Callabration I was at Best Buy looking to buy a Plasma TV and they started pushing this callabration thing on me that is going to costs around $250. Has anyone had this done and if so, do you think it is worth it? Callabration I was at Best Buy looking to buy a Plasma TV and they started pushing this callabration thing on me that is going to costs around $250. Has anyone had this done and if so, do you... » Read More Callabration I was at Best Buy looking to buy a Plasma TV and they started pushing this callabration thing on me that is going to costs around $250. Has anyone had this done and if so, do you think it is worth it? « Show Less
834834
You can actually calibrate yourself. There are many sites available on line that tell you how to do it such as this one http://www.plasmatelevisions.org/article/plasma-television-tips/how-to-calibrate-your-plasma-tv.html
1139833
not professionally calibrating your tv would be like trying to tune up a Ferrari Dino yourself (without the manual) to save money...but you will always wonder how well it should really run
1139834
As far as I understand, you are unable to successfully calibrate these TVs as hidden menus accessible to professional calibrators aren't readily available to the general public.
1139835
I agree with DBroncos spending the dough on getting this model calibrated is a joke. If you're scared you may not know how to calibrate properly just copy settings from this thread. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1019763
1139836
It's like this. If you can adjust the settings to give you a picture you are happy with then forget the calibration. Just spend a few hours adjusting the picture to your liking. It also pays to google the set you bought and see what other settings owners use. Of course, your eyes, environment, TV, etc. will vary from theirs.If you want to get the best picture out of your HDTV then get it ISF-calibrated. But I must say buying a low-end model flat-panel for under $1000 and then paying someone $250-$300 to calibrate it seems ridiculous. Now if you paid $3000-$6000 for a Pioneer Kuro Elite,you can obviously spend a few hundred bucks on ISF calibration. It's like this. If you can adjust the settings to give you a picture you are happy with then forget the calibration. Just spend a few hours adjusting the picture to your liking. It also pays to google the set you bought and see what other settings owners use. Of course, your eyes, environment, TV, etc. will vary from theirs.If you want to get the best picture out of your HDTV then get it ISF-calibrated. But I must say buying a low-end model flat-panel for under $1000 and then paying someone $250-$300 to calibrate it seems ridiculous. Now if you paid... » Read More It's like this. If you can adjust the settings to give you a picture you are happy with then forget the calibration. Just spend a few hours adjusting the picture to your liking. It also pays to google the set you bought and see what other settings owners use. Of course, your eyes, environment, TV, etc. will vary from theirs.If you want to get the best picture out of your HDTV then get it ISF-calibrated. But I must say buying a low-end model flat-panel for under $1000 and then paying someone $250-$300 to calibrate it seems ridiculous. Now if you paid $3000-$6000 for a Pioneer Kuro Elite,you can obviously spend a few hundred bucks on ISF calibration. « Show Less
492245
I went to best buy yesterday looking at Plasma TVs and one of the guys there highly recommended this tv because he owns it and hasn't had any burn-ins. Also, the tv screen doesn't reflect light as much as other TVs, so if you're going to be putting your tv in a bright room or near a window, this would also be better than other brands. I'm no expert, but the guy from best buy seemed to know what he was talking about. Hope this helps.
1947747
Jeff, on the week of 12/16/07 Bestbuy had this HD advantage promotion program. This unit was on sale for $2000. Here are the promotion: $300 off if you signed up with 2 years contract with DirecTV$100 rebate gift certificate with NFLshop.comI took the above$100 off if you buy a blue ray player $100 off if you buy a $500 stere speaker system Maybe the unit looked bad on the old firmware. I have talked to many people who has plasma for years; they all said this TV's picture quality is amazing. They all recommend to jump in if you can get it under $2000. Jeff, on the week of 12/16/07 Bestbuy had this HD advantage promotion program. This unit was on sale for $2000. Here are the promotion: $300 off if you signed up with 2 years contract with DirecTV$100 rebate gift certificate with NFLshop.comI took the above$100 off if you buy a blue ray player $100 off if you buy a $500 stere speaker system Maybe the unit looked bad on the old firmware. I have talked to many people who has plasma for years; they all said this TV's picture quality is amazing. They all recommend to jump in if you can get it under $2000.
1898375
Hi, Thought I might let you know that you can score a great deal on this tv from Vann's (www.vanns.com). I've never bought from them before but their reselleratings are top notch and a lot of people have purchased from them in the avsforum. They are a Samsung authorized dealer and have an A+ rating with the BBB. I just placed an order for this tv at $1349.98! When you go to the site it will be listed at $1577 but click on the tv and click on the link that says email me a better price. You'll receive an email for $1349.98. At that point you can call the customer service or click on another link that will take you to the checkout. I'm excited. I'll follow up if I have any problems. The sales rep I talked to said that this price would probably be good through the end of the month, but he's not sure. Hope I've been helpful. Thanks
332396
I saw this TV at Sears on clearnace. The tag had $3200 and on clearance for $2800. I got mine at Best Buy on clearance for $1487.50 That's a big difference and it has in fact increased in price which does not make any sense to me since you can get a 55" LED for close to that price. I agree that below 2K seems more reasonable for this.
