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[H_Prestige]

So, has any plasma been released that actually bests the last Pioneer Kuro (KRP-500) yet? I'm so sick of waiting. Might just buy the new Sony OLED head visor thing instead.

Nope. I can't see that changing any time soon. Panasonic isn't trying to beat it and Samsung is only in plasma for shits and giggles.

 

[fixuis]

So, has any plasma been released that actually bests the last Pioneer Kuro (KRP-500) yet? I'm so sick of waiting. Might just buy the new Sony OLED head visor thing instead.

tell me about it..have been waiting like crazy as well but year after year..no cigar really wish pioneer would get back in the game.

 

[rozay]

I'm of the opinion that the uniformity issues are down to a core design fault originating from the base engineering in Japan. I personally don't think territorial differences have any bearing on it, so there's a good chance what you read for EU (or wherever) also applies to NA. It may just so happen that some regions are more vocal than others, or that's just how the odds worked out (where/how the issue presents). I tried 2 units through Amazon and they both had green blobs in the same spots to the same degrees, but only on whites/grays. RGB patterns were perfectly uniform on both.

This is what confuses me...I barely see a green/yellow on the dark grey slide (nowhere near enough to be visible like I've seen on some pictures on the internet) but the blobs are faintly visible on the red and blue slides and moderately visible on the bright green slide. Makes me wonder if this is a different issue.

Did you end up keeping either of those 2 TVs? If so, did those blobs eventually disappear?

 

[Haint]

This is what confuses me...I barely see a green/yellow on the dark grey slide (nowhere near enough to be visible like I've seen on some pictures on the internet) but the blobs are faintly visible on the red and blue slides and moderately visible on the bright green slide. Makes me wonder if this is a different issue.

Did you end up keeping either of those 2 TVs? If so, did those blobs eventually disappear?

Yea I just kept the second, seemed pretty clear the odds of another affected unit was going to be pretty high. I'd estimate I'm probably approaching or over 1000 hours use, it's definitely not gone. Difficult to say whether it has faded as the severity has never been entirely constant. It seems to fluctuate any given day depending on content type and how the panel has been driven. For example if you were to make your Windows background white/gray, you'd be able to see it just sitting on the desktop--but if you took a small window displaying an image or video and moved it around the edges of the patches, they change dramatically (if not vanish entirely). Similarly, if you were to put up a full screen pattern that was half black and half white (split down the middle) and left it up for a few minutes, the resulting IR effect will produce wildly different coloration's, corresponding with the test patterns split. As viewed on a full white pattern, one of the halves will appear to be a neutral white while the other will be severely discolored by comparison (erring green or yellow most likely). Point is the white balance is all over the place on these panels, dynamically and significantly changing with content, APL, and even IR/Phosphorescence. I think this is why you see so many conflicting reports on this issue, there are too many variables.

 

[Quadrangulum]

I've narrowed down my choice to the 65VT30, 65HX929, and the Elite 60X5FD (surprisingly, this isn't my most expensive option!). A possible outside contender is the A94 Laservue but no store near my area has it on display sadly.

I'd like to save money and get the VT30 but I have just enough 4:3 content to make me question the wisdom of going with a plasma screen. The best price I can get for 65HX929 is nearly 2K greater than the lowest price for the VT30. The Elite comes a bit closer but it's still a considerable gulf and I'd be losing five inches.

 

[big_z]

tell me about it..have been waiting like crazy as well but year after year..no cigar really wish pioneer would get back in the game.

panasonic owns pioneers plasma technology. they could easily make a tv better than what the kuros offered, in fact they have shown of prototype plasmas that have.

the problem is panasonic is already leader when it comes to tv quality and the industry seems more focused on garbage like tv apps and 3D. Unless someone comes along that gives panasonic a run for it's money i doubt we'll see anything but minor improvements every year.

 

[Izayoi]

I ended up going with the Panny 42" LCD over the Plasma. So many problems that I've read about, and I really just don't want to deal with them.

Are they really worth the potential problems? Thanks to Amazon's awesome return policies it's not too late to change my mind, but I really like this LCD.

 

[pje122]

How's the new 65GT30, Mattlikewhoa?
I got my 65ST30 today and it seems there's a very faint green blob in the middle of the screen that I can see when I am running the grey slides. Not sure if I should ask Amazon for a new one or not... anyone have any experience with the green blobs on the Panasonic plasmas?

