Panasonic Plasma

[greekak229]

I'm thinking of getting a Panasonic 42 Plasma to replace my 32 LG LCD. I have a rather small bedroom so I think a 42 would be perfect. Does anyone have this particular TV and are there any qualms over it? Good purchase?

[Raymond23]

Well, until a week or so ago, I loved Panasonic. Now, I'm not so sure.

Got a 50" G10 from Best Buy Aug 15, 2009 (so, just a few months out of warrenty). I started to notice an intermittant 3" wide line down the middle of the screen (narroeblack line on the left side and severe picture distortion for the rest of the 3" bar). It is becoming more frequent.

I did a little troubleshooting and noticed that this happened regardless of what other components are hooked up. Specifically, my nintendo Wii goes directly to the back of the TV via RCA inputs. Everything else is HDMI input. So, since the line will show up when using Wii, PS3, and satelyte, the TV is the only common denominator.

Called the Panasonic Plasma concierge service (knowing it was out of warrenty but hoped they could at least help we troubleshoot). I am on hold about 30 minutes. Then the woman that answers the call tells me it CANNOT be the TV since the line comes and goes. I explained that I have ruled out the other components but she insists that the TV cannot be at fault.

I then point out that I had to turn the TV to get the serial number from the back of the TV when she requested it. Grabbing the side of the TV caused the bar to show up. Grabbing it again made it disappear. When I told her this, she still insisted that it cannot be the TV. I asked her how it can be anything else. She then gave me the number of a local Panasonic authorised repair service center. She mumbled something about wasting my time and money doing so.

The rudeness of the representative was incredible. She wouldn't listen to anything and just didn't seem to care about the customer at all.

It is bad enough that a major problem pops up just after warrenty expires but the customer service is inexcusable.

I have had other Panasonic TV's and have called customer service in the past and they were very helpful. But I am now very frustrated with this experience.

BTW, from my description, does anyone know what could be wrong with the TV and if it's worth fixing?

Thanks...

[Phoenix Theory]

Issues like this makes me wanna buy a warrenty just in Case even thought if nothing Is wrong with it at the end of the store warrenty I'll just say it's broke or break it to actually use my warrenty . For the customer service issue u have if I'm on the phone with the rude person I would just hang up and call again I always call 3 times to be sure

Originally Posted by Raymond23

Well, until a week or so ago, I loved Panasonic. Now, I'm not so sure.

Got a 50" G10 from Best Buy Aug 15, 2009 (so, just a few months out of warrenty). I started to notice an intermittant 3" wide line down the middle of the screen (narroeblack line on the left side and severe picture distortion for the rest of the 3" bar). It is becoming more frequent.

I did a little troubleshooting and noticed that this happened regardless of what other components are hooked up. Specifically, my nintendo Wii goes directly to the back of the TV via RCA inputs. Everything else is HDMI input. So, since the line will show up when using Wii, PS3, and satelyte, the TV is the only common denominator.

Called the Panasonic Plasma concierge service (knowing it was out of warrenty but hoped they could at least help we troubleshoot). I am on hold about 30 minutes. Then the woman that answers the call tells me it CANNOT be the TV since the line comes and goes. I explained that I have ruled out the other components but she insists that the TV cannot be at fault.

I then point out that I had to turn the TV to get the serial number from the back of the TV when she requested it. Grabbing the side of the TV caused the bar to show up. Grabbing it again made it disappear. When I told her this, she still insisted that it cannot be the TV. I asked her how it can be anything else. She then gave me the number of a local Panasonic authorised repair service center. She mumbled something about wasting my time and money doing so.

The rudeness of the representative was incredible. She wouldn't listen to anything and just didn't seem to care about the customer at all.

It is bad enough that a major problem pops up just after warrenty expires but the customer service is inexcusable.

I have had other Panasonic TV's and have called customer service in the past and they were very helpful. But I am now very frustrated with this experience.

BTW, from my description, does anyone know what could be wrong with the TV and if it's worth fixing?

Thanks...

[Lincoln6Echo]

Originally Posted by Raymond23

Well, until a week or so ago, I loved Panasonic. Now, I'm not so sure.