371457
Stay away from Abe. They are dishonest and will rip you off. Better to buy it from a legitimate retailer or better yet wait a little while and see if prices will drop more. Since the new panasonic plasmas were announced last week this line will get replaced very soon.
262430
I agree with Gina. I did extensive research back in 1/07 about the DLP bulb vs DLP LED. I went with the LED since Samsung claimed it would last 20,000 hrs vs 3,000 with the Lamp. So, as a result, I did not get the best buy extended warranty b/c they said this thing was good for a lifetime. There is no bulb to replace so I went with the LED. BTW-it's the Samsung 56" DLP w/LED. Just yesterday, this thing died! I calculated at most I've used this TV for 2000 hrs and it's a goner. The LED engine costs $800 to replace...now what kind of benefit is that? At least the DLP lamp version allows you to replace the bulb for about $150. This is ridiculous and unless they do something for me to fix this, I will never buy a samsung again. STAY AWAY!
2242917
I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately. I look forward to hearing Amazon's response to this.UPDATE: Looks like the "rebate" was taken down within the last hour. I hope Amazon took care of you guys. I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately.... » Read More I admittedly came very close to pulling the trigger on this TV this past weekend. However, another $200 off an already competitive price seemed too good to be true. So I read the fine print on this supposed "rebate". I also visited some other retailers' websites, including Samsung's. Everyone else is promoting it as a "reward certificate" for Mounted Memories products only. It is NOT being advertised as a cash rebate at all. For Amazon to advertise $200 cash off the sale price is very misleading. They need to correct this immediately. I look forward to hearing Amazon's response to this.UPDATE: Looks like the "rebate" was taken down within the last hour. I hope Amazon took care of you guys. « Show Less
2055055
Well, I missed the boat on Amazon's initial price of $2849. I'm looking to be just under $3K for the TV, Blu-Ray, and Starter Kit, if possible. US Appliance is now offering a $400 coupon. The total is now $3078, after the $400 coupon and the $30 Blu-Ray coupon. I called to verify. The guy I spoke to seemed very nice and assured me that they are reputable, however, I have read some pretty mediocre reviews about them, so I've decided to wait it out a bit more, until Amazon drops their prices again.
1323194
VGA to TV Converter S-Video RCA Cable AdapterThis is not what you think no matter what card you have for video. I have a 200.00 N-Vida for TV and gaming and had Best buy'[s Geek squad come out and fix and they were all certified to date and way past in knowledge. Best we got was snow with barely a picture with sound that was not hearable after 3 hours work where as in 1 hour your "adapter????" was junked and I and my buddy used our own equipment. It was terrible but at least i got a picture and yours gave nothing. By the way if you are going to attempt, line up holes in adapter as they were bent as probably someones return. VGA to TV Converter S-Video RCA Cable AdapterThis is not what you think no matter what card you have for video. I have a 200.00 N-Vida for TV and gaming and had Best buy'[s Geek squad come out and fix and they were all certified to date and way past in knowledge. Best we got was snow with barely a picture with sound that was not hearable after 3 hours work where as in 1 hour your "adapter????" was junked and I and my buddy used our own equipment. It was terrible but at least i got a picture and yours gave nothing. By the... » Read More VGA to TV Converter S-Video RCA Cable AdapterThis is not what you think no matter what card you have for video. I have a 200.00 N-Vida for TV and gaming and had Best buy'[s Geek squad come out and fix and they were all certified to date and way past in knowledge. Best we got was snow with barely a picture with sound that was not hearable after 3 hours work where as in 1 hour your "adapter????" was junked and I and my buddy used our own equipment. It was terrible but at least i got a picture and yours gave nothing. By the way if you are going to attempt, line up holes in adapter as they were bent as probably someones return. « Show Less
636644
I was going to go the TV offer route... 2 last payments are 39.95, 1st payment is like 69 something (includes S/H) and like the other reviews state, after S/H for the other extras- WOW!So here I am. Just ordered one last night and if my calculations are correct, I'll get it faster on here.
100022
It's about 60% claimed now... If you want it, I would get it now!I own 2 Panasonic Plasma's both purchased from Amazon, excellent service and delivery as well.I would not dream of buying a tv anywhere else anymore, and not 1 lcd or led tv comes close a panasonic plasma! (Sorry Sony ;o) but it's true!)I also love the THX setting for the picture on my panasonic's, I would have loved it if vieracast would have been a part of the tv last year as well.So anyway, GO FOR IT!!!! You won't regret it!
