Search the Community

Hey guys, it's that time when I need to make a decision again and I would like some input from those who've been through this before. This time though, I've narrowed it down to 2 options. I have read quite literally, nearly everything there is on both panels and I still can't make my decision. I've been to the shops and had a stare at each one and I'm still at a loss. Harvey Norman so far have the best prices: Samsung 65" F8500 for $2,699 Panasonic 65" ST60 for $2,265 Now, I know they are at different price points, and that the F8500 should be compared to the VT60 rather than the ST. However, The reviews of the ST60 on CNET and the like all compare the ST to the F8500, and I'd be willing to move up in my budget for the Sammy if it's better. I come from owning a few LCDs , one of the original Phillips panels that came out in 2006 is still pumping out some fantastic images in my parents loungeroom. For my own place, I want the best, most natural image on the market for a reasonable price. My reading leads me to these two plasmas, hands down. I watch heaps of soccer and footy, so I'm hoping to be able to finally follow the ball moving through the air with a background of mixed colour crowds. Watch a lot of movies, I like the "big" type like, Braveheart, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings and the like. The room is on the dark side with very controllable light. I can get it very dark at midday so I'm not too worried about brightness. The TV will be mounted higher than normal, above a fireplace mantle, however, it will be on an angled mount. I know the Sammy has some anti reflective coating that "shadows" the picture when vertical viewing. For example, if I have some boys over watching the footy sometimes I might stand having a beer or something, and while the TV would be at head hight when standing, because of the angle I'm mounting it at to accommodate the sitting position, I'm worried about how it will be shadowed... Does that make sense? I like the build quality and aesthetics of the Samsung better. I might use some internet TV, manly YouTube but I won't Skype or anything like that. I do a bit of gaming, and yes I play some FPS's so input lag *might* be an issue. I will be setting up a gaming suite in another room later though so it's not that much of an issue... My brain tells me the Panasonic represents the best value for my needs, a ripper picture whilst saving a buck but my heart tells me to get the Samsung because its PQ is just as good and well, I am a bit of a Samsung fan boy. I'm also under the impression (perhaps due to marketing and brand hype) that Samsung is of a higher calibre with regards to quality parts and materials. Can you kindly share your experiences, thoughts and advice, especially if you own one or both of these very popular panels? If you select an option in the poll, please elaborate in your response as to why you chose that TV. I'd really appreciate some guidance. Kindest Regards, Elyas

Mmmm I'm wondering if this unit does not even support HDMI Audio Lip Sync Posted this over on AVS