Will Panasonic's plasma 3D really be any good?

[ADWyatt]

On paper, Panasonic's forthcoming 3D Home Theater system would seem to be the ultimate setup, at least for 2010. And this assumption would seem to be backed up by Panny's victory as 'Best of Show' at CES 2010 by CNet.
Okay, but what about reality? I've already done all the research about plasma's good and bad points compared to LED/LCD, so there's no need to go into that here, as I understand the paper comparisons. I'm aware of the so-called overall superior specs of today's plasma displays, but I also understand what my eyes tell me, and I know how stores can manipulate displays to maximise sales. All of which leaves me scratching my head.

When I go into any electronics store and get a direct side-by-side visual comparison between Panny's best plasma and a new Samsung LED, the Sammy blows Panasonic clean out of the water, time after time without fail. The question is, why? Is it because LED sets look better under the glare of bright store lights? Or could it be that the more expensive LEDs are calibrated better? Or, as is most likely, could it simply be because I'm not able to pick up the subtle picture details and contrasts that make plasma the superior display technology?

I have to wonder, too, exactly why Panasonic won the CNet award. Could it be simply because of their 150-inch screen? Or the fact that they had the only finished 3D display product at the show? From the comments I've read from CES, there were those people who thought Panny's plasma display was fantastic, while professional critics continually stated that they couldn't really tell any difference in quality between the various manufacturers.

So if you wish, please give me your personal opinion on whether Panasonic's 3D plasma technology will win the hearts and wallets of the buying public, or if LED will win the lion's share of consumer choice? Personally, I'd like to buy into the new Panasonic system, but I'd like your opinion on whether or not it will be equal to--or better than--the best LED. Thanks in advance for your input.

[edelgiud]

The 3D TV will be nice. I would probably wait until the 2nd generation in 2011 though myself. I will allow others to further comment on the quality of the upcoming 3D model.

I think that Panasonic won the award due to the fact that people are just in love with their Plasma's for the past few years now (especially also that Pioneer pulled out).

But, if you think that the Samsung LED 6000 or 8000 series blows the Pansonic V10 (current) out of the water, again, like you said, it is what your eyes tell you but I could tell you that the Sammy still doesn't calibrate and look as good as the V10 Panasonic....

[KingDeezie]

Panasonic's plasmas are going to be successful IMO, regardless of if they include 3-D or not.

I bought my parents a 50 inch Panasonic G10, and when we turned that bad boy on for the first time, it was truly a very good picture; and if Panasonic made a 100+inch plasma that I could actually afford I would totally scoop it up.

As it stands now, I can't see replacing my 140 inch front projection setup with a 50 inch plasma; even though the picture quality is very very nice on the plasmas.

IME, the reason that LCDs/LEDS MIGHT seem to be better then the Panny plasmas at the store is because they are turned up so bright and make the colors seem to pop in a brightly lit store.

When you get these TVs home though, nothing beats the picture of a plasma.

My parents have the MID-level Panny, and the blacks are soo black that sections of the TV look like it was eaten by a blackhole.

I know the higher models are likely even better.

Heres to hoping that Panny 3-D 103 inch plasma comes down in price.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by ADWyatt

On paper, Panasonic's forthcoming 3D Home Theater system would seem to be the ultimate setup, at least for 2010. And this assumption would seem to be backed up by Panny's victory as 'Best of Show' at CES 2010 by CNet.
Okay, but what about reality? I've already done all the research about plasma's good and bad points compared to LED/LCD, so there's no need to go into that here, as I understand the paper comparisons. I'm aware of the so-called overall superior specs of today's plasma displays, but I also understand what my eyes tell me, and I know how stores can manipulate displays to maximise sales. All of which leaves me scratching my head.

When I go into any electronics store and get a direct side-by-side visual comparison between Panny's best plasma and a new Samsung LED, the Sammy blows Panasonic clean out of the water, time after time without fail. The question is, why? Is it because LED sets look better under the glare of bright store lights? Or could it be that the more expensive LEDs are calibrated better? Or, as is most likely, could it simply be because I'm not able to pick up the subtle picture details and contrasts that make plasma the superior display technology?

I have to wonder, too, exactly why Panasonic won the CNet award. Could it be simply because of their 150-inch screen? Or the fact that they had the only finished 3D display product at the show? From the comments I've read from CES, there were those people who thought Panny's plasma display was fantastic, while professional critics continually stated that they couldn't really tell any difference in quality between the various manufacturers.

