pioneer vs panasonic

[admin_exported]

I never imagined buying a tv would be so difficult. I set my stall out and decided on a plasma tv & was sure of the make/model ..the pioneer 508xd currently on sale £1780.00 with speaker, i had read fantastic reviews.Then i found out that this model was now classified as "end of line" So now in two minds i checked out the panasonic PZ81 , PZ85 & PZ800. I'm no techy and this is doing my head in, except for minor specifications and price ,they are identical. Any suggestions chaps.

Im will be seated aprox 12-14ft from the screen, i will be watching mostly SD but intend on buying a freesat box / blue ray player ?

 

[Anonymous]

it's not 1080p and a few years old now so would go for a pana..it's still great tv but things have moved on but if you still want a pioneer 50" currys 1499 with speakers..

 

[Anonymous]

So far I have discovered that the PZ81 and PZ85 are almost identical - the major difference is that PZ85 incorporates the IFC (Intelligent Frame Creation) - effectively boosting framerates to enable 100 Hz refresh rate. This has both pros and cons - and you will see the masses split in the middle. In the end of the day - it creates frames from material that has none - and this can both help even out the picturestream, but also introduce artifacts of the process.

One of the most comprehensive evaluations I have seen on the IFC is on HDTVtest http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Panasonic-TH42PZ85B/Picture-Quality/ - read it and maybe that will help unclog your mind...

However - the PZ800 is the high-end series of the others, introducing something called THX mode - a THX certified calibration that is supposed to eliminate the need for onsite callibration. This is probably also the reason why this TV has far fewer user-adjustible controls than many other contenders in its price range...

On the question on whether to opt for Pioneer or Panny - I am just as much in pickle as you are (see my previews topic: http://whathifi.co.uk/forums/t/113677.aspx)

Hope that helps

Kind regards,
Claus

 

[Anonymous]

trille:

So far I have discovered that the PZ81 and PZ85 are almost identical - the major difference is that PZ85 incorporates the IFC (Intelligent Frame Creation) - The Z81 has IFC too (the Z80 doesnt). IFC seems to be like marmite, you either love it or hate it.

But the Z81 does have the extra Freesat tuner and PIP/PAP.

THX mode is, I believe, on the US PZ800 models, not the UK.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a UK PZ800 and it does not have the THX mode. It is, however, a fine set and I am very, very happy with it. I auditioned it against the PZ80 (we do not get the PZ85 in Ireland - don't get the PZ800 either but our local Panny shop got 10 in as they also had the 700 last year and sold them all) and it is a much nicer set, IMHO. The Pioneers are lovely and I would probably have bought a 9th Gen Pioneer instead of the PZ800 if they had made a 42" model. A 50" screen is just too big for my front room...

I only use the IFC when watching blurays - it ruins the picture for sport (especially cricket, tennis & golf, as it makes the ball seems to split into 3 during fast movement).

 

[Anonymous]

I read an archived article (prompted by one of the members) which stated that for now it's 720p for the future it's 1080p. So if i want a future proof TV i go for 1080p, but other than external sources such as blu-ray i am never gonna recieve a 1080p signal. There are differing opinions about when the likes of SKY will broadcast in 1080 some say 2 years, i was recently told by my panny shop 15-20 years? Iv'e seen the pdp 508xd in action in the shop and nothing came close to it's picture quality/black levels etc from all source (SD,DVD,1080 blu-ray) Should i be concerened with " the age of the panel" after all it's only 12 months old and this plasma is terrific? or do i go for 1080p i cant afford the 9th gen pioneer so my next option was a top spec panny (the pz800). so in a nutshell is it a 12 month old fantastic pioneer 720p or a new 2008 panny PZ800 1080p?

Thanks to everyone btw for your replies and opinions.

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

Just trust what your eyes are telling you. At 12-14ft, 1080p has very little benefit over 720p even on a 50" screen. At 10ft or below, the difference can show but again that depends on the individual. The 508XD is excellent with SD and HD but you should definitely have a look at the PZ800 if you can before you buy, if only to put your mind at ease. You never know, you might like the PZ800 more.

 

[Anonymous]

oggy1:

I read an archived article (prompted by one of the members) which stated that for now it's 720p for the future it's 1080p. So if i want a future proof TV i go for 1080p, How can 1080p be future proof? The future could be 1440p and where would you be then??

All you can do is ensure your TV will accept all the latest signals, 1080p, 1080i and 1080/24p BluRay. Your TV doesnt have to be 1080p, it just needs to accept the signal and display it.

 

[Anonymous]

Well guy's i want to thank you for all your wisdom & advise. I v'e gone out a bought the pioneer, it looked great again in the shop. Hope my headache will now go away!

Happy viewing to you all

 

[Anonymous]

Great choice! I recently got the Pioneer as well after comparing it versus the Panasonics and I've been very happy with it! You will get a headache if you sit too close to the TV though.