BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
 ·AT&T DSL Service
| Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? I'm looking for users experiences with plasma tv's. More specifically reliability issues and not picture quality.
I purchased a 50 inch Philips 50PFP5332D at WalMart after what I felt was careful research. I have not had good luck with this TV. I am on the second tv, I exchanged the first one when it exhibited problems. I had the first one about two weeks and it would randomly turn off and back on making loud clicking sounds when turning off. On one occasion it just lost sound. The clicking sounds like a relay. Another time, while it was off, it started clicking. I half expected it to turn itself on, but it didn't. I exchanged that set for another but find it doing the same sort of things although not quite as much.
I am now going to return this set and go with another brand. What brands do you all have and how have they performed? Again really just interested in reliability and not pic quality. | |
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Bubba17
Less is More
Premium
join:2006-09-21 | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? You're determined to purchase plasma? | |
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 | BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Absolutely, Plasma all the way for me. | |
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Bubba17
Less is More
Premium
join:2006-09-21
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? said by BoulderHill1  :Absolutely, Plasma all the way for me. So, for you and the other plasma lovers posting here .. they no longer suffer screen burn-in problems, particularly associated with game machines?
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"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything" --Wyatt Earp | |
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| | | BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? They have been improved to reduce the burn in issue. According to some info I read regarding this the statement was made, You shooldn't be anymore concerned about burn in than you were with your CRT tv. Iwould have to assume that a static image would leave a mark if left on for great lengths of time such as I see at the grocery store. They have large screens hanging about with this split screen image displaying a logo and the other side has a chef giving you cooking tips. For my home use burnin is a non issue | |
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sirchief
Premium
join:2001-12-14
Cromwell, CT
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Another vote for a Panasonic Plasma.
I bought the TH-42PZ77U at the end of November when Sears was having a great sale on them.
Easy to hookup and easy to use the menus. No problems so far. I have the TV in a room where 3 walls are windows. I do not have any issues with glare, as this model is treated with an anti-glare of some sort.
Good luck!
-Steve | |
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Bubba17
Less is More
Premium
join:2006-09-21 | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Ok, I wasn't aware this was no longer an issue.
The only other rap against plasma I was hearing was dependability, which also, based on what's being said here, isn't an issue. Maybe this was manufacturer specific too, I don't know. | |
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Subaru
1-3-2-4
Premium
join:2001-05-31
Greenwich, CT
clubs:  | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? yeah I was a little concerned about the static pictures at first but it does not seem to be an issue anymore. | |
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jmacd27
Premium
join:2001-05-13
Florida
clubs:
2 edits | said by Bubba17 :Ok, I wasn't aware this was no longer an issue. The only other rap against plasma I was hearing was dependability, which also, based on what's being said here, isn't an issue. Maybe this was manufacturer specific too, I don't know. There is the issue of IR (image Retention). IR is a temporary faint image that remains on the screen. If you use a menu or other high contrast image on a plasma, you will be able to see a faint image of the menu for a brief time (seconds) after the menu image is removed. This IR will not be permament (Burn In) but will dissappear as soon and another image is displayed where the IR was. On my Samasung if I leave a guide menu up from my DVR and turn the set off or on a channel that is mainly black, you will see a very faint image of the menu page from the DVR menu for a very brief time. I will really only notice it if I look for it. Some people mistakingly think this is image burn, but it will not be permament. | |
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BinaryXtreme
join:2004-04-20
Sparks, NV | No problems running my XBOX 360 on my plasma now for months. | |
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Steely
Dumped Comcast for FiOS
Premium
join:2000-10-15
Princeton Junction, NJ
| said by BoulderHill1 :really just interested in reliability and not pic quality. Why not have both? Go with a Panasonic. Excellent reliability and highly rated for picture quality.
