I called Appliance Shed, and they have a single 55VT60 at Manukau, its a floor model so not sure on the condition. That's the only one they have in the country.
Interestingly when I called, they said to called Hamish at St Lukes, as he is their "TV Guy". I left a message and he called me back on his cell, and he was very knowledgeable. He is a VT60 owner himself (as well as a projector owner) and knew all the ins and outs. He recommended the Panasonic AX800 as a good replacement for the plasmas of old, but said they where not as good. He even said I could call him back at any time with questions. Great to see customer service!
I read on CNet that the only TV better than a plasma is the LG OLED, but its only in 55" and costs a bomb!
You didn't fall for that old sales tactic, did you ;)
Seriously though - they're an excellent set. Just make sure, if you can, it doesn't have image burn in from being on the shop floor, if you do decide to pick it up. One of the best pictures on a TV set momney can buy. Love my ST60.
There is a 65VT60 sitting in Dick Smiths Westfields (Christchurch)... It doesn't look cheap, appears to be the last one (last one) and they had an issue with 'sparklies' on the screen, possibly caused by a damaged HDMI cable... hopefully not a damaged HDMI port on the TV.
Dunnersfella: There is a 65VT60 sitting in Dick Smiths Westfields (Christchurch)... It doesn't look cheap, appears to be the last one (last one) and they had an issue with 'sparklies' on the screen, possibly caused by a damaged HDMI cable... hopefully not a damaged HDMI port on the TV.
I bet it's not cheap - at least it wasn't when they were new. Still, may be able to talk them down to a good deal since it's still sitting around. And to be honest, if it is the HDMI socket - that'd be a reason to talk it down further (in line with a quote from Pana for a new HDMI board/part).
Haven't LED/LCD screens improved enough to perform as well as, if not better than plasmas. I am talking about top of the range models, rather than you entry ones though. eg Top panels using IPS panels and local dimming etc. I recall hearing a podcast from someone who was pro panasonic plasmas, but had tested one LED/LCD panel and it performed just as well as the plasma. The benefits of LED/LCD is they use less power, and potentially they should last longer. D
mattwnz: Haven't LED/LCD screens improved enough to perform as well as, if not better than plasmas. I am talking about top of the range models, rather than you entry ones though. eg Top panels using IPS panels and local dimming etc. I recall hearing a podcast from someone who was pro panasonic plasmas, but had tested one LED/LCD panel and it performed just as well as the plasma. The benefits of LED/LCD is they use less power, and potentially they should last longer. D
Generally speak, no. For the larger sized LCD's (LED is just a form of back-lighting used in LCD screen) there can be issues with banding and other deformations, and the processing in Plasma's is generally better (especially so in the VT and ZT Panasonics). The only thing to rival a Plasma so far is OLED, and the new LG's are supposed to be as good as or even better than Plasma. But they max out at 55".
And to update the thread - I have called Dick Smith to order the 65VT60 from Christchurch, too good an offer to pass by! I am just waiting to find out how to pay for it, since I am in Auckland, and I cannot pay over the phone with a CC (bit weird but I guess its a security thing).
Also the 65VT60 retails for a lot more than $3,000, currently the Listening Post has them listed as in stock for $5,999!
mattwnz: Haven't LED/LCD screens improved enough to perform as well as, if not better than plasmas. I am talking about top of the range models, rather than you entry ones though. eg Top panels using IPS panels and local dimming etc. I recall hearing a podcast from someone who was pro panasonic plasmas, but had tested one LED/LCD panel and it performed just as well as the plasma. The benefits of LED/LCD is they use less power, and potentially they should last longer. D
I wasn't really sold until I went to the shop where I bought mine and they gave me the contrast/black level demo.
The ST60 on left, upper model LED on the right.
Space ship flying in space.
On the plasma, space ship, black space, lots of stars On the LED, space ship, dark grey space, 1 or 2 stars
There is an element of PLASMA IS BEST, but in most cases, it just is.
If you are getting similar picture quality on both it usually down to bad source settings/quality or bad setup on the TV.
timbosan: And to update the thread - I have called Dick Smith to order the 65VT60 from Christchurch, too good an offer to pass by! I am just waiting to find out how to pay for it, since I am in Auckland, and I cannot pay over the phone with a CC (bit weird but I guess its a security thing).
Good to hear - do they have the box to ship it in?
timbosan: And to update the thread - I have called Dick Smith to order the 65VT60 from Christchurch, too good an offer to pass by! I am just waiting to find out how to pay for it, since I am in Auckland, and I cannot pay over the phone with a CC (bit weird but I guess its a security thing).
Good to hear - do they have the box to ship it in?
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