Ever considered the Pana doesn't have it because... it doesn't
need it?
From what I've seen, I understand why Samsung and LG have it in their sets....
I also have a 42PX80 and haven't seen the slightest IR (even after my daughter leaves a static dvd menu for an hour...).
Maybe you should get your plasma out of dynamic settings?
- No retention.
- Sound is at least as good as on my old Toshiba rptv, for really great sound get a dedicated system (or a PZ85).
- Phosphor lag? Again, get out of dynamic.
- Even without dynamic settings and using hdtvtest settings you get near perfect balance, so no need for hundreds of different settings. (Panasonic TH42PX80 Plasma Calibration & Benchmark Test)
- Indeed, why bother with picture quality? The tv doesn't have a swivel stand, so it can't be as good as Samsung or LG.
Ive got a PX80 sat in my bedroom, and a pio 4280 sat my lounge, ive also had a pana pz70 ( faulty with black horizontal lines in background, 3 samung m86s .... another pio 428 which buzzed like crazy and had a group of dead pixels )
I also looked at the PG6000s the Q97s extensively, and have very good experience with the more recent samsung screens and the lg pg3000:
Image quality on the Panasonics is generally better for DVD and freeview due to the superb processing ( in comparison to lg and samsung ), in comparison to my 4280 they arnt even close.
Sound on the LG42PG6000 is miles better than what i have on my Panasonic screen, whilst samsung is worst of the lot - This is fairly irrelevant considering i have sound systems connected to both my TVs ....
Phosphor trails are *much* less notable on the LG and samung ( and my pio ) than on any panasonic plasma ive ever seen. ( my old pz70 ,my current px80, pz800s ive seen in shops all of them ... )
Black levels are comparable on the samsungs Lgs and the px80s, i find detail is lost in the blacks on my px80 not on my pioneer.
In terms of settings i spend alot of time changing settings on my panels based on oppinions here. Certainly not on dynamic, i like a crisp lifelike picture with good skintones.
For gaming i like a nice clear sharp picture with minimal phosphor lagging and not much input lag, here is the panasonic falls sharply on its face. When ive tested my 360 on the lgs and samsung plasmas using guitar hero type games and other time critical games, they have consistantly proved better than the panasonic screens ive seen. Also the LG screens give a much sharper image which is perfect for computer gaming, the panasonics always are too "soft", samsungs have so many settings they can be either - So here the PG6000 comes out on top.
In terms of reliability, my friend whom works at a well known retailer informs me the most common screens back are either the Unbranded rubbish, hitachi screens ( the ld6600s comes to mind ) and older LG panels, with a few samsung panasonic and rarely a pioneer. So with that in mind Panasonics seem to be fairly reliable in terms of televisions, LG seem to have increased quality control with the recent versions of panels.
Saying that panasonics don't need orbiter isn't the point, i was simply trying to say the guy on the phone didn't lie. He said exactly what was right. Plus imo Panasonic screens would do brilliantly with orbiter.
Im simply trying to say Panasonics are not the "best" at everything, whilst they are good. Nice and easy to use without 10 billion confusing settings, each screen is better for different things.... Keep an open mind, take in what people have to say, there experience with different screens. Im a quality whore, if i spend money on a screen it has to be within my expectations of it. I will carefully compare things for hours on end to make sure im getting exactly what i need, whilst user opinions are valid. Imo just take a look at the screens and see what you think yourself.