In the 50" size, Panasonic models TH-50PZ700U, TH-50PZ750U, and TH-50PX75U all received very high scores from a "leading consumer magazine" (Consumer Reports). | |
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| BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Regarding the pic quality issue, the reason i'm not interested in your responses as far as pic quality is that can be more of an opinion based discussion. Yes I do want excellent picture quality AS I SEE IT. When I look at the sets side by side or otherwise, to me the plasma has the best picture hands down. Alot of the LCDs look nice in the store but the colors tend to look pasty to me. Its the reliability issue that concerns me. The picture on mu Philips is outstanding but what good is it if the TV fails to operate. I am definately returning this set and most likely will go with a PANASONIC | |
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Steely
Dumped Comcast for FiOS
Premium
join:2000-10-15
Princeton Junction, NJ
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? According to Consumer Reports brand reliability data, Panasonic plasma TVs have a VERY low incidence of repairs and serious problems. Among the brands of plasmas they looked at, Panasonic was best (2%) while Philips was the worst (8%).
My 42" Panny worked perfectly out of the box and has yet to have any issues. YMMV. | |
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BinaryXtreme
join:2004-04-20
Sparks, NV | I agree Boulder. Plasma televisions color seems more natural and the lighting does as well, in my opinion of course. LCDs color looks more manufactured and the brightness seems over stated. | |
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| BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Yes, I already updated to latest version. Still has the click>poweroff>back on again issue. Philips sent a service tech out saturday and he said all he could do is to start swapping parts. This set is only two weeks old!! Ireally have lost faith in this pproduct. | |
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wings10
I Am Legend
Premium
join:2004-06-09
South Elgin, IL | I have Panasonic. And always liked Plasma over LCD. The picture just seems bright and Crisp on a plasma. So clear.
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"The American Indians found out what happens when you don't control immigration." | |
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| BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Has this PANASONIC been reliable? Any problems with it? | |
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BinaryXtreme
join:2004-04-20
Sparks, NV
 ·Charter Pipeline
| I have a Hitachi 42" Director's Series and love it. Think I've had it about 7 months now. Absolutely beautiful picture and I agree, plasma all the way. I'd just make sure you have a minimum of a 5000 to 1 contrast ratio. Mine is 10,000 to 1 and many go a lot higher. | |
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KickMe
join:2001-10-03
Lancaster, OH
·RoadRunner Cable
·Earthlink Cable Mo..
| I think Panasonic plasmas are the best bang for the buck TV made. Beautiful picture, and because plasma's deep blacks give a slight 3D effect, an LCD just can't match.
That said, my Panny's panel went bad at 15 months, a rarity according to "Consumer Reports" subscriber surveys. I contacted the Panasonic Concierge that put me in contact with the closest repair shop. The replacement panel cost $1,400 which was covered under 2 year warranty (thank God), but I had to eat a $400 labor charge since labor had a 1 year warranty (would not have been the case if I had purchased using a good credit card that would have doubled any manufacturer's warranty - and most credit cards do - and something to remember when you make your purchase).
BTW, according to the repair shop, Panasonic bitched about replacing the panel saying that the TV must have been dropped, however I had the TV on a wall mount and it was never moved since the day after delivery. | |
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tahoejeff
join:2001-07-01
Wisconsin Dells, WI
clubs:
| i bought the 50" Sanyo plasma at Walmart's secret sale last fall for $1000. i have no complaints. the picture looked great next to the other display sets, and still looks great in my bright sunlit living room. i also use it as a computer monitor, and have not had any burn in problems, although i am careful about leaving a static image up. i guess my browser frame is static, and that has been up for extended periods with no burn in.
i do agree, try to purchase with a credit card that offers free warranty doubling.
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The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth | |
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x_zao_x
join:2004-06-27
Moundsville, WV
| i work at rent a center and we just got in a new Hitachi 50" plasma (can't remember the model), but it has a powered swivel base where with the remote you turn it 30 degrees left or right...pretty neat.
and with us, it cost $1739, but i'm sure u could find it cheaper somewhere else...
