Pioneer 50" or Hitachi 55"?

[varn]

I was all settled on buying the PDP 5070 50" and then did a final measurement on my TV room.

I currently have a 50" 4:3 HDTV about 13' from the sitting area, and it's fine. I'm concerned that a 50" 16:9 will be too small, especially since I'm going plasma, and it'll sit about 1 foot further away.

So, I'm considering a Hitachi 55HDS69... not crazy about the silver (is it as ugly as the Panasonics?) and it's about the same price as the Pioneer.

Anywho, is the distance too far for a 50, should I consider a 55, 58 or 60?

Thanks

[Telstar]

Hi varn,
Take a look through the HDTV FAQ (http://hdtvoice.com/voice/forumdisplay.php?f=384?) for some great information on things to know when purchasing an HDTV...
especially this one pertinent to your question: How Large An HDTV to Buy? (http://hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1069)

:)

[varn]

Thanks for the link... I had already looked at it, but since I appear to be on the cusp.... I thought I'd ask.

Also, I thought I may get some people saying "get the bigger one.. Hitachi are great" or "Pioneer... 5" aint worth it" etc.

[mjones73]

I have a 57" I sit 10-12 feet from and it's a good size, I'd consider something bigger then 50" if I was you. Shame the new Panny 58 inch 1080p set isn't in your price range, it's all black.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_58PZ700U/4505-6482_7-32317318.html

[devo]

I have a 50" and sit about 10'. I would look at the PRO1540HD by Pioneer or see if you can find any of the PRO1410HD if they are still available.
I hate having any silver around the bezel, it is such a distraction.

[varn]

Thanks for the suggestion on the Pionoeer pro, but there's no way I'm spending that kind of $$ on ANY TV - EVER.

$2500 is pretty much the most I'm willing to spend, so I may just have to forgo a Plasma, settle for ugly silver, or go to a projection (last choice).

I did look at the Hitachi... not crazy about the silver bezel - but at least it does have some black, unlike the old Panasonics.

The black bezels (any kind) just look nicer.

[57U]

At 13', I would suggest the Sony SXRD 60" TV. It should come in at about that price and be an excellent HDTV if you can accept something that doesn't hang on the wall.

I sit 11-12' from my 61".

[varn]

The Hitachi is out.

Too many people posted about a "flicker" problem with black screens. Why do I want to go there when I'm spending $2500 on a TV?

Uh... NO.

I'll take a look at the old Panny 58", 600u with just a little silver and black bezel.
It's coming down in price.

Thanks for the feedback.