LG50PK590 versus Panasonic TXP50G20B. Which wins?!

Saaf_laandon_mo · 03-07-2010, 21:52

Right, some opinions needed. I have come down to the following 2 contenders and will pick a heavyweight champ from one of these.

LG50PK590 costs £770 (inc 5 year guarantee) from Richer sounds, compared to £1050 for the panasonic from Costco iinc VAT and 5 year guarantee). The main difference between the 2 is the contrast level (3million to 1 for LG, 5million to one for panasonic) and the panasonic has built in freesat HD.

The LG got the editors best TV award in a recent CNET review and I hear good things about it on AV forums. Picture wise I havent noticed much difference, but Panny looked less reflective. TV will have its back to a window, (will be in a bay window)

So the question is, what do you guys think I should go for? Is the panny worth an extra £300? I want this TV to last a long time, and I don't mind spending the extra money, but only if really really worth it. What do you guys think?

03-07-2010, 22:55

In my opinion any functionality such as Freesat is possibly best provided by 'standalone' equipment, rather than being 'built in', so, while I'm not dismissing it out of hand, it shouldn't be a factor in choosing between the equipment used to display said technology.

If you can, try & see for yourself what the difference in contrast level actually means - that may be more significant than 'built in' freesat HD (standalone Freesat HD kit in Aldi recently sold for £75 including dish, box/decoder & cables) ..

idi banashapan · 03-07-2010, 23:18

panasonic will have the better panel, but the likelihood is the LG (which are effectively philips) will have more inputs / functions, etc. I wouldn't pay too much attention to the contrast ratio shown as they most likely only list you the dynamic ratio and not the static ratio, which is far more important and noticable in general day to day viewing. see if you can find out what the static differences are. if the window is behind the TV, then don;t worry too much about the membraned screen. the glossy finish will reflect more, but it will also appear as a sharper and more contrasty image, whereas the membraned screen will appear more washed out, but you'll be able to see it!! if you go for a glossy finish, be prepared to perhaps move a couple of lamps about the living room because once you notice them in the reflection at night, it'll bug you!! personally, I'd rather pay for the panasonic. have you not thought about getting an LED screen. their contrast ratios are much better due to the way the LEDs backlight the panel

Rockabilly Spike · 04-07-2010, 10:15

how are LG 'effectively philips'?

a plasma TV will always give you a better contrast than an LED backlit screen.

**Kymmy** · 04-07-2010, 10:18

Just think what sort of surround sound system and/or freesat HD PVR you can buy with the left over money

Saaf_laandon_mo · 04-07-2010, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Just think what sort of surround sound system and/or freesat HD PVR you can buy with the left over money

I was thinking about using the extra money on a ps3, or a surround sound too. I doubt I will be able to tell the difference between the 2 anyway, and the picture should be a lot lot better than the old crt its replacing.

idi banashapan · 04-07-2010, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockabilly Spike

how are LG 'effectively philips'?

a plasma TV will always give you a better contrast than an LED backlit screen.

LG use philips components, just in a different shell. they are part of the Philips group (thus the 'LG Philips' name), much like VW, Seat and Audi are part of the same group and share components, as do/did those in the GM group like Vauxhall and Saab.

Rockabilly Spike · 04-07-2010, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by idi banashapan

LG use philips components, just in a different shell. they are part of the Philips group (thus the 'LG Philips' name), much like VW, Seat and Audi are part of the same group and share components, as do/did those in the GM group like Vauxhall and Saab.

it seems that LG Philips is based around LCD sets only, not the manufacture of plasma screens.
tho in march 2009 Philips sold off its remaining holdings in LG

so this whole argument about LG is really Philips is not vaild anymore

Saaf_laandon_mo · 04-07-2010, 19:27

All i need to know is whether the LG50PK590 is good value for money and worth getting. CNET.com seems to think so - just wondering what you guys thought.

Rockabilly Spike · 04-07-2010, 21:19

its an excellent set, I've demo'd and sold loadsa them.
my gf wants us to have one but the terrible wages that Currys pay, its just not possible right now.

have seen the Panasonic in Comet in Manchester the other week and was equally as impressed by it.
whatever you decide, they're both winners.
the Panasonic doesnt have a swivel base-foot tho.
only downside I can really see!

idi banashapan · 04-07-2010, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockabilly Spike

it seems that LG Philips is based around LCD sets only, not the manufacture of plasma screens.
tho in march 2009 Philips sold off its remaining holdings in LG

so this whole argument about LG is really Philips is not vaild anymore

fair enough, though I'd still go for the Panasonic myself.