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The Best Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST30 65-Inch 1080p 120Hz 3D Plasma HDTV Review
Couldn't be happier
I pointed out that each of the hours I spent reading super detailed reviews was somewhat a complete waste of time because when it comes to the crunch, I can't really value or perhaps notice the subtle differences that more and more people compare. I merely wanted a good tv with great picture at a reasonable cost this also was it.
The setup was beyond easy. The remote and on-screen menus are extremely user-friendly.
The widgets all work okay. Watching youtube videos on the 55in might be entertaining.
My roommate and i also are traveling surfers and licensed skydivers so we have many GoPro HD videos that we watch on this tv with all the SD card slot(we also watch them through the youtube widget)and they look phenomenal.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a solid big screen with great picture on the right price this can it be. Suggest. If you have any questions then just leave a comment.
Fluctuating Brightness Can Break Your Movie Watching Experience...or otherwise not!
Immediately after turning the st30 on & popping in The world on Blu Ray for a test run I became extremely pleased with the new size screen facing me & the great picture. I played around some more, tweaking the image & features on my new set & chose to start watching a few of my select Blu Rays which do not have letterboxing. I read somewhere it's better to watch movies that occupy the full screen for your first 100 hours approximately of an new plasma. I'm no tech head and so i accomplish what I'm told. :p
Not long into watching "Starship Troopers" I noticed my first flicker, or fluctuation. Every time the film developed a cut there is an adjustment in brightness that came a half second later. I began rewinding it over & over & couldn't believe my eyes. After the awful flickering initially I continued to observe & noticed it happening throughout, though not as bad because start of the film. I've watched a couple of movies subsequently, such as - Sin City (noticeable and not terrible), LotR Fellowship of the Ring (noticeable although not terrible), & My dear GOD Final Fantasy: Advent Children. Final Fantasy was just unwatchable with flickering in all places. For those that don't know, Final Fantasy is entirely computer animated which might have something to do with it being so noticeable. I would expect the Pixar films to behave just as poorly however i can't say for several.
I started researching & found that the fluctuating brightness (or "FBr") isn't an unusual phenomenon. Just google "panasonic fluctuating brightness" & learn it. The forum "high def junkies" is a great starting point while they are already discussing it detailed for a while.
I haven't lost all hope yet! There has been talk of Panasonic submitting a firmware upgrade on their Spanish customers on a case-by-case basis that basically FIXES this concern! Or no less than adjusts it hence the fluctuation isn't visible for the naked eye. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this firmware helps it be stateside so we could begin enjoying my tv. If that occurs I am going to definitely change my rating of just one to a 5 star. I'll be keeping attention on that 30-day return date meanwhile, however.
********EDIT**************
After emailing Panasonic & starting a case together I waited patiently on an email or perhaps a call, but after having a month none came. I kept up while using community on high def junkies & eventually learned that Panasonic had started sending local repair guys by helping cover their a fresh A-Board, or if you are one of the lucky few a much simpler fix was available if a Panasonic employee could arrived at the house. I called Panasonic to find out exactly what the status on my case was, only to discover they had closed my case with no form of notification. Jerks. The person I spoke with for the phone was apologetic & knew just what I had been speaking about after i described fluctuating brightness. I was FINALLY getting somewhere. Within per week of this call they sent the replacement A-Board to my local repair center & I had an "FBr" free tv!
For those curious, they did must take apart my tv. After watching that terrifying ordeal it was merely a simple unplug-this plug-in-that & these were done. VERY happy overall.
After the fix this really is easily a 5-star tv in my opinion. I'm a bit conflicted on showering it without a penny but praise, however. I didn't exactly buy this tv day-1 of it's release & it took them this long to even acknowledge there were a dreadful defect in a large numbers of their sets.
For those few who complain about picture I will agree that right out from the box the picture quality won't jump out at you, but after purchasing a calibration disc & tweaking the custom settings it really looks amazing. Easily the top in its budget.
In short - if you are undecided about this set, don't be. If you're unlucky & acquire one which was built before they'd this fix installed, Panasonic will handle it!
Beats every TV out there to the price. Blows away LED/LCD!
Regardless I went out and bought a few things i felt was a bargain, a 60" Sharp Aquos Quattron 60LE832U from BJ's for $1,799. It was thin, had wireless connectivity integrated, 60", and cheap for which you still have. The picture was good but I soon noticed a lot of artifacts in the picture. The color through the factory was overly bright and oversaturated. I am usually person who likes a rather less realistic picture in favor of slightly more saturated and vivid images too but this was too much. No appear I really could not get the display quality right there were definitely motion issues despite the claimed 240Hz aquamotion. Turns out it isn't really truly 240Hz plus it is suffering from exactly the same motion conditions all LCD's are plagued with. Frustrated I checked out for the plasma side but was apprehensive because inside store plasmas look horrible. Their pictures are dull and over-brightened to where the blacks look gray and they're always next to shiny LED/LCD's that look so excellent. I had enough inside my account to seize an extra TV thankfully to view what it appeared as if near the Sharp and figured I would gain back one which looked worse. In this situation I used to be losing 5" in picture and was worried that this ambient light within my family room would drown out your plasma picture simply because this had always been an issue with plasma.
The second I set up this TV I became impressed! The color smooth out in the box was breathtaking and the blacks were right. There would be a golf tournament on and I felt like I had been there looking by way of a window. The Sharp had good resolution but it felt fake since picture was bright (even though turned down) along with the motion unrealistic. I immediately packed the Sharp and took it back. I am suggesting if you're thinking of LED/LCD avoid them, plasma is the place it's at so you cannot beat the image with this TV for that price, it really is unbelievable!!! LED/LCD just hasn't been perfected enough which explains why there are numerous different types for example edge-lit, full array, etc.
I do wish to mention for anyone thinking of getting this TV which i suggest you break the tv screen looking for the first 100 hours by not displaying any static images for instance logos or game HUD's. I also recommend running the slides which can be found here:[...] for your first 100 hours of the TV to age the phosphors inside the TV evenly. The best method to achieve this would be to put these slides by using an Sdcard and run them through media player ensuring that to perform the slideshow on loop mode and continuously. This allows each pixel to age with the very same rate so that as soon as the 100 hours each pixel gets the same color saturation. Early on phosphors are soft and get hotter than normal, causing them to be more susceptible to lose in and image retention but while they age they harden in addition to their colors are more normalized. After on this occasion burn was a reduced amount of a worry plus your TV will calibrate much better as each pixel features a normalized color towards the one alongside it. The best settings for the TV can be found here: [...]Issues-Thread but should not be used until Following the 100 hour enter time! Remember never to use vivid mode for the initial 100 hours either as this can increase probability of image retention although on newer TV's it is not because a worry anymore.
Now on to the actual review:
Pros:
1) Picture - Absolutely stunning, the image is really as realistic since it comes with good saturation as well as the brightness is ideal. I have put this TV next to everything out there are the GT30 and VT30 as there are simply no different from what my eyes can easily see. All you obtain is THX mode and 1 HDMI and USB port on the other models and anyone who lets you know the PQ is way better on those is simply being overly critical and properly a complete calibration nut because I merely can't see it nor can most of the people.
2) Black levels - Any deeper of your black and it would look fake, regardless if the brightness is appeared they stay completely black, it's not not just a stupid joggling act enjoy it has been LED/LCD in places you have to tradeoff black levels for other things like brightness.
3) Internet apps/connectivity/networking - Includes a wireless dongle to allow connection to your network and it's also far more useful than I thought. DLNA works 1000x better than the Sharp which was clunky, slow, and didn't play all media types. The ST30 even previews your video clips in your network while scrolling through them, it is just a cool feature which is very responsive. The apps are excellent too with pretty much everything selecting searching for for instance Pandora and Youtube.
4) Price - Because i discussed earlier you can not beat this PQ to the price. $1499 at most places this means you will be also found a tad cheaper. The Vizio 4SV 55" model is practically $2000 and it is large, ugly, and contains an array of problems including randomly turning off. This is really a documented problem that you could hunt for and Vizio is apprehensive to repair it for anyone.
5) 3D - I'll admit I wasn't really big on this and the Sharp I aquired didn't even have it because I really could care less over it but that one did (and was cheaper, go figure). I am really glad now that it will have it because 3D is just breathtaking and there is virtually no crosstalk in any way! All another makers (except maybe Sony) stood a lot of crosstalk, especially Samsung. The Sony I viewed had great 3D nevertheless it was also running on a demo inside store hooked to your bluray the bit deceiving when compared with watching it on DirecTV something like that. Also remember that Vizio TV's are not listed (today) as a supported 3DTV with DirecTV!
Cons:
1) Only con I will think about would be that the 60" model is nearly $600 more, which is a bit ridiculous. I hoped it absolutely was much more $300 more as I would have jumped on it in that case.
2) Hardly anything else, this TV absolutely rocks!
Bottom line:
If happen to be on fences with which TV to obtain or perhaps you are debating plasma vs. LED/LCD please take this review seriously and check out the plasma, I'm almost gonna guarantee that with this price that you are likely to as it more. The new Samsung 55" LED/LCD is $2650, while this amazing 2011 plasma is $1499, you don't need to spend $1200 more!
This will be as good since it gets!
After doing research for months, I ended up purchasing the 65ST30 from Amazon for $2050 last month. I am a first time Plasma buyer, so researched A lot into fractional treatments. I was surprised how long Plasmas attended along. I used to think they don't really have a very durability, or are an outdated technology. I could not are actually more wrong. I also looked at the GT and also the VT series, but VT was unthinkable because of ridiculous pricing, as well as the display quality of GT didn't look any different than ST30 in the local best-buy. GT does have a smaller bezel though, and is more appealing looking.
Also, seeing several reviews and speaking with people on AVS forum - I realised GT has bigger issues with floating blacks and brightness fluctuations, so decision was rather easy. ST30 was the main one to acquire.
CALIBRATION:
After I got the set, I oftentimes tried the D-Nice's settings/slides to prep the set for his calibration (online). You won't need to try this, even using his calibrated settings looked pretty good as is also - however i underwent his recommended process, for the greatest possible image. If you have the patience, I'll recommend using his entire process. It's worthwhile.
PICTURE QUALITY:
After inputting the settings given by D-Nice (and some of my tweaks) the picture quality was simply breathtaking. I had been just amazed how natural the image looked. I used to be told this can be a biggest benefit from going Plasma over LED, and also at first I wasn't certain that I'll see much difference - however I'm sold.
I purchased a 2011 LG LED TV just few months ago, and this Plasma is more effective. I compared them close to the other, and it's really not close. Not merely you obtain true natural colors with Plasma, you will get very deep blacks and no motion blur. Can't wait to look at some football for this beautiful set. I had been somewhat concerned with floating blacks - but no difficulty with this set. Watched several Blu-Ray movies into it - and was impressed through the sized the TV as well as the fine picture. It speakers aren't great, but aren't bad either. I prefer to purchase a sound-bar eventually though.
FEATURES:
a) 3D - I'm not really a large fan of 3D (not yet at the very least) but 3D is actually damn good for this tv. A lot better than some other set I know of. But, 3D image has always given me a head-ache, i really avoid 3D.
b) Online services - Basic applications are there, for instance Netflix, Amazon videos, Youtube. User-Interface is simple to make use of and it is intuitive. I mostly start using these services from the Blu-Ray player anyway. You can play videos or view pictures through SD slot or USB drive or DNLA server (connecting in your PC through wireless).
c) Viera Connect - I like this feature. When i bought this TV, I also got a new Panasonic Blu-Ray player and with Viera Connect, it is possible to sync in the device along with your TV and use the TV remote to manipulate the gamer. Simple idea that makes a LOT of sense.
d) Remote Control - I've not said this shortly, but I love the handy remote control that accompanies this TV. It is usually back-lit, that is helpful at night. Again, quite easy and intuitive.
CONS:
I have not yet find anything wrong with this set. But, I have to admit - no TV is perfect. LEDs have their issues and Plasmas get their issues. I was conscious of basic issues with Plasma's - so nothing caught me off-guard. I'll advise everyone to research these complaints beforehand, or ask me in case you have questions. These are small issues to deal with, nothing major but one should be aware of them.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Another thing I'll advise everyone interested in buying a Plasma - don't go by a specific item at your local store. If you have to compare at the store, compare Plasma TV with Plasma television - avoid LEDs. Plasma TVs must be set-up as outlined by your room and lighting. Or even set correctly, Plasmas will probably look pale and dull. To have the picture to pop-out and appear accurate simultaneously (something LEDs struggle with), you need to play around with the settings. As i've already explained, google for D-Nice's settings - he or she is an expert calibrator who may have shared his settings. Of course, you've still got to tweak your settings - however it offers you a great starting place. Also visit AVS forum where you can find more setting options and determine what works the best for you.
I've had this TV to get a month, so far, it has been the most effective TVs I've ever purchased. Ever since then, I've obtained a 50ST30 at the same time for my bed-room and am just as pleased with that set. Once you aspect in the retail price (for 65ST30 or 50ST30), I doubt you will discover a greater deal available. I checked out the Samsung Plasmas (that are skinnier) and search great as well. Eventually, Panasonic is really a more renowned brand with regards to Plasmas and a stride or two ahead when it comes to black levels and over-all quality. Also, Samsung has weak customer satisfaction - which resolved personally.
Great TV
Great TV, 1 problem that undoes all this. - *****Update problem solved*****
1) I like Panasonic products. I've had their phones/shavers/Digital Cameras/and now a Blu-ray player and that i love all of them.
2) I even absolutely love the PQ about this TV also (barring fluctuating brightness naturally).
3) I'm creating a 1-star rating which has a heavy heart though a good observant mind.
4) If only I never were required to write this review.
The deal breaker??? - Fluctuating brightness!!!
I read rave reviews for this TV here/other places and I accept them PQ-wise. In case and just In case your set has this and you've noticed this you're done. I am hoping this is simply not true along with you yet it's the truth with me and few others. Unsure the number of "few" people it will require to obtain the attention of a major manufacturer but the following is my viewing experience so far. I've had this TV for 3.5 weeks now.
This TV tries to adjust its brightness A whole lot. Most of some time a scene changes between a dark scene to a (much) lighter scene/area - you will see the changing brightness - especially on the face, it'll go wayyyy brighter, then back to normal. Eventually the lighting will be perfect/even great hue though the "switching" drives me nuts. While dark scenes themselves look wonderful overall - Furthermore, i noticed some dark/darkness adjustment even just in an evening scene the location where the light inside scene/room was off. It happens a lot less often but it does. The adjustment in dark scenes aren't that distracting because they are less frequent/apparent. Daylight/bright scenes - another story.
I even tried to "ignore" this by telling myself - oh well no TV is ideal and i want to just "live" by using it but I just couldn't. Besides - for a $2K TV to perform what my $250 seven yr old Sharp (CRT) TV doesn't do is just unacceptable.
I have tried Blue ray/SD content/HD contect/netflix/regular DVDs and they all display fluctuating brightness. I grant it is not there Continuously but boy when it rears its ugly head (and this can be) - that is certainly ALL I watch and well which is ALL I'm watching right this moment - not willingly I need to add. I've gotten the most recent firmware as well.
So why only a 1-star in the event the PQ/blacks are great. The brightness issue is so glaring that it handily undoes the MANY good/great/outstanding qualities of this TV. These are outstanding - yet another excellent thing about the TV is kinds of skin - oh so natural. When I was TV hunting/doing "eye test" in stores - LED always appeared to offer an edge. But man - this colors/skin tones are so realistic within this TV. I do not need to take away the great PQ on this TV - in most fairness, yet concurrently I would not desire to eliminate the undeniably distracting viewing this TV presents in my experience. In fact I am like I am relegated to "watching" the fluctuating brightness as an alternative to actually experiencing and enjoying the example of this otherwise great TV. I even tried telling myself - maybe I'm "looking" with this brightness fluctuation issue but no no no - it's THERE.
I'm confused to explain why Panasonic did not/does not notice this - which is - if they don't. They need to remedy it and fasten it now. I BELIEVE Panasonic can and will make it right. I still maintain it's actually a great TV. I don't determine if others also have a similar issue or to this degree but it's been my experience. I am not sure the technical details but they *should* be able to fix this with a firmware fix. I haven't given up on them so because of this have requested Amazon for an additional ST30. It is just a great TV otherwise but you buy a TV to enjoy the programming content, NOT distractions. Panasonic - you're the top plasma maker in the market. You guys need the complete (former) Pioneer/Kuro team on your side. Are you going to please allow it to be right!!!
When I get the new TV - I'll re-evaluate and post my findings. Oh mind you Amazon was 100% helpful/quick in sending an upgraded. Thanks Amazon!!!
****Update 3/29/12****
I know I understand - LONG overdue update.
Ok to start with - this is a 5 star TV ... and more.
For this price - this picture - forget about it. I realize D7000 is great as well but a tad more expensive.
I were required to go through 3 TVs before they identified the A-board replacement. And boy should it fix the issue. I deliberately delayed my update a 'bit' 'cos I did not desire to just believe it 'cos others were saying it. I seriously experimented with 'find' the fluctuating brightness issue following your A-board replacement but I'm thrilled to say I merely cannot find it. This TV greater than rocks. The prices are probably lower now... so what're you awaiting? .. nonetheless they've got ST50 out now *wink wink*
Someone asked earlier why numerous ppl are giving 5 stars to this particular TV when others are (were) reporting fbr issues. Well us had older versions where problem was prevalent. The modern TVs post-august 2011 I believe shouldn't have this issue and for the older ones the A-board replacement fixes the situation. Read my first review above - other than the fbr - it had NO fault at all. I cannot reply to others' TVs but my issue went away soon after the A-board fix. I'm happy that Panasonic acknowledged after which fixed the situation using their product.
I can't thank Amazon enough. To remain 100% supportive through the 2 times I had created to exchange the tv screen. Am glad all this resolved well in the long run. I'm happy to say I can't regret buying this TV one bit .. even with every one of the trouble of replacing and waiting. I'd do all of it all over again in a very heartbeat. Why? Get up than ends well :-) It is going to for you personally too.... buy it and thank me later .... I mean thank Panasonic later.
Plasma >>> LCD, No Question. Best Image I've come across.
After doing a bit of research, I started to be aware of why there was still a niche for plasma: it can be desired by people that really love their TV technology. The belief that prices for that systems were now lower than comparable LCD televisions only agreed to be an added bonus. After the decision to travel plasma was developed, I had created to then select a set. Since i have wished to reap the benefits of Amazon's 24 month no interest financing offer, I needed to choose from the LG and the Panasonic. That choice was obviously a little easier: looking at literally each review for both TVs on Amazon, as well as countless Alternative party professional reviews, I went with the Panasonic. The history and standing of quality, in addition to client satisfaction, had me sold.
I experienced the looking for about A month now, and can reveal to you my experience thus far.
SHIPPING: I made use of the super-saver shipping, which used the property Direct USA company to ship from Amazon to a someone's place of business, then someone's place of business to the home. Despite finding some negative reviews with Home Direct, Let me tell you that we made two calls for many years to make sure that location and timing (their tracking site doesn't update regularly, it only tells you when they picked it down from amazon when it's shipped to the neighborhood company) knowning that both times these were extremely courteous and helpful. The TV arrived at the area carrier exactly when it was likely to. The neighborhood carrier first set a day for delivery that has been A day later than the Amazon "delivered by" date, but that wasn't really a big problem. They did, however attempt to call the day before delivery to own date pushed back further because of driver issues; I insisted on keeping my original date (because i had already requested the time-off from work) plus they could actually accommodate. The delivery men were professional and courteous, and my only minor gripe about them is always that one of them experimented with get me to sign the "I received the package clear of damage" form before going ahead and opening it to test for damage. I politely refused to sign it until we succeeded, and yes it would be a non-issue. There were no injury to the set from transport.
