Pioneer vs. Panasonic plasma

I'll probably buy Pioneer next time. My Panasonic plasma started the shutdown problem only after 3 years. I've found out at avsforum.com that this is a common problem that Panasonic won't address.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=302017

I just purchased a Panasonic pro model. It came with a five year warranty. The HDMI input board is extra and it has no tuner. But it has the ability to be upgraded because the input boards can be replaced. Panasonic pro models are considered better than their consumer models which is the opposite for Pioneer. And it has a black cabinet that is very sleek. You can get one for less than 2000.00 if you search. The HDMI board was 125.00. The model is the TH50PH9UK.

Recently purchased the Panasonic TH50-PX60U... very pleased with it.

You can't really lose with either the Pana or Pioneer models.

I ultimately chose the Pana because it was somewhat cheaper (although the Pioneer had a slightly better PQ - by a nose) and it outperformed the Pioneer in standard def - which we will be stuck with for a little while longer.

Good Luck with your purchase!

When I purchased my plasma last year, I did a lot of side-by-side comparisons with the same content and same conditions. I compared Pioneer to Panasonic, LG, Phillips, Samsung and Hitachi. I found Pioneer to be superior. Having said that, when I started to compare price, size and PQ I chose Hitachi. I found the Hitachi PQ to be better than Panasonic and for a little more money I got 5 extra inches of viewing space. With approximately 97% of the PQ of a Pioneer and significantly lower price, the Hitachi became a no brainer. Some will argue the Panasonic PQ is better than the Hitachi. This past December I did another comparison check and I still don't think the Panasonic is better. The problem for American consumers is that they're just not exposed to Hitachi products, but in Japan they sell a ton of Hitachi plasmas.

Go for the Pioneer 5070..you won't be disappointed. I found that when comparing the Panasonic to the Pioneer plasma, the Pioneer had more accurate colors (perhaps a better color processor or different glass) and definitely a more attractive bezel. Whichever set you decide on, make sure you buy from an authorized dealer. I can refer you to where I purchased mine at a good price, just send me an email. Good luck and let us know what you decide.