I'm considering purchasing either a Panasonic TH-50PX75U or a TH-50PH9UK As far as I can tell, these are essentially the same unit, except that the PH9UK lacks a tuner and does not come with HDMI inputs (these can be added later). A tuner is not absolutely essential (I can use the tuner in my TIVO; I don't have [or want] cable and OTA HD is very spotty in my location), so that is not a crucial issue. The PH9UK does come with a 5 year warranty (if purchased by June 30th), and that seems like a good thing. I think the PH9UK will end up being slightly more expensive, should I buy the HDMI input. I'm leaning towards the PH9UK both because of the warranty and the general sense I have that it will be better constructed. Is there anything obvious I'm missing about the differences between a consumer unit and a professional unit (in general) or between these two sets in particular? Does the consumer unit have something I will later regret not having?

The Pioneer panels don't normally come with speakers or a tuner.

I bought a panel (PWD8) as I simply would never use the tuner (got Sky+) and would always use my AV2 etc for the sound.

So, no need for the extra gubbins and bought a panel.

It was cheaper, looked better and is a cracking picture.

The PH9 is supposed to be a cracking panel. But the PH10 is out now and can be had for £1,325 inc delivery - which is a great price.

Panel is usually better. Less compromised and more tuneable/calibrateable etc. a panel is essential if you ever think of getting a scaler.

The Pioneer panels have come with the speaker built in for the last year.

We received our new G8 Pioneer panels last week and they are fab...

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I'm considering purchasing either a Panasonic TH-50PX75U or a TH-50PH9UK As far as I can tell, these are essentially the same unit

The consumer TV model (TH-50PX75U) is a (slightly) newer-generation panel than the pro panel (TH-50PH9UK), though I'd probably go for the pro model with component input block (standard on the units sold through CostCo here in the States).

As mentioned above, there are even better panels at this point which are not significantly more expensive–do your research....

Have you considered the next gen. of Panasonic plasma panels TH-50PH10?

The professional panel range has superior build and picture quality to the consumer ranges. There is a 200hr burn in period but these do produce stunning pictures.

If you are considering any of the HD formats the panels are blessed with variable frequency ranges to suit the incoming picture signal. This will avoid the stuttering slow pans which afflict panels that are restricted to 50/60Hz.

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Originally posted by DellboyOne:
The professional panel range has superior build and picture quality to the consumer ranges. There is a 200hr burn in period but these do produce stunning pictures.

If you are considering any of the HD formats the panels are blessed with variable frequency ranges to suit the incoming picture signal. This will avoid the stuttering slow pans which afflict panels that are restricted to 50/60Hz.

as far as you know, does this apply to Pioneer panels as well? I bought a consumer version and start wondering whether the pro version would have been a better deal or not.

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I bought a consumer version and start wondering whether the pro version would have been a better deal or not.

In the right environment, and, supplied and calibrated by the right custom integration professional, a resounding YES. There are a lot of extra, unnecessary features built into the consumer products (who needs a 5-in-1 card reader to view pictures, anyway?) which add to the expense.

Further, the street prices of the consumer models always plummet after the big-box retailers get their hands on them; the professional panels generally stay price-stable and distributors are more likely to stock and support them, as they're less likely to be sitting on overvalued inventory.