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

Hey man, So far so good. I got a recent build for my set. I've looked for blobs and I found none. I also have no noticeable buzzing from my set (unless I'm behind the set with my ears right next to it).

I was a bit worried about getting one with the blob problem. From what I understand, it went away for some people and for others it stuck around so they exchanged it. I would give them a shout and get an exchange for a new one if it's noticeable with content that you watch.

Can I ask about the build date of yours?

 

[H_Prestige]

panasonic owns pioneers plasma technology. they could easily make a tv better than what the kuros offered, in fact they have shown of prototype plasmas that have.

the problem is panasonic is already leader when it comes to tv quality and the industry seems more focused on garbage like tv apps and 3D. Unless someone comes along that gives panasonic a run for it's money i doubt we'll see anything but minor improvements every year.

Pioneer's Kuro tech wouldn't meet energy guidelines today. Not to mention Panasonic would have to completely retool their gigantic factories to convert their entire line to Panasonic Kuros. The cost would be prohibitive.

FWIW, the new VT is apparently really nice. The ex-Pioneer engineers at Panasonic are supposedly very happy with it.

 

[DJ Lushious]

really wish pioneer would get back in the game.

I do, too. If only for when my Pro-111FD kicks the bucket!

 

[Mohonky]

the problem is panasonic is already leader when it comes to tv quality and the industry seems more focused on garbage like tv apps and 3D. Unless someone comes along that gives panasonic a run for it's money i doubt we'll see anything but minor improvements every year.

whatever floats your boat

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

I've narrowed down my choice to the 65VT30, 65HX929, and the Elite 60X5FD (surprisingly, this isn't my most expensive option!). A possible outside contender is the A94 Laservue but no store near my area has it on display sadly.

I'd like to save money and get the VT30 but I have just enough 4:3 content to make me question the wisdom of going with a plasma screen. The best price I can get for 65HX929 is nearly 2K greater than the lowest price for the VT30. The Elite comes a bit closer but it's still a considerable gulf and I'd be losing five inches.

Sorry I missed this. I was kinda in the same boat as you. I had to replace my XBR8 and I was looking at the 929, the VT30 and the D8000.

After getting the okay from the chief financial adviser (the wife) I decided to go bigger. Now I WAS going to pull the trigger on the 65" VT but I couldn't really see the difference between the two (GT vs VT). The difference in price for me was not too great (About $600 or so CND) but I just couldn't see it. I was spending HOURS in a smaller shop that had a proper show room that was light controlled.

For me I would put the VT before the Sony. Loved the black levels but there was a look of blooming that I had noticed. I did not find that it was worth the extra $2.5K in price. I would rather go a bit smaller and buy the new Elite!

If you're worried about plasma tech and don't mind going a bit smaller then buy the Elite. Seriously that was one of the nicest displays that I had seen in person. I was SUPER close to pulling the trigger on the 60".

The only reason why I didn't was that I bought a new build house and we had to spend $7K on appliances so I couldn't justify that purchase. I also wanted a larger screen then a 60". The next time I spend big bucks on a set it's going to be when I replace my projector.

Sorry if I'm jumping around, I'm in the middle of a report for work and I'm doing two things at once...

 

[pje122]

July 2011.
Back it goes.

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

Yeah I'd send it back too...Hopefully they'll send you a fresher build!

 

[FrankNitty]

Pioneer's Kuro tech wouldn't meet energy guidelines today. Not to mention Panasonic would have to completely retool their gigantic factories to convert their entire line to Panasonic Kuros. The cost would be prohibitive.

FWIW, the new VT is apparently really nice. The ex-Pioneer engineers at Panasonic are supposedly very happy with it.

I hope so. I have a 65VT30 and I love it and 500M in the office, and a 58VT25, but looking to move the VT25 out the house and move the VT30 in it's place. I held off on the Elite's this year though I almost pulled the trigger a few times lol. Waiting to see what 2012 brings to the table...either way I will either end up with another VT or an Elite

 

[FrankNitty]

So, has any plasma been released that actually bests the last Pioneer Kuro (KRP-500) yet? I'm so sick of waiting. Might just buy the new Sony OLED head visor thing instead.

