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In Reply to: RE: Display Quality, What Am I Missing? posted by DavidLD on March 29, 2008 at 09:46:20
No, I didn't miss the Panasonic, it was set up right next to the Pioneer which was right next to the XBR.
Consumer Reports?
"More money than brains"? OK, and the very reason I'm here looking for guidance. Still, this particular Magnolia store (San Ramone Ca.) is not physically connected to a Best Buy the nearest being miles away. Just the same the Panasonic was presant and compaired to the other two displays in question looked washed out.
If the Panasonic looked washed out in comparison, I would question the calibration of all the units. A properly calibrated Panasonic can give the Pioneers a good run for the money, in my opinion. When I compared the Panasonic 50" to the Pioneer, they were very, very close. The Pioneer was maybe slightly better, but not 3 times better (like the cost), so I got the Panasonic. Once you get it home, you forget all about the comparisons, and just enjoy a great picture.
Vic, you probably DID miss the Panny. The new Panny that everyone is talking about has only been in the BB stores with the last week ... that's how new it is. The model number is TH-50PZ85U. I saw it for the first time Wednesday night. The kid at BB didn't even know they had it until I pointed out the demo model to him. It was not in the Magnolia section of the store. It is quite nice, but both the comparable Kuro models bettered it. The Pio 5010 was better, but the difference compared to the Panny did not, IMO, justify the extra price for the 5010. On the other hand, the Elite 110FD smoked the Panny by a WIDE margin (I'm talking different planet better). Whether what the 110FD brings to the table (way better picture, better sound, two thirds the power consumption, double the warranty, loads more connectivity options, and on and on) is worth the extra money to you is something you'll have to judge for yourself.
As for Sony - given my past experience with their supposed "top of the line" stuff, I wouldn't buy one of their products even if they were the only manufacturer on the planet. I'd rather look at a blank wall. And also, I'm sure you know this already, but BB are thieves. Virtually anything they sell can be had elsewhere for at least 20% less. That new Panny that they retail for $2.7k can be delivered to your house for less than $2.2k. The 110FD they sell for $6k plus tax can be had for less than $4.5k. I'm all for supporting bricks and mortar - but I'm not stupid. Well, at least not exceedingly so - I think.
Sondek, Lots of good information. No, I have no idea which model Panasonic I was comparing.
Regarding purchasing a display are you suggesting purchasing online? I did come across a dealer who paid for insured shipping with quick replacement of damaged during shipping products. I'm open to suggestions regarding where to buy.
I guess I've had good luck with older Sony Profeel and XBR CRT's and have sold or gifted every set in good working order. But, this last 36" CRT's tube is failing much sooner than previous sets. I'm not questioning your disdain for the brand, I find your experience rather eye opening, thank you. Still, it's difficult dismiss what we viewed as a seemingly better picture which is the basis for my confusion and original question.
BTW, what Stu said is my experience w/the Kuro's as well. If the whites were green something was wrong. You said you went to a standalone Magnolia store. Does your local BB also have a Magnolia? If so, you may want to go to that location to take another look at the Kuro Elite. Also, seek out that new Panny at BB since I'm not sure the Magnolias are going to display them. You may find it very much to your liking too. If I didn't know the Kuros Elites were out there, I'd be all over that new Panny like a dog on a bone.
Howdy, Vic:
Yes. I am suggesting you consider purchasing on-line. For the moment, I personally am paralyzed by indecision. No, strike that ... I've decided. It's going to be the 110FD. I'm paralyzed by the process of convincing myself that I should spend that much. I suspect that I'll eventually win-out over myself but it's a tough battle. Afford is not the question ... more my mid-west upbringing and my scotch nature. Anyway, I've done a ton of window shopping and tire kicking and looking around for a good price from a dealer that can be relied upon. When I do finally make the buy decision it will be from AxxisDurango.com. You will have to email them for a quote since I guess some of the restrictions placed on them by some manufacturers prohibit them from advertising their prices on-line. Based on numerous glowing comments I've read about Axxis on the AVS forum, they seem to have an extremely good reputation. And my own personal contact with them was handled in a very courteous and professional manner - leaving me with absolutely no qualms about doing business with them when the time comes. The delivered price quote I received on the 110FD was very, very competitive.
My issue with Sony goes back a ways. My first bad experience with them was when I purchased one of their top of the line VCR's ($800 at the time) which died two weeks after the warranty expired. The repair estimate came back at $600. It went into the trash. My second bad experience came with the video camera purchased when my daughter was born. Again, top of the line model costing nearly $1k. It too died. This time two months after expiration of the warranty. Repair bill was once again over $600. There were other short-lived Sony products in my past but none as dear as that VCR and video camera. After the episode with the video camera I swore I'd never again buy anything but throw-away products from Sony.
Good luck in you hunt,
Mike
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