BREAK-IN PERIOD: I'd planned on running the break-in slides and doing the whole dnice process (see highdefjunkies for more info), but the room I used to be placing this TV in had exactly 27 hours before my daughter's sleepover house party will be locked in that room, and that i knew that 7 pre-teen girls wouldn't normally take kindly to 1) no TV or 2) watching color slides as entertainment. Therefore, I schedule my plans for your 100-150 hour break-in and began researching its necessity. I came across you will find in the same way many people who feel this is totally unnecessary with there being who feel it's absolutely necessary; though the argument against it can be that, basically, when the manufacturer was whatsoever worried about quality reputation, and felt it was needed, they will include it inside the manual. As it is often not included, then its likely not essential. If you want to undertake it, and also have the luxury of using this method, do it now. Honestly had I not needed the set in a short timeframe, I'd likely have done it myself just to say I did it. UNDERSTAND that the break-in is NOT stuck just using image retention (more about that later); it is simply meant to evenly age the phosphors to ensure that when calibration is completed down the road, the calibrator can tell they are working off the same baseline. Used to do maintain your brightness and contrast down i zoomed in if you watch anything with bars for that initial hours of use (maybe 20). I've since turned the brightness and contrast up and possess watched LOTR: Fellowship as well as a few other movies.
CALIBRATION SETTINGS: As a way to set the TV to settings I liked, I started with dnice's post-break-in calibration settings. Purists will really say that this really is blasphemy and that I must be stripped of my tv immediately and instructed to an amish internment camp. No, no, decelerate. I wouldn't, won't, declare that those calibration settings, without the break-in period, will offer me absolutely the most effective image possible since I didn't follow his procedure. He's an expert calibrator, i realize why he disclaims to complete the opposite settings first, while he doesn't want someone using his settings w/o doing the work then claiming he's wrong. I simply desired to use his as a kick off point. While i get it set, and watched for any little bit, I started tweaking here and there. Sometimes I like warm1 over warm2. I've turned the contrast and brightness up just a little bit. And so forth. It just depends. Keep in mind a thing that is stated by many on those forums: what many of us are utilized to watching is over-saturated, over-brightened images which aren't in keeping with real-life. The calibration settings get as near to real-life as you can; if you would like your image over-saturated, more vibrant, etc., then you'll definitely need to tweak it yourself. YMMV.
PICTURE QUALITY: Wow. I mean... wow. Again, via LCD, I did not know clarity existed on this level. In my experience, going from your mid-range Television with a top quality plasma was like re-discovering HDTV. I don't know I can really quantify the experience, to be quite honest. I not really know I can write excessive on PQ as it's simply hard to describe. The look is crystal clear over a level previously unseen by me, also it looks... natural. Once I have seen it, I feel like LCD images are experiencing to overcompensate to acquire close to this a higher level clarity. It might be like all you have ever had is artificial sweetener, then tasted real sugar initially in your lifetime. It is simply... authentic.
- Glare: Many people are involved about glare from plasma. This TV glares no more than new LCDs do. Don't let that prevent you.
- Viewing Angle: My viewing room is fairly square, and so the viewers will never be more than probably 25-30 degrees right or left in the center of the TV; however, in order to test, I've stood 75-80 degrees aside, as well as the image quality will not drop off in the slightest. Additionally, there is no difference vertically - a big problem I needed with past LCDs. Perhaps the TV is slightly above, below, or directly in front of your viewing angle will make no impact on your perceived image quality.
SOUND QUALITY: We have the television connected to a receiver w/ 6.1 multichannel, however i did briefly test the speakers on the TV ahead of connecting it for the audio system. Easily were while using the TV for casual television viewing, the built-in speakers could be plenty adequate. I can't go ahead more detail because I only listened good enough to consider a "thumbs up/down" measurement, and decided thumbs up depending on about 30-60 seconds of listening.
IMAGE RETENTION: Ok, meat and potatoes time. Does the tv screen are afflicted by image retention? Again, I've only been there about 3-4 weeks, and in all likelihood no more than 40-50 hours useful so far. Let me tell you how the first day I needed it, I made use of the heck from it, primarily with my PS3 (for watching blu-rays, .mp4/.avi movies, and playing some games). There was several times when I walked from the TV while using PS3's primary menu up (the XMB), i were built with a picture of my children on the background. That night, while i deterred the tv screen along with the room was totally dark, I could *faintly* go to a residual picture of my kids' outlines around the TV. I went downstairs for about Half an hour, returned up, also it vanished. It was never noticeable if you watch or playing anything. Since then, I've played Madden 12, Uncharted 3, aforementioned LOTR:FOTR, and other movies/tv shows, and have not once experienced any IR in any respect. Also i changed the XMB background about the PS3 from the children towards the default one, which a more pastel color with moving glittery specks. Bottom line: I really believe because the TV was new, as well as the phosphors soft, the image retention was probably that occurs, as well as it was a non-issue. As the phosphors have aged, despite 40-50 hours, it's not longer a problem.
- Gaming: many people are worried about gaming on plasmas in regards to IR. Avoid being. From a few things i will easily notice, all the recent games I've played have breaks in the action when any static images are removed and the entire screen can be used for something. Example: Madden 12 may have a score box up, however it frequently cuts to instant replays, quarter/half endings, as well as other cutscenes that get rid of the static image every couple of minutes. The identical with Uncharted 3. There exists only ever a couple of minutes during a period every time a static image remains on the watch's screen. And also the older your TV gets, the greater aged the phosphors get, the more unlikely IR is always to occur or perhaps a problem.
BRIGHTNESS FLUCTUATION: I've not checked a corner to determine when my TV was manufactured, but I can tell with certainty that we're not experiencing and enjoying the conditions other medication is describing. This leads me to think that the models being shipped out (at the very least from Amazon directly) are newer and enjoy the patch applied.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
- 3D: Sorry, I'm no help here. I purchased a 3D TV so I'd have that replacement for purchase later. We've no glasses or 3D movies to view.
- VierraCast: I don't subscribe to NetFlix, and so i can't let you know about its player (apart from the belief that it's there.) Pandora permits you to manage multiple accounts in one screen, so that's pretty awesome. It has an Amazon Video player, the 1st I have come across one out of a computer like this (why is it not entirely on the PS3 yet?!?) however i avoid using them either. Overall, the net options are plenty in quantity, recption menus is easy to navigate and understanding of the remote (in comparison to some I've used, like Samsung), and becoming for the menu takes 1 button, that is nice.
- VierraLink: This allows you to link devices like your PS3 and the TV via HDMI. I have not tried while using the TV remote for stopping/starting video and navigating the screen, but I deeply love the fact activating one device turns on another, as long as the television was last applied to that input. If I start the tv screen, the PS3 automatically turns on. The PS3 lets you know when enabling this feature when it's actively used (i.e. playing a game title or watching a show) it disables the shut-off feature, when you wish to leave your game paused to seize some food but need to power down the TV, it is possible to.
- DLNA/Media player: the DLNA player works, but Panasonic obviously didn't need to spend on a DIVX license something like that because it won't play .AVI files. As an Apple user, I typically handbrake everything to .mp4 (H.264 codec) anyway, and people play fine. I use the PS3 for some of my media playback needs, but solutions it is not the best option, as well as the TV's DLNA server is used. The media player is separate, and is also used if you want to connect a USB or SD device. My biggest complaint about both could be that the browsing of files has a "feature" where it is going to start playing the recording in the preview window as you're wanting to browse. In a big list of files, this is often a problem. The interface bogs down and becomes difficult to acquire through, almost as though the memory buffer gets full from trying to play the previews. On a USB stick this isn't a challenge; over a DLNA server with 85 files in 1 folder, it's actually a problem.
Aesthetics: The bezel is great, the beds base is sweet. The television is sturdy about the base - I had created to tug a cabinet out last night to obtain behind it for some cabling (unrelated on the TV) and the LCD used to teeter somewhat when I achieved it - never at risk to falling, but never giving me a fully secure feeling, either - though the Panasonic didn't budge. I will mount it about the wall 1 day, for now it functions looking at a cabinet.
Summary:
Pros:
- Image quality is the foremost I've ever seen, blows away every LCD I've come across. Calibrate for optimum results (don't you need to default settings)
- Glare is reduced and on-par with new LCDs
- Heat isn't any worse, and in fact better, compared to LCD I replaced it with from 2008
- Viewing angle - notice from anywhere you will see the screen without quality drop-off
- Tedious break-in period is usually recommended by some and not considered necessary by plenty others. Some and am happy.
- Image retention is often a non-issue; at the start of its life-cycle there may be a case from it, however it is not visible during viewing and can stop as phosphors age.
- Sound is slightly above average, although another audio system is always recommended.
- Added features such as VierraLink, VierraCast, DLNA and media player are nice act as expected. They're all to easy to get to and navigate.
- Good to look at; the bezel is not too big or distracting, along with the is made of solid and sturdy.
Cons:
- Via LCD, it's difficult to obtain use to "true black." If watching a compressed video, blacks may well not translate correctly, producing black blobbed mass on the watch's screen. I've was required to generate the brightness on the handful of videos in order to see. This was *only on compressed videos* though, and possibly not very well done. DVDs, Blu-Rays, TV, and quality digital files were fine.
- Ports. A few will say "yeah but this can be a budget with their line-up." I can't care. It's competing against other TVs on the same price point, also it fails with this aspect. 3 HDMI vs 4 on others, no VGA port. This one thing made the option between your LG and Panasonic difficult. Fortunately I cared about quality of image and brand reputation a lot more than 2 extra ports, however i shouldn't must carry out that choice. I do not foresee it being an problem with me because i don't have many things to plug into this TV, however for others even tho it's a frustration.
BOTTOM LINE:
I recommend this set and also this brand to everyone which will listen, and those don't care. I liked it so much i decided immediately to look at advantage of the 24 months no interest deal a little more and upgrade our crappy little LCD in the bedroom on the 42" Panasonic S30 TV (the price difference forced me to be go with the S instead of the ST.) I look forward to getting it in sometime in the future. If you are attempting to decide between LCD and plasma, and you want the best display quality at the best price, have the plasma--and get the Panasonic.
A superbly nice TV! And at 3K, it needs to be!
This set incorporates every possible connection that you'll need to look at and listen to something that you want, it provides a WiFi adapter on your Internet applications which plugs into one of the two USB ports available and obviously, an SD card slot for viewing pictures, paying attention to mp3's,3D movies etc.There is also a pc connection if you opt to travel that road,but i use one in the HDMI connections for my laptop which does an excellent job.
There are four HDMI input jacks, an optical digital audio output jack, and many types of the opposite standard inputs that you would need including a PC and a wired LAN connection.
Setting up this beast took approximately 15 minutes, after which it I began exploring the digital and also analog channels that came in on my cable system.
After setting the image function to vivid, and backing off a number of the adjustments, finished . looked superb... I also own a Panasonic vierra 50in plasma set that works as being a champ, the reason that I went because of this one, along with the picture here exceeds the photographs I'd see using the 50 inch.
I fooled around somewhat with all the Internet applications, it has all of the usual ones, netflix - twitter -face book etc.
It also offers some games that one could play of course, if you wish to,and you'll download more apps... Some are free and several cost around Three to four dollars to setup within the TV. Looks nice works as well as you could possibly expect... My DSL connection is 700 mbit therefore the quality just isn't as topnotch as it would be on a faster connection... Say FIOS or something like that.
I then add in the avatar 2D bluray DVD, and that is where this thing really shines! The set carries a function inside that allows you to smooth the picture. This is very ideal for detaching the jerkyness that you simply see of all televisions when things move from side to side or up and down and it provides the appearance of the very smooth and flowing image... I love this and you have the option of turning this off and on. You are able to see this effect on some sharp and Samsung LCD TVs... Now it's on plasma.. Very nice. The thing is maybe about an inch thick cab to tailgate so when you notice in the side you are able to barely even find it... And then while you step outwards from your side of computer, you set about to view each of the picture without having color degradation or lowering of brightness you will get with High definition tvs, so viewing angles aren't a difficulty.
This is one of the clear advantages for me purchasing a plasma television. And the black levels, as promised, are infinitely black! I viewed it in a very completely darkened room and contrast levels are fantastic... in the event the screen goes black, you couldn't see anything inside the room apart from the red light for the television.
The set is 3D ready but you'll want to buy 3D bluray player as well as the special Panasonic active shutter 3D glasses that you must purchase separately... Another $400 or so for the people additions... So in the meantime I am unable to discuss the 3D functionality on this set.. But More than likely that it's beautiful because anything else looks great with this titanic screen.
My son has seen it which is bugging me about obtaining the 3D glasses to ensure that he can find out how avatar looks in 3D so maybe you will see an addition for this long review out soon. Kudos to Panasonic.. I find it irresistible!
5/29/11-I forgot to mention the main one BIG negative that we have using this set,that's the speakers inside the tv,they SUCK!They seem like something you'll get in say a 19"television,thin and tiny...its kinda weird that my 50"speakers seem to sound a lot better than these but i guess that the thinking has been a screen this big,you may be using an external surround system anyway, as i do,so there's that.It also includes a very well-lit,when the light button is pressed,remote device.There are several more things this set can perform,you will need to acquire one and enjoy it to test them out,
LB
Great TV with excellent picture (Fixed Fluctuating Brightness)
I have owned this TC-P50ST30 to get a approximately Two months now. Bought from Amazon, it arrived quickly plus perfect condition along with the delivery driver solved the problem bring it inside and solved the problem open it up to be sure it had been ok prior to you signing correctly. The TV can be used for typical family content (movies, TV, & sports) from DirecTV HD-DVR and blu-ray playter, and it has ~500hours onto it.
While the finish with the bezel just isn't anywhere near as elegant as my TC-P65VT30 it is more than adequate, if a bit understated. The TV is thin and appearance great attached to the wall. Again, only at that price point, for any plasma with great picture that supports 3D... this set is really a bargain, as well as the looks are just fine. I might have preferred a metallic bezel, there is however nothing that is unique as bad while using looks on this thing.
I had no issue adjusting this TV to secure a great resulting picture. I couldn't believe how great the image quality was with this TV from day one, especially great deal of thought came at a real great price point. With tuned in settings the shades are deep and rich and not over saturated, the blacks and shadow detail were tremendous, and the 3D looked amazing. My loved ones and I enjoyed reading this TV without the difficulties that others have complained about (green "blobs", buzzing, IR/Burn-in, fluctuating brightness) for your first 450 possibly even hours. Then, just as if someone flipped a switch... smack, here comes the fluctuating brightness. I began to notice it on several older movies, and thought that it absolutely was because this content was older. As purchasing went it onto it got worse and starting presenting itself on increasingly more content, including movies we had watched before without problems. At now it is now tough to watch a show or Tv series which has any type of quick scene differ from a dark scene to a brighter scene due to these fluctuations. If they happened gradually it could be fine and wouldn't be noticed, or if they happened immediately in the scene put it back can be fine also. As it really is, once the scene changes as described above, there's a brightness shift approximately half an additional afterwards.
I've watched the same content with an LCD i have within my bedroom, from your same source and don't see these fluctuations. I have also watched this same content, in the same source, on my TC-P65VT30 and don't see these fluctuations. There is clearly something wrong this set, however from reading others experiences.. Panasonic is claiming that this is normal and within spec, and it is a design "feature". Really? I have a very call in to Panasonic now, and am waiting to listen to back. It can be a shame as this TV was such a whole lot and looked so excellent in the beginning, in fact still looks great.. yet it's hard to watch and luxuriate in it with one of these problems.
Unfortunately if Panasonic cannot understand this cared for which has a software update, this TV will probably be relegated to a gaming set for the youngsters to make use of while using Xbox. I am not pleased.
EDIT/UPDATE: Since posting my original review, Panasonic has come forward and really stepped up on the plate. Engineer's took on all reports regarding the fluctuating brightness problems, caused calibration experts in the field, and still have developed a fix. There are two possibilities open for fixing the fluctuating brightness: #1. A Panasonic representative will come to your house and install a software fix (this is a flash to the core software for the TV) having an Files. #2. Panasonic can send a licensed service center to exchange the A-board in the TV with a new one which already is the updated/fixed software. It is a Panasonic's discretion (mostly dependent to option of Panasonic field reps). In my case I acquired the application fix, but I know a great many others who have had the A board replacement and still have seen the identical results when i have.
When the Panasonic rep came to my house, we watched content to exhibit the situation, the rep then followed his procedure and flashed the firmware on both TV's. After the application upgrades we watched the identical content we watched just Ten mins earlier, and the fluctuations were gone. It has been 4 days considering that the update and I haven't yet go to whichever remaining fluctuations/problems.
Panasonic has told you that they are incorporating this fix into all newly produced 2011 sets you start with August builds, and definately will fix any TV's which have recently been purchased of produced ahead of that. If you have have a set using this type of problem, contact Panasonic Viera Concierge immediately and they'll get you cared for.
Panasonic must be very much applauded when planning on taking good care of this challenge, I will be extremely happy about not on the the TV's, though this resolution. This update to my original review is a reflection of such.
65ST30 Great (After Fluctuating Brightness Patch)
Most will agree the picture about this set is fantastic apart from the fluctuating brightness problem. Panasonic United states has created an area for this issue. In the event you own a set which includes this problem, contact Panasonic and make sure they know that you simply see "fluctuating brightness" on various content. They've created sure you will find the latest firmware updates, and that CATS is off, and will document your settings. Once you let them know that you still see fluctuating brightness they are going to schedule a technician trip to replace your A-Board or flash your TV with an SD Card (new A-Board is among the most likely). The new A-Board/SD Card flash will fix the fluctuating brightness. I received it last week and many types of scenes that exhibited the challenge before are being employed as they need to. Bravo to Panasonic NA for addressing the matter.
Image Quality:
The picture quality on this panel is amazing. Black levels are deep, colors are lifelike/realistic yet still vibrant concurrently, whites are white, movement is fluid for sports and games (no input lag whatsoever for games). Bear in mind, the television is only able to produce a fantastic picture providing you provide it great content (blu-ray, and HD cable/satellite to your lesser degree), so don't feed it junk (SD content).
3D:
The 3D quality is exceptional. The depth you will experience produces some exciting experiences. I initially wrote 3D off like a gimmick, however you realize the enjoyment you will get when you grab some top quality 3D content. Before the 3D movies occasional crosstalk/ghosting is noticeable in a few scenes every time a bright image is in front of dark backgrounds; normally, this is sporadic and several other sets will show the same ghosting...exactly the nature with the 3D beast at this time. Overall the 3D is fantastic. Out from the 3D movies I own, this is actually the order I rank them: Avatar, Tangled, Rio, Tron Legacy, Ice Age 3. Many more 3D movies are released so it's a great time to present 3D a try. I've only played a number of 3D games for instance Wipeout, Stardust, Black Ops, and Uncharted 3 Beta. Up to now Wipeout wins, Uncharted 3 and Stardust were pretty good, but Black Ops was lame in my opinion. As time goes on I'd think of the quality of 3D gaming increases.
Settings:
First of all, hire an expert calibrator (not Best to buy) to get the most accurate settings. However, since many people do not want to spend more income for the calibration, seek out D-Nice's settings online for a few great/accurate Custom settings that do not involve extensive work (I won't publish his settings here). I've also learned that Cinema gives a good picture, and here are the settings I prefer (observe that each set will change):
Picture Settings:
Picture Mode: Cinema
Contrast: 92
Brightness: 55
Color: 56
Tint: -1
Sharpness: 0
Color Temp: Warm 2
C.A.T.S.: Off
Video NR: Off
Aspect Adjustments Settings:
Screen Format: Full
HD Size: Size 2 (occasionally Size 1 determined by what I'm watching)
HDMI Settings:
Leave on default
Advanced Picture:
Block NR: Off
Mosquito NR: Off
Motion Smoother: Off
Black Level: Light
3:2 Pulldown: On
24p Direct in: 60Hz
For 3D, I personally use the same settings above, but increase Contrast to 100, and sharpness to 50.
