panny 60u vs. 600u

Dbw1 - I am fairly certain that these displays have the EXACT same video processing.

The one addition to Kenny's list of the "differences" is: cosmetics.

I think the 600U looks a LOT nicer with the black border instead of all grey - but that's just me. I spent the extra dough for the VGA computer port and the improved styling (to my taste of course)

Dgarretson - I wouldn't take anything someone who works at BB says seriously. Even Tweeter generalyl has a lot more knowledgable salespeople, but a more specialized shop is ideal. Regarding the whatever problem with the display you noticed at BB - rest assured that it is some combination of improper setup (settings) + poor source hardware/software.

The image processing in both the 60U and 600U is actually pretty decent... but add a DVDO scaler for improved SD deinterlacing if SD quality is important to you.

Goatwuss, Thanks for your positive assessment of the 60U. Every time I get ready to buy a plasma I am driven from the store by the lousy setups on display. Then I go spend the money on some more 2CH audio gear...

I'm also looking at the 60U. The price is right (@$1300 at some online vendors with good ratings).

Is it still a wise decision to also purchase the after market warantees when buying a plasma? Do the newer plasma's still suffer from issues that will need warantee work within 2 years?

Or is it worth it to buy from a local store (@$300-500 more) where you can bring it back easily if/when something goes wrong.

We've all been burned at one time or another by return policies (e.g. high restocking fees, buyer pays all freight, claims that it was never received, etc.). I only wish Costco carried this model.

Enjoy,
Bob