker, by any means, and would likely only be seen by videophiles looking for perfection. Overall the image quality, at this price point, is very welcome indeed with deep blacks, excellent colour and outstanding dynamic range. It’s clear that even when up against some great looking LCD screens this year, the Panasonic shows why plasma is still considered the top dog where picture quality is concerned. The V20 lives up to its best for movies marketing.
My experiences after the purchase:
Pros:
1. I have had this TV for a month and have been quite happy with the TV picture quality.
2. For 3D Viewing, I sometimes sit a little closer than normal as I feel the 50'' is slightly smaller size. And I like the 3D feel/motion of the TV.
3. The PC input, both through VGI cable and HDMI are pretty good... I was pleasantly surprised how good the PC's 1024*768 resolution (I guess that's the max the TV supports) translated to a 50inch screen.
4. The on-screen menus for adjustments seem to be straight forward.
Cons:
1. I have this TV connected to home LAN (not wireless). The quality of youtube in the built in app is not great (unless the youtube video is of real high quality). However the same video when played on a PC with the PC connected through VGA/HDMI looks much better. I am considering a laptop connected next to the TV all the time through HDMI and use a wireless keyboard/mouse [courtesy: Chetan].
a. [note that only Panasonic's wireless dongle works with Panasonic's products or so was I told and should cost somewhere around $70 - did not want to spend that, so moved my router closer to the TV. Samsung TVs also need wireless dongle or wired connection. Most LG TVs come with built-in wireless].
2. The effect of 3D is only up until 12 feet or so... once you move past 12 feet from the TV, the 3D effect is lost and you have to move a little closer (~10ft or so) to the TV to re-establish the active shutter of the eyewear.
3. Hoped (however did not expect) that the TV would recognize iPhone and play songs/photos from the phone, but does not... Once connected, it only charges the phone. Not sure if other brands recognize iPhone. Maybe, Android based phones are recognized (did not try one).
4. VT- series do not have 2D to 3D conversion of the 2D content (Samsung TVs have and also GT-series have). Not a biggie, but only helps to show off your TV to friends without needing to pop-in a 3D (avatar) DVD into the player and waiting for that. When this 2D to 3D conversions happens in the TV, I noticed in the store that the depth of field is noticed only for limited content, like on screen text, etc.
5. I hoped that the start-up time of the TV is a little faster... takes about 15seconds or more to start & recognize the cable HDMI program. [don't know about other brands/models start up time]... certainly more than what I expected.
6. When using a external memory stick/hard-drive over the USB connection, it looks like it only recognizes specific video formats like mpeg2, AVCHD, but not standard formats like avi, divx, mp4, etc. However, it recognizes the generic photo formats like .jpeg, .bmp and music files (mp3). There are ways to convert your files to mpeg2 format and then some steps to make it work for panasonic TVs [see this link]]. Samsung TVs, on the other hand, work with most common formats out of the box. I could ignore this downside because of the bundle this TV came with... the Panasonic bluRay player the TV came with (BDT100), recognizes the generic video formats and plays them through the player's USB connection.
1. I have had this TV for a month and have been quite happy with the TV picture quality.
2. For 3D Viewing, I sometimes sit a little closer than normal as I feel the 50'' is slightly smaller size. And I like the 3D feel/motion of the TV.
3. The PC input, both through VGI cable and HDMI are pretty good... I was pleasantly surprised how good the PC's 1024*768 resolution (I guess that's the max the TV supports) translated to a 50inch screen.
4. The on-screen menus for adjustments seem to be straight forward.
Cons:
1. I have this TV connected to home LAN (not wireless). The quality of youtube in the built in app is not great (unless the youtube video is of real high quality). However the same video when played on a PC with the PC connected through VGA/HDMI looks much better. I am considering a laptop connected next to the TV all the time through HDMI and use a wireless keyboard/mouse [courtesy: Chetan].
a. [note that only Panasonic's wireless dongle works with Panasonic's products or so was I told and should cost somewhere around $70 - did not want to spend that, so moved my router closer to the TV. Samsung TVs also need wireless dongle or wired connection. Most LG TVs come with built-in wireless].
2. The effect of 3D is only up until 12 feet or so... once you move past 12 feet from the TV, the 3D effect is lost and you have to move a little closer (~10ft or so) to the TV to re-establish the active shutter of the eyewear.
3. Hoped (however did not expect) that the TV would recognize iPhone and play songs/photos from the phone, but does not... Once connected, it only charges the phone. Not sure if other brands recognize iPhone. Maybe, Android based phones are recognized (did not try one).
4. VT- series do not have 2D to 3D conversion of the 2D content (Samsung TVs have and also GT-series have). Not a biggie, but only helps to show off your TV to friends without needing to pop-in a 3D (avatar) DVD into the player and waiting for that. When this 2D to 3D conversions happens in the TV, I noticed in the store that the depth of field is noticed only for limited content, like on screen text, etc.
5. I hoped that the start-up time of the TV is a little faster... takes about 15seconds or more to start & recognize the cable HDMI program. [don't know about other brands/models start up time]... certainly more than what I expected.
6. When using a external memory stick/hard-drive over the USB connection, it looks like it only recognizes specific video formats like mpeg2, AVCHD, but not standard formats like avi, divx, mp4, etc. However, it recognizes the generic photo formats like .jpeg, .bmp and music files (mp3). There are ways to convert your files to mpeg2 format and then some steps to make it work for panasonic TVs [see this link]]. Samsung TVs, on the other hand, work with most common formats out of the box. I could ignore this downside because of the bundle this TV came with... the Panasonic bluRay player the TV came with (BDT100), recognizes the generic video formats and plays them through the player's USB connection.
Acknowledgement: Thanks to my friend, Singu, who patiently accompanied me for the store visits and complemented my online research.
Checkout other related posts: 3D:BluRay Player, Eyewear.
Do post your comments about things that I got wrong... or your own experiences.
Finally, I have someone who agrees with me. Plasmas are undoubtedly superior in picture quality. When we first went to the store to buy a flat screen TV, we had already done our research and decided on LCD, but I fell in love with Pioneer elite. It was out of our range. We settled for panasonic plasma, which I have no regrets about. It's been running great all these years and is still the best TV among all the TVs my friends own here in LA. All those fancy Sony or whatever LCD owners, your tv ain't even close to showing faces like faces. They look over saturated or washed out, anything but real, and the tv has a limited viewing angle. I can go on and on about this. Felt sorry when pioneer stopped making TVs.
ReplyDeleteGreat research and a very detailed article. One reason I believe that people don't prefer plasma TV is because of their lack of reliability and durability. Did you do any research related to that?
ReplyDelete@Sunita, totally agree with you. When I went to the store & I compared the faces of football players between 2 high-end TVs (one Samsung LED, other Panasonic Plasma), it was very evident how washed out it was on LED/LCD TVs.
ReplyDeleteAlso, all store representatives clearly mentioned that it was Plasma if picture quality was the decisive factor.
@Sudheer, Reliability and durability (from what I remember) wasn't concern for the first 10 years with normal usage (~4 hours on average per day
I guess this is the general impression people have about Plasma TVs (watch this video at 2:40 Sec and also at 3:50 Sec)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/video/?pid=mzqkcYgr_BGUT8PguhCAPjl1vG63I8dp&nrd=1
Do they have some warranty against dead pixels?