Panasonic G10

[EQ3282]

I think I've made up my mind...90% sure I'm going with the 54 inch Panasonic G10.

But before I do, anyone have any issues or advice I should know if before buying? Amazon seems to have the lowest price I've seen, but I'm going to check a local store beforehand to see if the price can be beat.

[in2video2]

I applaud your choice going with Panasonic Viera. My wife and I decided to go with the 54" V10. We decided to go through Best Buy - whoever you decide to purchase through be sure to have the set calibrated when it is installed. Factory settings will not usually suit the environment the set will be viewed in at home. Enjoy!

[acritzer]

If you have an hhgregg around you, try there. They might not have the g10, but they do have the g15 (basically the same). A lot of times they will meet or beat a price if you can negatiate up front with them. I got a better price for my g15 than amazon. Just went in and said this is what I cam get it fr elswhere, beat it and I'm sold. They must work on at least partial commission.

I would also argue that you don't HAVE to have a calibration done for this set because of the thx setting. However if you can afford it I'm sure it would be a nice perk.

[DangeRuss]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

I think I've made up my mind...90% sure I'm going with the 54 inch Panasonic G10.

But before I do, anyone have any issues or advice I should know if before buying? Amazon seems to have the lowest price I've seen, but I'm going to check a local store beforehand to see if the price can be beat.

Here's a store well worth checking out...I bought 2 Panasonic panels from them at great prices..... 6th avenue electronics

[celticpride]

Word is that sears will have the panasonic 54 G10 for $1499 on black friday!(the day after thanksgiving).

[cdot2four]

Go with the V series.

[mtbkr]

where do you live and how much did you find the g10 for?

[EQ3282]

Cdot2four...while I respect your astute, truncated opinion, if I could afford the V series I probably would. But, with a difference of $600, I'll stick with the G. And considering you posted no reasoning behind your opinion, I'll assume you're fine with my decision.

I live in the Atlanta area, and I'm going to check a Brandsmart store. They may not have the G10, but I'll give it a look as their sales people are usually quick to strike a good deal (got a $1300 LCD a couple years ago for just under $900 without even haggling). Plus, if I go and find the TV I want, they have a 30 day price guarantee, which would cover me through black Friday.

Where'd you hear the Sears rumor? Not sure its worth waiting, as Amazon has it now with free shipping for less than $100 over that. Plus, no tax on Amazon!

And as far as getting a G15, don't they only come up to 50 inches, or has that changed recently? I'd prefer the 54 inch. Plus, the TV will be in a finished basement, so paying extra for the G15 and the anti-glare feature is kind of moot in my scenario.

[jbpo]

Originally Posted by DangeRuss

Here's a store well worth checking out...I bought 2 Panasonic panels from them at great prices..... 6th avenue electronics

I have never heard of this retailer, but surely is worth checking out.

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

Cdot2four...while I respect your astute, truncated opinion, if I could afford the V series I probably would. But, with a difference of $600, I'll stick with the G. And considering you posted no reasoning behind your opinion, I'll assume you're fine with my decision.

I live in the Atlanta area, and I'm going to check a Brandsmart store. They may not have the G10, but I'll give it a look as their sales people are usually quick to strike a good deal (got a $1300 LCD a couple years ago for just under $900 without even haggling). Plus, if I go and find the TV I want, they have a 30 day price guarantee, which would cover me through black Friday.

Where'd you hear the Sears rumor? Not sure its worth waiting, as Amazon has it now with free shipping for less than $100 over that. Plus, no tax on Amazon!

And as far as getting a G15, don't they only come up to 50 inches, or has that changed recently? I'd prefer the 54 inch. Plus, the TV will be in a finished basement, so paying extra for the G15 and the anti-glare feature is kind of moot in my scenario.

Ah, you may be right...the g15 only comes in 50''. I just mentioned it because that's what I ended up with (50'' was my size anyway) from HHGregg and know they don't carry the G10.

[EQ3282]

2 Things I want to present and 'ask' about before I pull the trigger:

1 - The main issues in reviews I read: not the most accurate with skin tones (greenish-yellow hue) and greens tend to be a little more vibrant than true. plus, some secondary colors are a bit washed and not accurate. Thoughts on this?

2 - 1080p/24p judder. I know setting to 60hz takes care of this, but how, exactly does that effect, say, the playback of Blus?

Also read it loses out in bright ambience black levels, but that doesn't concern me (basement viewing area with relatively dim lighting).

Thanks!

[kinghuey]

Hi there. I recently purchased the 50G15 (same panel as the G10)

1. As far as the green/yellow tint, I'll say this:

I do notice a SLIGHT green cast in THX mode, when using Warm1 or Warm2, which is on par with most of the reviews I've read about the set. When I change to Normal, Cool1 or Cool2, I no longer notice the green push. I will say however, that my eyes prefer the color of this set to similarly priced LCD sets, which tend to push red colors, making the picture look harsh. Once my set is calibrated, (after break-in) I'm sure it will look even better. I'm in no way disappointed with the picture quality. It is stunning.


2. Regarding the 1080/24p display performance:

Almost every review I've read on these sets (G10/G15) say that the 48Hz mode for 24p playback presents an "Unwatchable flicker" and that the user should use the 60Hz mode instead. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE. True, you can notice this flicker on very bright scenes, mainly in the background, IF you are looking for it. However, this in no way makes it unwatchable. To my eyes, it gives the shots more depth and dimension, and the motion looks much more natural. Anything that is in-focus on screen stands out much more, almost appearing 3D. Switching back to 60Hz mode does remove the flicker, but it introduces judder, making the movement look less realistic. For me, I only watch Blu-ray movies with 48Hz. BTW, I only sit 6 feet away from my 50-inch, if you are sitting further than that, you probably will notice these things even less.