So if you wish, please give me your personal opinion on whether Panasonic's 3D plasma technology will win the hearts and wallets of the buying public, or if LED will win the lion's share of consumer choice? Personally, I'd like to buy into the new Panasonic system, but I'd like your opinion on whether or not it will be equal to--or better than--the best LED. Thanks in advance for your input.

Places like Best Buy are set up for LCD TV's. They set them things in torch mode plus the lighting they use makes it a perfect show room for LCD TV's. Not so much for Plasma.

But when you get them home, IMHO they are not anywhere as nice as a plasma in a home setting. I almost bought the Sony KDL-52Z5100 tv because it look great at best buy. I looked at the Panny TC-p50G10 and it looked like crap there. My buddy bougth the KDL so I went over to his house and we dialed in pretty good but I hated it at his house. Just didn't do it for me like it did at BB.

I heard good things about the Panny.

So I went and bought the crappy looking TC-P50G10 Panny plasma and it was flat out amazing out of the box when I set it up. Tweaked it and it's really jaw dropping PQ.

BB is truly set-up to display and make LCD's look amazing. I am not bashing LCD/LED TV's but I just can not pay the money for an LED TV when IMHO the PQ is just not blowing away panny plasma's that are so much cheaper.

[ADWyatt]

I'd like to thank those who responded so far to my questions on plasma vs. LCD/LED in the 3D format. I had a feeling that electronics stores, looking for a greater profit margin, would just naturally give display credence to their more expensive items. It's really quite unfortunate that I may have no way of seeing the new Panasonic 3D plasma TV in its best environment.

I know all of the advantages of plasma, but for 4:3 analog TV programming burn-in does remain somewhat of an issue. How long can can this display dimension be on-screen before burning becomes noticable? Can it be effectively reversed if it sets in?

Finally, I noticed that Panasonic advertises that display life is 100,000 hours to half-life for their 3D set. I'm not experienced enough to know exactly what that means. In practical terms, if I bought the Panasonic 3D set in 2010 I would keep it for about five years, averaging maybe six hours usage per day. I'm well within bounds there, but what percentage of brightness will I lose over that time, and can that be adjusted for?

Thanks for all advice and opinions.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by ADWyatt

I'd like to thank those who responded so far to my questions on plasma vs. LCD/LED in the 3D format. I had a feeling that electronics stores, looking for a greater profit margin, would just naturally give display credence to their more expensive items. It's really quite unfortunate that I may have no way of seeing the new Panasonic 3D plasma TV in its best environment.

I know all of the advantages of plasma, but for 4:3 analog TV programming burn-in does remain somewhat of an issue. How long can can this display dimension be on-screen before burning becomes noticable? Can it be effectively reversed if it sets in?

Finally, I noticed that Panasonic advertises that display life is 100,000 hours to half-life for their 3D set. I'm not experienced enough to know exactly what that means. In practical terms, if I bought the Panasonic 3D set in 2010 I would keep it for about five years, averaging maybe six hours usage per day. I'm well within bounds there, but what percentage of brightness will I lose over that time, and can that be adjusted for?

Thanks for all advice and opinions.

After the first 100 - 200 hrs you you are pretty safe to watch what you want. Burn-in is hard to do on today's plasma's. You might get IR but that goes away pretty quick.

100,000 hrs will last you around 30 years. I have had my Panny plasma in my bedroom for 7 years now and it's still pretty bright. PQ is still amazing on it. And that is old technology. You will be fine in 6 years.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by Grif32

100,000 hrs will last you around 30 years. I have had my Panny plasma in my bedroom for 7 years now and it's still pretty bright. PQ is still amazing on it. And that is old technology. You will be fine in 6 years.

Me, too! I wonder if we have the same set? Bought mine in '03 for ~$2,800! Picture of it is in my gallery.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

Me, too! I wonder if we have the same set? Bought mine in '03 for ~$2,800! Picture of it is in my gallery.

Bought mine back in 03 as well for $3000 lol.. Nice.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by Grif32

Bought mine back in 03 as well for $3000 lol.. Nice.

$3K for a 480p TV (42" Panasonic TH-42PW5UZ)! I replaced a 57" Toshiba 1080i CRT RPTV (size restraint in new home). The picture improvement was phenomenal, and I'd still put it up against either of my other newer sets today. It's a heavy beast that really heats-up the room in the summer, but I still love it.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

$3K for a 480p TV (42" Panasonic TH-42PW5UZ)! I replaced a 57" Toshiba 1080i CRT RPTV (size restraint in new home). The picture improvement was phenomenal, and I'd still put it up against either of my other newer sets today. It's a heavy beast that really heats-up the room in the summer, but I still love it.

