40C650 or PS50C550 ?

[vivekecm]

I am posting my question again here from the "Price" thread to attract expert opinions as I about to but my first flat panel TV and want to have safe experience . I have been specially advised to call on "Adder" by Kittu to advise on Panel lottery problem in 40C650. I would be obliged if insights are given.

My question:
I have been thinking about the panel lottery problem in 40C650, Does Plasma PS50C550 has any such problems? Can i go for the plasma model in case i am interested in the getting larger size (50") compared to smaller size (40") of 40C650 for just 5k or 6k more ? Or if my mom insists on LCD instead of plasma (due to power consumption difference), how can i ensure i get a SPVA panel in 40C650 ?

Reply from Kittu earlier:
I am not sure about the SPVA stuff("adder" is best person) but if you have a well lit room plasma wont do good . Go for LCD .... If you have a bit of dark room with no reflection or huge windows you can go for plasma... 50" looks bigger and better when you are watching a movie / sports are playing games... Yes plasmas consume lil more power and get hotter compare to the LCDS...Not really sure I noticed major change in my power bill last 2 months ...

 

[BLASTO]

I am posting my question again here from the "Price" thread to attract expert opinions as I about to but my first flat panel TV and want to have safe experience . I have been specially advised to call on "Adder" by Kittu to advise on Panel lottery problem in 40C650. I would be obliged if insights are given.

My question:
I have been thinking about the panel lottery problem in 40C650, Does Plasma PS50C550 has any such problems? Can i go for the plasma model in case i am interested in the getting larger size (50") compared to smaller size (40") of 40C650 for just 5k or 6k more ? Or if my mom insists on LCD instead of plasma (due to power consumption difference), how can i ensure i get a SPVA panel in 40C650 ?

Reply from Kittu earlier:
I am not sure about the SPVA stuff("adder" is best person) but if you have a well lit room plasma wont do good . Go for LCD .... If you have a bit of dark room with no reflection or huge windows you can go for plasma... 50" looks bigger and better when you are watching a movie / sports are playing games... Yes plasmas consume lil more power and get hotter compare to the LCDS...Not really sure I noticed major change in my power bill last 2 months ...

If you want to be sure about SPVA panels, get the Sony instead. You will additionally get better SD upscaling.

As for plasmas, the sunlight brightness and location of windows, TV watching habit (whether you watch in morning or evenings/night) should dictate your buying decision and not the power consuption. If you are able to buy C650 or the C550 plasma, Iam sure you will not be worried about the electiricty requirements of them.

50" is sure to bring in the wow factor that only 40" can dream of. Iam sure if you watch them side by side knowing that the price difference is 5k, you will buy the 50" forgetting all other things. Even 42" is 'considerably' bigger than the 40" though they are placed in the same bracket all the time.

 

[vivekecm]

If you want to be sure about SPVA panels, get the Sony instead. You will additionally get better SD upscaling.

As for plasmas, the sunlight brightness and location of windows, TV watching habit (whether you watch in morning or evenings/night) should dictate your buying decision and not the power consuption. If you are able to buy C650 or the C550 plasma, Iam sure you will not be worried about the electiricty requirements of them.

50" is sure to bring in the wow factor that only 40" can dream of. Iam sure if you watch them side by side knowing that the price difference is 5k, you will buy the 50" forgetting all other things. Even 42" is 'considerably' bigger than the 40" though they are placed in the same bracket all the time.

Thanks Blasto. So you mean to say all sony panels are SPVA based and i can buy any sony model without any panel issue ? I tried to check for any 42" LCD but could not find any in sony or samsung. The higher being 46". Sony looks bit pricey compared to Samsung but perhaps i have to shell out if i need peace of mind regarding panel issue. One 42" model that comes to mind is Panny 42X20D. Read good reviews in other threads though its not Full HD. It looks like Plasma offers better VFM than LCD to such extent that i am ready to redecorate my living room. Presently, TV would be located at such a place that directly opposite to it, there are large windows with curtains. Even right side wall of TV have windows (smaller ones) though light does not reflect or fall inside the room. If these room conditions are maintained (By keeping curtains closed) and low light environment is created, can i get nice watching experience from a 50" plasma ? Most of family members would watch at evenings/nights with little in mornings. Please advice.

 

[Kittu]

Thanks Blasto. So you mean to say all sony panels are SPVA based and i can buy any sony model without any panel issue ? I tried to check for any 42" LCD but could not find any in sony or samsung. The higher being 46". Sony looks bit pricey compared to Samsung but perhaps i have to shell out if i need peace of mind regarding panel issue. One 42" model that comes to mind is Panny 42X20D. Read good reviews in other threads though its not Full HD. It looks like Plasma offers better VFM than LCD to such extent that i am ready to redecorate my living room. Presently, TV would be located at such a place that directly opposite to it, there are large windows with curtains. Even right side wall of TV have windows (smaller ones) though light does not reflect or fall inside the room. If these room conditions are maintained (By keeping curtains closed) and low light environment is created, can i get nice watching experience from a 50" plasma ? Most of family members would watch at evenings/nights with little in mornings. Please advice.