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Committment To Excellence | |
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BinaryXtreme
join:2004-04-20
Sparks, NV
·Charter Pipeline
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? said by x_zao_x :i work at rent a center and we just got in a new Hitachi 50" plasma (can't remember the model), but it has a powered swivel base where with the remote you turn it 30 degrees left or right...pretty neat. and with us, it cost $1739, but i'm sure u could find it cheaper somewhere else... I love having the remote power swivel on my Hitachi. Nice to be able to adjust so you can watch it remotely if you're in the kitchen or something. Very nice feature and it wows the guests. | |
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wings10
I Am Legend
Premium
join:2004-06-09
South Elgin, IL | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? But what if you wall mount the unit? | |
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mmickk
join:2003-12-30
Pearland, TX | My first Panasonic Plasma is about 3.5 years old and still looks great. No problems with it at all. | |
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BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL | Thanks everyone. Going to go with the Panasonic. Between this forum and a few others and more discuusiions, Panasonic keeps popping to the top. Heading down to circuit city now. | |
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BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL | I GOT IT!! It s the TH-50PX80U 50 inch 720p with the glare coating. Much lighter than the Philips. It is 70 some pounds where the Philips was over 100. I'll post some of my thoughts about it soon. Need to get used to it first. | |
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| | Fat City
Premium
join:2003-03-10
Freedonia | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? When will this year's 58" Panny hit the shelves? | |
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Steely
Dumped Comcast for FiOS
Premium
join:2000-10-15
Princeton Junction, NJ
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? said by Vistaluvr :*drool* at Contrast Ratio. Maybe.
I couldn't help but notice this Amazon user review for the TH-50PZ85U (one of the new 2008 models) and specifically what was said regarding contrast ratio...
quote:
I was really excited about the improved contrast ratio because on paper it was such a huge jump over last years model but after getting it set up and watching it side by side with my TH-50PZ77u, I have to say it looks almost exactly the same. I played several Blu ray movies (Cars, Casino Royale...etc), test patterns and solid color screenshots and they were no differences to my eyes. In some instances, the blacks were more detailed on my TH-50PZ77u.
In fairness to context I would suggest reading the entire review. I know it's just one observer and it's not very scientific, but salespersons in more than one store I was checking out TV's in told me that some of the advertised specs, especially contrast ratios, were often exaggerated and not necessarily accurate or in any way standardized. | |
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Vistaluvr
@rr.com
| Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? said by Steely :said by Vistaluvr :*drool* at Contrast Ratio. Maybe. I couldn't help but notice this Amazon user review for the TH-50PZ85U (one of the new 2008 models) and specifically what was said regarding contrast ratio... quote:
I was really excited about the improved contrast ratio because on paper it was such a huge jump over last years model but after getting it set up and watching it side by side with my TH-50PZ77u, I have to say it looks almost exactly the same. I played several Blu ray movies (Cars, Casino Royale...etc), test patterns and solid color screenshots and they were no differences to my eyes. In some instances, the blacks were more detailed on my TH-50PZ77u.
