Are these features worth $400? (panasonic plasma)

[adblink182]

Looking at 2 55" Panasonic plasma screens.

55ST50 ($1697) vs 55UT50 ($1297)

the difference is...


Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter vs None
Pro Settings vs None
3D Real Sound vs None
Built-in Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi ready
HDMI 3/2 vs HDMI 2/2

and apparently a better anti glar screen that that wasn't listed in the features.

thoughts?

[NewsyL]

Yes.... if you want the better movie viewing experience of the two.

http://plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/compare-reviews.php

.

[game_fanatic]

Well if you're original prices are accurate, the difference is actually $400 + tax, meaning $452.00. If you're integrating your plasma into a home-theatre set-up, the extra HDMI ports + 3D real sound are irrelevant (as the receiver should have ample HDMI ports, and you'll be using larger speakers). Is wifi a necessity for you? If not, you're paying an extra $450 for that 'Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter'

[wilsonlam97]

Built-in wifi = ready for DLNA

A wifi adapter is going to cost you $50+

[adblink182]

wow I'm an idiot. Yes its $400 not $300 extra.

This TV will be the first component to my system as I don't have anything yet. I might be picking up a Denon 2112 receiver at the same time as I will eventually be adding surround sound, so the lack of HDMI ports won't be an issue. I also will be adding a wired WDTV Live unit to the system.

so it doesn't make sense to get the $1697 model then correct? I mean I can't see the "Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter" being worth that much.

[wilsonlam97]

wow I'm an idiot. Yes its $400 not $300 extra.

This TV will be the first component to my system as I don't have anything yet. I might be picking up a Denon 2112 receiver at the same time as I will eventually be adding surround sound, so the lack of HDMI ports won't be an issue. I also will be adding a wired WDTV Live unit to the system.

so it doesn't make sense to get the $1697 model then correct? I mean I can't see the "Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter" being worth that much.

Save the money to get a HTPC.

[adblink182]

I don't understand the point of the HTPCs. I mean we already have a dual PVR from the cable company, will be getting a WDTV media player to handle any/all downloaded content. What else can a HTPC do?

[peterg2]

Looking at 2 55" Panasonic plasma screens.

55ST50 ($1697) vs 55UT50 ($1297)

the difference is...


Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter vs None
Pro Settings vs None
3D Real Sound vs None
Built-in Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi ready
HDMI 3/2 vs HDMI 2/2

and apparently a better anti glar screen that that wasn't listed in the features.

thoughts?

Here are two reviews of these TVs which should help you make up your mind. In the end, the key feature will be under what lighting conditions you will be viewing the set.

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p55st50/4505-6482_7-35118300.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50ut50/4505-6482_7-35153392.html

[cloakster]

I have a 50" ST50 and its absolutely incredible for just being a mid-end TV. Never actually compared it to the UT50 since the reviews on the ST50 were just so good, but I definitely don't regret getting the ST50.

[mr_yellow]

The ST50 is a lot darker than the UT50 and the infinite black panel cuts a lot of reflections and glare. i think it's definitely worth the $400 alone... DLNA/sound/all that other stuff is not worth it IMO. get a real HTPC.