If you plan to do so... get a blackout lining done to the curtains so it blocks the reflection during daytime not 100% but better ..... I am doing the same. Plasma in living room and LCD in bedroom .

 

[BLASTO]

Thanks Blasto. So you mean to say all sony panels are SPVA based and i can buy any sony model without any panel issue ? I tried to check for any 42" LCD but could not find any in sony or samsung. The higher being 46". Sony looks bit pricey compared to Samsung but perhaps i have to shell out if i need peace of mind regarding panel issue. One 42" model that comes to mind is Panny 42X20D. Read good reviews in other threads though its not Full HD. It looks like Plasma offers better VFM than LCD to such extent that i am ready to redecorate my living room. Presently, TV would be located at such a place that directly opposite to it, there are large windows with curtains. Even right side wall of TV have windows (smaller ones) though light does not reflect or fall inside the room. If these room conditions are maintained (By keeping curtains closed) and low light environment is created, can i get nice watching experience from a 50" plasma ? Most of family members would watch at evenings/nights with little in mornings. Please advice.

All Sony and Samsung panels are meant to be SPVAs eventually but the samsungs are in transition phase and hence the panel lottery. Sony gets only SPVA.

If you are looking at 42" models, check the 42V20 from panasonic. It is the highest in the panasonic lineup. The best TV ever and is cheaper than the 40" Sonys.

Anything other than the V20 will have pronounced reflections in your room. The side windows can be discounted, but the large window to the opposite will create reflection problems. Some are more sensitive to it and some dont see a problem but it will be there.

 

[infinity]

Thanks Blasto. So you mean to say all sony panels are SPVA based and i can buy any sony model without any panel issue ? I tried to check for any 42" LCD but could not find any in sony or samsung. The higher being 46". Sony looks bit pricey compared to Samsung but perhaps i have to shell out if i need peace of mind regarding panel issue. One 42" model that comes to mind is Panny 42X20D. Read good reviews in other threads though its not Full HD. It looks like Plasma offers better VFM than LCD to such extent that i am ready to redecorate my living room. Presently, TV would be located at such a place that directly opposite to it, there are large windows with curtains. Even right side wall of TV have windows (smaller ones) though light does not reflect or fall inside the room. If these room conditions are maintained (By keeping curtains closed) and low light environment is created, can i get nice watching experience from a 50" plasma ? Most of family members would watch at evenings/nights with little in mornings. Please advice.

Hi vivekecm....if budget is not a constraint, go for the Panny V20...its the best full HD plasma as on date....take a demo with other similar range plasmas and let your eyes do the talking. Otherwise, X20 is the most VFM - HD plasma out there.

 

[shaiju_o_thomas]

Sorry, beg to differ. X20 is one of the poor performing Plasma out there.

 

[infinity]

^^ No need to be sorry...everyone has the right to their own opinion and logic .
Which is your opinion is the best and most VFM HD plasma today ???

 

[BLASTO]

^^ No need to be sorry...everyone has the right to their own opinion and logic .
Which is your opinion is the best and most VFM HD plasma today ???

Even I feel the Samsung C430 is the best VFM model out there for 36k with HD playback via USB. Hard to beat.

 

[shaiju_o_thomas]

^^ No need to be sorry...everyone has the right to their own opinion and logic .
Which is your opinion is the best and most VFM HD plasma today ???

My picks for 50" full HD VFM Plamsa:
Samsung C550, Samsung C6500, LG PK550.

Of all 3, the Samsung C6500 easily scores for picture, price, performance and features. Do some bobbing around and you may find one for 85K or less. I have a LG PK550 and it satisfies all my needs dutifully.

What is panel lottery? Have you witnessed it? What is the measured difference between various panels?

If your family will consume good amount of watching time then I suggest either the 40" Sony EX500 or Samsung C650. I have seen both in action and there are none to rival these absolute VFM LCDs. They are absolute crackers. Samsung C630 is good too.

Still if you are tempted by a larger screen then one of the above Plasmas will serve you well.

Edit: Seen the LG LCDs too but nothing attention grabbing. They are pretty much, what I call them, plain Janes (though they are feature-rich).

 

[pulsar_swift]

I would say LA 40C650. As per me PLASMA is history.
Read threads on HIFI, there was one thread where they posted the instruction manual on PANA V2040D, in that it said. Continuous display of LOGOS or Black bands at the top and bottom can cause IR, and it is not manufacturing defect and not covered under warranty.

