Pioneer PDP-5070HD vs. Vizio P50HDTV?

[brs1975]

I'm a first-time buyer and debating which 50-inch plasma to get. I reserved a Pioneer PDP-5070HD at Nebraska Furniture Mart yesterday for a little over $2,800. I can't decide if I really need that much, or if I should instead go with the Vizio P50HDTV for around $1,600.

I'm coming from regular crappy 27-inch TVs, so I'm a HDTV newbie.

We'll be getting our service through Time Warner, if that makes a difference.

I already have a nice Yamaha/Polk Audio sound system to run it through, so sound is taken care of.

CNET ranks the Pioneer as an editor's choice and one of their favorite plasmas overall, while they rank the Vizio as the best from a budgetary standpoint.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5102926-1.html?tag=prmo1

I have until April 27th (when the Pioneer is back in stock) to make my decision.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[57U]

I would throw a 50" Panasonic (there are a couple of models) into that mix as an option for you to consider. Also, check out a few of the FAQs if you haven't already:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=6821

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1440

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=4801

Etc.

[kevinw]

Pioneer is one of the best plasma Tv manufacturers on the market. The question is-Are they 1200 dollars better?

[GeorgeM]

1. If you'd like a vote in favor of the Pio 5070, you have one from me. I've had a 5070 for about two months and it is a really nice display both in its physical appearance and picture quality.

2. 57U mentioned Panasonic; definitely worth considering!

3. You might also consider buying a quality upscaling DVD player to accompany your new plasma if you're into movies and or plan to get into HD-DVD or BlueRay.

4. If you want to consider buying a plasma on-line you can do considerably better than $2800.00 for the Pio (and other brands). There are several e-tailer's with very good reputations from whom you can safely buy (but watch out for the bad boys!!!).

...and if you'd like to ascend to a 58" display for approximately the same price have a look at the current year's (being phased out) Panasonic TH-58PX60U and the TH-58PX600U; they have really dropped in price in the last couple of months to make way for the next generation.

-George

[brs1975]

Thanks for the feedback. After some more research, I think I discovered the perfect compromise: Panasonic TH-50PX60U.

At Costco, it's only $1749. The Vizio is actually only $1399, but for $350 I can get what appears to be a much better TV. And it's still over $1000 less than the Pioneer.

[skylolow]

Thanks for the feedback. After some more research, I think I discovered the perfect compromise: Panasonic TH-50PX60U.

At Costco, it's only $1749. The Vizio is actually only $1399, but for $350 I can get what appears to be a much better TV. And it's still over $1000 less than the Pioneer.

Good choice. You won't be disappointed. Plus the money you save you can buy a upscaling DVD player.

Just remember don't buy any cables at the store. Order them over the internet, you'll save alot money and in some cases hundreds.

[devo]

Look at the NEW Panasonic TH50PX75U its all black chase' and the prices just keep coming down...
Of course, my vote will always be for the Pioneer, but Panny's will always be a close second. They always have such great blacks...

[MikeZ]

The 5070 is only $2,099 from Visual Apex (http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?chPartNumber=PDP-5070HD&BestPrice=X) - an authorized Pioneer online reseller, with a superb seller's rating (ResellersRating.com).

It is where I bought mine - excellent people there, good service, & the 5070 arrived on time without any problems... :)

[brs1975]

Thanks for all the advice.

The 5070 was mighty tempting, but I still decided to cancel the order and just get the Panasonic at Costco.

$1749!

Also, I naively let myself get talked into the Monster Cables at Nebraska Furniture Mart. $250 for two video component cables and 1 digital coax. So I wisely returned those as well, and got Acoustic Research cables at Best Buy for $75.

Gonna pick up my HD box from Time Warner tomorrow, then begin the set up afterwards. Can't wait to officially enter the world of hi-def!