Nope not yet, hell even the X05's didn't unless you start to factor in things like 3D etc. On a pure 2D PQ standpoint, nope. So sad yet so impressive that a set that is what 3 years old still has arguably the best PQ out there.

 

[def sim]

So if I were to pick up an ST30 tomorrow, I would have to break it in for 100 hours to prevent burn in? Is that right? Sounds like a hassle.

 

[ZealousD]

So if I were to pick up an ST30 tomorrow, I would have to break it in for 100 hours to prevent burn in? Is that right? Sounds like a hassle.

Define "have to".

As long as you don't watch too much content with black bars or static logos you'd probably be fine.

 

[pje122]

You certainly don't have to, but it's a good idea, especially if you're going to use D-Nice's settings. But if patience isn't your forte then just start using it immediately if you want.

 

[def sim]

Have to, meaning I play videogames occasionally and would be upset if I ruin my brand new TV because of impatience. I'm willing to break in the set and use a monitor in the meantime, but 100 hours is a loooooong time to get it going.

Thanks for the quick replies anyway. I've been using an LCD for a while now and really miss the fidelity my old HD CRT gave me. :/

 

[abstract alien]

One thing I'm concerned about is the fact that im one if the people who likes really vibrant colors. I'm not too concerned with having the color accuracy 100% accurate so long as it's really rich and deep. Definitely not into bleeding colors or anything, but probably a little above what would be considered optimal, but not straight torch mode as it's been called. I'm restricted to plasmas because motion is my number one concern as far as visual fidelity is concerned, and lcd's irritate me in this regard. Still, I just want to ask, is it safe to use the gt30 at that level, or should I just not do it?

I don't really know what Dnice's settings actually look like to be honest, so should I alter my slides to accommodate my personal tastes?

 

[VistraNorrez]

Have to, meaning I play videogames occasionally and would be upset if I ruin my brand new TV because of impatience. I'm willing to break in the set and use a monitor in the meantime, but 100 hours is a loooooong time to get it going.

Thanks for the quick replies anyway. I've been using an LCD for a while now and really miss the fidelity my old HD CRT gave me. :/

No you don't have to. Never broke in my Panasonic G10 and noticeable image retention goes away really fast. You won't ruin the TV, but I would recommend displaying media that fills in the whole screen.

 

[def sim]

Good to know! I'll be ordering one off Amazon later today.

One more question: Am I supposed to tip the delivery man? I hear the ones from Amazon bring it in, open it up, and check if it's fine so I figured they might expect something. I'd rather they just leave everything up to me, to be honest.

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

I've always offered drinks, and tip the delivery guys. I usually give more if the items are large, going in an awkward area, or they have to be very careful.

You don't have to, but if they do a good job, why not...

 

[def sim]

Yeah, it's just the idea of tipping the delivery man is new to me. Normally I simply sign for a package and I'm good to go.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Ok I found a Zenith 60' Plasma for $799
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Zenith+...5972&skuId=3990507&st=zenith plasma&cp=1&lp=1

And a Sharp 60' LCD for $899
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sharp+-...HDTV/3641541.p?id=1218422888626&skuId=3641541

Which one to pick? Zenith one seems fishy since it's cheaper.

 

[Haint]

Yeah, it's just the idea of tipping the delivery man is new to me. Normally I simply sign for a package and I'm good to go.

If they send 1 guy with a 50"+ TV, you help move/unload it, and they do nothing but set the box in your door--I wouldn't bother tipping, and I certainly wouldn't feel bad about it. That is generally what Amazon's big box delivery has been in my experience, 1 guy + me, and just setting the box across the threshold. Not that I'm complaining, I'd rather do everything myself and save the $10 or $20 I'd be pissing out the door for a more involved 2 man delivery and set up.

 

[pje122]

I didn't tip him. He was late and a buffoon. They only brought one guy so I had to do half the work on a 65" plasma... including going up a flight of stairs. I made sure Amazon received feedback...

 

[Chris R]

So if I were to pick up an ST30 tomorrow, I would have to break it in for 100 hours to prevent burn in? Is that right? Sounds like a hassle.

I didn't bother breaking mine in, no issues at all. I love it too (only thing I don't love is my electric bill )

 

[Cetra]

Just a peice of advice to anyone that purchases a Panasonic set. If it has problems, RETURN IT. If you actually attempt to have it repaired you could end up like me. Making a payments on a set you haven't even been in possession of for over a month while the repair shop waits on parts.