It is just my opinion. Every one is entitled to their opinion.

 

[vivekecm]

My picks for 50" full HD VFM Plamsa:
Samsung C550, Samsung C6500, LG PK550.

Of all 3, the Samsung C6500 easily scores for picture, price, performance and features. Do some bobbing around and you may find one for 85K or less. I have a LG PK550 and it satisfies all my needs dutifully.

What is panel lottery? Have you witnessed it? What is the measured difference between various panels?

If your family will consume good amount of watching time then I suggest either the 40" Sony EX500 or Samsung C650. I have seen both in action and there are none to rival these absolute VFM LCDs. They are absolute crackers. Samsung C630 is good too.

Still if you are tempted by a larger screen then one of the above Plasmas will serve you well.

Edit: Seen the LG LCDs too but nothing attention grabbing. They are pretty much, what I call them, plain Janes (though they are feature-rich).

@Saiju: In what way is the C6500 plasma superior to C550 ? Is the difference of almost 20k worth for same size C6500 instead of C550 since both are 50". I think C6500 is slim, but apart from that is there vast difference in Picture quality between these two plasmas. I am interested in Samsung plasmas in general. Please advice. My budget is around 70K but will try to stretch if C6500 can convince me.

 

[vivekecm]

I would say LA 40C650. As per me PLASMA is history.
Read threads on HIFI, there was one thread where they posted the instruction manual on PANA V2040D, in that it said. Continuous display of LOGOS or Black bands at the top and bottom can cause IR, and it is not manufacturing defect and not covered under warranty.

It is just my opinion. Every one is entitled to their opinion.

@Pulsar: Thanks for your opinion. Sometimes even i incline towards C650 LCD due to room viewing conditions but only the fear of getting the worse "C" panel stopping me as i dont want to be stuck with inferior PQ, but otherwise it looks great. Has anyone recently purchased 40C650 ? If so what was the panel in it ? Will i able to check at any shop's godown and take "S" panel ?

 

[shaiju_o_thomas]

@Saiju: In what way is the C6500 plasma superior to C550 ? Is the difference of almost 20k worth for same size C6500 instead of C550 since both are 50". I think C6500 is slim, but apart from that is there vast difference in Picture quality between these two plasmas. I am interested in Samsung plasmas in general. Please advice. My budget is around 70K but will try to stretch if C6500 can convince me.

vivekecm, the only way you'll be convinced is to check both the sets in action side-by-side.

The C6500 processed picture much better than C550. It really wouldn't matter once you get C550 home and adjust as per your room conditions. One major feature difference is the absence of Cinema Smooth in C550.

Don't confuse yourself just go out and demo the sets. If not Plasma then get the Samsung LCD

 

[sanjay0864]

As per me PLASMA is history.

What, may I ask are your qualifications to pass such judgements.

Read threads on HIFI, there was one thread where they posted the instruction manual on PANA V2040D, in that it said. Continuous display of LOGOS or Black bands at the top and bottom can cause IR, and it is not manufacturing defect and not covered under warranty.

Most cellphones come with a disclaimer/warning about radiation related cancer. So I suppose you don't use cellphones either. A little word of advice, stop making your opinions and judgements based on disclaimers/warnings drafted by a bunch of lawyers and printed in a manual.

It is just my opinion. Every one is entitled to their opinion.

Uninformed opinions are 'a dime a dozen' and as long as one realizes that, they are entitled to one.

 

[shredder]

What, may I ask are your qualifications to pass such judgements.

He does not need any qualifications to pass such judgements. He has clearly stated that it is his own personal opinion. So he is clearly entitled to express his opinion. Live and let live. What, may I ask, are your qualifications to tell others what they can or cannot do on this forum?? Are you moderator? Or are you Paandoo Havaldar?? Look, no one is denying that plasma is good, so no need to jump to its defence when anyone says anything against it.

Most cellphones come with a disclaimer/warning about radiation related cancer. So I suppose you don't use cellphones either. All cigarette packs come with a warning stating that cigarette smoking is injurious to health. So I suppose that lung cancer caused by smoking is a myth.A little word of advice, stop making your opinions and judgements based on disclaimers/warnings drafted by a bunch of lawyers and printed in a manual.
Everybody is not wonderful, great expert like you to ignore all disclaimers/warnings printed in manual.

Uninformed opinions are 'a dime a dozen' and as long as one realizes that, they are entitled to one.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

 

[josedandrew]

vivekecm, the only way you'll be convinced is to check both the sets in action side-by-side.

