Upgrade my kuro
I didn't actually say the OP should hold off buying a plasma, or indeed any other set,
Indeed not Mr Everard, sorry if my post read as if you had suggested delaying.
The main advantages of OLED over plasma, apart from power efficiency & TV size, is a much higher contrast ratio, & a wider gamut of colours.
OLEDs also have faster response times resulting in better motion. Don't get me wrong, if/when OLED televisions are affordable and problems with blue OLEDs are resolved, I'll certainly invest. I'm just not convinced that'll be any time soon...
It's no easy task replacing a Kuro.
Pioneer is regarded the Rolls Royce of tv's.
I personally believe that the first technology to truly master something like a
last generation PDP-LX 5090 (like my father has) will be Oled.
Panasonic is already there with black levels but struggles with motion compared
to the Pioneer.
I have a GT30 and while I absolutely love this tv it is not equal to the smooth buttery motion the Pioneer has.
(Both are calibrated and have no motion algorithms working, just 24p when available)
Panasonic has improved this year with the newer three models which have improved black levels and better motion.
The ST calibrated will be brighter then it's to more expensive siblings but the latter have more calibration options and slightly better blacks and motion. (and dual core processors)
In big sizes you should consider the Samsung E6500/ E8000 plasma's as well. They are the only ones capable of rivaling the top three Panasonic Plasma's. (especially in big sizes)
Oled is still in kid's shoes. It could have the potential to be the best technology ever because of immaculate blacks, perfect viewing angles, superfast refresh rates which give smooth motion.
But they are a pain to produce, will have many weaknesses in the beginning and I wonder how long those miniature lamps will last at first.
The market is focusing on 4K first.
It will take Oled 5 years at least to be interesting for non-rockefellers.
It's no easy task replacing a Kuro.
Pioneer is regarded the Rolls Royce of tv's.
I personally believe that the first technology to truly master something like a
last generation PDP-LX 5090 (like my father has) will be Oled.
Panasonic is already there with black levels but struggles with motion compared
to the Pioneer.
I have a GT30 and while I absolutely love this tv it is not equal to the smooth buttery motion the Pioneer has.
(Both are calibrated and have no motion algorithms working, just 24p when available)
Panasonic has improved this year with the newer three models which have improved black levels and better motion.
The ST calibrated will be brighter then it's to more expensive siblings but the latter have more calibration options and slightly better blacks and motion. (and dual core processors)
In big sizes you should consider the Samsung E6500/ E8000 plasma's as well. They are the only ones capable of rivaling the top three Panasonic Plasma's. (especially in big sizes)
Oled is still in kid's shoes. It could have the potential to be the best technology ever because of immaculate blacks, perfect viewing angles, superfast refresh rates which give smooth motion.
But they are a pain to produce, will have many weaknesses in the beginning and I wonder how long those miniature lamps will last at first.
The market is focusing on 4K first.
It will take Oled 5 years at least to be interesting for non-rockefellers.
That is a very well balanced view, and imo lays down the options objectively.
It's no easy task replacing a Kuro.
Pioneer is regarded the Rolls Royce of tv's.
I personally believe that the first technology to truly master something like a
last generation PDP-LX 5090 (like my father has) will be Oled.
Panasonic is already there with black levels but struggles with motion compared
to the Pioneer.
I have a GT30 and while I absolutely love this tv it is not equal to the smooth buttery motion the Pioneer has.
(Both are calibrated and have no motion algorithms working, just 24p when available)
Panasonic has improved this year with the newer three models which have improved black levels and better motion.
The ST calibrated will be brighter then it's to more expensive siblings but the latter have more calibration options and slightly better blacks and motion. (and dual core processors)
In big sizes you should consider the Samsung E6500/ E8000 plasma's as well. They are the only ones capable of rivaling the top three Panasonic Plasma's. (especially in big sizes)
Oled is still in kid's shoes. It could have the potential to be the best technology ever because of immaculate blacks, perfect viewing angles, superfast refresh rates which give smooth motion.
But they are a pain to produce, will have many weaknesses in the beginning and I wonder how long those miniature lamps will last at first.
The market is focusing on 4K first.
It will take Oled 5 years at least to be interesting for non-rockefellers.
I definitely would put my GT50 on par with my old LX5090. And the GT50 is all brand new and shiny! 
