Panasonic TC-P55UT50 55-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma - $849.99 @ Amazon

Quote from shaggymatt : I'm just starting to shop for this size TV, in the price range of up to $1300. Very intriguing and it looks nice. Options seem to really add up on this one though. $58.xx for each pair of 3D glasses $53 for the wireless adapter So it's about $300 in accessories to get 3D viewing for a family of four if you want WiFi as well.

I bought this on the last week prior to the new year at Costco for $799 which comes with 2 year warranty and also took advantage of the cheap $60 3 year square trade warranty which basically means I get 5 years on my TV. I too thought about the cost associated with this, on the accessories but it did not bother me. The viera 3D glasses I picked up for $30 from best buy doing a price match with sears (its on slickdeals somewhere) and there's always the option of hard wiring if the price of the wireless adapter isn't any time soon. For true 1080p and minimize any chance of streaming issues, you'd want to go with hard wired option anyway, but I understand that's not an option for everyone (i live in a 1 BR apt).

Great prices - This TV is fantastic in a dark enough viewing environment. After using the settings from AVSForum, I'm more than happy I got a plasma. 3D works just fine with the $20 sammy glasses.

Quote from JetBlast : Keep in mind the ST50 has built in wifi or you could just get the BDT-220 that has built in wifi. Also, the $20 Samsung 3D glasses work well with this TV. I'm thinking if you're willing to spend that much, you should opt for a higher end model. But definitely stick with Panasonic plasmas.

Thanks. I am, but the other half isn't willing to spend that much. I really don't know what I want yet in regards to Plasma or LED. I've been hung up on the LG 55LM6700 or 7600 models. Around $1300. It's just a damn sexy TV with the near bezel less sides.

Quote from executivedealer : For true 1080p and minimize any chance of streaming issues, you'd want to go with hard wired option anyway, but I understand that's not an option for everyone (i live in a 1 BR apt).

Good point. I do have a hard wire option pretty easily on this. It's a short easy run.

Quote from shaggymatt : Thanks. I am, but the other half isn't willing to spend that much. I really don't know what I want yet in regards to Plasma or LED. I've been hung up on the LG 55LM6700 or 7600 models. Around $1300. It's just a damn sexy TV with the near bezel less sides. Good point. I do have a hard wire option pretty easily on this. It's a short easy run.

I did end up with the lg 55" from costco, the silver one with super thin bezel, and the polarized glasses. Very happy with the purchace.

Quote from quaff : Great prices - This TV is fantastic in a dark enough viewing environment. After using the settings from AVSForum, I'm more than happy I got a plasma. 3D works just fine with the $20 sammy glasses.

FYI if you don't have quite as perfect an environment for plasmas (an non-dark-some-of-the-time room), stepping up to the next model line, ST50, adds the "Pro Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter" (as well as wifi & better styling). I have a 60" ST50 in a room with a number of windows and it's great. I literally never notice reflection. Though none of my windows are behind where I view from, what would probably cause the most problems. I didn't try the UT50 line in my home so I don't know if it would also work well or not in my circumstances.

umm....wasn't the 50" version 475$ on EPP just last week??

This is a great tv but does not really offer a big advantage over the U. The ST has a different panel and a filter to help block in room light. The UT has a different focus drive (think faster refresh rate).

Quote from valarin : This is a great tv but does not really offer a big advantage over the U. The ST has a different panel and a filter to help block in room light. The UT has a different focus drive (think faster refresh rate).

The UT and ST use the same panel, just the ST has the louver filter for better bright room performance. I believe the U's panel is a step down from both of them.

Quote from Thiswaytocowboy : umm....wasn't the 50" version 475$ on EPP just last week??

That was/is the U50.

Quote from bobotheklown : The UT and ST use the same panel, just the ST has the louver filter for better bright room performance. I believe the U's panel is a step down from both of them.

The U50 and UT50 use the same panel, the ST uses a different panel.

anyone know of a non smart 60" LED so I can pick one up for my parents. no fancy 3d needed or wifi , or plasma im scared theyll leave the tv screen stuck on a screen for long time

Quote from Cyrix2k : The U50 and UT50 use the same panel, the ST uses a different panel.

Does it matter? There's no 55" U50.

Does any body have an idea how this one is different with Panasonic TC-L55ET5, whic is LED IPS panel 3D, Frys has it for $899.

Quote from VarmintCong : Does it matter? There's no 55" U50.

Yes, because the 60" U50 is cheaper or if you cross shop the 50" models.That said, I would strongly consider the P55UT50 over the P60U50 as the smart features are nice and 5" isn't *that* much real estate to miss.