Yeah people do not believe me that my 480P plasma looks just as good as many sets today in HD.. SD looks awesome on it. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I did just buy a TC-p50G10 for the living room. The 480P is in the bedroom.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by ADWyatt

On paper, Panasonic's forthcoming 3D Home Theater system would seem to be the ultimate setup, at least for 2010. And this assumption would seem to be backed up by Panny's victory as 'Best of Show' at CES 2010 by CNet.
Okay, but what about reality? I've already done all the research about plasma's good and bad points compared to LED/LCD, so there's no need to go into that here, as I understand the paper comparisons. I'm aware of the so-called overall superior specs of today's plasma displays, but I also understand what my eyes tell me, and I know how stores can manipulate displays to maximise sales. All of which leaves me scratching my head.

When I go into any electronics store and get a direct side-by-side visual comparison between Panny's best plasma and a new Samsung LED, the Sammy blows Panasonic clean out of the water, time after time without fail. The question is, why? Is it because LED sets look better under the glare of bright store lights? Or could it be that the more expensive LEDs are calibrated better? Or, as is most likely, could it simply be because I'm not able to pick up the subtle picture details and contrasts that make plasma the superior display technology?

I have to wonder, too, exactly why Panasonic won the CNet award. Could it be simply because of their 150-inch screen? Or the fact that they had the only finished 3D display product at the show? From the comments I've read from CES, there were those people who thought Panny's plasma display was fantastic, while professional critics continually stated that they couldn't really tell any difference in quality between the various manufacturers.

So if you wish, please give me your personal opinion on whether Panasonic's 3D plasma technology will win the hearts and wallets of the buying public, or if LED will win the lion's share of consumer choice? Personally, I'd like to buy into the new Panasonic system, but I'd like your opinion on whether or not it will be equal to--or better than--the best LED. Thanks in advance for your input.

I really find that hard to believe.Maybe it was the material , but did you try not looking straight on at the Samsung?I heard you could look at the Panny from any angle and not lose picture quality.

[mallen600]

The Panny does look better from angles.

[rded]

I just got back from MHT and got 1st hand experience on the Panny 50" 3D TV with matching 3-D BDP and 3-D glasses. It made a believer out of me. The technology IS VIABLE. The 3-D images on the grand canyon rapids demo was dead on and the water effects and splashes were eerie-realistic.

The Astro Boy demo was just crystal clear and vibrant! Despite fast moving action and multiple camera pans, I did not detect any choppy frame rates and jittery movements.

The 3-D glasses were light weight, ergonomic and comfortable The Downside is that it uses a battery(I forgot what size/model it was) vs the Samsung glasses that are re-chargeable via mini usb.

Now the good news regarding the New Panny BDP: It has dual 1.4 HDMI outs This allows practically everybody(at this point) to not have to upgrade their receivers to HDMI 1.4 compatible ones thereby running one hdmi out to receiver strictly for audio and the other hdmi cable to the TV.

The Price? $2500 for the 50 Inch 3-D TV and $400 for the BDP. I forgot to inquire on the price of the glasses.

Verdict: If you have to have it NOW! IMHO the technology is worth it but you will not be able to get your hands on 3-D bluray movies 'till April. I was told that there are 50 bluray titles in the pipeline- which is a pretty decent number. Unfortunately, consumers may have to double dip on titles they already have just to get the new 3-D experience

My advice: wait until December/Christmas season. The Manufactures and studios will most likely package up 3-D TV/BDP and movie combos. If they are shoving this technlogy down our throats the better make the pot sweeter and add incentives

[that1guystudios]

Originally Posted by rded

I just got back from MHT and got 1st hand experience on the Panny 50" 3D TV with matching 3-D BDP and 3-D glasses. It made a believer out of me. The technology IS VIABLE. The 3-D images on the grand canyon rapids demo was dead on and the water effects and splashes were eerie-realistic.

The Astro Boy demo was just crystal clear and vibrant! Despite fast moving action and multiple camera pans, I did not detect any choppy frame rates and jittery movements.

The 3-D glasses were light weight, ergonomic and comfortable The Downside is that it uses a battery(I forgot what size/model it was) vs the Samsung glasses that are re-chargeable via mini usb.

Now the good news regarding the New Panny BDP: It has dual 1.4 HDMI outs This allows practically everybody(at this point) to not have to upgrade their receivers to HDMI 1.4 compatible ones thereby running one hdmi out to receiver strictly for audio and the other hdmi cable to the TV.

