Which 55 to get?

[shuv]

Hello people.

Need to buy a TV fast. Not going for a plasma this time. So, which 55" would you recommend?

PQ is the only criteria, couldn't care less about the IQ level of the set.
Usage would be 60% SD content via Tata Sky HD.

Budget is around 150k, won't mind something cheaper obviously

Thanks in advance.

(Anything except LG)

 

[manzb]

Almost all regular 55" mid range TVs cost around 1.5 lacs (add/deduct few Ks here & there). The best one Sony 55W950 will cost 2.3 lacs or so. Others, you can have a demo and decide accordingly.

BTW, at such prizes they includes IQ (Smart features) is included, whether you need or not. My pick will be 55W800 with passive 3D. Though it is far away from the PQ of 55W950.

 

[shuv]

Thanks for the reply Manzb. The W800 does look appealing. Unfortunately, the W950 is way beyond my budget.

A question to all owners of newer plasmas:

Is TIR/burn in still an issue? The TV will be used by my parents and they watch a fair bit of soaps. All channels have huge logos and some even have huge adverts plastered all over the screen. On the current TV (Samsung 50C550), the channel logos are quite prominent when changing channels.

 

[manzb]

I can't see any IR/ Burn IN issue with my Samy 51F5500. I think this issue is more or less has been contained by the manufacturers. But still it is better to use the TV a little carefully for the first 200 hrs or so. You can use special slides to make it mature quicker.

 

[shuv]

I had personally babied the TV in the initial stages. The IR here is a gradual phenomenon. Being a plasma fanboy it actually hurts to go for a LED

 

[manzb]

Hmm. Looks like "once bitten, twice shy" issue here.

Anyway, then better go for LEDs. One LED that I think is real VFM till last month or so was Pana 55ET5D. It is available around 90K. It used to retail over 1.5 lacs when initially launched. But seems Pana had lot of leftover stocks and are offering at a great discount. You can give it a try.

 

[shuv]

@ Manzb - Exactly. Once bitten twice shy. On the other hand, my 4 years old Panasonic plasma is going strong (knock on wood).

I've seen the Panasonic ET5D at E-Zone. Looks promising. But which one would be better? Sony W800, Samsung 6400 or the Panasonic range?

 

[manzb]

Now you are comparing three TVs which are of same mid range performers. I think W800 scores over others as I have seen it in detail. But not by miles. Considering that price of W800 will be around 1.5 lacs against 90K of ET5D, I think Pana is the real VFM. And I think both are passive 3D with IPS panels. So take your pick. If you can afford go for W800.

Have not demoed Samy 6400, and hence I will offer no comment.

 

[BLASTO]

Around 1.5L can fetch you a 64F8500 during Diwali.. :licklips:

 

[shuv]

@ BLASTO - Not too keen on a plasma, that too from Samsung.

Looks like the W800 is edging ahead.

 

[manzb]

Now you can opt for or get free 3 year warranty on Plasma as well. So think before you decide.

 

[guessmewho]

Will add my bit to the confusion Just got the 55 inches Sony W800 and absolutely love it. Of course gaming was in my radar and hence the choice was easier.

 

[BLASTO]

@ BLASTO - Not too keen on a plasma, that too from Samsung.

Looks like the W800 is edging ahead.

If you look around, you can get the 55W800 for around 1.1L in grey market, if that is an option.

 

[shuv]

@ Manzb - A plasma is always my default choice. But I'm scared about the IR.

Let me explain the issue here. There are two plasmas in the house, one for my parents and one in my room. Mine is a four year old and the other is a shade over three. Mine is used 70% for HD movies and gaming and 30% for Tata SkyHD. Mainly I watch sports and some news channels with some occasional soaps thrown in. I have zero issues with my TV (knock on wood).

On the other hand, parents mostly watch SD transmissions via Tata SkyHD. Most of the channels have huge logos all over. Even with changing the aspect ratio a few times during every broadcast/program, their TV has a bad case of IR on the top RHS and another patch on the bottom LHS. What I don't know is whether its a problem arising the defective panel or a regular issue. The panel is kaput, have got the pink-ish coloration issue http://www.hifivision.com/television/45776-repair-upgrade.html

This is the only reason for considering LEDs.

@ Guessmewho - Seriously contemplating this one.

@ BLASTO - Would absolutely want warranty. Else I would have picked one up from Thailand. Grey market pricing is yummy though!

And, if we go for a plasma again, hows the 60S60?

 

[shuv]

Panasonic 60S60 @ 125k sounds yummy. But the 65ST50 is 240k!!

 

[prosenjit]

guru,
panasonic led is perfect for daily soaps..as i said..
no need for 1.5 lakh leds..just not justified
plasma is diff case..but colour acuuracy etc not realyy neded for daily soaps
so imho pana e5 led at 90k is the choice i think.

btw contact ts hd cutomer care..mine having same issue sd channels 4:3 ratio..now they changed a box..and all sd channels are in 16:9 ratio..yes all sd channels
you can yourself try the remote setting also

 

[shuv]

@ Prosenjit - The ET5D is available only at E-Zone for 90k. Panasonic Brandshop guys are quoting 115k. Being a discontinued model, chances of getting a display piece is quite high. Don't need the extra hassle.

Its going to be either W800 or F6400.

Later on though.....

 

[manzb]

Well, if you have already decided on these two models, I will go with 55W800.

 

[Vishal]

Shuv - out from the left field here : For 1.5L how about a HD projector if you have the space .. You can get any screen size you want.

If its a non plasma - cant beat the Sony W 9 series. How about the 46inc W950 ? You save 30k too

 

[shuv]

Vishal - Its for the living room and everyday viewing. Hence projector is ruled out. Had it been for my bedroom, a projector would get some serious thought.

Has to be a non plasma
As the current is a 50", looking at the 55s. Not much of a difference I know but kya karen?

Wow, a 356 and a T45 is a great combo. How much were the speakers for?

Have got a favorable response from Samsung wrt my old plasma. My faith in them as far as business practices go is restored. Might just plonk in for the 6400.