The fading black problem is not widespread, its just people on AVforums over-reacting. If it is a problem, most of the G10 and V10 models came with a 5 year warranty anyway, so just call Panasonic and ask them to replace it - it will then go away for testing and they loan you a pannel.
Panasonic 2010 range.
- Thread starter insane200
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I read it was built into the firmware as a feature rather than a problem.
Panasonic press release the other day
Owners of Panasonic's recent plasma HDTVs have continued to push for more details on the "automatic control" the company cited as the cause of suddenly elevated black levels and it has revealed a few more details in an email exchange with CNET. Those hoping for some kind of patch or action in response to the changes will likely be disappointed however, as Senior VP Bob Perry put it, "there's nothing to fix." Citing trade secrets and a lack of a standard measure for black level performance, he also was unable to give any specifics about when the changes are designed to happen or by exactly how much. The company is promising technology in its 2010 models will offer a more gradual adjustment thanks to design adjustments, but that doesn't help current model owners left wondering if their set has, or will have in the future, degraded picture quality either by design or some software glitch. He did close by offering the olive branch of the VIERA Concierge Program for dissatisfied customers -- we'll see if a happy resolution for all is still within reach.
TBH i would be gutted if i had just bought a V10 knowing the set will gradually get worse over time, RMA on a HDD is one thing ....on an expensive TV set is nothing but a PITA. I was looking for a 50" V10 a few weeks back ...it's a blessing i couldn't source one. I sure as hell wouldn't be jumping all over the new 2010 sets if they are a ticking black level time bomb either, more gradual or not frankly it's poor form.
It is a widespread problem if you look about, avsforum is another with a massive thread on it. There are guys on there who have measured the change in levels with meters, quite substantial after only 500hrs.
Owners of Panasonic's recent plasma HDTVs have continued to push for more details on the "automatic control" the company cited as the cause of suddenly elevated black levels and it has revealed a few more details in an email exchange with CNET. Those hoping for some kind of patch or action in response to the changes will likely be disappointed however, as Senior VP Bob Perry put it, "there's nothing to fix." Citing trade secrets and a lack of a standard measure for black level performance, he also was unable to give any specifics about when the changes are designed to happen or by exactly how much. The company is promising technology in its 2010 models will offer a more gradual adjustment thanks to design adjustments, but that doesn't help current model owners left wondering if their set has, or will have in the future, degraded picture quality either by design or some software glitch. He did close by offering the olive branch of the VIERA Concierge Program for dissatisfied customers -- we'll see if a happy resolution for all is still within reach.
TBH i would be gutted if i had just bought a V10 knowing the set will gradually get worse over time, RMA on a HDD is one thing ....on an expensive TV set is nothing but a PITA. I was looking for a 50" V10 a few weeks back ...it's a blessing i couldn't source one. I sure as hell wouldn't be jumping all over the new 2010 sets if they are a ticking black level time bomb either, more gradual or not frankly it's poor form.
It is a widespread problem if you look about, avsforum is another with a massive thread on it. There are guys on there who have measured the change in levels with meters, quite substantial after only 500hrs.
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Yeah, all going well Pansonic should have a firmware out in the next few weeks. It effects the US sets more so than UK.
I am very happy still with my V10 and I have noticed no diminishing blacks, after 700 hours of use. The colour accuracy is still amazing, it gets better and better.
I may buy one of these new VT's. I ll have to wait to see if 3DHD kicks off though.
RMA is not really a PITA with Panasonic, as mentioned they provide a free loan set whilst yours is being tested 
If i notice any dimishing performance, I ll be on the blower and have panasonic testing it.
I am very happy still with my V10 and I have noticed no diminishing blacks, after 700 hours of use. The colour accuracy is still amazing, it gets better and better.
I may buy one of these new VT's. I ll have to wait to see if 3DHD kicks off though.
RMA is not really a PITA with Panasonic, as mentioned they provide a free loan set whilst yours is being tested
If i notice any dimishing performance, I ll be on the blower and have panasonic testing it.
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I know I'm probably being dense but is there going to be a 37" plamsa? the 37" listed under plasma has an LCD model number and is described as LCD further down the page. I've had a quick google and can find nothing to confirm the presence of a 37" in the range which is a real bummer as I want plasma but I don't want bigger!
not sure, the 37 plasma they have now is pretty dire tbh, its the most basic spec possible, and has really poor black levels to the point it grey.
other products that sound good are the new Bluray recorders, they will come on either freesat hd or freeview hd, and will have the ability to stream your hd recordings via a dongle to other pan tvs in the house.
And it looks like we will be able to connect an external hdd to the g20/v20 range tvs to recored to which is cool.