I gathered these settings using the Disney WOW blu-ray optimizer. If you haven't been aware of that disc, I strongly suggest you research it and think of purchasing it as it incorporates some good tips/explanations, a pixel flipper (I'll talk about that in the second), and also a visual reference disc which has videos of some great scenery.
Issues:
As with all plasmas, you will see some line-bleed in a variety of content. The line-bleed will seem enhanced due to large sized the TV, but there's nothing you're able to do regarding it. Ultimately, you won't negatively affect your TV viewing. One issue lots of people anxiety about is image retention and/or burn in. When you will discover in many knowledgeable discussions of plasma TVs, burn in is extremely unlikely with this time period. Sure, it is possible to ruin your TV in case you never vary your articles, nonetheless it takes some effort. To get extra cautious, ensure that you take it easy inside first 100 hours. I personally don't lower my contrast and brightness settings, but a majority of people do. I recently ensure that you switch content up occasionally, attempt to watch fullscreen content without logos, and limit time gaming. After the TV has aged somewhat, technology-not only as normal. Take care not to ONLY watch stations 24/7 with a fixed logo, or scoreboard (ESPN), , nor ONLY play the same video game for numerous days back to back without switching up the content. This doesn't mean you can't play video games for a long period, or watch ESPN for quite a while, it just means be cautious and smart. Sure, after some long game sessions you could possibly start to see the HUD, or perhaps the scoreboard after watching some sports, however it go away after some time. A very important factor I discussed earlier would have been a pixel flipper about the Disney WOW disc. It possesses a constantly moving static signal that exercises each pixel on your screen precisely to combat image retention; it's a pretty cool feature which i highly recommend. Overall, as time passes along with your TV ages it's going to about build-up an immunity to image retention. Up to now, I watch movies online and play video games heavily around the 65ST30 and have not noticed any image retention at all.
If you would like to research more to do with this TV, or any TVs, look at [...]. I learned a lot out of this forum.|
Great TV!
Good TV for any good price
5/15/2011
Small update: we have spent couple of weeks trying cool features I need to unfortunately say that the built-in Netflix performance is sort of inconsistent. I have been having random problems with sound (skipping/crackling) at random times by using it, it doesn't matter what I've tried the issues didn't disappear completely. The firmware on TV is the latest available. The separate device (Roku player) that we likewise have plays Netflix movies flawlessly using same exact wired connection to the internet. Not a problem if you ask me (I've Roku player for all those my Netflix needs), simply a warning to individuals who buy this TV and prefer to make use of the built-in Netflix player.
5/29/2011
New update: Panasonic finally released new firmware (version 5.040), after updating it the Netflix sound issue has disappeared.
What More Might you Want?
The ST-class from Panasonic is a step down from the their premier GT line or more from your non-3D S-Class, and when you desire just one 50" screen, the top of the the road. In addition to everyone the expected amazing features, you'll also find a WiFi adapter within the box. That's awareness of detail, and saves you about $50 when you need it. An added feature worth mentioning: Panasonic has integrated their digital product family superior to anyone else. The remote not merely controls the very-well regarded Panasonic DVD players, but in addition allows you to control playback from Panasonics equally well-regarded digital camera models!
So all this can be for naught if your a very important factor you purchase a big-screen for was lacking - the picture. It is bright enough in just about all lighting conditions, using the deep blacks and contrast you anticipate from the good plasma, excellent crisp 3D performance with minmal artifacts, and as is also, among the best calibrated sets on the market. While the majority of big-screens make use of calibration, a lot of people will discover that's a possibility using the Panasonics. This is certainly false with a lot of other TVs I looked over. Many were thus far off spec as to be laughable. Figure that like a $150 to $200 savings. Like the review title says, also might you want?
Great TV forever price
Wow - Am I happy!
The set is basic black in vogue, heavier literally and visually compared to the led. However, I'm putting the telly in it's spot where there it stays. It's worth every penny. The performance is excellent. I'm so glad Panasonic still offers a great 46in 1080p plasma. SD is pretty good and HD is wonderful and immersive. Even though picture is crystal clear, it's a bit less dynamic,compared to LED but far more nuanced.
Adjustments are easy, the remote is not hard albeit not just a high end device though not chintzy, it lets you do the secret easily. I like the Viera Link. The interface can be a little slow, yet it's easy and uncluttered. I have to admit the grade of the streaming is very good, with most of a few things i watch being SD, the television displays it well.
Glare: - My room provides extensive windows, there's glare. The telly swivels and i also can turn it away from the windows as well as the great picture stays intact . That LED only looked good from straight on as well as the screen's matte finish hazes over from your window light, then this picture passed when viewed at an angle. I'm actually better able to overcome the situation while using Panasonic. I come from the time of the tube. All sets were stationary with reflective glass. Glare would be a area of the experience. The mind overlooks it after a few years.
Buy Me
Picture: I don't have words. Lifelike doesn't do the image justice, considering that the word implies you are able to discern generated image from real life. After tweaking picture (James Cameron Avatar recommended settings), video looks absolutely amazing. Standard 480 looks a little blurry, but which will happen on any TV this big. 720 looks great, 1080 better yet. I might go on and on about the picture, though the TV's specs speak for themselves. I haven't noticed any green blobs or another oddities that some report.
Glare: Plasmas have an overabundance of glare than many LEDs, but this TV performs well in bright light. Even if viewing conditions are less than ideal I will still see the picture clearly through the glare.
Menus: Comparable to S series, neat and fairly easy to use. There exists a little input lag, but it is not a big deal - once you set everything up you can quickly change common features. One nice feature will be the ability to custom name inputs and channels. Pro picture settings, parental lock, cc, and some nice anti-image retention features complete the menus nicely. **Make sure you disable Motion Smoothing (adv settings) across all of your media, it makes video look very odd.**
Internet: Wireless adapter a part of box is $100 alone, if you decide to were planning on buying one anyway this TV makes a lot more sense for you personally. The adapter successful and connects @ 100% to my home network. If you do get it networked, there is an VieraCast menus share a little of the lag since the TV menus. The DLNA implementation has very little support, even though there are many of apps available, I had created varied success. Netflix filled me with a rebuffering issue in my first movie, and the audio seems somewhat spotty (occasional pops/crackles). We have experienced none of the issues employing the same services through PS3+HDMI connection.
Image Retention: I'm going on a fortnight since purchase and still have noticed no bad effects. For the first week I followed burn in procedures (low contrast, low sharp, no static images) even though I still use their anti-image retention tools, I have since started switching on the juice for movies/games. I recommend using burn in settings for normal TV viewing and better settings with blu rays. Also, limit gaming sessions with static HUD/displays for the first few weeks after TV purchase...better safe than sorry.
VieraLink: I paired the TV with a PS3 and Onkyo HT-3400 receiver and it works flawlessly - the tv screen turns the receiver and PS3 on/off in sync while using TV. It won't power on all connected peripherals each time, only the one connected to the current input. By way of example, if my input was set to antenna once the TV was switched off, it'll only first turn on the receiver. When input is switched to PS3, it is going to turn both receiver the PS3 on (and off after an idle period). The Viera remote actually controls basic menu functions within the PS3, so from turn on to playing a blu ray I could pull off 1 remote. Fantastic aspect IMHO (requires HDMI connections between equipment along with compatibility).
3D: Awesome. Some much care about 3D once i lay out, these days which i own it, hardly anything else will perform. Receiving the correct picture settings is a must! I saw several 3D movies in theaters then watched them with this TV - the high quality is the same. If anything 3D is a bit more enjoyable on the TV (ignoring being at home in jammies), since in the 50" size characters often look life size. During one late night movie session I nearly needed to check for intruders; a character through the movie walked in "front" in the the screen and that i thought someone was in the bedroom. Up to now every 3D movie We have watched looks perfect. The tv screen also upscales nearly any source (never have bothered trying with 480 content) into 3D, so re-watching a number of your chosen movies will bring another dimension towards the table, literally. Upscaling isn't as delicious as true 3D content, nonetheless it works remarkably well with an on-the-fly solution.
3D makes your eyes hurt: Yours maybe, however i haven't noticed any problems. I've had extended gaming sessions of 5/6 hours and not noticed a challenge. I would not wear glasses nor suffer from eye problems, and so i can't speak for everyone, but I doubt how the vast majority will suffer any side effects. I'd, however, not recommend it while nursing a hangover.
Gaming: I own a PS3 Slim connected through HDMI, even though I never been a tremendous console fan, this TV will help change my thoughts. Graphics look fantastic and games run smoothly. For 3D games, WOW. Do research though, like any new technology the rush to pump out content has led to some very sub-par products. The good games however, are fantastic. Killzone, Crysis2, etc. in 3D are only startling. From the gun's sights having depth to a rocket being subtracted from the gap and flying past your mind make for a surreal gaming experience. As a lifelong FPS fan playing a game like this in 3D makes a lot sense. Many games like GT5 look fantastic and in addition are very effective in 3D.
Content: There isn't various 3D available yet, however, there is enough there for to obtain on the bandwagon. Movies all look great, and between what's out already and what is going to be by the end of year there'll be plenty of options. Cable providers are simply needs to carry 3D programming; We've basic cable no box, but this TV has was able to pickup searching for 3D channel from my provider (not sure if they are intentionally providing it, but I'm not really likely to complain) For games, you need to be careful - poorly designed games have horrible image issues that could have a negative impact.
All things considered, I will be thoroughly very pleased with my purchase, and with Amazon, and would recommend both to people trying to find the most effective in 3D TVs anywhere in this budget. Should you not worry about 3D, this TV still boasts specs a lot better than nearly any comparable non 3D panel, and can permit you to try the technology out at a later time.
Pros: Above
Cons: The ARC (audio return channel) seems to strip my 5.1 surround signal. I originally plugged my PS3 in the TV via HDMI, then picked the audio up on the receiver through ARC. I had been never capable to pass the signal over the TV to the receiver with surround, coupled with to send sound directly to the receiver via optical, not just a problem though.
I also felt it had mediocre Internet implementation at best. I do think this is the secondary concern, however. Firmware updates will almost always be possible, there are plenty of devices that will connect right to the tv screen to provide desired services.
Very, Very Impressive!
'Let the bodies hit the floor!!' -- A gamer's review
Compatibility for use over a PC: when I was doing my research I possibly could not have any clear info from Panasonic as to if it will work effectively going from HDMI on my own graphics card to HDMI for the ST30. Some want to use the VGA port on the TV and thereby be limited to an analog signal. I will report that HDMI to HDMI works perfectly fine in my case. We are employing an 'Abacus' 6 foot cable purchased from Amazon that we knows will support proper 3D and Blu Ray playback. Also, these are cheap--under $10. However, it could be required to insure that your particular graphics card is HDCP (hd copy protection) compliant--my nVidia GTX 580 is. if not you may get a black screen when going HDMI to HDMI--I'm uncertain. It comes with an nVidia website that offers a listing of TVs and cards within their lineup that can work HDMI to HDMI, and properly support 3D. Just 'Google' nVidia TV list, and go to the first link. Beyond this concept select 'System Requirements', after which select 'Supported 3D TVs'.
Screen uniformity about the plasma is way better than that seen on the DT30 LED, which has been a great set, but did have some minor back light bleed. This is apparently a difficulty inherent with LCD/LED displays, since the last 3 I've had had a point of back light bleed. I will observe the ST30 from any angle without lack of image quality. The black levels on this set are outstanding. In dark games like 'Dead Space' it looks truly awesome giving a lot enhanced a feeling of immersion amongst people. We have also done lots of multi-player gaming online, including the 'Battlefield 3' beta last October. I will report with confidence there won't appear to be any trouble with input lag.
Re image retention and burn in: The shooter game(s) We've played have a static HUD along with other content (game map, etc.) on screen. Initially I started with very short sessions such games, and gradually increased the duration while i became positive that the set has not been being adversely effected. I now occasionally play as much as 3 hours straight using this HUD on the watch's screen and still have seen NO image retention or burn in in any way. A large number of longer sessions were in activity play, resulting in every 25 minutes or so you will find there's map change/refresh for the server which removes the HUD for maybe 90 seconds--I don't think that is the of sufficient length break to make any difference. Initially I ran the anti image retention scrolling bar after such long sessions, but don't bother anymore. So for gamers I might highly recommend the ST30.
3D VS. 2D--Just a simple note here: several Panasonic techs all in all me how the picture in 2D mode is way better about the 3D sets compared to 2D picture on 2D sets which they manufacture. That is why I decided to obtain a 3D set, even though it cost you a bit more. After i had the DT30 LED set which is 3D I determined which i was unable to see images in 3D on these sets--probably because one of my eyes has lower vision compared to other. I went 3D anyways because I want to the best possible 2D picture in games. I didn't need to pay the extra $$ for that GT or VT series, but Panasonic explained the ST picture was comparable in quality to the people higher lines.
Re 'Break In' during first hours useful: Panasonic tech explained to adhere to the next procedure--they declared it could help diminish any chance of burn in or image retention down the road. Run the ST30 in 'standard' picture mode at default settings (low contrast and brightness) for that first 100 hours. I went a measure further, and downloaded a course (it's free--use google) that runs a series of solid color screens keeping these recommended settings also. I followed this routine for about 125 hours approximately 20% of these directed at regular viewing (movies, and web browsing still always in 'standard' picture mode) along with the rest on the color slides. In my opinion that following the above 'break in' method might have helped the set's performance re having no burn in or image retention inside the FPS games I play.
There are a handful of online calibration professionals who recommend 'torching' the phosphors during 'break in' by running large slides rich in brightness and contrast in 'Vivid' picture way of the 1st 100 hours of use to be able to gain the most effective picture with proper calibration in the future. This seemed counter intuitive in my experience, and i also made a decision to continue with the advice provided by Panasonic tech support. For gamers at the very least I might advise to perform a similar, and avoid the high contrast-brightness approach during 'break in'.
Sound--I would not consider to utilize the speakers on the unit such as this. If you'd like the audio portion of your experience to fit the recording quality the ST30 will provide, this set deserves to be in conjunction with a standalone audio system. In my case that needs A Yamaha AX-900U 'Natural Sound' integrated amp, and 2 Cerwin-Vega RE 30 floor standing speakers--all older components which definitely out perform what these firms market today. This audio gear is running through the integrated sound card on my small eVGA e770 motherboard using Realtek sound drivers. Along with the ST30 it possesses a great very immersive example of games. To downgrade this kind of set in line with the sound quality given by the built in speakers as a few reviews have could not make any sense to me--I have the television audio disabled.
After buying this unit I acquired a Panasonic blu-ray player, and have been obtaining some movies. Needless to say the set looks outstanding watching such media. ahead of getting this set I had been gaming and watching movies on a 27 inch Hanns-G LCD monitor. This purchase is a huge HUGE enhancement of my build. BTW, avoid Hanns-G such as the plague--they ripped me off when my still in warranty monitor developed problems.
In closing, my set arrived at top condition without defects. No Fbr, no green blobs, etc. Provided that it won't 'die' on me unexpectedly I will be Delighted using this purchase, and am definitely a 'plasma' convert. I acquired mine at 'B&H photo' because at that time their price was better. Price not a worry, I would recommend Amazon--their support is an awesome experience.
___________________________________
Great investment
Normally I would not share any reviews but after looking at the clarity of the TV, I possibly could not resist to spread the phrase. Bought this TV seeing through various A/V forums and reviews. It's the best TV for your dollar amount. Nothing else comes close. Just continue the calibration steps mentioned by among the reviewer this also TV will end up your neighbors/friends envy! Though I did not value 3D capability, it turned out simply spectacular.
-Ebjoy
Successful Servicing for Fluctuating Brightness Problem
The tech noted that my unit have been serviced previously, had the A-board replaced. Problem was that the tech that replaced it did not have the authorization to update towards the most current EEPROM (only official Panasonic tech can wreck havoc on that stuff), so it wasn't properly fixed... completely. That was why the set got returned. This thing is brand spankin new, no scratches. I got an actual steal on this one.
For me, utilizing the "risk" was all made possible with the thorough reviewers who explained how you can proceed through every one of the steps. Kudos to them.
If you want to grab a set for super cheap ( I got mine for $685), then that path is actually comparatively worth every penny.
Regarding the Netflix usage:
I realize that the Netflix over the Viera Cast on the TV is kinda wanky. It doesn't possess a search function (will find), which means you can't try to find specific movies. Not only a big problem because I use the Blu-Ray player for the Viera cast that includes a much more comprehensive, fully functioning Netflix. Nevertheless, if you have only it, you happen to be SOL. That's a small bit silly. Only occur to realize that needle-in-a-haystack, I'll update this review.|
Great TV with excellent picture (Fixed Fluctuating Brightness)
I have owned this TC-P50ST30 for any just over Two months now. Bought in Amazon, it arrived quickly as well as in perfect condition and the delivery driver reduced the problem carry it inside and helped me open it to make certain it was ok prior to you signing correctly. The tv screen is employed for typical family content (movies, TV, & sports) from DirecTV HD-DVR and blu-ray playter, and has ~500hours on it.
While the tip with the bezel isn't anywhere near as elegant as my TC-P65VT30 it really is greater than adequate, in case a bit understated. It is thin and appearance great placed on the wall. Again, with this price, for any plasma with great picture that supports 3D... this set is a bargain, along with the looks are simply fine. I might have preferred a metallic bezel, there is however nothing that stands apart badly with all the looks of the thing.
I had not an issue adjusting this TV to acquire a great resulting picture. I couldn't believe how great the picture quality was for this TV from day one, especially great deal of thought came at a real great price point. With tuned in settings the colours are deep and rich although not over saturated, the blacks and shadow detail were tremendous, and the 3D looked amazing. My family and i also enjoyed this TV with none of the difficulties that others have hated (green "blobs", buzzing, IR/Burn-in, fluctuating brightness) for the first 450 roughly hours. Then, like someone flipped a switch... smack, here comes the fluctuating brightness. I began to notice it on several older movies, and thought that it was even though the information was older. Because the days went it into it got worse and starting presenting itself on a growing number of content, including movies we had watched before without having problems. At this point it is now tough to watch a motion picture or Television show which has just about any quick scene consist of a dark scene to a brighter scene because of these fluctuations. When they happened gradually it could be fine and wouldn't be noticed, or whenever they happened immediately with the scene change it out could be fine at the same time. As it's, if the scene changes as described above, you will find there's brightness shift approximately half an extra afterwards.
I've watched the identical content on an LCD that we have during my bedroom, from the same source and never see these fluctuations. We have also watched this same content, in the same source, on my TC-P65VT30 and don't see these fluctuations. There is certainly clearly something wrong this set, however from reading others experiences.. Panasonic is claiming until this is usual and within spec, and it is a design "feature". Really? I've got a speak to to Panasonic now, and am waiting to listen to back. It is a shame as this TV was this type of whole lot and looked so excellent at the start, the truth is it still looks great.. yet it's challenging to watch and luxuriate in it with your problems.
Unfortunately if Panasonic cannot have this taken care of with a software update, this TV is going to be relegated to some gaming set for the children to work with with the Xbox. I'm not really pleased.
