55" Panasonic VIERA TC-P55VT50 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV $1600 + Free Shipping

I would advise you to purchase the larger GT set instead of the smaller VT. Especially given the fact that you are already dropping down from a 65". Downsizing all the way to a 55" VT would be a significant negative vs any relatively subtle improvements a VT might provide over the GT with emphasis on the word "might". The GT is darn close enough in quality and at least not too huge a drop from your present 65" LCD.

If you were a hardcore videophile**, it might be a different story. But even then, I strongly suspect the size difference of 55" vs 60" would still trump every other consideration.

**those who typically upgrade their panel every 1-3 years, those who consider it an absolute must to have a reputable calibrator come in to calibrate their panels and are gladly willing to pay the typical going rate of about $500 for the services of reputable calibrator, etc.

As far as brightness, yea, either one can be plenty bright if you need it to be (though still dimmer than LED/LCD at full blast, but that kind of insane brightness is only useful for direct daylight room brightness scenarios).

Pulled from AVS, a nice quick synopsis of Panasonic 2012 model year differences:

The ST50 is $1150 at Paul's with save50 coupon. I'd probably still buy that unless money grows on trees or you're the type to measure your black level daily.

There've been a lot of reports that the GT50/VT50 have more gaming lag than ST50 too.

Varmint, where have you heard this? Do you have any links that may be of help?

a 60" is the minimum size I would get.

a 55 just seems small after getting used to my 59" Sammy that I picked up for $600 a little over a year ago. And just got an open box 60" Sammy for $550. like new though.

PLASMA ALL THE WAY!

sorry - but for some the difference in pq is worth the price. just because it's not for you isn't the point.

I would advise you to purchase the larger GT set instead of the smaller VT. Especially given the fact that you are already dropping down from a 65". Downsizing all the way to a 55" VT would be a significant negative vs any relatively subtle improvements a VT might provide over the GT with emphasis on the word "might". The GT is darn close enough in quality and at least not too huge a drop from your present 65" LCD.

If you were a hardcore videophile**, it might be a different story. But even then, I strongly suspect the size difference of 55" vs 60" would still trump every other consideration.

**those who typically upgrade their panel every 1-3 years, those who consider it an absolute must to have a reputable calibrator come in to calibrate their panels and are gladly willing to pay the typical going rate of about $500 for the services of reputable calibrator, etc.

As far as brightness, yea, either one can be plenty bright if you need it to be (though still dimmer than LED/LCD at full blast, but that kind of insane brightness is only useful for direct daylight room brightness scenarios).

Pulled from AVS, a nice quick synopsis of Panasonic 2012 model year differences:

For those interested in Panny 3D glasses for your 2012 Panasonic xT50 series 3D plasma HDTVs, check out this previous SD post and see if you can get a pricematch at BB for $30, seemed to have worked like a charm for many:

http://slickdeals.net/f/5737472-P...9-99-Sears

They are much better in terms of quality and functionality for your new Panny 3D VT50s...block side light better, rechargeable using micro USB cable supplied in the package, pretty comfortable for watching a couple of movies at a time and they seem to fit decently over prescription glasses.

No cases, though, in case that's a dealbreaker for some of you.

Cheers!

And they look more attractive than the Samsungs...if cosmetics mean anything to you.

I went with the GT over the ST because the price was only $50 different so that was a no brainer I looked at the 60" GT50 but it was $550 more at the time (1199 ST vs 1249 Gt versus $1800 60" GT) and I couldn't justify the difference but now after have the GT in 55" I can wait to upgrade to a 60" panny. I didn't realize the picture was going to be so much better coming from a 60" led-lcd that couldn't even compare although it did cost less than any of these.

People who had the ST and than the GT said the GT was noticeable better so I can only imagine the VT brings that much more...

The ST was (and is) $1150, there's a save50 coupon. And I've never heard that the GT is noticeably better on AVS forum, the consensus is they look the same, although out of the box the GT is better thanks to THX mode.

The advantage of GT is THX mode, PC input, different frame etc.