Which Panasonic Plasma TV would you pick...TH-P42VT30 or TH-P46GT30 if you had to?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Which Panasonic Plasma TV would you pick...TH-P42VT30 or TH-P46GT30 if you had to?

chovik

33 posts

Geek

#90353 20-Sep-2011 13:49

The largest Panasonic plasma TV that can fit in the space available that I have is the GT series 46" TH-P46GT30. The largest VT series is the 42" TH-P42VT30. Would you advise me to go with the supposedly slightly better quality picture of the 42" VT series or the supposedly slightly lower quality 46" GT series panasonic TV.
Cost is not the factor....I have been reading reviews and there seems pros and cons for both...should I get the top of the series VT that only has 42" and not 46" or go for the GT series that has 46" but is supposedly an inferior TV?

Thanks for your opinions..especially from those that have personally experienced either model

1 | 2 | 3

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#523554 20-Sep-2011 14:50

How far are you sitting away from the TV?
The clarity difference offered by the 42" VT30 is noticeable... but only if you're VERY picky.
To be honest, I prefer to go with a smaller TV at a higher quality... but in this case, the difference isn't overly noticeable. I'm looking at choosing between a 50" VT30 or a 55" GT30, and will probably go for the 55".

In case you didn't know, the differences are...
The VT30 comes with a pair of 3D glasses in the box ($99 RRP)
The VT30 has a sub built into the chassis (no biggie if you're running a home theatre seyup)
The VT30 offers more picture calibration options (if you're looking to get your TV calibrated)
The VT30 has a single pane of glass up front, meaning you won't suffer from slight image distortion like you can on dual glass panel options (when viewing from off axis). Try turning off the two TV's side by side and comparing what you see in the reflection of the panel.

It's not enough to sway me though, as size sometimes matters.

chovik

33 posts

Geek

#523567 20-Sep-2011 14:58

Thanks for your reply
We will be sitting from 3 to 5 metres from the tv.
Initially I was thinking to go with the "higher" quality picture but if there is not that much difference then everyone seems to say that bigger is better.
Where/how do you get your TV calibrated...we live in Auckland...and how much would this cost?(approx)
Also most viewing will be via feeview and sky...at this stage have no blueray DVD

sen8or

1789 posts

Uber Geek

#523639 20-Sep-2011 17:10

4 Inches might not sound like much, but its amazing how quickly a tv will seemingly "shrink in size" once youve lived with it a few days.

Both are high quality panels. At 3m viewing distance, the 42 will be "ok", not completely immersive but fair, at 5m, it will be on the small side (but then, so will the 46 at 5m). Assuming your "freeview/sky" is the HD kind, almost mandetory with large screen tvs these days.

I'm not sure how "calibratable" the GT series is, but if it does have a "pro/isf" mode, then Masterpiece calibration can do it, I think Nigel charges somewhere in the region of $350 (I could be wrong), he is Christchurch based but has done "roadshows" in the past touring the country. From what I understand, proper calibration can take 4 - 6 hours using specialised equipment.

Rarely do you hear mutterings "I wish I had gone for the smaller TV"..........

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#523662 20-Sep-2011 18:05

3 - 5 meters away = 46" TV at the very least.
Calibrating a TV is done for a few reasons...
First up, it will give you the most accurate picture possible.
Second : The TV will use less power.
Third : The panel will last longer.
Forth : You get to brag on-line about having your TV professionally calibrated... right up until the point that someone accidentally resets the picture settings...

If you do decide to calibrate your TV, wait for at least 100 hours of run time first. That will let the white levels settle in somewhat. I've personally tried calibration discs with limited success, so it would be interesting to compare with a professional calibration service.

chovik

33 posts

Geek

#523674 20-Sep-2011 18:32

"4 inches doesn't seem like much" hahaha

Unfortunately 46" is the maximum that will fit in the space available

I'm starting to think TV's are like engagement rings..the 5 C's are important but after a while it's the size that ends up being the most important!

So it looks like the trade off in potential picture quality gets outweighed by ending up with a bigger screen in this situation...shame the VT series doesn't have a 46"

Any other comments on whether those calibration discs are any use..or easy to use? Not that practical to have someone in Christchurch who does this when you are in Auckland

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#523764 20-Sep-2011 21:12

Calibration discs are starting points, and that's about it.
You only start to get truly accurate measurements and results with digital light gear I suppose, but the expense is certainly there. If, however, you have numerous panels to calibrate, then it may be worth your money.

bfginger

1268 posts

Uber Geek

#523769 20-Sep-2011 21:21

The VT30 also offers better black levels and better 1080p24 handling. I would go for the better TV over the larger one. Both are available on sale from Magness Benrow the moment, see pricespy. Other retailers might be willing to price-match.

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Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#523780 20-Sep-2011 21:46

bfginger: The VT30 also offers better black levels and better 1080p24 handling.

How do you figure sports fan?
The contrast ratios (as made up as they are) are listed as the same, and when I've seen the models side by side, they look the same to my eyes. I could expect a slightly better graphics processor inside the VT (there are greater calibration offerings on hand), but having delved into the menus a little and having watched segments of a couple of BluRay's, I'm not seeing much difference in the way of 1080 / 24 performance. The motion on both is above what you'll find on the likes of the Samsung Series 8.

No one seems to be castling the prices on these models as of yet (Why would they? They're not exactly the bottom of the line loss leaders...) - and the price offered by Magness B is higher than I've seen ticketed in Chch stores. So I'd push a little hard if it was my cash.

chovik

33 posts

Geek

#523785 20-Sep-2011 21:54

bfginger...so you would be prepared to drop down to VT42" over GT46"
I reckon which ever I buy I will at times wish I had bought the other one..that is human nature I suppose...have you actually spent time looking at either models?

fahrenheit

757 posts

Ultimate Geek

#523828 21-Sep-2011 01:15

The VT30 is one of the more difficult TVs to calibrate. So much so, that its generally better to leave it then to do a half-hearted attempt.
Therefore, out of the box performance has to be factored into the buying decision rather than its untapped potential (which will go untapped by the vast majority of owners).

Personally, I would take the 46" GT over the 42" VT just as I would take a 55" ST over a 50" GT. That extra size is a feature that no other bonus can match in terms of immediate and long lasting impact to the over all experience. You can dial in that VT and make it sing, but its still just a tiny 42" when all is said and done.

chovik

33 posts

Geek

#523849 21-Sep-2011 07:50

fahrenheit: The VT30 is one of the more difficult TVs to calibrate. So much so, that its generally better to leave it then to do a half-hearted attempt.
Therefore, out of the box performance has to be factored into the buying decision rather than its untapped potential (which will go untapped by the vast majority of owners).

Personally, I would take the 46" GT over the 42" VT just as I would take a 55" ST over a 50" GT. That extra size is a feature that no other bonus can match in terms of immediate and long lasting impact to the over all experience. You can dial in that VT and make it sing, but its still just a tiny 42" when all is said and done.

Thanks fahrenheit...this seems a very reasoned response

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#523852 21-Sep-2011 08:01

Yeah I agree - in that I would be going for the larger GT rather than the smaller VT. Very similar end result in terms of picture quality, so in that light I would be jumping for the larger one. GT.

In saying that, I have just aquired a 50VT30 and am chomping at the bit to get it up and running!