Yeah, all going well Pansonic should have a firmware out in the next few weeks. It effects the US sets more so than UK.
I am very happy still with my V10 and I have noticed no diminishing blacks, after 700 hours of use. The colour accuracy is still amazing, it gets better and better.
I may buy one of these new VT's. I ll have to wait to see if 3DHD kicks off though.
RMA is not really a PITA with Panasonic, as mentioned they provide a free loan set whilst yours is being tested
They give you a loaner, that's pretty decent.
Waiting till probably June until these new sets hit is the hardest for me, cash burning holes in my pockets and no good sets to buy. I wouldn't be surprised if LG have some nice stuff this year they are getting better and better and they have some nifty service menu options which none of the others provide.
Quick update from Phil over at AVforums.
All are well educated estimates of course. Near enough the same prices for equivalent models from last years range I think? At launch anyway.
Code:
Model Size Approximate UK Price Available in the UK
VT20 3D TV 50" £2000 June
VT20 3D TV 65" £4000 Maybe August
V20 42" £1,300 May/June
V20 50" £1,800-£1,900 May/June
G20 42" £1,100-£1,200 Feb/March
G20 46" £1,250-£1,350 Feb/March
G20 50" £1,400-£1,500 Feb/March
S20 42" £1,100-£1,200 March/April
S20 50" £1,250-£1,350 March/April
X20 37" ??? Feb/March
X20 42" £600-£750 Feb/March
X20 50" £750-£900 Feb/MarchAll are well educated estimates of course. Near enough the same prices for equivalent models from last years range I think? At launch anyway.
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I have a lot of time for Phil - he is a great guy
Those prices are horrendous - and Im CERTAINLY not going to be paying for a 3d tv complete waste of a £1000+ imo
Thanks for the update - but **** it, wanted to be able to tell myself
Those prices are horrendous - and Im CERTAINLY not going to be paying for a 3d tv complete waste of a £1000+ imo
Thanks for the update - but **** it, wanted to be able to tell myself
To be fair, are they particularly higher than last years? At launch RRP ofcourse. They do seem high compared to how cheap you can pick up last years model NOW.
At least there's not a ridiculous premium for 3D, its only £100-200 more, of that 50% or so must be the cost of the pair of glasses. Just need the tech to filter down to the entry/mid level sets.
If the VT20 has definite improvements over the V10 in 2d then sub £2k is pretty reasonable, couldn't give a monkeys about 3d until it becomes uniformed.....being an early adopter is always t3h suck and i have a feeling it could end up being a lame duck.
Strange how it recieves very good review from both the media and owners and sells like hot cakes. From what I've seen it's vastly better than equivalently priced LCD's especially when watching standard deff which is what I will be doing 90% of the time.
If anyone knows for sure that a 37" will be in the range and can point me to an article confirming it I would be greatfull!
Soldato
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Anyone know why it is that the 37" V10's box (for example) is so large - it's got to be around 35cm or more wide!
Not sure about the other sizes as we don't stock them where I work but the 37" boxes are about as wide as two 40" Samsung LCD boxes - and is also far far bigger than any other Panasonic box ... granted it is one of their top models but even so.
I am still weighing up getting a 50" G10B for £879 with 5 year warranty as I don't want to wait ages for these new ones and I doubt they'll trigger price decreases of any notable percentage!
Not sure about the other sizes as we don't stock them where I work but the 37" boxes are about as wide as two 40" Samsung LCD boxes - and is also far far bigger than any other Panasonic box ... granted it is one of their top models but even so.
I am still weighing up getting a 50" G10B for £879 with 5 year warranty as I don't want to wait ages for these new ones and I doubt they'll trigger price decreases of any notable percentage!
I'm not fussed about 3D or the improved black levels/contrast - although the latter is always welcome - it's the rumour that these new panels don't suffer from phosphor lag that has me excited. I sold my last Panasonic due to obvious phosphor lag while gaming and can't bring myself to buy another untill it is eliminated!
yes its becuase it has the stand fitted to the tv from factory instead of having to be fitted at home
i have the new panasonic magazine infront of me now, and the new range looks great, not much change style wise, just subtle differences, although the v20 looks like a silver G range telly.
i also have the price list and they look very reasonable .
i also have the price list
and they look very reasonable .not that i can see.
some new features on the viera cast side though are.
Ace trax - for streaming movies directly to your tv.
Daily motion - for news music sports ans comedy.
Qtom - for interactive music television.
Skype - for phone calls, with optional hd camera for video calls.
Twitter.
Associate
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i have the new panasonic magazine infront of me now, and the new range looks great, not much change style wise, just subtle differences, although the v20 looks like a silver G range telly.
i also have the price list
How much is the RRP for the 42" G20?
Borich