At this point I'm tempted to just have set brought back home, box it back up, and return it the retailer. The set has a drop dead gorgeous picture, but this is hugest clusterfuck I a repair process I've ever seen.

 

[pje122]

Yep, new model comes Monday.

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

Just a peice of advice to anyone that purchases a Panasonic set. If it has problems, RETURN IT. If you actually attempt to have it repaired you could end up like me. Making a payments on a set you haven't even been in possession of for over a month while the repair shop waits on parts.

At this point I'm tempted to just have set brought back home, box it back up, and return it the retailer. The set has a drop dead gorgeous picture, but this is hugest clusterfuck I a repair process I've ever seen.

Are you past the original 30 days?

 

[Cetra]

Are you past the original 30 days?

Yes, but luckily Amazon has extended their returns and exchanges window for the holiday season. So I have until January 31st to initiate the return process.

 

[Hellish]

Ok I found a Zenith 60' Plasma for $799
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Zenith+...5972&skuId=3990507&st=zenith plasma&cp=1&lp=1

And a Sharp 60' LCD for $899
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sharp+-...HDTV/3641541.p?id=1218422888626&skuId=3641541

Which one to pick? Zenith one seems fishy since it's cheaper.

Sharp.

 

[C.Dark.DN]

I see the 50" ST30 is $899 dollars on the Panasonic store and basically that on Amazon.

That's probably my budget. The best 50" TV for gaming and movies.

I don't care about 3D tho.

Don't know where to begin to pick televisions tho.

 

[Mattlikewhoa]

Yes, but luckily Amazon has extended their returns and exchanges window for the holiday season. So I have until January 31st to initiate the return process.

Very good..I would have just contacted them directly rather then having it picked up and fixed. When should it be fixed by?

I see the 50" ST30 is $899 dollars on the Panasonic store and basically that on Amazon.

That's probably my budget. The best 50" TV for gaming and movies.

I don't care about 3D tho.

Don't know where to begin to pick televisions tho.

I bought one for our bedroom. For the money it's hard to beat. FYI I got a bundle with 2 3D glasses, and the BT110 3D bluray player and another copy of Avatar 3D for that price (Canadian)...

From what I've seen in stores, there was nothing else in that price range that could out preform that model.

 

[def sim]

Ordered the ST30 on Amazon earlier this morning. I'm sure it'll be amazing with movies but I'm still worried about IR or, at worst, burn in when it comes to games. It's good to know Amazon extended their return policy so I figured I'd swap it for a Panasonic LCD if this doesn't work out. They apparently use IPS panels for all models rather than it being some stupid lottery like with other brands.

Anyway, I've dealt with bad geometry and slight bleeding on my CRT hdtv for years so I hopefully all I get is a little IR with the plasma. That sounds like no problem at all in comparison to the benefits.

 

[herod]

Just wanted to say, my wife plays a lot of Pixeljunk Monsters (Burn-In protection enabled in-game) on my ST30, and I don't ever have any IR, not even from the PJ logo.

Got it set to 'True Cinema', Pixel Orbiter on, if that makes any difference.

 

[Haint]

Ordered the ST30 on Amazon earlier this morning. I'm sure it'll be amazing with movies but I'm still worried about IR or, at worst, burn in when it comes to games. It's good to know Amazon extended their return policy so I figured I'd swap it for a Panasonic LCD if this doesn't work out. They apparently use IPS panels for all models rather than it being some stupid lottery like with other brands.

Anyway, I've dealt with bad geometry and slight bleeding on my CRT hdtv for years so I hopefully all I get is a little IR with the plasma. That sounds like no problem at all in comparison to the benefits.

Personally, I'd probably consider revising that back up plan, Panasonic's LCD's are nothing to write home about. Their black levels and contrast ratios are reputed to be truly horrible--I've seen 600:1 with MLL's around 0.07fL (very gray) tossed around in reviews. Gamma, WB, and Color are also only average at best. Only things they have going for them are viewing angles and low lag (some models).