In fairness to context I would suggest reading the entire review. I know it's just one observer and it's not very scientific, but salespersons in more than one store I was checking out TV's in told me that some of the advertised specs, especially contrast ratios, were often exaggerated and not necessarily accurate or in any way standardized. It sounds like his old TV is calibrated (factory) better than the new one. Once ISF calibration is done, there should be more details, even in dark areas. There's no TV (even same make/model) that looks exactly the same. Plus eyes are different from person to person. There are alot of things I could see in a display that most could not. I guess having a 30,000:1 gives me piece of mind that it'll display true black. I'd never look at a TV with Dynamic Contrast ratio in mind though since it actually brightens/darkens the display - can be annoying if you look for it or know what to look for. | |
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BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Ok, now that I have the Panasonic a few days, I can give my thoughts. First and very importantly it stays on!! Unlike the Philips that would randomly shut off. It does have some nice features that the philips did not. One is the signal strength indicator. I am using OTA for my tv viewing. No cable, no dish, just an antenna on a forty foot tower in the back yard. I can use the signal meter to determine optimimum direction of the antenna. Also the concealed front inputs are much easier to get than how the philips were on the side/back. I would however have to say that dialling in the best picture seems difficult. The menu provides some preset profiles (that can be modified) for the color, tint, sharpness, etc. as well as a custom profile that you would use for your liking. What I find troubling is that when I adjust these settings to what I like it only seems to be for the current channel or input. For example, if I dial in the picture while watching Leno on the tonight show then change the channel to watch something else those same settings do not look as good on this channel. On the philips tv this was not an issue. Also the Philips TV had an "auto" picture format mode that automatically filled the entire screen regardless of the aspect ratio of the source. This was good when just channel surfing..as you would go from a program being broadcast 16x9 to another in 4x3 or another that might be letterboxed. It would try to fill the screen automatically with minimal distortion. The panasonic doesn't have this. But the Panasonic does stay on! | |
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| BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
1 edit | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? Yes the set stays in the aspect ratio I choose. If I set it to full on channel 5 and then change to chanel 11 it is still on full. I find that "full" seems to display just about everything in its proper ratio. And yes I do understand that letterboxed material will still have black bars top and bottom. Actually I do have a very good understanding of all different aspects of this stuff. Such as DTV (digital television) is not the same as HDTV (high definition television). One being the method by which a signal is deleivered to the tv set and the other is the resolution of the picture. Higher resolution = sharper picture. | |
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| BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
1 edit | I also know how to use the different formats the tv has to display certain material better than my old 35" tube crt did. Example, I have a fairly large Laserdisc (yes the 12inch laserdiscs, remember them?)collection. Many of these are "widescreen" which really is letterboxed in a 4x3 format. When played on your old CRT tv you would of course have the movie appearing with the black bars on top and bottom with the picture extending completly from side to side. Playing the same laserdisc on the plasma display in a 4x3 zoomed format almost completely fills the screen. This is because the letterboxed image is displayed "pillarboxed" on the 16x9 screen. Then zooming in enlrges that which in turn pushes the black bars off the screen. Same could be done with a letterboxed VHS tape. | |
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| | BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
1 edit | Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands?? I guess my biggest concern is the black pillarbox bars and image retention. The owners guide seems to make such a big deal about that. When I set the format to FULL it displays everything in the ratio it is being broadcast in. So example this evening I watched Letterman on channel 2.1 which is broadcast widescreen 16x9. It is being displayed properly because it is set to FULL. But the Next program with Casey Fergusen is broadcast 4x3 and is displayed pillarboxed with blackbars on the left and right. Now I could change the format to JUST or H-FILL and fill the screen but if I change channels to NBC to see Conan O'Brien now the picture goes off the screen on the left and right because his show is broadcast widescreen 16x9 format. | |
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BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Did much more tweaking today. Really sat with it for several hours. Realized a few things and got a better understanding of how this TV works. Much better picture that past few days. More consistant across channels too. I would have to say though extremely more difficult to set up that the Philips tv. On the Philips the initial setup presented you with several different split screen images asking you which side you preferred. There were 8 or 10 of these split screens. The tv then set all the levels based on your choices. This worked quite well. I did final tweak it after that but it was very minimal and just took a few minutes. I would have to say that I am pleased with the Panasonic but as far as features and the way the setup menu works the Philips was hands down far superior. Too bad they don't build that quality into the reliability of their product. | |
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BoulderHill1
join:2004-07-15
Montgomery, IL
·AT&T DSL Service
| Thanks to Wings and all who have inputted here. Info has been helpful. I've jst been expressing my thoughts and opinions on the differences between the two brands. Definatley keeping the panny. Had the philips not exhibited any powering off issues I would still have it and never even posted. | |
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ANYTHING 720 I/P or above is simply DAZZLING! I love it! 
Re: Plasma TV experiences. What Brands??
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