Motion just as good, black levels just as good and my GT50 might even be brighter! Black levels are probably clearer on the Panasonic and possibly better.
It's no easy task replacing a Kuro.
Pioneer is regarded the Rolls Royce of tv's.
I personally believe that the first technology to truly master something like a
last generation PDP-LX 5090 (like my father has) will be Oled.
Panasonic is already there with black levels but struggles with motion compared
to the Pioneer.
I have a GT30 and while I absolutely love this tv it is not equal to the smooth buttery motion the Pioneer has.
(Both are calibrated and have no motion algorithms working, just 24p when available)
Panasonic has improved this year with the newer three models which have improved black levels and better motion.
The ST calibrated will be brighter then it's to more expensive siblings but the latter have more calibration options and slightly better blacks and motion. (and dual core processors)
In big sizes you should consider the Samsung E6500/ E8000 plasma's as well. They are the only ones capable of rivaling the top three Panasonic Plasma's. (especially in big sizes)
Oled is still in kid's shoes. It could have the potential to be the best technology ever because of immaculate blacks, perfect viewing angles, superfast refresh rates which give smooth motion.
But they are a pain to produce, will have many weaknesses in the beginning and I wonder how long those miniature lamps will last at first.
The market is focusing on 4K first.
It will take Oled 5 years at least to be interesting for non-rockefellers.
That is a very well balanced view, and imo lays down the options objectively.
I agree Mr Evil. And for anyone buying an early oled tv, a reminder to get a 5 year warranty.
Haven't really set a budget
I don't mind paying 2k if necessary but really asking how much better is a set at that price compared to something nearer the 1k mark?
I would also be changing the amp for something up to date with hdmi inputs and hd audio so any cash saved on the tv would be welcome
Haven't really set a budget
I don't mind paying 2k if necessary but really asking how much better is a set at that price compared to something nearer the 1k mark?
I would also be changing the amp for something up to date with hdmi inputs and hd audio so any cash saved on the tv would be welcome
Well all 3 Panasonic TVs produce premium pictures, which is really good. And it is good the Panasonic review of the ST50 states this
http://www.whathifi.com/review/tx-p65st50-0
My understanding is that there is little difference between all three. Perhaps someone else could confirm this?
I don't mind paying 2k if necessary but really asking how much better is a set at that price compared to something nearer the 1k mark?
I would also be changing the amp for something up to date with hdmi inputs and hd audio so any cash saved on the tv would be welcome
Exactly which amplifier have you at present?
With about £2K, I'd suggest maybe a £500 / £1,500 split between receiver and television. Perhaps the £500 Yamaha RX-V673 receiver, while we all decide on your television!
Unless of course I have misunderstood (again!) and you're prepared to go up to £2K for the television alone, and then have another figure (if so, what?) for the receiver?
My amp is a really old sony HDR 1080 I think.
I was looking at £2000 all in, I had originally thought around £1800 for the tv and around £200 for an amp from richer sounds ( a discounted model from last year - sumthing like the pioneer vsx922 for £250)
Any thoughts
Which speakers have you got? Do you really need a 55-inch TV? You could go for the brilliant Panasonic 50GT50 for £950 & spend more on a good AV receiver.
Speakers are kef eggs kht 2005.2 on surround duties (rear left, rear right, rear centre, front left and right high), kef q3 front left and right and kef htc 5001 centre (I think) - I am using a pre out on the Sony and using my musical fidelity XA1 amp to drive the q3s
Should have also said big boss..." do you need a 55 inch tv?" , have you been talking to mrs arty?
I asked only because of your budget constraints, as you're paying an awful lot more for those extra 5 inches & compromising on an AV receiver.
Can you stretch your budget to this?
Can someone explain to me the benefits of oled over plasma?
I hear a lot about waiting for oled, but from what I have seen from recent plasmas, the picture quality is moving towards perfection, so I don't really get how oled can be so superior.
From what I can gather, there are doubts about the lifespan of oleds, and also, I'm sure I've heard it mentioned about blues being a problem.
Am I right? I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wide of the mark.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=cg5zLq7XEwg
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wwBzSR6tqEY
Personally I would buy
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a-03ENXkcs8
Panasonic 50GT50, Pioneer Bdp-lx71, Pioneer Vsx-lx70, B&W FPM Series & B&W PV1.