Got a 50" G10 from Best Buy Aug 15, 2009 (so, just a few months out of warrenty). I started to notice an intermittant 3" wide line down the middle of the screen (narroeblack line on the left side and severe picture distortion for the rest of the 3" bar). It is becoming more frequent.

I did a little troubleshooting and noticed that this happened regardless of what other components are hooked up. Specifically, my nintendo Wii goes directly to the back of the TV via RCA inputs. Everything else is HDMI input. So, since the line will show up when using Wii, PS3, and satelyte, the TV is the only common denominator.

Called the Panasonic Plasma concierge service (knowing it was out of warrenty but hoped they could at least help we troubleshoot). I am on hold about 30 minutes. Then the woman that answers the call tells me it CANNOT be the TV since the line comes and goes. I explained that I have ruled out the other components but she insists that the TV cannot be at fault.

I then point out that I had to turn the TV to get the serial number from the back of the TV when she requested it. Grabbing the side of the TV caused the bar to show up. Grabbing it again made it disappear. When I told her this, she still insisted that it cannot be the TV. I asked her how it can be anything else. She then gave me the number of a local Panasonic authorised repair service center. She mumbled something about wasting my time and money doing so.

The rudeness of the representative was incredible. She wouldn't listen to anything and just didn't seem to care about the customer at all.

It is bad enough that a major problem pops up just after warrenty expires but the customer service is inexcusable.

I have had other Panasonic TV's and have called customer service in the past and they were very helpful. But I am now very frustrated with this experience.

BTW, from my description, does anyone know what could be wrong with the TV and if it's worth fixing?

Thanks...

That problem sounds like the same issue my Dell PC's 24" monitor developed about a year ago. It started getting a lighter vertical line in the screen every 3" across the screen, and it would gradually fade out to the right for about an inch. Fortunately, my 2-year...please note the following...WARRANTY expired this past August, and I was given phone call notices that it would and they told me that if I just called customer service and tell them of the problem that I could probably get a replacement monitor free of charge. Well, I did call, and I did get a new montior (well refrubished) less than 24 hours later...no kidding. Made the call like at 4pm or so one day, Fed Ex showed up with the replacement about 2pm the next day.

Anyway, G10 model, huh? Hmm, wouldn't know myself, as still have my old '07 Sharp LCD.

[Jimmy Smith]

Ive been impressed with Panasonics 3D plasmas. Anyone who reads my posts knows Im a big fan of 3D Full HD but I have yet to jump in. Ive worked some extra hours and saved up some cash but still have yet to make the plunge to 3D. My families 2006 52 inch 1080p DLP is how you say problematic. Its bulb life is horrid and its black levels are really just dark greys. I definutely want to upgrade to a Panasonic 3D plasma of a larger size. Ive demoed several 3DTVs and Panasonics plasmas easily produce the best 3D picture Ive seen and some of the best black levels ever. Still all prices Ive seen have been out of my league. Does anyone know a good deal (possibly Black Friday) on a big screen Panasonic 3D Plasma? Id love to upgrade as soon as possible.

[brad_stew]

This is what Panasonic has to say about the G25...

"Thank you for your e-mail. Please be advised that the phenomenon you described below is a normal effect of the “bright-to-dark” transition of the picture scenes, and is not an issue with the TV. In order to minimize power consumption, the TV - by design - is regulating the overall panel brightness level. This means that when the brightness of a particular movie scene abruptly changes from the bright to dark, the power supply adjusts the average picture level accordingly, thus resulting in brightness transition change sometimes noticeable on the panel screen. Also please note that any Plasma panel screen will emit a certain level of brightness when it is powered on. In order to minimize this effect, we recommend setting the Picture Mode to either Cinema or Custom as these (2) Picture Modes do not have the same power requirements. Also, please ensure that the C.A.T.S. (Contrast Automatic Tracking Systems) setting in Picture sub-menu is turned OFF (note that when it is turned ON, this feature can affect the picture brightness especially if there is a change in the room’s ambient lighting condition).

We hope that this information is helpful."


I'm not too concerned. I found that I noticed the "floating blacks" more so when I had the brightness and contrast low during the "unnecessary" break-in period. It was basically non-existent when you restore THX mode to the defaults.

I bugged them again and here what they had to say.