I hope that helps. Overall, I fully recommend buying these displays. I couldn't find anything else in their price range that even comes close in regards to picture quality.

[EQ3282]

Originally Posted by kinghuey

Hi there. I recently purchased the 50G15 (same panel as the G10)

1. As far as the green/yellow tint, I'll say this:

I do notice a SLIGHT green cast in THX mode, when using Warm1 or Warm2, which is on par with most of the reviews I've read about the set. When I change to Normal, Cool1 or Cool2, I no longer notice the green push. I will say however, that my eyes prefer the color of this set to similarly priced LCD sets, which tend to push red colors, making the picture look harsh. Once my set is calibrated, (after break-in) I'm sure it will look even better. I'm in no way disappointed with the picture quality. It is stunning.


2. Regarding the 1080/24p display performance:

Almost every review I've read on these sets (G10/G15) say that the 48Hz mode for 24p playback presents an "Unwatchable flicker" and that the user should use the 60Hz mode instead. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE. True, you can notice this flicker on very bright scenes, mainly in the background, IF you are looking for it. However, this in no way makes it unwatchable. To my eyes, it gives the shots more depth and dimension, and the motion looks much more natural. Anything that is in-focus on screen stands out much more, almost appearing 3D. Switching back to 60Hz mode does remove the flicker, but it introduces judder, making the movement look less realistic. For me, I only watch Blu-ray movies with 48Hz. BTW, I only sit 6 feet away from my 50-inch, if you are sitting further than that, you probably will notice these things even less.

I hope that helps. Overall, I fully recommend buying these displays. I couldn't find anything else in their price range that even comes close in regards to picture quality.

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Although, of the few reviews/customer feedbacks I have read about the G15, it appears that the 48hz flicker has been corrected for the most part in the G15 models. Anyone hear otherwise?

My new predicament now is...

Brandsmart has the following sets at the following prices:

58 inch Panny V10 - $2,100.00 + 7% tax + shipping (still way out of my range, so ruling this out)
50 inch Panny G15 - $1,200.00 + 7% tax + shipping
50 inch LG 50PS60 - $1,000.00 + 7% tax + shipping

or from Amazon:

54 inch Panny G10 - $1,600.00 - No Tax, Free Shipping
50 inch Panny G15 - $1,225.00 - No Tax, Free Shipping
50 inch LG 50PS60 - $1,110.00 - No Tax, Free Shipping

If I go with the LG, I'd rather the 60 inch, though I've read too many issues with them to be confident in that purchase. So the LG is very close to being ruled out.
Looks like Amazon has the deals to beat on the Panny. Unless I can talk Brandsmart down to an unbeatable deal on the G15 (since it'll be $85 for tax and probably another $50+ for shipping), I'll probably go with the G10 on Amazon. The G15 is a good deal, but the 50 inches might be a bit on the small side for the space I need it for. Though, the furniture placement is not set in stone, so viewing distance may not be that big a concern. Looks like for 50 inches, ideal would be somewhere in the 5.5 to 8 feet area, and 6 to 8.5 feet for the 54 inch.
So, I think that's it. I'll go to Brandsmart tomorrow. I'll try to talk them down on the G15, and hopefully get a couple hundred shaved and/or free shipping to at least match what Amazon can offer. If they aren't willing to budge to a point where I feel I'm getting an unbeatable deal, then Amazon here I come!

[rvrlaxn]

I have the 54 g10. Was happy to pay 1900 free ship for it back in May. LOVE it. Picture is awesome. BR looks 3d as well as OA HD. (Have not had my DTV switched over yet as I have been slack in getting my HDMI routing, and component orientation situation figured out) Your will not regret.
Steve

[EQ3282]

I went to Brandsmart today and asked the sales guy about the G15 50 inch (as I said before, they don't carry the G10 line). Within 20 minutes, I was a proud owner.

Turns out they had none in stock though. Not a big deal, as I don't need it right away anyway. He said they got in a shipment of 30 or so a few weeks ago, 8 of which were sold before they got there, and the rest gone over the last few weeks. However, getting a new shipment of 88 in this week to "prepare for the season and sales," which is what his manager told us. Based on that info, he suggested I check back on Black Friday to see if I can get a price match. He said he honestly didn't know if it would be lower than what I got it for, but he said based on the inventory they're getting it may be a doorbuster deal.

Anyway, here's what I got it for (try not to be jealous):

$998 + $60 Tax. 30 Day Return from day its delivered.
$69 for 2 Year Warranty (if it breaks, they try to repair or replace with new TV). I can cancel in 30 days if I decide I don't want/need it.
Free Premium Install Shipping (don't need the install, but this was the only way I could get free delivery). Though, this way, the set is delivered by two if their install guys in a van, and NOT in a big box truck with 'hired help'.
$50 Coupon for Comcast (use for getting the extra HD Box, or put it towards bill).

So, out the door, I got the set for less than $1100 bucks (sticker on it was $1200, would have paid $1300 on Amazon). I just couldn't pass up the deal, considering for the 54 inch G10 it would have cost an extra $400 from Amazon. Plus the hassle of returning if its defective. To me, $400 is not worth the 4 inches.

Thanks for all the help...so far. I'm sure I'll be back to ask about break-in, cleaning, care, etc.