50" Panasonic VIERA TC-P50U50 1080p Plasma HDTV $600 + Free shipping (expired)

Quote from mobilesworking : Would any of you sage Slickdealers care to offer an indecisive waffler some neighborly advice? Here's the gist: I bought the 50" Toshiba LED advertised in this SD post: http://www.slickdeals.net/f/53764...pc-monitor I got it from Wal-Mart, which means I have 90 days to return the set, open box or no (it's definitely open). I am, however, sorely tempted by this Panny. I understand that plasma TVs perform better on black levels and motion performance, but the extent to which they perform better in a *noticeable* way is still unclear to me. I'm a movie geek, but not a videophile. I don't analyze an image the way HD geeks do. David Katzmaier [cnet.com] I ain't! So the question is this: should I return my current set and nab this Panny instead? It would mean paying $50 more up front and up to 3x more in energy costs annually. Apologies to the haters. Posts like this one are annoying, but then so is opportunity paralysis and/or buyer's remorse.

Wrote a long reply and lost it... so here's the short and skinny version:
Completely personal opinion with no concrete facts on hand, but I would recommend returning the Toshiba and getting the Panasonic. People I know rave about the Panasonic Plasma, and I just don't trust Toshiba TVs anymore (completely personal opinion). If you had gotten a Sony LED and was on the fence, I wouldn't offer an opinion either way.

Disclaimer: I'm a Sony fanboy when it comes to TVs, purchased about 10 over the last 15+ years. Almost bought a Panny Plasma about 2 weeks ago, but opted for another Sony (BB clearance... got a 60" KDL60EX723 I think, LED w/ 3D for ~$1640, not sure how good the price was, but what's done is done...)

Again, just an opinion based on loose facts picked up from reading various posts/articles/etc. and friends over the last few months. Answering just because I know it sucks waiting for some opinion...

Quote from quaff : Man, I just can't decide if we would use 3d enough. Figure the kids getting older might get a kick out of it - 898 for the 55 ut50 or 899 for the 60 u50. I'd go smaller, but the sofa will be like 14' away.

Just bought a new Sony 60" with 3D, was all excited, got a new Sony 3D blu ray player for $105, and 4 pairs of Sony Playstation 3D glasses @ $30 ea.

Conclusion: 3D... it's nice, but I'm not sure if it was worth the extra $225... and having to buy 3D blu rays going forward (vs. renting from Netflix)... But, after pouting for 2 days to get the ok to buy the new TV & 3D accessories, I'll never admit that to the wife, so I'm keeping the 3D accessories anyway!

Ordered! Stewed over it for a day, came back and the deal at amazon still exists. $600 - 5% Discover CB = $570 delivered to my house. It will be here Friday. I have the option of picking it up local, but I drive a Mazda and there's no way I'm fitting this sucker in my car.

I thought about waiting for a BF deal, but from everything I read this TV will fit my needs. Plus, I hate the stress of waiting in lines and dealing with the crowds. It will stay exclusively connected to a receiver which is fed by my HTPC.

TU and REPPED!

Quote from ngates815 : Will this play .AVI and .MKV files/videos off a USB stick plugged in? Or are those only Smart TV's that do that? Thanks.

I'd like to know this too!

Why is this getting so much attention when the real deal is at Sams? Picking mine up today from best buy after pm!

Quote from tonytartufo : Why is this getting so much attention when the real deal is at Sams? Picking mine up today from best buy after pm!

I don't have a Sam's account and like I said in my previous post, pickup is not an option due to the size of my car. Home delivery for a few bucks extra is completely worth it for me.

Quote from tonytartufo : Why is this getting so much attention when the real deal is at Sams? Picking mine up today from best buy after pm!

My BB won't price match the SC online listing. They require a print ad in hand.

Quote from Syrinx2112 : Did they price match it in store or on the phone?

In store. Floor manager had to be called for an override.

Quote from mobilesworking : My BB won't price match the SC online listing. They require a print ad in hand.

BB's policy for the Christmas shopping season is to price match online prices from about 20 stores of which Walmart is one. I don't know if Sams is included in that or not but if you really want the TV from BB I'd try again and mention their Christmas online price matching. BB is famous for being reluctant to price match even though their policy says they do.

Hard to beat price, no tax and free enhanced delivery. Thanks OP!

Anyone know what the fxza at the end of bb's model numbers for their tv's is? I'm trying to compare what they've got to amazon but I can't get any exact matches. UN55ES8000FXZA for BB and UN55ES8000 for amazon. huh?

Good price here...Panny Plasma all the way!
I am looking for a set for my bedroom, but will be going with the ST50...really like the looks of that set and I really like the built in wi-fi (use netflix a lot)

But if apps/wi-fi/3D aren't a concern, this is a great price!

So my Best Buy did have some of these in stock, but are refusing to price match to the Sam's Club price because their website doesn't show a model number. How did you guys get Best Buy to price match?

Has anyone who owns one tried playing games on it? I hear this and the UT50 have atrocious lag but I can't figure out why the ST50 would be such a big difference for input lag.

The people who got the ST30 last year at BB for $600 I hate you. Such a steal.

Why the hell does this huge TV only have two HDMI inputs? Horrible...