Panasonic TH-50PX60U 50" versus TH-42PX500U 42"

[Beantown111]

Hi,

I have been waiting for a few months for my local Circuit City to get the 500u 42'' back in stock. As a consideration for my extended wait, Circuit City has loaned me their demo 500u which I find to be excellent.

I just got a call that the 500u 42'' is back in stock. However, I also see that the new 60u has been released. For the same money I paid for the 500u 42'' it appears that I can get the 60u 50''. The specs seem to suggest that the 60u has a much better plasma TV picture (higher contracts, greater number of colors). Assuming the money is a wash, that I don't need the better speakers built into the 500u series or cable card, and that my viewing distance is 10 ft (maybe more when I sit back on the couch), any guidance as to if I should swap for the 60u 50'' over the 500u 42''?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Beantown111

[57U]

See the HDTV on "How Large an HDTV to buy". At 10', 50" should be better. 42" would be a bit small since that's 3 times screen size instead of 2. I'm commenting strictly on the size.

[auburn34]

Hi,

I have been waiting for a few months for my local Circuit City to get the 500u 42'' back in stock. As a consideration for my extended wait, Circuit City has loaned me their demo 500u which I find to be excellent.

I just got a call that the 500u 42'' is back in stock. However, I also see that the new 60u has been released. For the same money I paid for the 500u 42'' it appears that I can get the 60u 50''. The specs seem to suggest that the 60u has a much better plasma TV picture (higher contracts, greater number of colors). Assuming the money is a wash, that I don't need the better speakers built into the 500u series or cable card, and that my viewing distance is 10 ft (maybe more when I sit back on the couch), any guidance as to if I should swap for the 60u 50'' over the 500u 42''?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Beantown111

Don't know if this reply is in time or not. I have the TH-42PX50U and it is a great set. But I would definitely get the 60u at this point. The screen of a 50" is 50% bigger than a 42". I plan on upgrading to a 50" or 58" set in the next year myself. But also, the 60u I believe has 2 HDMI inputs versus 1 for the 500U. That is a big difference to me. I will have to have 2 HDMI's on my upgrade set.