Update on rising black levels on Panny G20/G25

[Redbullasaurus]

I read a post today on AVS Forums that say Panasonic G20 and G25s made April 2010+, do not have as severe a problem with rising blacks as previously manufactured models. However I can attest that the Floating Blacks problem is still there.

From a post on AVSForum.com by D-Nice;
"ECC??? Hell no. You won't see that from Panasonic until some other manufacturer forces them to actually do it. Improved blacks? Sure. A real resolution to rising black levels? Sure.... well you can sort of get that now (April+ manufactured G20/25/VT20/25s) as the latest I've heard is they have stretched out the incremental rises (and initial start) to a point where by the time you actually get pissed about the black levels, you will probably be forking over the $$$$ for the latest and greatest.


Now, this is all I am ever going to say about any future Panasonic or the black level rise issue. I've had enough of the headaches and attacks regarding the information I provide only for my information to be proven correct. Going forward you guys can find someone else to provide information and then attack."
__________________

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by Redbullasaurus

I read a post today on AVS Forums that say Panasonic G20 and G25s made April 2010+, do not have as severe a problem with rising blacks as previously manufactured models. However I can attest that the Floating Blacks problem is still there.

From a post on AVSForum.com by D-Nice;
"ECC??? Hell no. You won't see that from Panasonic until some other manufacturer forces them to actually do it. Improved blacks? Sure. A real resolution to rising black levels? Sure.... well you can sort of get that now (April+ manufactured G20/25/VT20/25s) as the latest I've heard is they have stretched out the incremental rises (and initial start) to a point where by the time you actually get pissed about the black levels, you will probably be forking over the $$$$ for the latest and greatest.


Now, this is all I am ever going to say about any future Panasonic or the black level rise issue. I've had enough of the headaches and attacks regarding the information I provide only for my information to be proven correct. Going forward you guys can find someone else to provide information and then attack."
__________________

I haven't had black level issues, but what would you say the percentage of panasonic plasmas would be that blew out their power regulation IC and their driver boards after just 4 months of use? that's what happened to my U1. The geeksquad agent came today and when he touched a connector on the driver board it crumbled off into his hand, what I thought was a cap popping turned out to be an IC that controled power and other things. Thankfully it's under the 1 year warranty but it sounds like plasma isn't a good investment. can someone comment please?

[Redbullasaurus]

I have not done any research on the specific problem that you mentioned. However the G20 is my third plasma in the past 3 years and my previous two are working great (sold to my parents) to this day. I think that overall plasmas have a decent lifespan and like any consumer electronic device, have a percentage that bite the dust way early. If your T.V. makes it past the year warranty, it is likely it is not defective and you should be good to go for a while.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by Redbullasaurus

I have not done any research on the specific problem that you mentioned. However the G20 is my third plasma in the past 3 years and my previous two are working great (sold to my parents) to this day. I think that overall plasmas have a decent lifespan and like any consumer electronic device, have a percentage that bite the dust way early. If your T.V. makes it past the year warranty, it is likely it is not defective and you should be good to go for a while.

Is it possible the parts were bad out of the factory and then use brought out the defects? for a $750 tv that doesn't sound normal, I have a TC-P42U1, I just can't afford 1,000 for a tv and i can't go bigger then a 42"..

I have as a safe guard though, taken the power strip my tv and other devices plug into and put it through the surge protection (only) side of my ups which has a line conditioner built in. I live in Florida and the power can become dirty at times. I made the purchase of this plasma not knowing much about the tech except that it's the closest thing i'd get to a crt picture in a flat screen.

[centauro74]

Well in defense of the plasmas, I have a samsung 42" for 3 years now. I watch a lot of bluray movies, watch HDTV channels, sd channels, play video games, etc. Andso far no problems, excellent PQ and is only 720p. I sometimes visit friends that have newer LCD tvs and I still like the picture better on my tv. So maybe you got a lemon cause for my plasmas are the best than it can be.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by centauro74

Well in defense of the plasmas, I have a samsung 42" for 3 years now. I watch a lot of bluray movies, watch HDTV channels, sd channels, play video games, etc. Andso far no problems, excellent PQ and is only 720p. I sometimes visit friends that have newer LCD tvs and I still like the picture better on my tv. So maybe you got a lemon cause for my plasmas are the best than it can be.

