Would buying Panasonic plasma be a smart move?

[ADWyatt]

In a previous post I had reported that news services have announced Panasonic's decision to leave the plasma business in March 2014, although Panasonic has not made any official announcement at this time. My initial reaction was to forget about purchasing a 65" VT65, and wait instead for three years until OLED would become affordable and pretty much refined.

Now I'm beginning to rethink that strategy. Selling off my 58" VT25 would make my purchase price of the VT65 right at $1,750 USD. I wouldn't have the slightest problem keeping it for four years, by which time OLED, or a competing technology, would be a very attractive consumer purchase. And there is no doubt that the VT65 is a substantial upgrade from the VT25.

But what about repair issues? Will Panasonic continue to stock parts for repairing their plasma TVs after they leave the business? And for how long? An agent I spoke with at Cleveland Plasma stated that he thought they would be required by law to stock parts for seven years, although he may not have been sure. Even so, it seems reasonable that Panasonic would certainly keep parts in stock for at least four years.

But what about waiting to see if Panasonic is coming out with a 2014 model, like a VT70? They very likely will, but as the company has devoted most of its resources to the development of OLED and 4K, it seems to me that any plasma upgrade would be marginal at best, and really inconsequential.

If my reasoning in the above statements make sense, purchasing a 65" VT65 would be my best option for upgrading from the VT25, which I really want to do. But there may be flaws in my thinking on this. So I would ask anyone who would like to comment to feel free in giving your opinion on my thinking here. I know I sound ambivalent, but I'm trying to consider all angles for a potential upgrade.

Thanks in advance for all opinions.

[Ace_BB6]

If you can sell your old Panny set then I would definitely buy a 2014 set. Hell, even if you couldnt, I still get a 2014 set. I couldnt be bothered to wait 3-4 years for OLED to come down in price. Your missing out on great blu ray watching moments just because you gotta have the best. What we have now is outstanding. So OLED may be nice but I doubt its gonna blow you outta your seat, make you slap your momma good. My VT60 does a damn fine job. And this is coming from a guy who still wants too see better. You can always sell the 2014 set later down the road and you can always make more money.

Its been stated by a Panasonic insider that they will have 2014 PDPs, but the question is if it would be any better than the current lineup. My guess is no, since we know there isnt much money left in R&D for Plasma. Most likely VT's at ST prices, ZTs at VT prices, etc etc.

You waited this long, might as well get a 2014 model.

Warranty/Repair - I highly recommend you buy a Squaretrade warranty through Costco with or without membership(%5 extra) for $99 bucks. Let squaretrade deal with the problem. If they cant find parts to fix your set, then they will reimburse you. So that is a non-issue.

[BluRoo98]

I totally agree with Ace. There will always be a better TV around the corner. Start enjoying your content more today. I think when you get a killer deal on the VT65, pull the trigger. (Holidays). You won't be disappointed. Just plan on upgrading again "when and if" something substantially better comes along. Then you will be happy NOW and while you wait for LATER.

As far as parts - it wont be an issue because they do have to have supply's as part of the manufacturing process.

I have not regretted getting this set for a minute. I just can't get enough of it.

[Canada]

I would upgrade, there is always new and better around the corner you could be waiting forever to buy something. Buy the TV and be happy with it, when you upgrade to an OLED you'll have an amazing TV for another room.

[ccg1978]

Panny ST60 FTW

[blu-razor]

pulll daaa trigggger! i enjoy my VT65 besides LGs 84" 4k i haven't seen a better boob tube IMO