The Price? $2500 for the 50 Inch 3-D TV and $400 for the BDP. I forgot to inquire on the price of the glasses.

Verdict: If you have to have it NOW! IMHO the technology is worth it but you will not be able to get your hands on 3-D bluray movies 'till April. I was told that there are 50 bluray titles in the pipeline- which is a pretty decent number. Unfortunately, consumers may have to double dip on titles they already have just to get the new 3-D experience

My advice: wait until December/Christmas season. The Manufactures and studios will most likely package up 3-D TV/BDP and movie combos. If they are shoving this technlogy down our throats the better make the pot sweeter and add incentives

I work for Magnolia/Best Buy. The Glasses are included with the Panasonic, each additional pair is $150. The Samsung does not come with a pair. Samsung sells two pairs of glasses, one with a recharchable internal battery for $200, one with replacable batteries like tha Panasonic for $149.99. They also have a kit that comes with 2 pairs of the cheaper glasses and Monsters Vs Aliens on Blu-ray for $350. This is packaged in a bundle they have this week for about $3700.

The Panasonic is clearly the way to go if you care about 3D. The Samsung isn't even capable of displaying 3D in HD...it uses line-doubling to give you an effective 540p resolution. It's awful in my opinion...and personally gave me a headache. The Panasonic...crystal clear, and in my opinion better than the movie theater experiences I've had.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by that1guypictures

I work for Magnolia/Best Buy. The Glasses are included with the Panasonic, each additional pair is $150. The Samsung does not come with a pair. Samsung sells two pairs of glasses, one with a recharchable internal battery for $200, one with replacable batteries like tha Panasonic for $149.99. They also have a kit that comes with 2 pairs of the cheaper glasses and Monsters Vs Aliens on Blu-ray for $350. This is packaged in a bundle they have this week for about $3700.

The Panasonic is clearly the way to go if you care about 3D. The Samsung isn't even capable of displaying 3D in HD...it uses line-doubling to give you an effective 540p resolution. It's awful in my opinion...and personally gave me a headache. The Panasonic...crystal clear, and in my opinion better than the movie theater experiences I've had.

How is the Kit $350? The cheaper glasses are $150 a pair so that's $300. Are they saying the movie is $50?? This will fail if 3D movies are that much.

I agree I went yesterday to BB and the Samsung 3D sucked. The worst part was the movie kept freezing up and the audio would drop out.

They didn't have the Panny setup yet.

So far I have seen the Sony one at the sony style store and the flicker from their glasses really sucked and Samsung was just horrible.

Hopefully Panny pulls it off.

[Spanbauer]

Originally Posted by Grif32

So far I have seen the Sony one at the sony style store and the flicker from their glasses really sucked and Samsung was just horrible.

Hopefully Panny pulls it off.

The Samsung plasmas should be good, too. It's the LCDs that stink.

[BD3Dfan]

I went to a Panasonic Full HD 3D demo (They were using Xpand glasses, not their own brand) and I have to say, Panasonic 3D is great. I haven't seen a Sony 3D demo and I'm not sure I want to see a Samsung 3D demo, since it's not even Full HD 3D.

[Beta Man]

Some people just prefer the 'type' of image created by an LCD

I prefer Plasmas, but I also wish a large (but not heavy or 'deep' ) and affordable 1080p CRT was available..... I love the PQ from CRTs.

Originally Posted by BD3Dfan

since it's not even Full HD 3D.

They've sucked you into the marketing.....


And I've seen the Demos...... I can't believe people are excited for 3D PQ was terrible in my opinion.

[jibucha]

Hello

I have seen many 3D Demonstrations throughout the years now, and Panasonic is easily the best to date.

Whatever anyone might prefer is another matter entirely, but seeing Avatar last fall and earlier this year, provides the best that 3D has to offer.

Thank You

[jibucha]

Hello

Unless my math is off; it would last you over 40-years at 6-hours daily.

For myself; it is over 50-years.

Thank You

Originally Posted by ADWyatt

Finally, I noticed that Panasonic advertises that display life is 100,000 hours to half-life for their 3D set. I'm not experienced enough to know exactly what that means. In practical terms, if I bought the Panasonic 3D set in 2010 I would keep it for about five years, averaging maybe six hours usage per day. I'm well within bounds there, but what percentage of brightness will I lose over that time, and can that be adjusted for?

Thanks for all advice and opinions.