Well the screen is beautiful especially after I calibrated it. The power management however failed after 4 months, probably bad parts who know how good quality control is with mass marketing these days. Anyway it's under warranty new parts have been ordered. Some times even with the last couple of macs i've had, stock parts have failed pre mature but the replacements have been fine. Hopefully the panasonic will have the same future and be fine after repair, I hope so i can't afford a new tv. And after watching the plasma the 26" westinghouse I've used for my first main HDTV doesn't look half as good, plus i'm legally blind so it would really suck to not have a working large screen tv.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Is it possible the parts were bad out of the factory and then use brought out the defects? for a $750 tv that doesn't sound normal, I have a TC-P42U1, I just can't afford 1,000 for a tv and i can't go bigger then a 42"..

I have as a safe guard though, taken the power strip my tv and other devices plug into and put it through the surge protection (only) side of my ups which has a line conditioner built in. I live in Florida and the power can become dirty at times. I made the purchase of this plasma not knowing much about the tech except that it's the closest thing i'd get to a crt picture in a flat screen.

Per Consumer Reports data gathered from actual users, the repair (or failure) rate of Pany plasmas is ~2%, and the majority of those failures happen under the factory warranty. Consider yourself "lucky" for falling within that small percentage. Just kidding, though you should feel thankful that it was still under warranty. Complex electronics made-up of thousands of parts will have the occasional problems. That's just a fact of life, and the reason for manufacturer's warranties.

I've got 3 Panasonic plasmas ranging from 3 to 7 years old, and I've not had a problem with any of them. Now that your's has been fixed, I imagine you'll enjoy years of trouble-free service from it.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

Per Consumer Reports data gathered from actual users, the repair (or failure) rate of Pany plasmas is ~2%, and the majority of those failures happen under the factory warranty. Consider yourself "lucky" for falling within that small percentage. Just kidding, though you should feel thankful that it was still under warranty. Complex electronics made-up of thousands of parts will have the occasional problems. That's just a fact of life, and the reason for manufacturer's warranties.

I've got 3 Panasonic plasmas ranging from 3 to 7 years old, and I've not had a problem with any of them. Now that your's has been fixed, I imagine you'll enjoy years of trouble-free service from it.

It will be officially fixed next week, today it was diagnosed and parts were ordered. but yep i'm hoping for years of enjoyment from it

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by MacinMan

Well the screen is beautiful especially after I calibrated it. The power management however failed after 4 months, probably bad parts who know how good quality control is with mass marketing these days. Anyway it's under warranty new parts have been ordered. Some times even with the last couple of macs i've had, stock parts have failed pre mature but the replacements have been fine. Hopefully the panasonic will have the same future and be fine after repair, I hope so i can't afford a new tv. And after watching the plasma the 26" westinghouse I've used for my first main HDTV doesn't look half as good, plus i'm legally blind so it would really suck to not have a working large screen tv.

Maybe you can get DJ Chad B to calibrate your Westinghouse and I am sure it will then run neck to neck with your Panny.I am just yanking your chain..lol.

[MacinMan]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

Maybe you can get DJ Chad B to calibrate your Westinghouse and I am sure it will then run neck to neck with your Panny.I am just yanking your chain..lol.

actually for the price I paid 3 years ago, it's not a bad tv, but the blacks don't work so well, westinghouse lcds display grey with a green tint so it doesn't look right in dark scenes If you know if westinghosue tvs have a service menu i can go in and try and fix it, if possible. Also it's only 26" compared to 42" so from a distance detail gets lost. especially for me.

[WalleO]

I just bought a Panny 54 inch G20. Im seriously debating getting an extended warranty on it. what do you guys think? Do most of you guys get extended warrnaty on your plasmas

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by WalleO

I just bought a Panny 54 inch G20. Im seriously debating getting an extended warranty on it. what do you guys think? Do most of you guys get extended warrnaty on your plasmas

It's a giant waste of money in my opinion that goes directly into the store's pockets. You have a 98% chance of NOT seeing a repair according to CR.

Just remember to document your receipt and proof of purchase in case you do have an issue under the manufacturer's warranty. If something were to happen within the first 12 months you'd kick yourself if you didn't have your receipt.

[b00st]

Originally Posted by Redbullasaurus

I read a post today on AVS Forums that say Panasonic G20 and G25s made April 2010+, do not have as severe a problem with rising blacks as previously manufactured models. However I can attest that the Floating Blacks problem is still there.

