Trying to decide between these 2 RP LCD 50" TVs

Sony 50" Grand WEGA™ HDTV (KDF-50WE655) Sony link

or

Panasonic 50" HDTV Monitor (PT-50LC14) Panny link

Anybody have any experience or preference to either of these? Price difference is negligible. Sony has a HD tuner and cable card slot (Panny doesn't). Panny has a VGA/SVGA input (Sony doesn't).

Hey there....I'm actually in the same boat as you. Looking for a 50" RPT, either LCD or DLP.

I don't own one yet, but I've been doing alot of research. I have mine narrowed down the sony wega you have listed, and the Hitachi 50V500 (ranked 1 and 2 by consumer reports). These seem to consistently get high reviews. The panny also has good reviews BUT I have read some complaints about their servicing.

Also...I read the previous model of this Sony Wega had an issue with the lamp. You may want to make sure yours was made recently, as I think this problem has since been fixed.

Right now I'm slightly leaning towards the SONY, but the price is going to be a huge factor when I actually purchase. Whatever is the better deal is most likely what I'll buy.

Just my two cents.

Over at the AVSFORUM the Panny has as a lot of fans as does the sony. I hear for the price Panny is the way to go. I think it has a few more inputs as well. Check here for more info.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...?s=&forumid=63

Also Costco has the new Panny with the cable card slot for 2499

Have you guys watched these TVs yet? With HD signal and with DVD?

Curious to hear what you think of the image they provide.

I'm currently looking at the Hitachi 50VS810.

I have my 50LC13 for about 15 months now and I enjoy every minute of it. I bought it mainly because of the price knowing that I would certainly get an upgrade bug in a few years (especially when a 50" 1080p DLP is below $2,500). I think the LC14 is basically the same as LC13 but with HDMI. Therefore, feel free to ask any question regarding the Panny set.

Is now a good time to buy a RP LCD TV? I have heard a lot about LCDs going down in price, but I know they are mostly refering to the flat screens. Is there any chance these same TVs will be "significantly" cheaper in 6 mos?

Thrifty...yeah they probably will go down in price. rumor has it the Sony will be going down in price as their are coming up with a new technoligy that is LCD hybrid of some sorts. Thats the nature of the beast with technology.

I have the 50" Grand Wega(just had it delivered last Friday in fact).

I love it.

HDTV looks awesome, DVDS look incredible, and the overall performance(thus far) is wonderful.

I can answer any other questions you may /may not have.