Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV TC-P55UT50 $749 at Costco (Starts Jan 31)

Quote from CraigInTheCorn : If I move to a house we're considering, it would be in the basement, so light is no issue. But, in my current home, it would be in our living room where we have a bank of south-facing windows on the wall adjacent to where our TV is located, and a west-facing pair of French doors opposite the TV. Lots of daytime light. Would I need the ST or GT version to have it look good in my current living room?

You start to lose black level with even a little ambient light. So if tha'ts important to you, you need the ST/GT.

I'm hoping we'll see better deals on 55" ST/GT, it's hard to justify a $400 premium over the UT50.

Quote from RandoTheKing : I would avoid plasma. It's out the door

I would avoid led looks like crap

Avoid cliches like the plague.

Quote from thefuryone : It's really not that bad. Great set, just a moderate amount of glare.

Quote from CraigInTheCorn : If I move to a house we're considering, it would be in the basement, so light is no issue. But, in my current home, it would be in our living room where we have a bank of south-facing windows on the wall adjacent to where our TV is located, and a west-facing pair of French doors opposite the TV. Lots of daytime light. Would I need the ST or GT version to have it look good in my current living room?

I've had a 55UT50 for about 2 weeks, and I am exchanging it for a 55ST50 (found open box at BestBuy for $899) for the anti-glare filter. Since I've had a 42" Panasonic plasma for 10 years, I though I could deal with the UT50's glare; but it's worse than my old one. Even my wife notices.

If you can place the UT50 in a light controlled room, then it is hands-down the best bang-for-the-buck set out there.

Quote from soobaerodude : I've had a 55UT50 for about 2 weeks, and I am exchanging it for a 55ST50 (found open box at BestBuy for $899) for the anti-glare filter. Since I've had a 42" Panasonic plasma for 10 years, I though I could deal with the UT50's glare; but it's worse than my old one. Even my wife notices.

Where do you guys find these open box buys, do you go to the Best Buy or find them online?

Quote from VarmintCong : Where do you guys find these open box buys, do you go to the Best Buy or find them online?

I used the store locator at bestbuy.com to check out the open box inventory of the stores around me. Luckily, the second nearest store had a 55ST50 listed, so I went over to look at it in person.

it's $1,055 on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-V...tc-p55ut50

Best Buy has it for $850 after $400 off

Costco has it for $799

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...reId=10301


This seems like a good price for Panasonic Viera 55" plazma

Quote from Dthedrick : it's $1,055 on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-V...tc-p55ut50 Best Buy has it for $850 after $400 off Costco has it for $799 http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...reId=10301 This seems like a good price for Panasonic Viera 55" plazma

This deal has been posted several times; here's an upcoming deal: http://slickdeals.net/f/5816680-P...rts-Jan-31

I'm really torn between this and the Pannasonic Viera TC-L55ET5 55 inch for $950 from Amazon right now.

The main thing being passive 3D vs active on the plasma.

Can anyone comment how the two might compare picture-wise?

Quote from soobaerodude : I've had a 55UT50 for about 2 weeks, and I am exchanging it for a 55ST50 (found open box at BestBuy for $899) for the anti-glare filter. Since I've had a 42" Panasonic plasma for 10 years, I though I could deal with the UT50's glare; but it's worse than my old one. Even my wife notices. If you can place the UT50 in a light controlled room, then it is hands-down the best bang-for-the-buck set out there.

I just got back from a bestbuy that had the ST50 open box. They said it was just over a grand and they would not budge.

Quote from thrustbucket : I just got back from a bestbuy that had the ST50 open box. They said it was just over a grand and they would not budge.

Yeah, they wouldn't budge initially for me ($1039 - 10% Open Box coupon = $935 + tax), but I told them about the $1149 shipped/no tax price from Paul's TV for a new 55ST50. Walked around the store for a little bit, and then they offered $899.

Only $35 less than the coupon price, but better than nothing, and an easier return than buying through Paul's. At least, I was able to inspect the set, and it only had 20 hours of use

Quote from codeyf : Yup! I think my decision is made. I was going to watch for a deal for the 60" "dumb" Panny without 3D / Smart features. But the exec rebate, coupon, excellent customer service / return policy, and 2nd year warranty pretty much seal the deal for me. Guess I know what I'm doing a week from now!

Well, I recant my last statement. I opted to go for the 60" set without 3D/Smart Apps. Typical techie, and will forever question my decision. But certainly not while I'm watching TV. Was a tough call, as this is a sweet deal on a great set.

Why are they so stingy and only have two HDMI? Doesn't make sense to me.

Is the glare that bad?