From a post on AVSForum.com by D-Nice;
"ECC??? Hell no. You won't see that from Panasonic until some other manufacturer forces them to actually do it. Improved blacks? Sure. A real resolution to rising black levels? Sure.... well you can sort of get that now (April+ manufactured G20/25/VT20/25s) as the latest I've heard is they have stretched out the incremental rises (and initial start) to a point where by the time you actually get pissed about the black levels, you will probably be forking over the $$$$ for the latest and greatest.


Now, this is all I am ever going to say about any future Panasonic or the black level rise issue. I've had enough of the headaches and attacks regarding the information I provide only for my information to be proven correct. Going forward you guys can find someone else to provide information and then attack."
__________________

well when you post he said that she heard...that they said....i can see why people would attack that.

granted DNiCE is a great dood...and helps out a lot. If it doesn't come from the manufacturer...i wouldn't be posting it as fact.

as for my early 54v10...i haven't noticed any rising black level issues. my tv has been calibrated when i first got it and i'm still enjoying it.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by WalleO

I just bought a Panny 54 inch G20. Im seriously debating getting an extended warranty on it. what do you guys think? Do most of you guys get extended warrnaty on your plasmas

I have never gotten extended warrantys on any of my Panasonic equipment.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by b00st

well when you post he said that she heard...that they said....i can see why people would attack that.

granted DNiCE is a great dood...and helps out a lot. If it doesn't come from the manufacturer...i wouldn't be posting it as fact.

as for my early 54v10...i haven't noticed any rising black level issues. my tv has been calibrated when i first got it and i'm still enjoying it.

I use THX mode on my 800u.It may not be perfect but it is close enough.I wonder if the new Panasonic with ISF will still need to be tweaked?

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

It's a giant waste of money in my opinion that goes directly into the store's pockets. You have a 98% chance of NOT seeing a repair according to CR.

Just remember to document your receipt and proof of purchase in case you do have an issue under the manufacturer's warranty. If something were to happen within the first 12 months you'd kick yourself if you didn't have your receipt.

Exactly. The only reason I can partially understand anyone throwing their money away on an extended warranty would be if it gave them piece-of-mind (however expensive that may be).

Put it this way: Would you play any game in Vegas where you only had a 2% chance of winning?

[b00st]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

I use THX mode on my 800u.It may not be perfect but it is close enough.I wonder if the new Panasonic with ISF will still need to be tweaked?

it always needs to be tweaked. while THX can come semi close....there is nothing like an ISF calibration.

if anything i would grab a S&M calibration disc and use that to further calibrate the 800. i did it on my 700u and i still love that TV. black levels are solid...i got no complaints.

honestly i'm not sure why this is reposted again about the black levels. its still a solid tv. if u don't think so...don't buy it. i think people take this a lil far....and then u go on AVS forums and they take everything to the extreme....they are all experts and know more than one another. its a giant circle jerk.

[b00st]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

I have never gotten extended warrantys on any of my Panasonic equipment.

i haven't either...but i believe its more of a comfort thing. if it makes you feel good about your investment....then you should protect it. i think its as simple as that. if someone is worried about the what ifs.....that is what the extended protection is for. for me i'll be lucky if i keep my TV 2yrs.

similar to surge protection. i have an APC H15 as it makes me feel good knowing that i feel protected. to me it was worth it. considering all the equipment that is plugged into it. i thought the 200 was worth it. some people don't and thats fine too.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by b00st

it always needs to be tweaked. while THX can come semi close....there is nothing like an ISF calibration.

if anything i would grab a S&M calibration disc and use that to further calibrate the 800. i did it on my 700u and i still love that TV. black levels are solid...i got no complaints.

honestly i'm not sure why this is reposted again about the black levels. its still a solid tv. if u don't think so...don't buy it. i think people take this a lil far....and then u go on AVS forums and they take everything to the extreme....they are all experts and know more than one another. its a giant circle jerk.

Well if it meets THX specifications it's good enough for me.I am very happy with my picture and have no flickering.Of couse I am running a BD30 into a Panasonic SA-BX500 receiver.have'nt even done an update for way over a year and every disc plays perfectly.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

I wonder if the new Panasonic with ISF will still need to be tweaked?

Every consumer display on the market will benefit from an ISF calibration from an ISF-certified technician.