EDIT/UPDATE: Since posting my original review, Panasonic originates forward and incredibly changed over on the plate. Engineer's took on all reports regarding the fluctuating brightness problems, dealt with calibration experts inside field, and have created a fix. There are two options available for fixing the fluctuating brightness: #1. A Panasonic representative can come to your residence and use a software fix (this can be a flash towards the core software on the TV) having an Sdcard. #2. Panasonic can send an official service center to switch the A-board of the TV with an all new the one that already contains the updated/fixed software. It is a Panasonic's discretion (mostly dependent to accessibility to Panasonic field reps). In my case I acquired the application fix, but I know many others who've had the A board replacement and still have seen exactly the same results when i have.
When the Panasonic rep came to the home, we watched content to demonstrate the situation, the rep then followed his procedure and flashed the firmware on TV's. After the software program upgrades we watched the very same content we watched just Ten mins earlier, as well as the fluctuations were gone. It has been 4 days since update and I have not yet go to whichever remaining fluctuations/problems.
Panasonic has stated that they're incorporating this fix into all newly produced 2011 sets you start with August builds, and will fix any TV's which have already been purchased of produced ahead of that. If you've got already have an arrangement with this problem, contact Panasonic Viera Concierge immediately and they're going to allow you to get looked after.
Panasonic needs to be greatly applauded to take care of this problem, I am extremely happy with and not on the the TV's, however with this resolution. This update to my original review is a reflection of such.
So glad I selected the 55ST30 3D Plasma from Amazon
Plasma, IMO, is better than LCD/LED as it had deeper blacks, better contrast and better off axis viewing. As a result of it's higher refresh rate, motion in sports is much more life like with less lag time than found in LCD/LED. The Panny may be the defacto standard over these areas.
I was, however, slightly disappointed the Panny was struggling to stream a show using it's wireless dongle 25 feet from the router. In every fairness this may be due to limited bandwidth from my PC/router. I had created already run ethernet cable ( cheap cat5 wire ) under my home which can be always a greater solution than wireless. Hard wiring the Panny, Blu-ray player and AV receiver towards the router via one cat5 cable plus a $12 switcher produces huge video and audio alternatives on the internet. Creating a selection of apts from every component in my product is also worthwhile.
Sound wise the Panny is not any better or worse than other panels. But no person needs to have for instance a great picture without equally good sound. Please do not throw away cash with a sound bar or system inside a box but instead spring for the decent 5.1/7.1 receiver paired with good speakers and a sub. That's the sole method to get full enjoyment in the HT experience.
Rarely would you read complaints of having a screen size too large. Usually it is the opposite. I've found how the 55ST30 ( 55 inch )is ideal for viewing distances of 10 to 13 feet while a 50 inch could possibly be too small.
The 55ST30 weighs a hefty 80 lbs i really think wall mounting could be more challenging compared to the lighter LCDs. I bought a fantastic looking $199 stand from Sams which fits the Panny perfectly and contains room for all components including a center channel speaker.
Reflections through the large glossy bezel and screen are actually mentioned as negatives however some room darkening inner curtains and spring rods from Walmart will fix that.
I purchased the 55ST30 from Amazon and shipping, delivery, and set up was obviously a breeze. The freight lines called and set up a consultation then brought the set inside readily available trucks. The delivery guy opened the lamp, placed the set on my stand and plugged it in. Been with them not worked although have taken it back on the spot and also a replacement would been ordered.
I usually show little brand loyalty but Panasonic for me personally is a cut above the rest and possesses stood the exam of time. It began with my Technics turntable from the 1970's which plays great today and also includes a category D amp which after 8 years still amazes.
Beautiful Plasma TV
Image clarity is beautiful, colors are vivid, blacks are real black, i selected the tv screen after overwhelmingly reviews that are positive along with a good deal of research, i needed the tv screen delivered by Amazon and, then proceeded to age the tv-phosphors equually for break-in while using the "Evangelo2's slide set" and directions from D-nice posted on Highdef Junkies.
The most convenient way to accomplish this if you're interested is to download the slides to a Files or USB flashdrive, and insert the charge card or perhaps the Thumb drive about the TV, then visit viera tools and play them like a slideset while using inbuilt viera Media player, and run them continuously for 100 hrs(i'd periodically rest the plasma for 2hrs every 2 days) using D-nice's specifications(fundamental essentials initial specs for breakin(very easy), then following the break-in period, i calibrated along with settings according to D-nice recommendations, overall, i will be impressed with the vivid colors, My tv is a highly lit room, and doesnt have noticeable glare,(this is the a weakness for the majority of plasmas). I additionally purchased a Panny Bluray on amazon and am content to manage to use my TV remote to manipulate the Bluray/DVD player.
I haven't tested the 3D yet, and honestly my basis for purchase may be the 2D picture. The reason 3D tv's have better 2D pictures, is that they require more powerful processors to render the 3 D images, and these processors then are incredibly helpful for giving a good 2D image, this rule generally refers to most TV's, the TV's that we see today execute a lots of processing to present their images and cover-up for inherent screen deficiencies (lcd-poor angle and contrast, LED looks too bt=right and colors should be toned down somewhat, plasma-prevent burin etc).
The Audio is average and could possibly need upgrading to a dedicated speakers down the road, but this will do for now.
I am delighted while using panny plasma and would recommend buying this TV on Amazon and using D-nice settings on highdef junkies forum for the TV, these steps are incredibly an easy task to do and still have developed a good difference within the picture before the alterations..
Very impressed, excellent TV
The TV is light, only 76lbs and also the included base is 86lbs, and also the included wide stand screws in and installs in under 2mins. The stand can be so easy to placed on and secure that even my cat may have used it. The TV is performing great, however it is still in it's burglary period.
NOTE: I recommend immediately setting the picture settings per input and take that contrast way down through the default 100 (max) setting it's sitting at. That's showroom settings and especially during breakin, the very last thing you want is the contrast or picture settings maxxed. It will eat to the life of it and unnecessarily uses more power. From the PS3 bluray, I popped inside the Disney's Whole world of Wonder calibration disc and tried my far better to set the proper levels on the TV. There's really only 4-6 settings to mess with. This is what is known as a person calibration, the simple one. The professional $300 kind involves entering the service menu, blah blah. I have no idea of, unless someone can reply to me and tell me the merits or worth of having this done over the consumer level adjustments, then I'll just stick to this. The picture is very useful, much like all the others here is saying.
The settings I run are I leave it in custom mode and I think the settings I rule are near to this:
Contrast: 60
Brightness: 55
Color: 60
Tint: unchanged
Sharpness: 60
To my attention, these look vivid however, not overly so, slight surge in sharpness but nothing crazy, and fiddled around with contrast and brightness much inside WOW calibration disc i just chosen these settings. The black level was set perfectly, though the white levels for reasons unknown is not adjusted enough will have the ideal level how the WOW disc said I would be seeing. Only a issue. When I purchase home again i will discover a THX pixar/disney movie and try those THX test patterns to ascertain if I would alter the Contrast/Brightness again.
But I watched Avatar and Predator so far and both were incredible. It's not merely the image settings and 1080p bluray which makes it incredible, but this TV also automatically smooths out your picture slightly (the 600hz feature I imagine) which provides it with that "real" "looking by way of a window" effect that many people like. LCD's do similar things with their 120/240hz feature. Too point about this feature, the ones call that "soap opera" effect meaning they don't want it too smooth. Personally, in my experience, we get expensive speakers so that we are able to be "there" as best as we can for the live recording. We get expensive TV's, to ensure that we are able to be "there" also I'd imagine. I do not understand individuals who like to also have their movies be 24/30 frames per second and never want that changed. To me, that isn't realistic, it keeps you conscious of you're just watching a film. You leave the house so you hope up your eyes were running at 24/30 FPS? What I'm saying is always that, in video and audio, were after realism, likelife realism along with a smoother picture gets you that much closer.
So that's the most dramatic much of this set, the black levels are dark, very dark so in retrospect I resulted in the vividness merely a tad by improving the "Color" setting to 60 as opposed to 50. I wanted it a tad more vivid. Slightly increased Brightness and Contrast too, but nothing close to VIVID mode containing Contrast cranked to 100 ;)
Anyway, let me know for those who have better settings I would try, however, there is no noise from my set, only watched some blurays up to now, black level is incredible and the display quality no longer has enough the world. My roommate has a 42" panasonic and a few minutes of watching Avatar, and later Predator, he was out the following day hoping to get a similar set from Bestbuy regardless of anger it is going to generate from his wife. The smoothness and picture quality (after adjusted settings) are wonderful. I haven't tried the 3D yet however.
Predator was incredible too. I thought because of a classic movie which it would not be as good, however in 1080p, along with and smoothness of that jungle, the head of hair on their face detail, large, was all incredible. It was very smooth and lifelike, yet I had been seeing more vivid colors which i hadn't seen before. If you can find this looking for around $1500, you will end up extra happy
No Disappointment!
There are time where testimonials are far too good to be true. But regarding this Panasonic screen, I can't look for a consistent string of unhealthy ratings for other sites. Based on consumer reviews and CNETs praising of the screen, I decided enter into.
Ordered it from Amazon together it delivered by Pilot within 72 hours from ordering. The crew was professional and intensely helpful. I did not use the 'white glove' service of unpacking the the screen and inatallation because i was capable of singing that myself (with the help of son : ) ). TV arrived undamaged, shipping box clean of dents or any other external marks that will indicate in my opinion the screen was treated roughly during shipment. I would recommend the white glove service if you fail to manage the setup yourself as the 50inch screen is bulky to address all on your own.
I installed the solid metal mounts (heavy casted aluminum bracket and strong sheetmetal base) with all the supplied instructions. No challenge with that step. Please note this is a two person job positioning the screen onto the stand so please not try and stay a Superman and man-handle it yourself. Get help!
This TV has the HDMI 'ARC' connection setup. Reading about is much more confusing that what it actually does for you. Basically it's an intelligent communication protocol that eliminates the rat nest of cables between devices along with a 'remote controller basket' beside your the chair. Using your controller you'll be able to control other devices like Blu-ray/DVD players without jumping through hoops working out what button to push on which controller to do something. I was pleasantly surprised that my Samsung Blu-Ray player synched fine using the ARC protocol i was able to control basic functions about the player with all the screen's remote. No special coding or secret handshakes was required to get it working.
I contain the Panasonic sound bar (SC-HTB10) which is ARC compatible and integrates well into the system. Using a HDMI cable between it as well as the 'ARC' HDMI port on the watch's screen, it is going to automatically turn on/off the sound bar and adjusts the degree appropriately. Basically I daisy-chained the DVD player's HDMI to the sound bar, (yes I typed correctly) then I connect the sound bar to the screen's ARC HDMI port. (The sound bar possesses his own power supply so it plugs into the wall.) The screen's speakers are OK, but if you might be really in to the audio side, you might look at this option.
(I've my sound bar attached to the top of the screen to avoid any difficulties with the IR remove receiver on the front in the screen. There are reports that if you don't elevate the screen, the bar will block the receiver.)
To repeat the screen is outstanding is surely an understatement! Out from the box the defaults are fantastic and i also have not seen any difficulties with them. If you happen to be bold, there are lots of sites that will walk you through a 'custom' setup to actually tweek the output of this screen!
If you're worried about pixelization or 'bug noise' as a result of high-speed motion (read sports), you shouldn't be. Watching basketball and football five feet from the screen showed NO noise . I am impressed!
Did not buy it for internet access so I cannot inform you pros or cons from it. I advise you community . was all to easy to get together with a wireless router using a encryption key.
So in summary
Pros
- Color 10/10
- Refresh 10/10
- Audio 5/10 (works ok but consider a sound bar etc)
- ARC attach (this is the gem, what don't others get it ?)
- U-verse remote synched up fine with it
- Free Delivery (Pilot)
- Price Match (Amazon stood behind their price-match policy like a day after buying it, I ran across it for $95 cheaper - from Amazon! A simple email and i also was credited the main difference.)
Cons
- Weight (quite difficult to move around by yourself)
- Audio (again, do it first within your environment before passing judgement)
- Early reviews whined about brightness cycling. I probably have it had been an issue then but it is easy now. Seems like Panasonic fixed it in a rush.
Great TV, plus the remote operates my Sony Blu-ray player!
The kind of the tv screen is great, despite others who say it can be clunky. Sure it's not ridiculously thin, however i didn't expect so that it is (I'm received from a classic school TV). The menus are quite obvious and easy to operate. The picture quality looks great. I have not tested the 3D feature, however i am looking towards being able to up convert 2D shows to 3D. From the comments We have read, the fluctuating brightness problem is something of history and doesn't affect models past August 2011 (and people prior have been fixed with firmware updates to my knowledge).
One feature I enjoy would be the fact the remote can operate my Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Entertainment System. Even though the Blu-ray player just isn't Panasonic, the "Viera link" feature with this TV is really just Panasonic's version of CEC (Electronics Control), which means that it is pretty well suitable for other newer home entertainment accessories. As an example, when I start it, my Blu-ray player/receiver and head unit start. I could access the Blu-ray menu and it is IPTV along with other features by pressing the "Viera Link" button and selecting "Player" which activates the menu system for the player. Then a left, right, enter buttons are all given to the ball player. Also, when playing a Blu-ray or DVD, the TV's remote works to pause, play, skip forward, etc. The equivalent of the menu button (to access the DVD's top menu along with other options) will be the "Sub-menu" button about this remote. To put it differently, don't think that merely as you are getting a TV that is the different brand than your Blu-ray player they won't cooperate, they almost certainly will should they support CEC.
As for setting this up, in the event you look online you will find that a person named D-nice has build a couple threads with specific settings to use for 100 hour duration of slides that you use on the television to evenly age the phosphors. This permits each of the pixels to age evenly and gets you past that 100 hour period that you have to be careful about watching images with static logos or black bars. He then features a group of calibrated color settings to work with following your slides. So after getting this TV and letting it loosen up to room temperate, I transferred those slides (just jpegs) with a USB, plugged it in, create the display settings, and kept the television playing for 4 days straight. It likely wasn't necessary (and made me very impatient), and i also do not know i could have known the main difference, but it is nice knowing I've got a better calibrated picture. Check it out if you're curious. The thread I made use of was titled "2011 Panasonic Settings/Issues Thread" for the highdefjunkies site. On-page 63 in the thread someone summarized everything you need to know about the process.
My only complaints are that this TV includes a red LED on constantly to show how the TV is on (I cover it having a speaker), and I are finding no chance to turn over display when I am just hearing Pandora. Also the web needs a matter of moments to reconnect after turning the tv screen on. If you watch YouTube, no one is able to skip ahead or rewind in the clip. You don't are most often capable to change aspect ratio/format when utilizing Viera Connect. Finally, the Wifi adapter shines beyond the bezel the use of it without the extension cable (I just make use of an ethernet cable).
Overall, it is deemed an awesome TV. I enjoy it! Make me aware for those who have questions by leaving a comment. Otherwise, I really hope it was helpful. Happy watching!
It'll cause you to a motion picture addict!
When you head into a big-box electronics store like H.H. Gregg or Best Buy the modern generation of LEDs look the best for their bright screens. Whenever you look at a plasma TV just like a Panasonic 60" VIERA beside an LED it's like it carries a gray-ish film regarding this. So it isn't surprising my top pick in TVs (I am inclined to certainly be a Sony guy however LEDs are unimpressive) was the modern Sharp Quattron. After countless visits to varied stores, the thing keeping me from getting a Sharp was the retail price. Although there is not such a thing as an LED TV, per se, as they are LCDs with LED backlighting, the retailers and manufacturers are asking limited mark-up on them.
Many of my co-workers, many salesmen and several on-line reviews kept harping on plasma for far better color accuracy at the bargain price. I kept taking a look at plasma i kept struggling to simply accept it simply because they consistently looked a bit dingy. However, I saw this Panasonic model in a Biggest score being clearanced as a floor model as well as the picture is amazing. Long story short, I took an opportunity and assumed with a few adjustment I possibly could get yourself a picture I liked.
I've had the television for two main months but wanted to wait before posting an assessment. The earliest couple of days I had created the Panasonic I doubted my decision as using the brightness didn't help whatsoever. Actually, the brightness control have not just how I expected. However, accidentally I flipped through various built-in modes and located a factory "bright" (I think it's known as) pre-set. Although it is not everything was right while using picture settings, it cleared up the darkness issue. Reviewing the factory tried, I ran across the key that will get the kind of spot-on brightness I needed was to inside the contrast. I've it set at 80. The factory used a setting of 100 which will likely help many. Net profit, the gray dullness fully gone also it easily blows away the 36" Sony Bravia LCD I have during my study. Don't get me wrong. The Sony remains a quite nice TV I take advantage of a great deal, particularly gaming.
When you compare, say, along with of grass on an in-store demo of plasmas and LEDs the LED, to start with, looks more pleasing. Why? As it's a bright green that pops; whereas, the plasma appears to be real, lush green grass the truth is in real life. I was commenting to a Best Buy salesman the amount better the very best Buy logo looked with an LED when he described in my opinion that, the truth is, the LED didn't accurately render their logo and he proved it by pointing with a logo on his shirt. True enough, while i went home and checked out my Sony Bravia it dawned on me I'd toned down all the color settings to pretty much the way the plasmas look automatically while i originally work it. Obviously, this is all dependent on personal taste.
One 'problem' We've may be the Panasonic is turning me right into a movie hound. I obtained a Panasonic Blu-ray player for this and obviously Blu-ray discs are perfect into it. I watched "Super 8" last night and it's really like having just a little theater during my home. I'm so spoiled by the Panasonic it's zapped me of the curiosity about seeing a movie inside a theater.
I have no 3D discs (I'm supposed to get "Avatar" free of Panasonic sometime in the near future) however i are actually capable to view 3D movies on HBO's on-demand. I can't have name-brand Panasonic 3D glasses but the couple of knock-offs I have are very nice. The 3D affects vary by source. The most effective 3D affects weren't in a very Hollywood blockbuster like "Clash in the Titans" or "Despicable Me" but a documentary on Egyptian mummies of other nutritional foods. Anyway, I've found the 3D being very good. If the 3D version of a movie was available I'd be inclined to try it over the standard format. I'm glad I obtained it in my TV but I am not 100% in love with it (mainly because of the proprietary nature of glasses).
Eventually, I expect 3D will hit prime-time and also you won't need glasses. Meanwhile, you can find some TVs like LG's line-up that utilizes a budget 3D passive glasses like they will use at theaters. However, the LG glasses offered me a very bad headache after just about Ten mins. Panasonic active technology doesn't bother me in any way. Your mileage are vastly different which means you must consider this on your own. I will say the LG in-store demo is probably the most impressive of all of the brands I tested including Panasonic, Sony, Samsung and Sharp.
The sound about the TV is okay for general use. However, I setup a 5.1 home home entertainment component system since i have want to utilize the Panasonic mostly to look at movies, football, and other big events. For something this large, I cannot imagine not upgrading to no less than a budget home entertainment in a very box.
I have my Panasonic hooked up to the net via Ethernet but, frankly, won't employ this feature apart from upgrades. I've my Panasonic Blu-ray running via a 5.1 Onkyo tuner and so i apply it online content like Amazon's Prime videos. It did include a USB wi-fi unit (i didn't realize was a feature after i bought it). I did make an effort to setup the wireless dongle but I have a strong password for my router's WPA as well as the Panasonic remote doesn't support every one of the characters I need. Rather than affect the password, I simply hooked the tv screen up to and including 4-port switch I already had.
The bottom line is I have no problem giving this TV my highest recommendation.
Beautiful TV!
The contrast with pure blacks is outstanding! I didn't think I could notice this with out the LG side-by-side with the Panasonic, however i sure can! Real deep blacks with crispy clean picture. Also, the SD picture for this is a lot superior to the LCD. I've heard this may be true comparing any plasma to LCD..however i think it is worth noting. I just have watched "Cars 2" Blu Ray, in reality it had been awesome picture. I also have just played PS3 Madden 12 and need for speed 2 with my son! UNBELIEVABLE graphic detail on madden 3. Actually, I am not a life threatening gamer...but to see the metallic paint shimmer in the helmets and the reflections of stadium lights in helmets is crazy detail. Need for speed was awesome, at times, the landscape speeding by appeared to be video to some extent..Regarding the 3d, I've not yet tried it yet. Again...this became significantly less crucial that you me as a great picture. But soon Let me get some good OEM glasses and I"m expecting equally spectacular a picture.
