Opinions on a new plasma TV

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Latham

64 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#85052 12-Jun-2011 18:39

Hey guys

I am after a new plasma tv. I have been looking around a lot and have narrowed my choices down to Panasonic's, specifically the TH-P42V20 an the TH-P42U20Z. The TH-P42V20 looks like a nice tv but the TH-P42U20Z is cheaper. I was wondering if it is worth spending more for the V series instead of the U series?

wmoore

510 posts

Ultimate Geek

#480413 12-Jun-2011 20:03

Well if you can afford the V series then get that one.

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -
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Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#480424 12-Jun-2011 20:24

The V20 is the best TV - and with the current pricing (it's the older 2010 model) it will be mint. I think the TV has been commented on numerous times on this forum - do a little research and take the leap, I think you'll enjoy it.

nzskater

93 posts

Master Geek

#486660 27-Jun-2011 23:32

Im in the same boat, looking at picking up either a Panasonic V30 or Samsung D8000. Thick I'm going to go for the Samsung as it has a swivel base. Just wish the bezel was black...

Bolly

68 posts

Master Geek

#486662 27-Jun-2011 23:38

nzskater: Im in the same boat, looking at picking up either a Panasonic V30 or Samsung D8000. Thick I'm going to go for the Samsung as it has a swivel base. Just wish the bezel was black...

Samsung have left out their motion processor in the new 8000 model plasmas (Unless they release some future update for them?), you would be better going for the ST30,GT30 or VT30 Pana's unless you can get your hands on an old Samsung C7000 plasma.

Unless you like juddering pictures then forget what I have said above.

Latham

64 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#488761 3-Jul-2011 11:06

Well I ended up going with the new season TH-P42ST30Z. The reason being that I bought it off the Mico plumbing loyalty website which is like flybuys. It should be a very nice TV and im looking forwards to receiving it sometime in the next 2 weeks! (too long in my opinion haha, I want it now!).

Anyway, I was wondering how I could get the most out of the TV, I know about calibrating it when I get it e.g. contrast, black levels etc but what are other things I can do to make the picture as good as possible?

Cheers

Latham

timmmay

20574 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#488783 3-Jul-2011 12:42

nzskater: Im in the same boat, looking at picking up either a Panasonic V30 or Samsung D8000. Thick I'm going to go for the Samsung as it has a swivel base. Just wish the bezel was black...

I returned a Samsung Plasma because it buzzed, and also because the motion wasn't good. This was earlier this year. I got a 55" Samsung LCD, my second, it does a really good job with everything from games (singstar not action games) to blu ray to tv.

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#488789 3-Jul-2011 13:00

just curious, what makes you want a plasma vs a LCd or LED Backlight TV?

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Bolly

68 posts

Master Geek

#488859 3-Jul-2011 18:04

NonprayingMantis: just curious, what makes you want a plasma vs a LCd or LED Backlight TV?

Generally speaking:

Plasmas:

For= Blacks, colours, viewing angle, motion, cheaper.

Against= Tad more power usage $20-30 a year orso, Can screen burn if you want to but takes a lot longer to damage a good plasma nowdays.

LED/LCD:

For= Pretty and slim designed TV's, Harder to screen burn good for computer monitor use. Use less power.Can be very bright TV's could be good if have sunny lounge? Maybe?

Against= Crap blacks, colours, viewing angles, more expencive.

Note: the motion thing could go either way now as the lcd motion processors mostly the samsungs are up there almost with the top plasma's.
The reflection issue can go either way as most the top LCD/LED now have glossy screens apart from LG.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#488860 3-Jul-2011 18:10

Don't forget sound... a lot of LED's NEED a home theatre / sound bar, otherwise you'll spend most of your time with the sound turned up to 100 - wishing for more volume!

illicit

553 posts

Ultimate Geek

#489036 4-Jul-2011 09:12

Bolly:
The reflection issue can go either way as most the top LCD/LED now have glossy screens apart from LG.

.. and Sony and Panasonic

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#489040 4-Jul-2011 09:22

But even then, some Panasonic LED's are now like mirrors... just like the top Sony's.

illicit

553 posts

Ultimate Geek

#489140 4-Jul-2011 13:02

Yes, their Standard LCD range seems to have mostly (if not all) matte screens, the LED-LCD ones are mostly (if not all) gloss screens.