"Thank you for writing again. Please be advised that there is no way to change this feature as this is the nature of the design of the panel for energy savings/power consumption."

Maybe it's less noticeable as the unit ages. It does seem that the brighter the set is the less of an issue you will have.

[dobyblue]

They should really put this under user control.
I don't care about power consumption changes to be honest if it bothers my viewing. I only watch around 2 hours of TV a day anyway outside of the week-end, so the TV doesn't contribute much to my bill.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

They should really put this under user control.
I don't care about power consumption changes to be honest if it bothers my viewing. I only watch around 2 hours of TV a day anyway outside of the week-end, so the TV doesn't contribute much to my bill.

Well if it's that big of a deal, then I suggest either waiting to see what 2011 models have to offer, or get a 2009 model of plasma. They didn't have floating blacks.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Well if it's that big of a deal, then I suggest either waiting to see what 2011 models have to offer, or get a 2009 model of plasma. They didn't have floating blacks.

I have an 42S2, I already knew about the floating blacks but I just wanted a cheap 1080p plasma to get me through to 2012 when I expect the Viera sets will hopefully have eclipsed the Kuro's for performance. For $700 I'll put up with the drawbacks for now, having replaced a 32" 480i CRT that had been losing focus on the edges for years.

I want a 65" plasma with 3D, I didn't want to spend the money on this year's models with the issues that they have, even though I know they are still awesome displays. I am happy to wait another couple years, the floating blacks aren't noticeable much at all with 16:9 content. I'll save my scope Blu's for when I get the big screen.

And if Panny don't do much with the Kuro patents then I'll buy whichever one is best between Sammy and LG if the rising blacks and floating blacks are not removed.

CES 2011 should be a good indicator of whether or not Panasonic will address these issues and when review sets are sent out you know they'll be looking at the rising blacks, users can report black on floating blacks. With all the attention these matters have gotten over the last 12+ months it's hard to imagine R&D haven't been busy.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

CES 2011 should be a good indicator of whether or not Panasonic will address these issues and when review sets are sent out you know they'll be looking at the rising blacks, users can report black on floating blacks. With all the attention these matters have gotten over the last 12+ months it's hard to imagine R&D haven't been busy.

That's the problem though. Initially this years models looked good until about 5 or 6 months later when CNET actually confirmed that the rising blacks were still there. No one knew and assumed that they were OK. Even Panasonic didn't say a word about it until they had to. Weren't they even claiming Kuro blacks at CES 2010?

[Lincoln6Echo]

I just ordered a TC-P46G25 for $930 total. Will I get my money's worth out of it?

[brad_stew]

You won't regret getting it for that price.

I have a 50 inch that was on sale for $1499. This was after returning 3 LED edge-lit tvs. Two being 52 inch Sharp Quattrons and one Samsung series 5...the screen uniformity, clouding & flash-lighting was too much to handle.

The minor issue with these sets could be a lot worse. Keep in mind it was designed to be this way.

Also consider that the 42 inch PZ800s were 1799 a couple of years ago.

The G25 is still the best looking (non-3D) plasma I've seen this year...best bang for your buck.

[Trean]

Originally Posted by Lincoln6Echo

I just ordered a TC-P46G25 for $930 total. Will I get my money's worth out of it?

why didn't you get the 50" from amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...9259724&sr=1-1

[Lincoln6Echo]

Originally Posted by Trean

why didn't you get the 50" from amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...9259724&sr=1-1

Too big for my spot. Please see the first pic in my HT Gallery. (That's my 42" that sits there now in the pic.) In fact, I have to extend the shelf out a few inches to accomodate the new 46". Besides, 50" would probably be too big of a screen in my room. This is my bedroom mind you. Most people don't even have 42" sets in their bedrooms. I think this 46" will be just about right.

[ChadFL]

So am I safe to assume that outside of the Kuro TV's that are no longer made the Panasonic TCP50VT25 is the consensus best 3D TV on the market and the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 is the best non-3D TV available? I'll probably end up buying one of them fairly soon, just don't know which. I can't seem to find anything rated better.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

So am I safe to assume that outside of the Kuro TV's that are no longer made the Panasonic TCP50VT25 is the consensus best 3D TV on the market and the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 is the best non-3D TV available? I'll probably end up buying one of them fairly soon, just don't know which. I can't seem to find anything rated better.

