Where buy a plasma Panasonic ?

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#1288760 21-Apr-2015 19:16

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!

sultanoswing

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#1288817 21-Apr-2015 21:48

timbosan: ...He is a VT60 owner himself ...

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.

Dunnersfella

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#1289069 22-Apr-2015 11:09

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.

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#1289087 22-Apr-2015 11:24

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).

wasabi2k

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#1289092 22-Apr-2015 11:27

60VT60 was around 3500-4000 when they came out IIRC.

Dunnersfella

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#1289123 22-Apr-2015 11:44

There was never a 60VT, only a 55 and 65TV60.
The 60" plasma of repute was the ST60.

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#1289204 22-Apr-2015 12:21

Dunnersfella: There was never a 60VT, only a 55 and 65TV60.
The 60" plasma of repute was the ST60.

errr TC-P60VT60:

http://www.engadget.com/products/panasonic/smart-viera/vt60-series/specs/
http://hometheaterreview.com/panasonic-tc-p60vt60-plasma-hdtv-reviewed/

Did we not get it here or something?

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#1289336 22-Apr-2015 14:00

wasabi2k:
Dunnersfella: There was never a 60VT, only a 55 and 65TV60.
The 60" plasma of repute was the ST60.

errr TC-P60VT60:

http://www.engadget.com/products/panasonic/smart-viera/vt60-series/specs/
http://hometheaterreview.com/panasonic-tc-p60vt60-plasma-hdtv-reviewed/

Did we not get it here or something?

I don't believe we did (dunnersfella?). We also never got the top-end ZT-series in Australasia.

Dunnersfella

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#1289376 22-Apr-2015 14:30

The NZ models were TH-P55VT60z and the TH-P65VT60z.
The model code TC is for another country.

mattwnz

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#1289384 22-Apr-2015 14:33

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

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#1289418 22-Apr-2015 15:05

I have a 42v20 I can sell you for $500

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timbosan

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#1289433 22-Apr-2015 15:22

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!

wasabi2k

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#1289463 22-Apr-2015 15:54

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.

Dunnersfella

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#1289741 22-Apr-2015 20:15

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

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#1289749 22-Apr-2015 20:24

Dunnersfella:
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?

I am waiting to hear back on that exact question!

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