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tangerz

625 posts

Ultimate Geek


#100985 22-Apr-2012 12:26
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OK.  So my bedroom TV finally bit the bullet, (Samsung LA32R71B that I paid $3K for back in 2006 Surprised)

Time for a new one then Smile.  Really only had three criteria to fulfill:

1/ Maximum size of 42" (dictated by the space I have to wall-mount in), but obviously, bigger the better :)
2/ Under $1500.  That's the limit I set myself as it is only a 'second' TV for bedroom use.
3/ Best quality picture given 1 & 2 above.  Any other features a bonus.

So after looking around last week I had all but settled on the Samsung UA40D6600. Filled my criteria and Harveys have it on sale for $1388.  Went in to have one last look before buying and lo and behold, there, on the shelf directly opposite is the Panasonic TH-P42VT30Z, on sale for only $10 more at $1398!!  Had to double check it was the VT as I had counted out that model early in my search as it was just a little too expensive, (had mostly seen it around $1900).

So now my dilemma?  Which to choose? From reading in these forums and elsewhere online it seems it should be a no brainer... the Panasonic wins hands down on quality. I guess my question is... does it?  And if it does, by how much or how often would I notice?

Comparing the two on other features they seem about the same.  Both seem to have 3D resolution issuses, (I think 3D is kinda gimmickey anyway!), both have limited or poorly delivered 'smart TV' functions, (that's what cheap media players are for!), both are about to be replaced by new models, (I guess that's why the discounts!)

My thinking now is to go for the Plasma as it doesn't look like there will be a 42" VT50, (or even a 42" GT50), only a 42" ST50 (although I have read some people saying the new ST50 is perhaps as good as the VT30!), none of which would fall in my price range anyway I would expect!

So... Panasonic TH-P42VT30Z.... Yes????

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clevedon
1059 posts

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  #613228 22-Apr-2012 16:53
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tangerz: So... Panasonic TH-P42VT30Z.... Yes????


Yes.



Dunnersfella
4086 posts

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  #613301 22-Apr-2012 20:11
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TH-P42VT30Z. Easy.

And re: The 42ST50 being better than the VT30... well, having seen them side by side, I'd buy the VT30 every time.
When you mentioned the 3D performance of the VT, what were you referring to? The Series 6 Samsung's drop the resolution to 720p, whereas the Panasonic's keep full HD (where available)... hardly comparable?

tangerz

625 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #613326 22-Apr-2012 20:44
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Dunnersfella: TH-P42VT30Z. Easy.

And re: The 42ST50 being better than the VT30... well, having seen them side by side, I'd buy the VT30 every time.
When you mentioned the 3D performance of the VT, what were you referring to? The Series 6 Samsung's drop the resolution to 720p, whereas the Panasonic's keep full HD (where available)... hardly comparable?


It was in the article here:

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panasonic-tx-p42vt30b-p42vt30-201104231092.htm

Now that was the TX-P42VT30B but I assume that is just the UK model number for the same panel.  Indicated in there that only the 42" seemed to have a problem not the 50" or larger.

I was dubious that the ST50 would be better than the VT30... good to hear from someone who's seen them side by side :)



Dunnersfella
4086 posts

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  #613353 22-Apr-2012 21:24
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I'd be interested to see the Euro spec VT30 next to the Australasian version...
Different remote / tuners etc. I would be interested to know what other spec differences there are.
For a bedroom TV, the mentioned 'non 1080' performance would probably not be an issue... but having put a 3D test pattern on a 50" VT, I would see no reason why the 42" version would show lower quality?

tangerz

625 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #613365 22-Apr-2012 21:34
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Yeah I think I'm probably just nit-picking on what is by all accounts a quite impressive TV!  Even better at such a massive discount... weren't they around $3K when first released only a year ago?

Think I'll be pulling the trigger tomorrow on this one.... Wink

fahrenheit
757 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #613458 23-Apr-2012 08:30
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David from HDTVtest knows his stuff. The exact same resolution loss in 3D is mentioned in his ST50 and VT50 reviews aswell.
The VT20 apparently passes the res test, so I don't know what they've had to change in the design which has resulted in this loss.

Its pointless worrying about it on a 42" though.

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