The C6500 processed picture much better than C550. It really wouldn't matter once you get C550 home and adjust as per your room conditions. One major feature difference is the absence of Cinema Smooth in C550.

Don't confuse yourself just go out and demo the sets. If not Plasma then get the Samsung LCD

C6500 has better processing ofcourse..uses hyperreal engine.
C550 will likely match C6500 at about 97% of situations, but that additional 2-3% improvement demands a premium
plasmatvbuyingguide has all samsung reviews except 4 series...

 

[BLASTO]

@Vivek..

Did you demo the panasonic 42V20 plasma? Any thoughts? If you are not satisfied, the only option left is the sony Ex400/500.

 

[Dhillon]

Sometimes even i incline towards C650 LCD due to room viewing conditions but only the fear of getting the worse "C" panel stopping me as i dont want to be stuck with inferior PQ,

IMO the different panel thing is over-hyped.I got a 40" C650 with the C panel and the PQ is just Fantastic with none of the dreaded issues.

 

[sanjay0864]

He does not need any qualifications to pass such judgements. He has clearly stated that it is his own personal opinion. So he is clearly entitled to express his opinion.

Most certainly yes. To "pass judgement" in a public forum where people look for informed help, one most certainly needs to be qualified to "pass judgement". You are right, but only to the extent, that even a 'jack ass' (not directed at anyone in particular) can have an opinion, but that does not give him/her the right to "pass judgement" and that too when giving advise to other, unknowing and ignorant members looking for help. I personally have absolutely no issues with people expressing their opinions, no matter how uninformed they may be. Nor do I have any issues with them making correct/incorrect recommendations based on their opinions. But, what I do detest, is people passing judgements in the guise of preferences and thus further confusing people or even misleading them into believing things that are not factual.

Live and let live. What, may I ask, are your qualifications to tell others what they can or cannot do on this forum?? Are you moderator? Or are you Paandoo Havaldar??

First of all, I suggest you re-read my post again and maybe you might comprehend it better this time. In no part or words in my post, have I "told anyone to do or not to do anything". All i did was pose a simple question and that too not to you, but rather to 'pulsar_swift'. Now unless you are 'pulsar_swift or his/her personal assistant appointed by him/her to speak on his/her behalf, I suggest you mind your own business. Or "Are you (a) moderator? Or are you Paandoo Havaldar??"

Look, no one is denying that plasma is good, so no need to jump to its defence when anyone says anything against it.

There are hundreds of threads on this forum, with thousands of posts discussing LCDs and the virtues of LCDs, but not once have I ever felt the need to respond to any of them. It is when people make ill informed posts using dated information or half truths about plasmas to justify their stand, that somehow LCDs are superior to Plasmas, that I feel it is neccessary to post, lest the op is confused or totally misled into a decision they may not have otherwise made. As it is there are way too many TV salesman on this forum or atleast who talk like one, ie. with barely any actual knowledge about audio/video technology let alone actual quality, but still make all kinds of generalised statemnts and pass judgements in favor of the product they wish to push.

All cigarette packs come with a warning stating that cigarette smoking is injurious to health. So I suppose that lung cancer caused by smoking is a myth.

Again, I suggest that you re-read my post, I have in no way suggested that plasma burn-in is a myth. But the FACT is, that burn-in with current plasmas is almost a non issue, atleast beyond the initial 100-150 hrs of operation. Therefore passing judgement against plasmas for that reason and advising people accordingly is just plain wrong.

Everybody is not wonderful, great expert like you to ignore all disclaimers/warnings printed in manual.

Well, considering that 'you' follow and believe all disclaimers/warnings printed in manuals, I suppose you should not buy a LCD TV too. After all quite a few LCDs come with disclaimers/warnings that there may be some dead pixels. As a matter of fact, even an expensive and high end company such as Apple considers upto 'fifteen' dead pixels on their pricey 'Cinema Display' monitor, as "acceptable" & "normal" and therefore not fit for warranty repairs/replacement. If 'fifteen' dead pixels are acceptable on a 22" monitor, I wonder how many more would be considered "normal" in a 50" size. So much for the perfect LCD technology.

PS: I wont even get into the silliness, of following all disclaimers/warnings attached to various products.

Uninformed opinions are 'a dime a dozen' and as long as one realizes that, they are entitled to one.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Oh yeah, screaming in red, makes your point that much more valid, right? In any case, since you seem to prefer idioms, but can't seem to comprehend the irony of using it in a post where you are doing exactly what you are accusing me of, here is one you hopefully can comprehend better "???? ??? ??? ??, ?? ???? ??? ??? ???". Ironically, this idiom applies to the whole LCD vs Plasma debate too, wherein supporters of LCD TVs keep harping upon burn-in being the end of Plasma TVs.