 

[Owzers]

Personally, I'd probably consider revising that back up plan, Panasonic's LCD's are nothing to write home about. Their black levels and contrast ratios are reputed to be truly horrible--I've seen 600:1 with MLL's around 0.07fL (very gray) tossed around in reviews. Gamma, WB, and Color are also only average at best. Only things they have going for them are viewing angles and low lag (some models).

I have last years panasonic 42'' LCD with an ips panel....the black level is horrible and one of the reasons i'm looking for a new tv and moving this one somewhere else. It does have really good viewing angles like stated, and i did go through the panel lottery with Sony's lcd tvs before settling on the panny lcd, it was not pleasant.

i'm deciding between:

Panny 46ST30: Green blobs? Buzzing? Fluctuating brightness?

Samsung LN46D630 LCD TV: capacitor problems? Panel lottery ( look for S versions on the label, avoid A models)

LG 47LW5600: Bad 3d? Panel Lottery?

I figure no matter what i get i'll be disappointed, Amazon will rue the day they made a free returns policy.

 

[DJ_Lae]

Samsung LN46D630 LCD TV: capacitor problems? Panel lottery ( look for S versions on the label, avoid A models)

I've got this model myself, although I didn't realize they don't all have the same panels. I'll have to check.

I really like it though.

edit - wait, I don't know if I want to check. Ignorance is bliss.

 

[cr_blah_blah]

Picked up a ST30 earlier this week and it's been great. I bought and returned 2 Samsung LEDs before deciding to give up on that tech and finally go plasma. The 6420 models show incredibly well in-store but are dreadful in the dark. I had clouding and could basically see a white grid behind the screen on 1 tv. The other had a faded line going through and clouding too (not to mention all the light bleeding through from the corners on both). picked up the 50" ST30 for for $250 less than the 46" led too. So I'm finally happy with a tv.

 

[Owzers]

I've got this model myself, although I didn't realize they don't all have the same panels. I'll have to check.

I really like it though.

edit - wait, I don't know if I want to check. Ignorance is bliss.

Seed of doubt is already planted, you'll be checking in 4 hours tops. If i didn't see both panels of the Sony EX400 i don't know if i'd have noticed anything...but i did. Your tv probably does look relatively good though no matter what panel it is though.

 

[DJ_Lae]

Seed of doubt is already planted, you'll be checking in 4 hours tops. If i didn't see both panels of the Sony EX400 i don't know if i'd have noticed anything...but i did. Your tv probably does look relatively good though no matter what panel it is though.

You're right, I couldn't help myself.

It's an S model. I'm glad, as if it were an A I'm sure I'd immediately start wondering what about it is inferior, and then I'd slowly drive myself nuts.

Similar thing happened a few years back with a 1920x1200 panel on my Dell laptop. There too I (thankfully) had the panel that was generally viewed as superior, or I'd have driven myself nuts.

 

[Owzers]

You're right, I couldn't help myself.

It's an S model. I'm glad, as if it were an A I'm sure I'd immediately start wondering what about it is inferior, and then I'd slowly drive myself nuts.

Similar thing happened a few years back with a 1920x1200 panel on my Dell laptop. There too I (thankfully) had the panel that was generally viewed as superior, or I'd have driven myself nuts.

In the sony version and what i've read, the A panels are mva from AU whereas the S panels are PVA. The AU mva ones have worse viewing angles, drabber colors, and worse black levels. They aren't TERRIBLE but it's noticeable.

http://www.digitalversus.com/tv-television/samsung-le40c630-p9268/test.html

that's a pretty good summary of the differences. On the Samsung tvs they allegedly openly list it on the outside of the box what version it is ( A vs S), on the Sony panels....they don't. Surprise!

 

[gcubed]

if you can get into the Samsung EPP the 50" ST30 is 700

 

[C.Dark.DN]

Few questions.

-When do the 2012 Viera's come out?

-Is the 3 year warranty for $179.99 from panasonic.com worth it?

 

[PhoncipleBone]

Few questions.

-When do the 2012 ST30 Viera's come out?

-Is the 3 year warrant for $179.99 from panasonic.com worth it?

Wondering this as well. I just got something in the mail about this.

 

[brain_stew]

Well I've just received a pair of Panasonic's 3rd generation 3D glasses, lets see if the S3D support on the ST30 is simply fundamentally garbage or it was the older glasses that were lacking.

Can't say I'm all that confident they'll make any difference but here goes nothing............