The VIERA wireless system is great. Easy to use for essentially the most part. Typing passwords on the keypad needless to say is lame..but when your signed straight into say Amazon video, you don't need to do again. The HD video on Amazon on demands is excellent, and also the SD is not bad either.. Very surprised.. There's a whole few apps on there, but we are going to probably don't use anything but the Amazon, maybe the elements app at times and perchance a couple of others. It is almost dumb how the wireless usb stick sticks out with the side of the TV unless you also employ the included extension wire. Bad design idea adding a pointless additional cable.
I have this technique hooked up to Yamaha VX371 receiver with HDMI passing the playback quality signal from my comcast cable box, into the reciever, then to TV's ARC input. Bluray also performed this way. I'm not happy with the reciever because of some issues the way does switching with audio..appears to be an issue. But i merely let you know here how its connected and the picture is aweseome with the HDMI passing by having a low to mid price receiver. Not confident that it might be better yet direct from cable box to TV or with better receiver.
I mounted this on the wall employing a CHeetah Mount with double swing arms. TV is heavy and the children held either side to lift because i held another. Mount is effective and also the TV really looks great on the wall. I noticed when researching this TV there were "poor marks" for design. I dont know when you can call a black frame thats about 1-1/2 inches a bad design. I guess thats when you start to acquire insanely picky low-priced similar models. Don't allow that to make the decision in your case. PICTURE QUALITY is an essential in my mind.
Now....concerning the main issue on amazon about fluctuating brightness. This was my only fear in ordering this TV...however i did note that panasonic was fixing or had fixed. When I managed to get the television it were built with a mfg date of May 2011. But I haven't seen any of this matter. Unless i cannot notice, or I merely got lucky. I will update this later when it changes. Also interesting was there was obviously a great page inserted with instructions known as the Panasonic Concierge. It had 800# listed with info thanking you for purchase and asking to call with any questions/concerns. Wondering if this was due to fluctuation issue? Nice touch anyway..
Hope this review helps those found on fences. I researched for several months and found back to tried and true plasma technology for the most powerful picture.
The Best I've Seen
BUT... you can't experience things i have if:
1.) You don't have a Cable or Satellite HD Receiver. and/or
2.) The area where your TV is, has windows or perhaps is very bright. This will likely, obviously, stop a challenge through the night.
Where the above Point Top is worried, I am aware someone who sells these TV's. He hears complaints from unsatisfied buyers don't have any HD Receiver, nevertheless they be prepared to understand the same vivid and spectacular images which they saw in the store. Also i Recommend using an HDMI cable to connect the television to the Receiver, instead of standard RCA cables. This will significantly add to the image quality!
Where lighting is concerned, we've placed this TV in the room that has no windows that face the screen. That detail MAY explain a few of the faded picture comments that we have read. I am aware that plasma screens work best without competition from windows.
Since Initially when i first published this review, We've purchased (iTrek) 3D glasses. Please read my 5-Star review of these rechargeable glasses. I want to just show you: the 3D is breath-taking! Over a negative note, this TV boasts the opportunity to simulate 3D from 2D sources, but I never have found this feature being anywhere close to effective because i hoped. I tried it maybe once or twice and wasn't impressed. But, should your Cable or Satellite Service offers 3D channels, you are in to get a real treat!
The Viera also boasts Wifi, and gives you the ability to run Netflix, Youtube and Hulu plus some other Internet movie sites, with the necessity for any computer or game system middleman connection!
Bottom line: If the 65" TV is within your allowance, I Suggest this model. Whether it is too pricey, then go along with an inferior screen, nevertheless the Panasonic Viera will be the best option! Two thumbs, In place!!!
If you purchase this, you'll not be sorry... Our kids certainly was Pretty pleased using this type of purchase!
Wonderful Picture
If that they six stars, I'd use'em.
When Initially when i first turned it around the picture wasn't things i expected, however i attended the website highdefjunkies.com (Just go towards the website and go into the model no . within their search field) with a "panel prep" procedure they claim prepares the pixels with even wear for their suggested custom settings AND prevents burn-in. I did it (what's four days?), then create their suggested settings (I'd haven't discovered them all by trial and error.) The image now looks friggin' amazing.
I was nervous in regards to the reports of fluctuating brightness, but Panasonic now repairs affected TVs, and also the same website features a page with step-by-step directions on working with Panasonic, to ensure provided me with comfort. (If mine is affected, it's too subtle to see.)
An Excellent TV
I got the tv screen and immediately ran it through approximately 100 hours of enter using slides I found over the AVS forums. This was something a lot of people had suggested. It was tough the inability to watch it right away. After that has been completed I calibrated it picture using some seeting that had been recommended inside the forums. These recommended settings also turned off/minimized the feature that caused the regular Floating Black issue. I did tweak the recommended settings along with the resulting picture is fantastic.
The TV can be used heavily for watching sports and playing PS3 (COD), as well as regular TV programs and a few movies, both streamed and Blu-ray. There are no problems with any of these uses. The TV permits you to set up different settings for each and every input separately. I have my sports and also other TV using one setting for picture quality and the PS3 for games and Blu-ray using a different setting. The game play around the TV is fantastic. There is no lag due to TV. It is great for over the web gaming.
I don't utilize the net part of the TV nor will i use Netflix. I did connect it on the network to view its streaming capabilities nonetheless it couldn't stream the majority of my movies though they are AVI files. Since I'm able to already take action with the PS3 I did not investigate further.
This TV may be fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone, in particular when that they like sports and game playing.
Great TV when you dowload the newest software.
As soon when i received my set, I hooked it up, turned it on and the brightness was fluctuating up and down. Not again, just like Someone said in a few other reviews. I called Panasonic and so they explained that was obviously a trouble with C.A.T.S., a characteristic that dims the occur the dark and brightens it inside the light. You can disable this feature and the Panasonic rep explained it was fixed using a software update. She would definitely send it if you ask me with an Files after i asked easily could download it on the wi fi connection. She said "I think so" and I proceeded to configure the tv's wi fi link to the net.
I enter in the TV network settings and locate my Verizon FIOS wi fi router, enter the security key along with the TV connects to the router but can't have an IP address. I strive numerous times but the TV cannot get the IP address in the router. So, I Google "Viera Link and Verizon FIOS" and learn that others have observed this challenge and it is resolved by manually entering an IP address, gateway and DNS in the TV network settings. When I actually do this, I connect and download software version 5.07 for the TV.
Once new software packages are installed, I can find no evidence of fluctuating brightness or Netflix audio processing issues. I begin evaluating the set and everyone in the house is blown away with the picture. Awesome color and black levels no motion artifacts or LCD soap opera effect.
I would recommend this TV to anyone and think it is important to share the resolution on the few technical glitches I experienced. Panasonic support was responsive while not that knowledgeable. Luckily you can find any answer through Google.
Absolutely floored with this amazing tv!
I don't have any idea how to begin describing the phenomenal picture that this tv produces. The very first thing Used to was a firmware update over wifi and i also crossed my fingers and expected the most effective. I turned off C.A.T.S. like others suggested and i also haven't ever noticed an individual fluctuation with the brightness in the last month that my parents also have this tv. I really do have to mention that the audio quality out of the box wasn't impressive but after tweaking the audio options the degree increased dramatically and I was able to enhance the company's audio with a very acceptable level. My own tv is connected to a 5.1 home theater system so I'm very spoiled with audio but my parents point out that the Panasonic audio sounds great for many years in comparison with their old 50 inch plasma so I'll let it sit at that.
Although there may always be more options for tweaking the picture and sound I'd say there are many adjustment alternatives on this unit. My parents family room is actually brightly lit so the Game mode looks like it's the most suitable choice of viewing modes for the kids. There's one mode that is even brighter than Game and that is Vivid though I have been told by a Panasonic customer satisfaction rep that you shouldn't use that way of the initial couple months of usage. No need to worry when you have a brightly lit room as Game mode will do bright enough.
I love all of the applications including Netflix and Pandora especially since Pandora allows you to input several signing in email addresses immediately so you can switch between music accounts which has a touch of the mouse. Pick your bank account and bam your music increased and running right on your tv. If I needed to nit pick I'd claim that sometimes (maybe once from every 10 times) the tv screen provides me with an oversight when I make an effort to hook up with the web. All I need to do has returned out colliding with the button again and yes it connects so this is not just a huge deal.
I have not yet try the 3D mode therefore i can't touch upon that but over all the television is fantastic. I've seen 65 inch tv's at over double the amount expense of this who's picture doesn't look any better in my opinion (in fact they frequently looks worse). My parents tv is associated with Dish Network and also the HD quality is the foremost I've ever seen on any television. It is possible to probably obtain a few more bells and whistles on Panasonic's highest end televisions however i doubt choosing considerably more impressed with all the picture. This is in no way the best tv for cash in my opinion.
Awesome
One very last thing I'd like to note was the internet portion of this TV. When When i first setup the network to my wireless router I had created it looking for A and N on wireless, that i believe may be the default setup. On netflix it could transfer the pace from 1080p to 480p every 5 minutes...I became getting pissed, and so i deterred the A percentage, so it is N only now I recieve 100% 1080p output on the internet...So if you are getting below 1080p along with wireless N, set it up fot it only, that will understand it to keep on the 1080p output only.
Best Bang For Buck
Great set, wonderful features, great price.
* good anti-glare coatings. The bedroom the set is at gets lots of light as well as the coatings are very effective.
* no difficulties with green globs as some have reported.
* it is possible to hear buzzing, but only with the degree off and your ear to the set. At normal viewing distance you hear nothing.
* no issues with dim images as some have reported.
I've not put a meter around the set yet, but anticipate that is could be dialed in very nicely while using cuts and drives encountered with the user.
Configuring the network (wifi adapter include in the lamp) took more than one try, but that could are already my trouble with case-sensitivity with the passphrase key. I'm currently running it with DHCP without any issues.
One side comment about Home Direct, the shipper for my set. When the set have got to my area, they used an area contractor to complete the delivery. They called 1 day ahead of the expected delivery date and desired to give you the set 6 days later than the expected date. Amazon was amazing at helping "knudge" for a delivery date some day before the expected delivery date. THANK YOU AMAZON!
Nice quality TV
The 2D picture is great - the black levels are solid - the brightness is superb for the plasma - along with the colors are abundant with saturation.
The 3D picture is amazing! We have the rechargeable glasses with the Avatar Kit plus they are lightweight and work perfectly. The 3D was really a lot better than inside the theater.
For a mid-level TV, this really sets the bar. I highly recommend this television.
Fantastic TV plus a great price
Definitely worth it - see methods for optimizing picture
A month or two later, we started searching again and now we realized that despite this FBR issue, this model was consistently rated near the top of all sets in this size and price range. When I searched into it some more (mostly by reading helpful reviews from others here on Amazon), I found that Panasonic was able to reproduce the situation coupled with come up with a fix. If you possessed a group which in fact had been manufactured prior to you specific date (It what food was in Oct 2011), then you might request that Panasonic send a technician to your property free of charge to change just one part which could fix the FBR issue; this fix was incorporated into many new sets created in October 2011 on. So, if you ask me, this was will no longer a problem - easily was lucky, I'd get a set with all the fix added with the factory. If I had been not lucky, I would simply have to schedule that you fix it personally. It is usually worth mentioning a large number of people with sets which have this FBR issue do not even notice it, so then you would not even have to have the fix.
While reading the reviews just for this set here on Amazon, I saw that a lot of people mentioned instructions for calibrating this set to optimize the picture quality. One or a couple of the reviews mentioned a web site called highdefjunkies dot com for instructions on accomplishing this properly. If you try to their user forums, search for the thread called "2011 Panasonic Settings /Issues Thread". This thread was started by D-Nice, a guy who makes a living professionally calibrating television sets, which requires purchasing expensive calibration equipment and experience by using their equipment. According to prospects who eat, sleep, and breathe audio and video, it is a smart investment to cover the $400 roughly to possess your HDTV professionally calibrated mainly because it will help you maximize the enjoyment of one's HDTV for the rest of its lifetime.
Most people (including me) may not proceed through with this particular due to the expense and/or because we may believe that it will come from the factory with all the proper setup. Thankfully, D-Nice did us all the following favor. In that thread, he outlined an extremely specific group of steps to follow along with in order to reproduce display settings that happen to be near those he achieved on the same unit using his professional calibrating equipment, which intrigued me. So, we bit the bullet and ordered the set.
It is vital to see that this D-Nice instructions require that you simply follow everything exactly or your results will change from his. This resulted in after you fired up the set, in lieu of make your favorite movie or Tv series, you'd to perform a specific list of colored slides for 100 hours to artificially age the phosphors (supposedly, the 1st 100-200 hours that the plasma screen runs the pixels have the possibility to subtly change colors, so these slides accelerate that process and age all pixels uniformly which improves color fidelity). There is an extremely helpful FAQ in post #1258 of this thread (which can be located on Page 63 of these thread). Please read this FAQ for the better notion of what direction to go and why it is recommended that you do this.
I don't know just what it would've looked like if in lieu of following D-Nice's instructions I had just turned it on and tried on the extender like 99% people would've. However, I understand how the picture is beautiful and that i tend not to regret waiting the extra 100 hours before I possibly could use it.
We also wound up buying Walker Edison Regal 60-In. 4-in-1 TV Stand with Mount to create the HDTV on (we bought the 60" version with this style of HDTV). The original plan have been to work with its included mount to mount the tv instead of the choice is yours on top shelf, but Panasonic's documentation were adament that you just just use Panasonic-certified mounts i really decided to place it on top shelf instead, that has been no big problem. We have the next equipment within this stand: middle shelf: Onkyo TX-NR509 5.1 Channel Network A/V Receiver, Ps3 160GB System. Bottom shelf: VIP 622, D-Link DGS-1008G 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch. Up to now, all devices are running properly as there are no ventilation problems with this stand. The stand can be very attractive and appearance great in our basement (which gets little or no ambient light and we all have no glare difficulty with its reflective glass screen).
We also just bought Panasonic TY-EW3D3MU 3D Active Shutter Eyewear for Panasonic 3D HDTVs (Medium). We got them yesterday, and don't yet cash content to try these with. I found a few 3D demo videos on the internet and played them plus they looked decent. I also received Batman: Arkham City which may be took part in 3D, though to tell the truth Some go to whichever real difference after enabling 3D (though I only played it another hour or two). So, at this time, I'm not overly impressed while using 3D functionality but like I said, we'll see what happens once i get some good real 3D content.|
Beautiful TV
Definitely recommend this TV as it comes with a great price with 3D.
Great TV Picture!!
I been there for upwards of Four weeks and everything is effective. I really could never get back on an inferior Television. I suggest this TV.
Beyond my expectations!
ST30 was simple to set up out of the box plus it even had WiFi dongle and so i was connected in minutes. I've read about the fluctuating brightness issue but I haven't noticed it yet after 4 days of viewing on different sources - HD feed, Blu ray, etc. I love to watch sports and films this TV is totally perfect for that. Amazing refresh rate for quick pics and action sequences!
The standard picture setting is just not good. Neither is Vivid or Game. Too contrasty and unnatural. You will need to set the image setting yourself to get the most of from this TV in Custom mode. I followed this create and i also was amazed. [...] The setting here doesn't even push the contrast that far or even the black levels. But it is perfectly...blacks are plenty deep with great detail. Colors are natural and realistic yet saturated for your nice pop. Yes it does wash out a little if you're watching it during the day in brightly lit room but it's not dramatic.
I'm very impressed with this particular TV thus far and that i haven't even tried the 3D yet. With the price it's going at this time it is a great buy. As well as the Prime white glove shipping was very convenient as they dropped them back right in my family room. They even can offered to obtain it out of the box. I'm super very pleased with buying to date.
Great picture, features, and value!
The picture quality is gorgeous. From 1 foot away, the picture is a bit noisy, but from any reasonable viewing distance, the picture is perfectly smooth and gorgeous. Couldn't require better. I enjoy it. Don't be concerned about the fluctuating brightness problem either. The brightness fluctuated until I connected the tv screen to the web and downloaded the most recent firmware. BTW, all the features of the TV are really simple to use.
Youtube successful about this TV. The interface is not hard and effective. You can get your youtube account for this TV. I haven't tried any of the other internet features yet, there is however many of them. You can use a wireless keyboard with this TV.
The 3D feature rocks ! and works quite well. That is one of the very best TV's to look at 3D videos on. The best 3D videos I have seen up to now would be the IMAX under sea videos. It's like you're diving and you feel like you can touch the ocean creatures right in front person. These videos blow away any 2D videos I have seen about marine life. You'll be able to play 3D games on this TV too. Nvidia makes software that allows you to play 500 computer games in 3D on your hdtv. I got myself Blick brand 3d shutter glasses instead of the Panasonic brand. Blick costs less and. They work perfect. If you wish to impress your mates, suggest to them the IMAX 3D under sea videos on this TV.
As far because i can inform, this TV doesn't have a chance to record programs onto another hard drive. Here is the one of the things If only it did have. So I'll have to use an additional way to record programs. However i still wouldn't desire to spend double money for any samsung tv in order to get that feature.
I didn't experience an Tv because (1) they're much more expensive, (2) they're too bright to me and hurt my eyes, (3) they've ghosting on fast moving images including in sports, and (4) 3D is much better on plasma.
This TV grabbed over 100 over-the-air channels in my area, so apparently it possesses a good tuner.
The sound quality is very good for any TV. I have never connected speakers with it yet and i also feel like I'm not really really missing much, although I actually do plan to connect some really good external speakers and also a subwoofer between the future.
I've been playing xbox 360 games in my TV lately. It functions great for gaming!!! I also loved watching 1080p versions from the classic The exorcist movies for this TV. This can be my first hdtv and that i always wanted to see Alien by myself big TV. It's very impressive. The picture can be so smooth, perfect, and detailed. I've also played a couple of PC games with this TV too, also it looks gorgeous. I connected my graphics card to the tv with a 15 foot DVI to HDMI cable.
So if you're looking for a tv, I'd personally look no further and merely get a panasonic ST30 series TV.
Excellent picture...Best HDTV for that price
I'm trying to puzzle out good settings to get a bright room, therefore if anyone knows good/optimal settings to get a bright room, please make me aware.
GREAT TV - GREAT VALUE!!!!!
Superb product
Rolled the dice and won!
so far awesome!
my experiences so far...
Hulu Plus - to date June 15 2011, it's still inaccessible. I am really disappointed, because a part of my purchase decision was HULU which Panasonic advertised on his or her internet site and HULU mentioned while back as "will be for sale in May", not is says "coming later this year".
Netflix - I had created to manually upgrade to 2.04 patch to reduce static audio noise (that is known bug), as soon as the upgrade I managed to get amazing all-around HD video and sound is fixed
Amazon Video - works great, there is not much free (free for amazon prime users) content on amazon video yet
Skype - I got myself the digital camera (it's extra less than cheap accessory). For those who have decent connection to the internet (make sure you have a minimum of 500kB/s UPLOAD speed on sides), it functions great. I tested it with PC and iPhone on the other side. My TV is actually comparatively faraway from the couch, I used to be concerned about microphones not being able to pickup my voice. Everything works well.
DLNA - I take advantage of external hard disk drive associated with home Netgear N600 router. TV found the cause quickly i surely could watch movies online without having issues. In reality I had created some difficulties with some formats, still must research a bit... Cleaning it once a some music too, I needed a great deal of audio files, it's kind of slow instead of the ultimate way to listen to music through TV.
