trying to decide between TH-50PX600U and TH-50PX6U

[GreenEggs248]

They have both of these models at COSTCO . I was waiting for the 6U to come back down to the price that I was hoping for (1999). They also offer the 600U for 2499. I know that the 6U is a watered down version of the 600U, but will I miss the extra features of the 600U. ?

600U has these features:

Speakers: x4 (2 woofers: 8 ohms, 55 Hz - 350Hz, 10% THD), (2 tweeters: 8 ohms, 350Hz - 17kHz, 10% THD)
Output Power: 31 W
BBE® ViVA HD3D Sound
EZ Sync™ HDAVI Control
TV Guide® On-Screen Program Guide
Video Picture Memory
Picture-In-Picture
V-Chip Program Lockout
PC Input (RGB-VGA): Mini D-sub 15-pin

600U has an extra:
Composite Video Input 3x
S-Video Input 3x
Audio Input (for Video) 3x
Audio Input (for PC): x1

Please help......

[Blake]

So, after looking it up, they are Panasonic Plasma TVs...

I guess it just comes down to what you need.

Here's a Crutchfield Side-by-side:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dwAf1K7pu4m/cgi-bin/ProdComp.asp?g=146350&c=16&s=0&cc=01&pt2=0&compareitems=13350PX60U&compareitems=13350PX600&x=33&y=1

Do you need cable card? Do you need picture-in-picture? Do you need the extra speakers (are you using the TV's speakers and not a receiver)? Do you need PC Input or the extra component inputs?

As far as the screen goes, they appear to be identical. The 600U just has some extra features. Do you need them?

I was debating between the Sony 60A2000 and the XBR2 - the XBR2 has a brighter lamp and picture-in-picture. But I didn't really need PIP since my cable box offers it and I can spend the cash sooner on a new lamp rather than paying for a longer-lasting one up front...

[GreenEggs248]

Thanks for the info.


Actually The other one is a 6U. Performancewise they seem similiar. Just wondering if anyone had any experience with the 6U.

[Blake]

Ahhh...I thought it was a typo as I didn't see a 6U at Crutchfield.

[Leechboy]

Isn't the 6U missing the SD card slot? That is necessary for firmware upgrades.

[Superman07]

I thought AVS said the 6U had a stand-alone card slot in the back for firmware.

OP: You haven't said what you "need". You just threw out prices and put down features and said "which should i get?".

[Spiky]

Panny's nomenclature usually means that these are the same thing on the inside. So 600U=6U, 500U=5U, etc.

The only difference is the consumer version comes with add-ons already included, like maybe cablecard or an HDMI output module. That's why the 600U has more features. The pro version allows you to pick which add-ons you want instead of getting the standard consumer set. So just pick which works. If the consumer version has the connections you want, get it. If not, the flexibility of the pro may be better.

Some have found the cheaper pro plus an add-on from elsewhere for cheap can beat the consumer version price.

[GreenEggs248]

I was just wondering if I would miss BBE® ViVA HD3D Sound. I don't think i would need the extra HDMI or component connections. But this would be my first purchase towards a "current" HT setup. I have been out of this so long not really sure how many connections I would need.


"Isn't the 6U missing the SD card slot? That is necessary for firmware upgrades." According to AVS forums there is a SD slot for firmware upgrades.

So the 6u is a pro version? I didn't even realixe that add ons were an option.

[Spiky]

That's usually how it works on Panny's pro vs consumer, I haven't studied these models in particular, though. Pro just means it is missing something. At one point they didn't even include speakers. Maybe some still don't. Usually the box where all/most of the connectors go is removable with some different boxes available. That's where the options come up. But Costco tends to confuse things with their own models or bundles. So I'd say just study the 2 closely to make sure it has everything you need.

The 2-channel simulated surround stuff in many TVs is ok, it does seem to fill the room more. But these modes are not nearly the same as actual surround with multiple speakers. You have to sit in the sweet spot right in the middle to get the effect properly, which is often quite small since the TV's speakers are not far apart. 2 people may not fit in the sweet spot unless they are nice and affectionate. You probably have one of these modes in your DVD player, too.

[Mr. Salty]

Panasonic's professional series differs from the consumer line in these ways:

Streamlined black bezel with only a power button (much better-looking than the consumer line, in my opinion).
No speakers, but matching speakers can be purchased separately.
No stand or mount included.
No built-in tuner of any kind.
User-changeable and expandable input cards.
Significantly lower price before adding inputs/stand.
Five-year warranty.


I think that's it.

By way of comparison, I've been looking at the 42-inch Panasonics. One online dealer I've been considering has the consumer model for about $1,400; the pro equivalent is $1,015. A stand would add about $100, and an HDMI card about $150.

So, a little cheaper but not a lot, but it's a better-looking design, five-year warranty and I can add additional inputs should the need ever arise (and if input types change).

[GreenEggs248]

Costco has been out of stock of the TH-50PX6Us and may not get any before the sale ends(1999$). I did stop by Frys yesterday and noticed that they have a TH-50PX60Us for the same price, but I can't talk myself into buying such a large purchase from Frys.

If I had any issues with the item, I know that Frys would be a pain. Costco would be more helpful.