The Samsung C7000/C8000 plasmas will have better blacks than the VT25's in the long run. They have better processing too. But, the Panny has the better 3D image. It's a toss up I guess.
Also, IMO, the LG 50PK550 might be a better "bang for your buck" set than the G25 (if glare will not be an issue).

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by scweb13

That's the problem though. Initially this years models looked good until about 5 or 6 months later when CNET actually confirmed that the rising blacks were still there. No one knew and assumed that they were OK. Even Panasonic didn't say a word about it until they had to. Weren't they even claiming Kuro blacks at CES 2010?

Even the initial measurements showed that it was not Kuro blacks. As for the CES comments, you can bet your heiny that people will be questioning them about both subjects, so that's why I think it will be a good measurement.

Floating blacks are noted right at hour 0.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Even the initial measurements showed that it was not Kuro blacks. As for the CES comments, you can bet your heiny that people will be questioning them about both subjects, so that's why I think it will be a good measurement.

Floating blacks are noted right at hour 0.

I think this thread was the one I was thinking about. Someone claimed Kuro blacks. Panasonic did achieve 1st gen Kuro blacks but it is only for a period of time.

Just to clear things up, 1st gen Kuro is 8g Pioneer.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by scweb13

I think this thread was the one I was thinking about. Someone claimed Kuro blacks. Panasonic did achieve 1st gen Kuro blacks but it is only for a period of time.

Just to clear things up, 1st gen Kuro is 8g Pioneer.

Looks like D-Nice knew ahead of time. Perhaps right after CES 2011 he'll tell us the initial black level again, I know he's been "mum" on the topic recently.

I believe it was the AVUK forum guys and the CES reps that initially claimed the Kuro blacks? They had vids up from CES almost instantly talking about Kuro blacks. Probably jumped the gun on that thread!

[Danny Victory]

According to D-Nice the VT25 goes beyond Samsung's black levels.

Originally Posted by dlplover

You must not have seen the most recent cnet updates. Black levels rose on 2010 models (including the VT25) again. Ends up being about same level or a little higher than the Samsungs (as in brighter, not darker). It's pretty obvious their deep blacks are more of a marketing ploy than anything else. Make the set look good in the store so you buy it and by the time it's risen you're out of return period.

It's basically how companies label everything with "dynamic constrast" instead of the real contrast. Panasonic has just one-upped on the douche factor by applying the same market practice to the physical characteristics of the set as well, instead of just the labeling. Bear in mind, I am not a big fan of Samsung displays. I have a kuro and would like nothing better than for Panasonic to stop pissing away their Pioneer patents so that people could have great looking sets in an affordable price bracket. They seem more intent on screwing customers though.

Originally Posted by BOND8585

It doesn't rise to samsung levels...

Originally Posted by D-Nice

You're right, they will go beyond the Samsungs.

Originally Posted by BOND8585

Nah

Originally Posted by D-Nice

You are more than welcome to believe what you want. Engineering and real world data says otherwise.

Originally Posted by D-Nice

Perhaps I need to clarify one portion of my post. When I spoke of Engineering, I was referring to Panasonic Engineering. Now, if you feel that you know more about a VT25 compared to Panasonic Engineering, well..........

Originally Posted by BOND8585

What has Panasonic engineering said exactly that's specific? There really hasn't been anything to go on other than real world tests because Panasonic is vague in their responses on this topic. I haven't seen any VT25 results as of yet that show their black level performance becoming worse than the 2010 Samsung's.

Originally Posted by D-Nice

Well sit back, relax and wait. You will see. Here is my "I told you so" in advance.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1287023&page=1
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1287023&page=2

Originally Posted by D-Nice

Either you have never worked on a C8000 and/or do not have the equipment to properly measure the black level. One will measure a higher black level if Cinema Smooth is turned On (Just like the 2009 Samsungs).... which David @ CNet did. Additionally, the 50" model has a higher black level compared to the 58" and 63" models. I've done around 10 of these Samsungs and I consistently get 0.009-0.01fL for the 50" model and 0.007-0.008fL for the 58/63" models. If you require data, I will be happy to oblige.


BTW, I get the same numbers for the C7000 plasmas.