PlayON via DLNA - I attempted it, but although TV found PlayON running on my own computer, I used to be not able to play any movie from any source (local, hulu, ...). Some other users reported problems with PlayON and Panasonic and Samsung TVs.
Pandora - works great, the tv screen does not have the very best internal speakers. I don't think I will use TV to be controlled by Pandora...
There is small trouble with the Wireless connection. It's form of expected, however you could possibly be surprised. Whenever you turn it ON, the wireless connects to your residence WIFI router, which take 5-10 seconds. If you are planning to use the tv screen just for internet content, this could be little annoying wait time. It's really not that of a problem, however...
Panasonic Plasma 46ST30
After running slides for 24 hrs, I ran a few shows in order to determine if the set works. The best picture was the HD broadcast of Wimbleton. It was awesome. After seeing other channels and media around the looking for about 30 min, I started running slides again.
July 4, 2011: HD channels look fantastic. Too bad I only get 10 of which. I am particularly impressed while using newscasts. Be conscious HD channels doesn't invariably broadcast HD shows. Some shows in HD channels still looks better in my 32" Sony CRT. Shows that come in as 410p resolution, will not show at the same time, compared to my Sony CRT.
It will costs me greater than $50/mo to join to more HD content. I'll ought to mull it onto see if it's worth very much to me.
Blu-ray "Matrix" is fantastic. Always thought Trinity was pretty and with an a-kicker, but having looked at her in Blu-ray I realize she's an attractive face.
Blu-ray "Up" failed to pop-out using the settings I used with regular films. The kids wanted it to own vivid and bright colors. he Vivid setting seems too saturated for my taste. I haven't yet obtain the settings that I like when viewing cartoons like Up.
The Avatar 3D looks great, however i found the short moving scenes difficult to watch. The main subject inside the fast scenes look really good, yet it's challenging to see the fast paced background - I'd to produce a conscious effort to appear away. Scenes and then there are slow panning or stills, the 3D can be a pleasure to view.
I bought the television and the 3D package as being a deal. But I would suggest to simply have the TV and spread the 3D package whether or not this means being forced to buy it for a couple hundred dollars. I am simply not into 3D. My kids were really enthusiastic about the 3D, nevertheless they are only able to make use of the glasses for 30 min at the same time. If you will discover somebody who enables you to utilize the 3D glasses and movie for any day, do it. It can save you a good chunk of greenbacks.
Netflix looks great too, provided that the content is within HD. It requires a few minutes to load the film, but there is no hiccups, or buffering issues. If you watch the existing TV series "Twin Peaks," there are plenty of rebuffering. This was midday (PST) with a Sunday. Note: I've the television hardwired to my router but my the web maximum is 1.5 Mbps.
Other random thoughts:
I checked out many TVs at several stores and I've determined that TVs that report badly inside the showroom really should not be eliminated from the set of possible choices. The source along with the showroom environment are major factors in the display quality (PQ). Sometimes, show rooms just use the cable lines (RG6) to show content. HDMI makes a difference. My panasonic showed poorly in the showroom, nonetheless it shows great within my house.
Whenever I make an major purchase, I always be worried about getting a lemon. But I didn't use whatever from the problems others have experienced using this type of TV.
Choosing internet choices is straightforward. I that way you will find there's parental control. This TV is able to play in the movie/video in my network server. My Sony S470 (Blu-ray, 3D) will not play them.|
Sweet Panel for Budget Minded Enthusiasts!
I've had this panel for more than 4 months now possesses performed flawlessly. I had some really loud buzzing nevertheless it was just a loose screw inside the A-board, and that i popped the trunk panel off and tighened it. Now I can only hear a faint buzzing sound with my ear around the back of the panel.
Colors are fantastic. Brightness is definitely improved vs. the 42" ST30 that's inside bedroom. Black levels will also be noticeably deeper.
3D is fantastic. The wife loves it too and we watched Avatar in 3D with all the xpand 103s plus it was quite an immersive experience.
Network features work perfectly. No issues whatsoever streaming Netflix currently (naturally, an entire overhaul of my network to gigabit everything had something connected to it, I believe).
Couldn't be happier!!!!!!
Now regarding the TV: The picture is awesome when you've got HD. It has 3 HDMI inputs then one of them supports ARC, which allows audio and video to pass through with just the HDMI cable. I cannot confirm the wifi and many types of the various apps since I have a Roku player which does all the and much more personally. I could have at the very least ever done it out, unfortunately where this TV is sitting, it's nowhere all-around an ethernet cord or my wireless modem. You can purchase a radio USB adapter to connect the USB input and that means you need not fire up your ethernet cord. I'm sure I'll eventually make this happen out and definately will update the outcome.
I've read that the best time for it to buy new TV's is incorporated in the fall because that's when so much years models continue sale. Once I chose to secure a new TV there were Not a way I can wait that long! I really was without a large number of specifications i absolutely needed with a TV. The main thing was obviously a BIG screen, great picture, rather than too complicated. This TV met and surpassed my expectations. I got this TV inside my local Best Buy store for $1400.00. I was down for getting ANY type of TV providing it worked i weren't required to service it every couple of years. So that automatically took DLP TVs out from the equation since I will have to affect the bulb in them most of the time. So it was between LED and Plasma. ALL from the LED's I looked over (60in or bigger) were WAAAYYYY to pricey. And the sole upside of LED being who's saves more energy than Plasma, I narrowed my search to Plasma's. Also I mainly watch sports and I've read that some 120hz LED's couldn't keep up whenever a fast picture went across the screen.
Since Panasonic will be the "KING" of Plasma TV's I started considering their distinct products. Like I said earlier, I didnrrrt need all of the "bells and whistles" with the new 2012 line therefore i went which are more basic 2011 TV. Overall, this TV is BREATH TAKING!!! Trust me you will not regret having one of these in your house. It provides you with a house theater experience without leaving your house. I noticed Amazon's price was right around $1700 when I bought it and I looked over it today as well as $2000! Crazy!!! If you don't want to spend that much money on a 2011 TV then look around for your local electronic stores. I just happened to obtain lucky. If you had been to buy this TV at Greatest coupe fresh in box it might cost you $1899. However, once i went and looked they merely had 1 left also it was the display model. My initial thought was to keep away from it. So I left and kept researching TVs for an additional couple of weeks. I kept returning to this model though. I basically had my thoughts set from day one, I recently had to find the best price.
Personally, Irrrve never chose to make this big of the purchase on the web so that sort of deterred me from buying it on Amazon. So, Time passes to Biggest score and begin taking a look at a few of the positives from the display model instead of the negatives. All Plasma TVs say for top "optimal" performace you should undergo some sort of means of breaking your TV in. Every manufacturer differs about the timeframe but when I got myself the display model this procedure is done and i also would use it without delay. Next, the price tag on the display was dropped to $1710 from $1899. And last, in the event the TV was going to be described as a "bad egg" you'd may have learned! Plus still it was included with the Twelve months manufacture warranty contrary did get it wrong later on. Also, you've got 6 months from your date of purchase to acquire yet another Two or three year warranty from Panasonic. While this seemed like a great deal Some desire to hassle with calling Panasonic and going thru that whole technique of looking forward to a Panasonic tech to be sold and service my TV, and so i started researching the "Black Tie" warranty offered thru Biggest score. I have this in my laptop and contains be convenient NUMEROUS times.
So, if by some CRAZY reason you're debating on getting in touch with purchase the floor model of a TV try to be patient. I got lucky by having a GREAT Biggest score employee helping me. At first he was quoted saying he perform a bit for the expense of $1710. I told him I truly only felt comfortable spending $1500. So he asked if he could easily get it into 15 would I go out by it today. I told him maybe not today but def soon. So he returned and spoke with his manager and came back at a cost of $1550. I told him that we would return home and contemplate it are available back tomorrow. So, the very next day I came in already thinking about buying it for this price and started arranging the way i would obtain it home and asking him the last questions within the shopping process. He already knew I used to be planning on buying it and that i asked if there was clearly anyway he could easily get it down to $1500. He went and talked to the manager and came back and said what price you'd probably you go out with it today? I said $1500. He goes "how's $1400 sound"? I thought he was just joking but affirmed he sold me the TV for $1400. Keep at heart he makes NO commission!!! Anf the husband already knew I used to be buying it! So, at that price I went ahead but happened to be the two year "Black Tie" warranty from Biggest score for $200 bucks just to be safe. Even though Irrrve never stood a downside to a TV going wrong but I've read SO many reviews of individuals having troubles I desired to possess some form of peace of mind.
The moral from the story is to be patient. Companys need to create the best and newest products displayed but when last years model is on to the ground they do not have room to set it. They will do ALMOST anything to have the old products sold and also the a new one on display! Normally I don't invest in Biggest score because they are so darn expensive. You can get the identical item here on Amazon for half the cost of Biggest score. I'm sure this is among only a few exceptions.
I know the most my review wasn't in regards to the TV itself but I wanted to believe maybe I could help somebody go through the joy I did when generating a major purchase. Overall, this TV isn't the best or the most expensive nevertheless it does the position. The picture can be as good just like any TV on the market and it's huge! Needless to say, like several lcd TVs if you wish to get nearly as good sound because you do picture, you're gonna ought to get a home entertainment system or sound bar to enhance your house theater experience. BUT the sound remains good and you will be plenty loud should you not. You just won't hear all you could with external speakers.
Large, competent, pleasing 3D-capable Plasma TV with a very good price
I selected the Panasonic ST30 initially because Panasonic offered a 3D-ready 65-inch Plasma model that was reasonably priced. I initially leaned towards a more affordable 60-inch S34 model that CostCo has at the great price, but that model had not been 3D ready, and reviews suggested that the ST series also runs on the high quality screen. In terms of pricing, things i found on Amazon was definitely the best bargain. Best price AND free shipping can't be beat (CostCo wanted almost $100 in order to ship). The crew even carried it upstairs as well as set up.
How do I like it? The 65-inch screen is gratifyingly large compared to the 52-inch I needed before. Display quality is very good, especially with 1080p Blu-Ray movies, game titles and such. With standard satellite HDTV, you are able to sometimes note that exactly the same 1920 x 1080 pixels are stretched on the bigger screen, making the image seem softer and lacking the trademark HDTV super-sharpness (which, I suspect, will be the marketing reason behind switching to 3840 x 2160 when that receives). Overall, the image is very useful, though the blacks are certainly not as pitch-black when i had expected. Sound is very good considering there really is no room for speakers over these super-thin new flatscreens.
Speaking of size, the 65-inch Pana flatscreen is amazingly thin. Not waver-thin, but very thin, like two inches or so. However, it will weigh over the hundred pounds as well as the box is big, so don't believe because you can have a 37-inch box under your arm and pop it inside the backseat of your respective car, that can be done a similar with a 65-incher. You can't.
As for 3D, the P65ST30 is ready for active 3D but doesn't feature glasses. I bought two teams of XPand X103 universal 3D glasses that really work great. Problem really is that there is virtually no 3D content. The happy couple of 3D Blu-Rays I bought are eye-poppingly gorgeous about the big Pana, plus some scuba video we recorded which has a GoPro 3D camera setup looks absolutely stunning on this TV (the built-in media player had not an issue reading it from the unit's SDHC card reader). There's a setting to create regular TV look 3D, but although it kind of works, it's reaching i can't see anyone placed on the glasses only to go to a bit of depth on regular TV.
Another difference, btw, between the S30 and ST30 Series could be that the latter has wireless WiFi as a WiFi USB stick. I finished up not deploying it given it couldn't find my house network well, i just used a LAN wire instead.
Smart TV is perhaps all the craze, as well as for that the TC-P65ST30 has Panasonic Viera Apps. You will discover a Viera app store where one can download additional apps. I used the apps to watch Netflix movies, Vimeo, listen to Pandora, etc., etc. It's really a handy thing to possess, though the Viera interface is sluggish.
Overall, I'm totally pleased with the Panasonic TC-P65ST30 plasma TV, and Amazon certainly aced it with price as well as the free delivery. It's a huge step-up in viewing experience and pleasure from my old 2007 LCD. Several years from now, it'll likely be obsolete as we'll have 3840 x 2160 resolution, full smart TV, and likely 3D without glasses (I can't see 3D really growing with glasses), but for now this TV is really what I need and want.
Panasonic VIERA TC-P46ST30 46-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV
Best Value for your money!
Just a sidenote: Delivery was fulfilled through Pilot, and the whole process could not have gone smoother. The tv screen arrived inside guaranteed two hour window, and also the deliveryman even installed the stand and taught me to be lift it right to where I needed it. If you've got the choice between couriers, choose Pilot!
"Drop dead gorgeous" picture quality!
Absolutely floored from the PQ!!
Without getting too technical, all I'm able to think are that the picture is merely amazing. The colors, the blacks, the from the motion..it is just jaw dropping good. It is actually like watching actual by way of a window. The picture just pops out!! Visuallyy, it is the same reaction I've while i saw high end $3-4K LED TVs (though We are bias towards plasmas).
I haven't seen the color fluctuations others have brought up, and possess not yet were built with a possiblity to run d-nice slide show and calibration settings, however i can't imagine what the PQ can improve.
Hooked up my PS3, and went along to town watching Transfomers Trilogy on blu-ray. Simply fantastic.
You won't be disappointed, nor overwhelmed
OMG! 'nuff said!
Even unpacking finished . was orchestrated (the directions are stored on the box, so don't go tearing in the thing). Logical, manageable, and effortless unpacking and I was viewing television in about 20 min. No flicker continues to be noted (they must've fixed that problem). Flawless picture, surprising sound quality, intuitive setup. Excellent choice for our 20 x 20 lounge.
Best picture I know of to date
A few factors that influenced my decision. The TV could be in a open room with several sliding doors. I was weighing the advantage of buying an LED tv which could get better because of a highly lit room. However, nearly all of my viewing time reaches night so I decided on the entire best picture which may function as plasma.
No difficulty with shipping. I did perform the d-nice calibration with all the first 100 hours to burn inside tv. This was over the past weekend so somewhat painful I do feel the custom calibration is the best picture. If anyone needs the hyperlink to the telltale instructions please leave a comment and i also will post the link there (don't believe it is possible to post it in main reviews). I did contain the tv on cable for approximately a hour before doing the 100 hour d-nice update. The biggest improvement I saw was using the non-HD channels.
Few additional notes - glare won't seem that bad at within the mid day. However I am not what I would consider a videophile. You will need help lifting the tv screen with a stand. My existing stand is way too small right now for that tv but holds it sufficiently. The 65" plasma is around 20 pounds heavier compared to the 2008 42" plasma. Gotta love technology. Audio isnt bad however, not great either. I seem to have to crank up a little when you use netflix.
Best TV to the price, without doubt.
As far since the TV goes, I researched plasma's vs LCD's and found themselves deciding to choose a plasma, I believe the majority of you might have read they just simply have better image quality // correct colors. After choosing I had been going to go with a plasma I had been between this Panasonic TC-P50ST30, the Samsung PN51D6500 along with the LG 51PZ750, all are inside same budget.
When I acquired the TV the delivery guy check the panel made sure nothing was wrong and from the second he turned it on I used to be stunned. This TV looks so excellent, its unbelievable, the only other place I have seen this sort of PQ is at 2-3K plasma's and i also personally think this TV even performs better then them in a few areas.
My TV was obviously a 2011 May model but as soon as I create the net, it updated the firmware, which incidentally is actually comparatively amazing. It doesn't have got all you main Apps you'd want on your tv (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Amazon Streaming, etc.) nonetheless it even comes with an app store plus some other apps which might be pretty cool.
If you are thinking about a plasma so you would like to live in budget (and also when you have an increased price rage). Really consider this TV, believe me, it's going to amaze you!|
Great Value - Pull the Trigger
Warning: I ordered the Panasonic wireless adapter to go with tv as a result of these experience last year while i had to include that, but this model includes a nice wireless adapter and docking station. Wanted to advise if you happen to would not read fine print.
Just Amazing
Here is my review: Oh my gosh GOD!
It was built-in September of 2011 therefore the flickering issue is nothing I've noticed.
Picture is really good, particularly for movies on channels like HBO HD.
Highly recommend. Mine is the 50".
Here is my review: Oh My Gawwwd
Awesome TV
Absolutely Worthwhile!
I have had the television for approximately 25 days and it's also the most beautiful picture I hvae ever seen. I have no idea the way a TC picture might get any better next the. For the price on amazon, there is not any better. You need to use the settings a little because the standard pictures settings are certainly not quite perfect. I have experienced some reviews about glare issues but you'll find simply no conditions that i noticed. The room is ready to accept your home looking at my TV i can barely use whatever glare once the kitchen light is on. Even if hte blinds are open still not much glare at all.
Viewing at any angle. You are able to see the image as clear as day from any angle for this TV. I basically climb onto the wall and check out the tv screen and i also could read words on the watch's screen, which is how clear it's from just about 90 degree angle.
Black level it's essentially true black, should there be a black background it is possible to barely tell the advantage with the TV from the actual screen, it really pops watching sports and also you begin to see the Deep Black and bright whites, it is amazing. You need to customize the black level inside settings from Light to Dark to completely receive the true effect. I have never used the viera apps since i have have an XBox and see silly in their mind. Also i have not used the 3D since I don't want to buy glasses and incredibly limited content. We have no intrest in 3D.
Extremely Happy
The speakers for the TV are not very good however i just ordered your house theater system while i ordered the television anticipating this. Problem solved.
Cinema mode is superb during my room because i can control the lighting practically. The screen is fairly reflective although not any worse than you would expect from your glass screen that every plasmas have.
Overall I believe that is a superb buy for a 60" approximately pretty much as good a picture just like any individuals will probably appreciate.
Great 3D tv
Absolutely love this TV
Beautiful
Oh and wow- we're playing Gears of War on it right now and it is out of this world- awesome! I can't wait to find out what the way the PS3 games look into it. It is actually just a wow-factor tv. Not to cover the price- wow again. If you will definately get this tv though, I definitely recommend getting channels in HD. It is indeed big the local channels looks somewhat funny. But the HD channels allow it to be appear to be individuals are standing in front of you. So all in all- great tv, would buy it again in a heart rhythm. Thanks Amazon...you're best!
UPDATE*****
We set up our wireless home network to this particular AWESOME tv with simply no problems. Super fast & easy. Didn't ought to buy anything additional for your wifi feature to be effective either. We can now watch movies off our computers close to the tv screen and never have to fool around with plugging the computer in to the tv, or burning a motion picture onto a flash drive, or linking a hard disk drive. So I couldn't be happier. Oh the best of this is there isn't any skipping or lagging. I have no idea what number of you've experienced this... but on our old tv, there was to utilize the PS3 to play movies and also the lagging was just beyond a pain within the arse :) With this tv having wifi- it reads everything perfectly without even tiniest of lag!
Picture quality that blows you away.
I've had a 67" DLP which I've watched many 3D movies on. And the 3D on which is impressive. But it should use checkerboard i believe fails exactly the same current tech does. Current tech provides 1080p image to every eye, while you watch a GOOD quality 3D game or bluray, the things that seem to leave the screen literally seem like these are floating in mid air. Because they keep their INSANE 1080p detail regardless if floating toward your eye.
SO THE Net profit:
- "entry level"? This looks like a top-notch of the line with amazing picture quality
- 2D from good sources is insanely detailed with colors that seem to pop off of the screen
- 3D quality is not just "very good" which I've heard said about it set. It's incredible
- Pixel refresh speed is excellent, I can't notice extremely little blurriness on action-packed objects.
- Black levels seem good, dark places remain dark while light areas within the same image still pop off of the screen.