1553628
I bought mine for $1634. Google the goldbox trick!! Ever since circuity city went out of business the prices here have been outrageous here at amazon. I bought a tv for my daughter today for $22 more than amazon at best buy. I've purchased $5000 worth of tvs here in the last 6 months. I can't believe that amazon is so uncompetitive. Time, patience and the goldbox trick =)
1705802
Bill, thanks for replying, I agree with you. I could not wait anymore, and I bought mine at Costco a few weeks ago, $639 was just too good to pass up. I think it's fine for a room with little natural light, but yes is seems dimmer than my old 37" panasonic plasma. But I am very happy with the picture quality and it's bright enough for my setup. I really like the TV so far.Marcel.
1244799
I used "SquareTrade" online and got 4 years for $69.99 (look for coupon deals). I purchased the TV on Amazon for $648.99 in December and got free shipping. At that time Best Buy was about $50.00 higher, but the prices were fluctuating quite a bit. I love Best Buy, but I could not pass up the $50.00 savings. This is my second Panasonic plasma. My first one is a 42" and I have not had any problems with it (3 years old). Here is a tip: play with the custom picture settings and you can get an awsome picture with rich deep colors that you will never see on an LCD set. There are a few reviews that discuss picture settings for this set. I was not that impressed with the default setting, but with a few tweaks...WOW! I used "SquareTrade" online and got 4 years for $69.99 (look for coupon deals). I purchased the TV on Amazon for $648.99 in December and got free shipping. At that time Best Buy was about $50.00 higher, but the prices were fluctuating quite a bit. I love Best Buy, but I could not pass up the $50.00 savings. This is my second Panasonic plasma. My first one is a 42" and I have not had any problems with it (3 years old). Here is a tip: play with the custom picture settings and you can get an awsome picture with rich deep colors that you will never see on an LCD set. There are a... » Read More I used "SquareTrade" online and got 4 years for $69.99 (look for coupon deals). I purchased the TV on Amazon for $648.99 in December and got free shipping. At that time Best Buy was about $50.00 higher, but the prices were fluctuating quite a bit. I love Best Buy, but I could not pass up the $50.00 savings. This is my second Panasonic plasma. My first one is a 42" and I have not had any problems with it (3 years old). Here is a tip: play with the custom picture settings and you can get an awsome picture with rich deep colors that you will never see on an LCD set. There are a few reviews that discuss picture settings for this set. I was not that impressed with the default setting, but with a few tweaks...WOW! « Show Less
785376
Hey Ken,Thanks for the advice and the tidbits on why the DLP was better than the plasma. I did stop second guessing myself and went ahead and kept the DLP and let me say that it's a fantastic television. Nah, I don't care about mounting it on the wall nor do I watch it from weird angles. Everything you said about this tv is true and I simply love it, man you should see what a Blu-ray or HD-DVD looks like on this tv, simply amazing! I am very happy I kept this tv, I actually posted a review and posted a picture of my tv, stand, and components in on the tv's page. But thanks for all your help, love the tv and wouldn't go with a plasma or LCD for the size and price of this DLP any day of the week! Hey Ken,Thanks for the advice and the tidbits on why the DLP was better than the plasma. I did stop second guessing myself and went ahead and kept the DLP and let me say that it's a fantastic television. Nah, I don't care about mounting it on the wall nor do I watch it from weird angles. Everything you said about this tv is true and I simply love it, man you should see what a Blu-ray or HD-DVD looks like on this tv, simply amazing! I am very happy I kept this tv, I actually posted a review and posted a picture of my tv, stand, and components in on the tv's page. But thanks for... » Read More Hey Ken,Thanks for the advice and the tidbits on why the DLP was better than the plasma. I did stop second guessing myself and went ahead and kept the DLP and let me say that it's a fantastic television. Nah, I don't care about mounting it on the wall nor do I watch it from weird angles. Everything you said about this tv is true and I simply love it, man you should see what a Blu-ray or HD-DVD looks like on this tv, simply amazing! I am very happy I kept this tv, I actually posted a review and posted a picture of my tv, stand, and components in on the tv's page. But thanks for all your help, love the tv and wouldn't go with a plasma or LCD for the size and price of this DLP any day of the week! « Show Less
421306
M. Guerrero...well said. All very good points. However, you forgot to mention that Best Buy is among the "Bait & Switch" royalty, being notorious for having items priced in their sale papers or website that are misleading at best and could be more accurately described as fraudulent. Such a store will never get my business. I do frequent local electronics stores that have an opportunity to compete for my business and I am willing to pay a little more for the service they offer on my purchases.