- Bad speakers. But you may get a wonderful mid sized speakers for $400+ that could go great with this particular 50". Look into Energy Take, or Polk Audio, or any other home theaters inside a box.
One last thing, don't be concerned about fluctuating brightness, possibly it just call Panasonic they are looking after everyone I hear. Or in case you still need store warranty allow them to handle it if it is less of a hassle to suit your needs. Summary: whether or not this appears, you will end up cared for.|
Overjoyed But Wary
- turn CAT (the lighting sensor) off since it is regarded as quirky (if it's not off already)
- inside the first 100 hours, comprehend the TV in mere zoom mode (no letterbox) plus only cinema/custom viewing settings
- tend not to leave the screen on the fixed image
- she stated that I shouldn't, however, if I experience ANY of these problems, to call right away and they'll address it
I also declare that people call Panasonic shortly after they buy the TV to make a 'case file' with them if you decide to have problems, they already have your information - you only provide them with the situation number.
Other than that, the image is beautiful - crisp and clear. I prefer to watch it in cinema mode - it isn't as vivid because the appropriately-named vivid mode, yet it's brighter as opposed to standard mode, which can be type of dark. However, the vivid mode is way better than its competitors. The Samsung's video mode is definitely atrocious - it's surreal and will give more sensitive people headaches. Additionally, the Panasonic is merely 60lbs, helping to make the system not terribly heavy, because of the size over which the weight is distributed.
Overall, We are very happy... Wary that something might get it wrong, but definitely enough thus far not to exchange it. It's extremely challenging to not love the picture quality. It seems only at that juncture that Panasonic knows and doing their best to alleviate the software snafus. Basically experience any sexual affair aforementioned issues, I anticipate lowering my review and rating.
Nice Television!!!
Excellent bang for that buck
Some people say they have FBr, but seriously, it is been a fairly minor issue to my eyes. I imagine Panasonic has decided to to produce firmware update as has become carried out aspects of Europe.
In the showroom with the big-box stores the image quality on this plasma is only ho-hum next to the super-bright LED sets. However, once you understand it within your lounge and also you start watching movies in a dim lighting condition, it is absolutely fantastic. You can get the picture just bright enough being perfect without having to burn from the eyes. If you'd like that liquid-smooth, accurate picture, plasma will be the best option. Finally, you'll be able to increase the colors a little in custom mode to get more pop.
Excellent TV
The best picture you will get for under $1500
When you first open the lamp, you'll need to setup the set by attaching the are in position to it. This isn't difficult but when you've got a larger set, you may want to get somebody to help you with the lifting. The stand is basically two metal posts how the TV sits along with, and you bolt them in from the back. I wouldn't desire to consider the probability of dropping my set while trying to line the posts up in order that they easily fit into the TV's slots.
Once that's done, the remainder can be a snap to set up. Going over the menu for initial setup takes literally seconds. As with any plasma set, you may well be inclined to train on a break-in method to age the phosphors prior to starting regular viewing. The ST30 comes with an Files slot in the side, so it is very easy to operate slides onto it for break-in purposes. This may be the method I chose to make use of and I couldn't be happier with all the picture.
The apps work well also, mostly I don't use anything but the Netflix one. I haven't noticed any lag.
The sound is all about what you should expect from TV speakers. If you're getting this for a serious home cinema, it type of goes without saying that you will not be utilising the TV's speakers. I currently am with all the built-in speakers however, because I spent all my funds on the tv screen! To be serious though, they're fine for normal viewing along with the quality of sound is in reality a lot a lot better than other TV's I've had.
If you have done research for the ST30, you may have stumbled upon some news regarding the "fluctuating brightness" issue on this set. Previous Panasonics had rising blacks, and also the 2011 sets have fluctuating brightness. The issue seems to be much worse on the GT30 compared to ST. On my ST30, I've only seen it a number of times and it's never distracting. What the problem is is simply it adjusting scene brightness mid-scene. You can see the problem when a specially dark shot transitions with a lighter one. Sometimes the television will initially display the intense scene, and then you will dsicover the brightness increase or decrease ever so slightly. I suggest looking at many of the in-store models to see if it is possible to notice it. Like I said, I've barely seen any cases than it after having a month of viewing. Others have reported how the problem is so bad on his or her set that they had to go back it. The last I heard, this really is inherent on the driving mechanism in the TV and likely can't be corrected via a firmware and other update. The 2011 Samsungs also exhibit similar behavior.
Overall, in spite of the fluctuating brightness issue, this is without doubt the best TV you can get for under $1500. I couldn't be happier with mine, then when then it's time for an additional set I am going to likely get another Panasonic plasma. I was hesitant about going plasma at first, however the picture blows my LCD out of your water.
Love it!
Panasonic 55 inch Plasma 3D HDTV
One thing to remember: You will get the soap opera effect and soon you let down Motion Smoothing. It can be enabled automatically.
Better than LED
OMG! This TV is Amazing!
Picture is superlative. Colors are pure, natural. Picture is bright. No motion blur whatsoever. 3D effect is better I have come across anywhere including concert halls. Anytime there is not movie data coming through either via hdmi or an ethernet application like netflix, we have an attractive 3D screensaver (2D image flipping around 3D space such as the superman 2 "prison") Have were required to utilize internal speakers until I've my main audio system installed. Sounds acceptable.
There are some defects, nevertheless the picture is definitely so awesome i still have five stars:
1) there is no antiglare treatment. Keep the windows open, light shining in anywhere behind you and you'll see the reflection within the TV even though picture is normally bright enough to mask the reflections.
2) netflix does not have a search function.
3) annoying boing (can be muted) each and every time the cursor is moved inside viera menu.
4) no pip. who uses pip anyway? But idea nice to get.
My last TV like a 3/4 highdef panasonic plasma bought in 2003; they've still were advanced significantly.
Great TV
Only small problem is Panasonic TV's usually do not natively steam VUDU, and so i still need to use my blu-ray player to have this service.|
Excellent product and repair by Amazon
Excellent TV
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
First coming from all, I got myself the tv screen for 2D viewing (3D does nothing for me personally). After researching them for over few months, I will be SOOOO happy that I chose the Panasomic TC-P46ST.
It involved a couple of weeks of minor tweaking to get the picture to my satisfaction, but it was worth it. I used to be finally pleased about some tips i was seeing, i really was now ready for the upgrade to HD programming. WOW, WOW, WOW... it will be the best picture I know of ANYWHERE! Bar none!
This should be the best option offered at these types. Just don't expect perfection straight along with. Be patient and keep adjusting until its right. And luxuriate in.
Who knows?... maybe I'll invest in a set of two 3D glasses.
So lovin' it!
Panasonic Viera Review
GREAT PRODUCT Recommend
Bill
Great TV @ a fantastic Value
The TC-P46ST30 that I bought has been fantastic. It had been super easy to arrange and also the instructions is straightforward to follow. The wireless took a few momemts for connecting, but once that's setup we had been browsing youtube, netflix, and pandora! Up to now, the picture quality has been amazing. The 1st movie we watched was Lord from the Rings in 1080p. Wow, the image was stunning. Also of note: The TV sits in the west facing room. In the afternoon the sun shines onto the TV and even though it is just a Plasma, we've not had any picture problems. It can be bright enough to get over the glare.
My only small gripe with all the TV could be the uber-shiny bezel. There really is more glare on the bezel than the TV itself.
Amazing, for your price; mind-blowing!
Pros:
- Price
- 1080 Lines.
- Hulu+, Netflix, Amazon, Youtube... all in-tv. Basically an AppleTV/Roku/? built right in. The DLNA movie streaming though is certainly not great; about comparable to Apple TV after hack.
- Game Mode
- HDMI CEC
- Thin & light (for size)
Cons:
- DLNA Streaming for movies isn't awesome; that is why I've got a PS3
- Haven't tried 3D yet so no opinion there
- Too many bad reviews
Honestly this TV is extremely good. I can be through all of the highly geeked out details, but people have already gone to the crucial spec analysis. If you ask me, at the time of January 2012 there isn't any superior to this TV for the price; I enjoy it.
Blu-ray is GREAT
This TV is probably the best I have ever seen for Blu (when calibrated). The problem is that TV, upscaled DVD, etc all looks significantly worse than other sets.
For BD's I have a 10 out of 10 for PQ.
For everything else this is a 6 out of 10.
Sound is alright for casual viewing, the bezel is overly reflective, along with the screen looks like an image when there is light facing it.
For MY use, it is just a 5 star. For somebody in a busy livingroom viewing television, I might provide 2 stars.
Perfect!
Love my new TV
Amazing what you can get for so little
The image quality on 2D rocks !, so glad that we went Plasma rather than LCD. No motion blur, deep black levels. Couldn't be happier with this set. Would recommend to anyone!
Love the tv screen - wonder when the aging process helped
I do need to point out that the reflections off of the screen along with the bezel can be extremely strong so if there is a window on the reverse side of the room, you need to put some blinds into it.
Finally, I paired the brand new screen with Yamaha YHT-695BL Complete 5.1-Channel Home entertainment system and that i don't even think I want to go to the movie theater anymore.
Apparently, Amazon replaces external links with [...]. To discover the missing link from your first paragraph, do a Search for "here can be a explained guide for setup" while using quotes included.
Absolutely Amazing TV!
With nevertheless, this TV is amazing! I have the 50". Beautiful picture, an easy task to setup and make use of, and Viera connect is awesome! Once calibrated, this plasma blows almost every other LCD I've ever seen from the water. I should know about since this is my fourth new TV since Black Friday. I've been on the seek out an ideal one. Think it is!
Just two tiny cons though.
1.) As with other TV available, the quality of sound isn't great. But, who cares? With a great investment similar to this, you have to have an incredible home theater.
2.) I am unable to apparently get the ARC HDMI connection to help my Panasonic home theater's ARC HDMI conneciton. The picture is fine, but I still need to work with an optical audio cable to obtain sound. Not sure exactly what the issue is here, but I'm looking into it. If anyone knows what could possibly be up, please make me aware!
I guess I became also one of several lucky ones that did not obtain a set with brightness fluctuating issues. From what I've heard though, this is an easy fix!
Bottom Line: Understand this TV! You'll adore it!
Great
The description wasn't really clear to me; so I purchased a wireless adapter to choose it. But make no mistake; this TV comes with the adapter. And so i sent the one I ordered back; Amazon is terrific. Even returns less complicated more hassle free than traversing to a big box.
The ones they're shipping will have replacement panel that corrects fluctuating brightness problem
It would have been a relief to find out no fluctuating brightness problem. The alternative ended up being require the technician to be released and replace the board showcased. I have no idea in the event the one I obtained was originally designed with the proper board or one with all the correct replacement board, exactly that I would not have to deal with this problem, thankfully.
The very first thing noticed could be the picture is as good as Consumer Reports said hello could be. Panasonic can be a leader in large plasma TVs, as well as the VIERA TC-P65ST30 was meant in their flagship fall into line. The picture isn't dark inside a bright room, a minimum of as much as I will tell.
I join whilst saying the sound just isn't so great. This TV appears to necessitate external speakers, which I'll certainly get.
Considering everything including price, I believe this TV is a very good buy.
Best picture at any price
Outstanding Picture at a great price
Many individuals were compalining in regards to the shipping company, Direct USA, but failed to feel the problems they stated. Although, the tracking information was not updated online but bottom line it did arive from the date posted by Amazon.
UPDATE 3/10 -
Have had the TV for three months along with the picture remains the BEST I've come across up to now. The blacks are as advertised - deepest in the industry. Have not experienced one of the light fluctuations others mentioned. I think that the firmware update Pani pushed thru the internet fixed the down sides. Although, the TV started to have a very noticeable buzzing when the picture scene changes from black to white. Called customer support plus they sent a tech exactly the same week. He pulled a corner off and tightened the 20 roughly screws a 1/4 with a 1/2 turn. Problem solved using a no hassle warranty service from Pani.
This TV is found an area with lots of windows. The light won't make a noticeable glare on the screen that some reviews warn about.
I never have used the 3D but do use the internet connection for Netflix without problems.
I strongly suggest this TV for individuals hunting for a GREAT picture.
Update 6/3/2012 - loud buzzing
It is often a May built 46" you will find, soon after turning it on I saw the fluctuating brightness.
Panasonic customer care was good and i also have a very repair guy developing right after the part gets in.
I'll update as soon as the repair.
One thing that's upsetting, I think that Amazon might be removing bad reviews about this set. I saw single star review
and after i went back to learn it within a work break it absolutely was gone.
Update- Tech guy came and swapped the board and everything seems being ok. I bumped my rating to stars from 4. Will update again if something happens.
Update 6/3/2012.
I love the TV, nonetheless it started a loud buzzing yesterday that is very annoying. I've not researched how to proceed yet, but hopefully whether or not this continues, the warrant will cover it.
Grace from the eyes...
I'm a "Believer"
Really great product (and annoying issues finally fixed)
Great image quality in the 2D and 3D. Fast embedded media player with QuickTime and MKV support.
DLNA supports only QuickTime (mp4) video without any problems. No AVI or m2v etc.
Panasonic market and applications - not usable for me personally. Used only Netflix player (as much as 720p quality)
Also found one appears as if minor but strange issue - when no signal on selected input - it shows analogous noise - don't know why cause it's fully digital =) Do not know could it be intentional to prolong plasma life or some bug from Panasonic engineers. Anyway it's got no impact on image quality when playing video from any source.
Panasonic - please donrrrt close plasma product line! Can't stand LCD even latest. Best ever quality/price ratio!!!
Panasonic Plasma TV- 50
My first plasma and I adore it!
First all, I became very impressed with Amazon delivery. The local company in Nashville brought the set to my living room (inside scheduled time frame), unboxed it, installed the will the tv screen, position the TV on my entertainment center, and powered it. They aren't allowed to get together anything else, but I could take over from there easily. This service and delivery could be $70 from someplace like Sears, HH Gregg, or Best to buy, so that it is certainly added value for Amazon.
After making some video adjustments based on online forums, We are really impressed using the clarity and excellence of the tv screen. I use Uverse HD as well as an older Blu-ray player, as well as the picture is terrific from both sources. It is indeed a big improvement from DLP and my older rear projection set. I am impressed by how you can view a clear picture from any angle (even all the way sideways), something that most technologies just don't have. The picture really wins this set over.
While I have it connected to the net, I do not use a lot of use to the apps. You may add apps on the set, but you must join having a credit card, whether or not the apps have the freedom. Youtube is great, but if I find yourself getting Netflix again, I might rather use my bluray player because of it.
I can't say anything about 3D yet. No glasses includes it, and I don't even have a 3D bluray player. I am glad it's that functionality, but I will likely watch for the right deal on glasses plus a player before investing in that technology.
I use and older Sony soundbar (CT100) with all the system, which works virtually. So I do not use the built-in sound. The only problem is i need to stand up or boost the remote through the roof to make for the TV, since bar blocks the IR port when being seated. All my components enter the soundbar sub, and it connects to HDMI 1.
just as described
Great TV....thus far!
Very nice!
Fantastic!
I'm surprised at how useful Viera Tools are. I didnrrrt think I'd use Netflix streaming b/c We've that through Tivo, however the Viera interface is significantly better.
Haven't tried 3D yet so no thoughts on that certain way or another. Used to do have a free set of glasses and Avatar 3D, but I haven't bought a 3D DVD player yet.
Matched w/ Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray player, this TV is amazing. Avatar is stunning (I mean the picture quality is stunning; the actually movie itself is okay).
Happy With Purchase
Even with standard definition cable the image is great. Nothing like HD or blu-ray, but a nice image. The situation I encountered from changing from my older panasonic viera to this particular one was as it is often HD, it noticed the lower signal strength in the cable entering your house that this 480p screen really didn't get.
I'm still unsure why an ordinary DVD player shows this kind of bad signal, nevertheless the Oppo 93 I simply purchased was great.
I connected a whole new Oppo 93, and I must repeat the picture is amazing! So rating may be changed to reflect this. Others who have the identical problem, check your cable signal strength for source. This screen will pick-up any difficulty.
I guess the single thing I will have to say is the choice that the tv has got to solve this concern would not benefit me, so maybe the signal strength ended up being to damaging it to fix internally in custom mode.
After reading some poor reviews about Panasonic CS on other products I thought I'd personally update my review with the way i was treated. In terms of my customer support support from Panasonic I became pleasantly suprised. I filed my ticket web within 4 days I had created an answer asking intial questions. While i surely could reply, it only took another day or two to obtain a reply then the couple more tech out to the house. Yes it wasn't super fast, nonetheless it solved my concern. Many peaople have bad opinions about Panasonic support, however i for just one was happy with things i got. Yes it wasn't an instant answer, nonetheless it did solve my concern along with the final it is exactly what I want to. In times where we expect things done yesturday, I for starters don't mind waiting somewhat providing I'm heard. And Panasonic followed me.
Old Review - can be disregarded. Just left to exhibit change from 3 will Upscale.
I purchased my 60 inch ST30 to get a steal of the deal once i promised myself I'd personally wait for a while to find out how these new models were performing.
No green blob, no fluctuating brighness, not one of the other concerns that individuals are already observing and reporting. I felt really lucky. I performed the panel prep as some sites recommend and used the calibration settings specified for custom mode.
My set is connected to a HD cable box, standard DVD player along with a Denon AVR 891 receiver by HDMI cables, and component for that DVD.
When watching cable and flicks, the outlines of objects (stationary and slow moving) possess a pixelated turn to them which have a variety of colours and make the look forecast focus... Just like the outline is flickering. So unlike a lot of reviewers I am unable to enjoy a the PQ even if Im not being picky about a product I spent much money on at a good price... It's not at all the issue some sets have for flickering with action-packed objects as my son and that i were watching Barney and the man banded still during the time!
My other complaint could be the hours that Panasonic Concierge service has in Canada for customer support. It is simply 9 to 4:30 EST, monday - Thurs therefore I'm about the west coast, like me, I would need to leave work on 1:30 only to call once the office closes!!!! In my experience that isn't customer service since many people watch their tvs later in the day, and can't take time off work to handle a problem in the daytime!!!!! Hardly any other option besides doing that!!!!!
I will probably be filing treatment ticket with Panasonic to find out about fixing the problem and can edit this post when the dilemma is solved.
Absolutely beautiful
Outstanding
Please ignore reviews giving a low rating since they got a defective unit (except the thing is that a variety of them learn to appear). A lemon can be a lemon. If you compare a non-defective unit to the majority of other cost comparable units available I will guarantee until this will impress.|
Panasonic tcp55st30
Great TV to get a Great Price
Magnificent picture
Have no fear purchasing this set, an incredible TV as of this price.
Definitely the correct choice
Pros:
Awesome display quality (nothing matters more in my book). Going from your 42" 720p Panasonic plasma for this model, the 'softness' of DVD submissions are quite apparent from two separate high quality upscaling players. Blu-ray is important with this screen size, along with the quality is really that watching outdoor scenes coming from a stationary camera that suddenly sets into motion is slightly disorienting. The effect is similar to looking out a window and also the scenery sets out to move like a home is on wheels. I spent the initial few days viewing various content while using the cinema picture setting reading several articles designating this since the nearest to THX. I later found a site with specific consumer calibration settings because of this model and also the difference this adjustment made is remarkable. I've replaced the factory default using these settings for many inputs and now large, color temp, saturation, contrast, etc., are spot on. Cinema is just not bad, nevertheless it definetely mutes along with pallete too strongly for my liking.
Nice connected functionality and application suite. Netflix streams nicely along with the picture is good for their HD content and subpar for non-HD. That's not the tv's fault...their SD content appears like crap on smaller screens too. The apps are arranged nicely and they work well. The connected content articles are not really a big factor for me personally, but the app selection introduces a number of offerings, Amazon and CinemaNow, that are not entirely on my other streaming devices. HuluPlus is notably missing, if that matters for you. Getting connected was easy, that is, easy while i gave up trying to enter my wireless network passkey (which was rejected) and instead connected using the WPS function. Hopefully your router has this feature because it made the task very easy.
Cons:
Pedestrian styling. This set is considerably thinner than earler generation plasmas, however the styling is squarely ho-hum. The bevel is pretty thick although there's not much to complain about, there also little that improves upon the aesthetic of their predecessors. The set is also fairly non-descript so it is unlikely to be an offensive addition for a family area, as there are absolutely nothing to detract your vision in the excellent picture when powered up. The base pedestal is a high gloss piano black finish that does a fantastic job of exposing how rarely dusting happens around my place.
The not subtle brightness shift occurring between light and dark scene transitions described in other reviews here's a fact of this model. While it can be noticable, it might be markedly less so, provided you are making some picture adjustments that ought to be made even just in the lack of this flaw. It's certainly not a dealer breaker because of this reviewer, where there are much more egregious imperfections in our competing flat panel technologies.
Overall, you'd be challenged to locate a style of this quality and performance out there, especially at this cost.
Very happy about this TV!
Set up was very easy; took about 3 minutes to acquire with the initial menu; I delayed the world wide web connection (a dongle is roofed)to start with but later installed that with not a problem. (it can help to read the manual online just before delivery!) I already have got it on the included stand. It had been delivered (from Amazon) via CEVA; they notified me 48 hours prior to scheduled delivery and in actual fact delivered it each day early. There were just one delivery guy; he agreed to get another helper however it would have been later inside day, i really helped him bring it in. He opened it; he reduced the problem attach the stand and lift it to TV stand (not so much heavy as it's kinda big to deal with), and waited until I acquired it hooked up and turned it on. I hadn't ordered anything this big from Amazon before; however i will do so down the road!
Regular HDTV cable is fantastic; bluray DVDs are absolutely fantastic. I have never really noted any motion blur. I can't utilize the TV's sound as I pipe it over the home theater set up on a regular basis. The internet connections work flawlessly, although We have only used Netflix and YouTube to date. I acquired several the short 3D DVDs; apart from the DVDs being pretty lame (no great movies yet) the 3D is very effective. I purchase somewhat breakup on 3D; however i have since see the DVDs I aquired are problematic to the, although I do believe I will hang the machine on the wall to make it a better view for a better feed to the glasses synch. I had to experience with it a bit to find the 3D, but been found my issues was with my Sony bluray player (that is my 1st 3D)
I would have been a little concerned that we hadn't actually seen it before choosing it, as it wasn't in shops yet, however i have been considering last year's Vieras, and so i thought it might be OK. It's - that i'm very glad I got myself it - no regrets whatsoever.
I suggest this TV!
Too many reviews totally unbalanced
I followed D-nice's suggestions on breaking inside the TV and using his calibration settings. It generates a wonderful picture.
[...]
I am absolutely exuberant about my new TV. This is why We are so annoyed at most of the reviews on Amazon. I don't see any green blobs other's have experienced, and my panel was one of many earlier production runs according to its serial number. The sound is perfectly passable, but anyone expecting high-quality sound from your 50-in panel for less than a grand just doesn't understand what they're doing. The built-in sound on any hd panel only exists so it functions unless you buy an audio system, ideally surround-sound. And if you wouldn't like surround-sound, the built-in audio is okay.
My TV does have the issue with the brightness shift JIMMIENOMAN noticed, but after updating the firmware, the shift is hard to notice, in support of happens once in a long time. Also, it really is wrong to claim they may be brightness "fluctuations," since that feels like several brightness modifications in a row. It is merely a shift, since the brightness changes noticeably once at a time. I would still call Panasonic to come fix the situation, but it is barely worth time since the brightness shift if barely ever noticeable, when it can be noticeable, it hardly distracts from the viewing material. None of these issues qualifies 1-star reviews. At most of the, I think it would warrant a couple of star deductions, but giving this panel 1/5 stars is simply ridiculous. You can't expect $5,000 of quality when you've paid barely a lot more than 900.
All this said, I'm thoroughly pleased with my panel , nor be sorry, despite learning more about other plasmas since the acquiring the ST30 (particularly this year's LG models, which sound great however are costlier).
Great value for your quality!
If you would like a major beautiful television and cannot afford a top in the line LED/LCD, here's your best choice imho inside price range.
Everyday I like it a little bit more...
I cant find no problem with it yet... Played XBOX onto it, watched HD Movies and HD TV, plus some SD TV, it is all totally just what it should be. But the best part will be the Apps... I will watch Netflix now without using my XBOX, I can pay attention to Pandora while I'm in another room. This TV has a great deal to make available, I'm like I'm gonna pop.
I in addition have a pretty bright family room and i also do not have to achieve the TV very bright to take pleasure from it.
Oh and i am a tiny lil thing and I could lift this TV alone and mount it on my own wall alone. My old LCD was atleast 10lbs heavier, even though Used to understand it off the beaten track, I dont think I possibly could obtain it on...
Make sure you will get it calibrated... tho it really is fine along with to the untrained eye.
LOVE THIS TV
Best Purchase Ever
Best TV I've ever owned.
Great!
Amazing!
I waited annually to write the review
Love it
Panasonic TV
what let me tell you is that This TV exceeded my expectations. here include the features I love the most:
It features a WiFi antenna.
IT converts 2D to 3D.
its really thin.
sound quality is great.
HD movies look extremelly great.
really easy build.
its far better to have a Blue ray player along with a surround system to really appreciate this TV.
hey, for under 1K, I will be really happy, particularly if Best buy has it for $500 more....
Great TV!
Great tv to get a good price!
Beautiful picture
Awesome Price with an even better picture and features
Definitely would buy again. 3d is great. Avatar was awesome. Call of Duty is great at the same time. Cut costs and go with the better pictured Plasma on the overpriced Led (that is essentially merely a brighter Lcd). Plasmas cash better blacks but not as bright as Led in a dark room/movie setting it's superior to Led.|
Picture quality the likes of which God himself has not seen...
Are there better pictures? Yes.
Are there bigger televisions? Yes.
Are they well worth the price bump? Not i believe.
I'm by using this TV placed on the wall having a mid-range blue-ray player, Dish Network DVR plus an XBox360. All are connected via HDMI, each one is stunning to consider. The speakers are passable, but I use a surround rcvr. The remote is decent, however i wish it might control something aside from Panasonic products.
I cannot imagine why anyone would buy the "higher end" offerings from Panasonic or Samsung or Sharp or Sony when this absolutely gigantic and delightful picture is available for just $1700.
Excellent, especially for the price
Nice!
completely satisfied
Panasonic plasma ST30 55 inch
Excellent set in a great prtce.
Panasonic 65" Plasma ST, WOW
I didn't get the VT since I want through a Harmon Kardan AVR 2650 and I've got 5 HDMI inputs already.
Let me just say the picture is utterly stunning. Panasonic knocked out in the park with this particular set.
Great Order
Panasonic Plasmas rule
steveinnovi
Loving this TV!
Currently associated with my system:
xbox
Panasonic SC-BTT370 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System
PC with WMC7 and Antenna-In
Love this TV
blank screen
Great TV
Perfect
This TV does not prosper on standard definition. If you're getting a $1000+ TV, you are likely to assume you would be running HD. I liked to swap between SD and HD as well as the SD isn't good, worse than my 3 yr old 40" Samsung. With having said that I acquired this TV to operate HD. I broke inside the panel using HD color slides for around 100 hours. After it had been broken in, I made use of D-nice settings making it minor tweaks. I personally like the panel light on mid many others like it on low. I recommend following D-Nice settings after which adjust it beyond this concept to how you can you want it.
It really shines with HD. Nature scenes are vivid and also the color is great. It took awhile to obtain kinds of skin right. I found a lot that people's faces would've an orangish tint like these were wearing some cheap tanning spray. I found the warm2 setting makes people come out too orangish. After getting that adjusted, the television just looks great. People look natural and high pace videos excel without having signs of blur. I also watch plenty of sports i don't notice moving blur and also the images just look crisp.
In relation to 3D, there's simply not a great deal of content out there. 3D is dear now, however when Blu Ray first became available, the common Blu Ray movie was ready $25 there weren't many titles available. In time the price of 3D can come down plus much more movies will probably be available. The 3D on this TV is a useful one. It took awhile to alter the 3D settings. I used a couple of SanSonic universal glasses that have been half the price tag on Panasonic's. The default settings for 3D could be unhealthy. You'll simply need to type in the 3D menu and waste time. I also found whenever you play a motion picture, it defaults to cinema mode. I love to keep my custom settings for 3D. I've only watched one movie in 3D therefore i can't say too much more. I'm anxious for further 3D content.
Overall this TV is an excellent value. It competes with TV's that cost $1500-2000. I do not think you must concern yourself with fluctuating brightness either for betting nearly all of their pre-August stock is sold out.
Fantastic Television
DELIGHTED
Excellent TV and amazon experience
Finally after a month of deliberation, I made a decision to consider it and ordered one from Amazon. My almost 5 years old am excited for a big TV. The 1st TV was shipped via Home Direct when it came home, the screen had multiple cracks. It had been so disappointing for individuals. I almost thought we would obtain refund as an alternative to reshipping and choose Brick-and-Mortar store. Somehow, my experience with Amazon taught me to be to offer them another chance.
So Industry experts for another piece. Around same time, Sears included $899 price and i also could price match this with Amazon from a simple call. It absolutely was like a BF deal.
After another Five days, the television arrived. Now Ceva was the carrier as well as the TV is at top condition. Two relatively old people came, and I ensured they have a good tip because of their effort. In fact, it absolutely was a happy moment.
I ran the burglary slides for around 100 hours after which started watching the tv screen. (I was watching lil bit before the enter was complete), but boy...the product quality has stunned me and thus has the features. Which has a yellow light close to the TV, and many types of lights off, the Cinema mode gives this kind of true skin tone. Watched Oscars on HD and my family and i were left marvelling at the plasma technology.
For anyone on the hook about plasma and torn in deciding involving the two, my advice should be to choose plasma. It's a better tested technology than LED/LCD and picture is amazing. The newer plasmas have a great deal features to avoid the screen burn in this that is no longer a problem.
We are enjoying this quality TV. Btw, amazon refunded me $50 for your issue with the first shipment therefore this TV is made for $849. That's steal deal and better than BF INHO.
Amazing TV
Totally worth the price and must-have for gamers!
There's that thing about plasma's that a lot of people around me were looking to deter me from...but these were debunked especially after I bought this, such as:
-It's thinner than my Sony LCD! It's seriously no less than 50% thinner.
-The colors, even blacks look spectacular.
-Motion smoothing is useful.
-Very sharp and doesn't run as hot as everyone caused it to be in the market to be.
-Clean and crisp, better than my LCD.
-FAST RESPONSE TIME!
My big thing wanted a TV that I can play video gaming on too (yes, I am a nerd but this alone was obviously a big deal-breaker for TV's not merely for gaming but even for movies and shows). Most LCD's I've had to deal with latency issues (where you hear the sound first and pictures later). Even if the game a feature to regulate for the lag, still it couldn't calibrate correctly; furthermore if the game did not have the options (especially pre-PS3/360 era), you are in a hopeless situation. This TV doesn't have those problems. If you play fighting games, you couldn't ask for a TV with quicker response. For music games (for example Guitar Hero, Beatmania, DDR, etc), this is the TV for you personally. Even for titles on the Ps2 (or systems which uses component/composite connections), I had created just about no issues scoring high on older titles without attempting to compensate for lag like I had created to for my LCD.
We've used this TV for movie nights, Super Bowl and sports entertainment, gaming nights, take your pick. It's been a huge hit at parties and events, I couldn't recommend this TV enough! Not only creates this change succeed, it's sleek too! With the right TV stand, it's beautiful.
(And I was lacking any fluctuating brightness issues)
My only gripe is the speakers are pretty lackluster, but we got a new decent Vizio soundbar and just kicked up several notches!|
More than expected
An AMAZING TV at an incredible price!!
I found the 55ST30 inside my local Sears for $1074.99. This is a rock-bottom price for a 55" 3D, 1080p, Smart TV. Considering I had been looking to spend which range from $1500-$2000 to get a TV, to state I was ecstatic could be putting it mildly. I was conscious of some models produced before August 2011 had difficulty with brightness flucuations, but as our model was produced in October 2011, we were fine.
After receiving the TV home and unboxed, I found the setup to get extraordinarily simple. We'd everything set up and able to go in minutes, and upong turning the television on found the inital onscreen setup to get equally simple. After answering a few pre-determined questions we had been directed to the WiFi part of the setup. The included WiFi dongle was attached and found my router easily and in a few minutes we were ready to go and viewing television in stunning 1080p.
THE INITAL IMPRESSION:
At first, I had been NOT blown out of the water. Although the picture was detailed, the colours were passed and dull along with the tv's brightness was lacking. I became disappointed. Which was until, however, I discovered how the TV was set to "standard" mode. We place it to "cinema" mode then "game" mode and we all were really COOKING! The colors were VIBRANT as well as the images POPPED from the screen with a fury. We were astounded by the crispness and clarity fo the photographs and might not believe how well basic televison looked. Then we moved onto HDTV programming and turned on some college basketball on ESPNHD. That has been the next step of WOW! It turned out if you were there in the arena. It is hard to put in words how amazing this TV looked. The shades were vibrant, but natural (unlike LED's) and the detaisl were amazingly crisp. We're able to not think about the TV looking any benefit...we had arrived WRONG!
10 away from 10
FIRST IMPRESSION OF BLU-RAY ON THIS TV:
We made a decision to next move from HDTV to Blu-ray. We put in the Blu-ray of Pixar's "Up" and our jaws dropped for the floor. The image was AMAZING. Details that individuals had never witnessed before were exploding out of the screen at us. We could not believe our eyes. The crispness and clarity was BREATH-TAKING. It's hard to truly place into words how amazing Blu-ray looks on the really good TV until you actually feel it in your own home, away from the lights of a retail setting. It's a true cinema experience that's unparalelled rolling around in its beauty.
10 beyond 10
SMART TV APPS:
This would be a feature of the TV that we really wanted. We're already memebrs of Netflix on our Xbox360, and then we knew that having Netflix streaming on our tv was the next thing. The options available fromt he start are ample. Netflix, Facebook, Cinema Now, MLBTV, NBATV, and Hulu Plus are merely a number of the apps available right out of the box, not to mention there exists a Viera Apps store where you can purchase and download countless other apps and games. The only downside of this is it has an annoying "dinging" noise evertime you cycle through apps.
8.5 away from 10
VIDEO GAMES:
Wow...After all, WOW!! We connected our XBox360 and that we were ready to go. We threw in MLB 2K10 and were floored by the detail. It seemed like i was watching a TV broadcast and not playing a game title. COD: Modern Warfare 3 looked a lot more incredible. I'm able to only suppose gaming on a PS3 would look more amazing!
10 away from 10
3D TECHNOLOGY:
We didn't purchase everything to utilize the 3D tech, so I'm sorry to state which i can't rate this. We love to getting the 3D in case we choose to use the technology in the future, but currently that wasn't one of our major concerns in getting a TV.
No Rating
AUDIO:
The audio is standard (if a little around the lower side) and it is the one drawback of the TV. Of course, were hooking in a multichannel audio system so the TV's audio is immaterial, as well as the sake of rating every aspect of the television all together, I have to rate the audio as well to be fair.
5.5 beyond 10
Overall, we must point out that this TV has met and exceeded all expectations. Do your hair a favor: if you're interested in a 1080p TV, avoid getting LED, get plasma, and 2nd, make certain it's really a Panasonic plasma, and third, be sure it's an ST30, you're gonna experience an amazing TV for a price that is certainly affordable on nearly everyone's budget.
excellent move ahead my part
Beautiful picture
Very Happy
Pro:
* Remote - it illuminates, it isn't smallish or ultra-light.
* Great PQ
* 3D looks great.
* Plenty of inputs - including 3 HDMI (and one HDMI on the side which makes plugging during my PC super easy every now and then).
* Price - paid $1387 in Dec 2011. Free ship. Great value.
* Better in the lighted room on the Samsung or LG models due to less glare.
* The world wide web connectivity is terrific and simple to setup. Includes Amazon Video, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Facebook, Twitter, UStream, etc.
* Incorporates wireless dongle included for wifi connection, but also has LAN connection.
* USB input
Cons:
* No RCA output for sound - only Digital Audio Out. I had to upgrade my old Technics stereo receiver anyhow.
* Speakers are okay, but sound is a lot from rich sounding. You need this baby hooked up to a stereo receiver anyway to savor movies.
* No 3D glasses included. They are $200/pair.
* Bezel is thick. Not an offer breaker personally.
awesome 3D
P55ST30 knocks my socks off!!!
I'm very satisfied with this purchase through Amazon. I was very pleased while using White Glove shipping -- around the specified date I chose. Thanks!!!
I am curious though...has anyone purchased a long warranty? In that case, who do you suggest?
Good Purchase
loving my tv
Great plasma TV..biggest bang for your buck!
When I purchased it home initial thing I realized was that the TV is exceptionally bright. All I desired to complete was alter the default 'standard' picture mode to 'game' or 'cinema' and also this TV is brighter than my old LCD. I bet a store people been with them on standard mode and that's why I wasn't stunned at it. So, if you are searching to purchase this TV, find out if you'll be able to customize the picture mode in the store or test it with a friend's place. The picture quality is a lot better than many High definition tvs. Blacks are pitch black and HD picture looks simply gorgeous.
Besides the superior picture quality the characteristics for example Viera connect and DLNA make this TV a necessity buy. TV quickly detected my wifi in your own home at full signal although the TV influences basement as well as the router is about the 2nd floor. No problems in accessing network apps. I instantly started viewing HD pictures from my online google account. And then I explored the DLNA feature and was surprised to see my network harddrive had been detected and able to browse. Simply no hassle!! I began viewing contents on my own harddrive (songs, videos, photos) in seconds. Everything was accessible immediately and did take almost no time to configure anything.
I haven't tested the 3D feature yet, but from a few things i have seen up to now, I will be believing that this TV has provided biggest bang for my buck without getting into the 3D benefits.|
Great Picture
Great bang for the buck
Wow!
I upgraded to the 60ST30 from an adult rear projection crt hdtv (that has been no slouch). The ST30 blows that old tv from the water in many every way:
Pros-
-Superb picture. Motion is extremely smooth with or without motion smoother turned on
-Crisp image
-Ink dark blacks
-Plethora of online options
-Veralink link to other Panasonic devices (e.g. blu ray players for one-touch operation)
-Nice remote, though I'm using a logitech harmony
-Decent volume of hdmi connections, component video and optical audio out
-Excellent delivery service and return policies (if you want them) from Amazon
Cons-
-Heavy, though for most other tvs in this size it's a given. I struggled with only me and my wife and I'm a reasonably big guy; it's not a 1 person job if you live not mounting it on the wall
-Plasma technology might be at risk of burn in and image retention. Haven't had this tv long enough to comment, but there is been none so far. My older crt rptv also uses phosphors together no issues, so ymmv. For me it's worth as being a bit careful with static on-screen images for that payoff in image quality
-No 3d glasses packaged, need a 3d blu ray to work with 3d movies. You need to pay to try out I reckon that; I will most likely not be trying 3d on this tv for any while
-Glossy screen can be quite a Con, however my room has windows behind the viewers in the tv and there is no glare issue. Might be worse inside a bright room so it will be something to consider
Other thoughts:
I did one hundred hour screen aging with this tv, running colored slides and then setup it with settings as specified by using an hdtv forum (google st30 calibration for some examples)
Comparing a GT30 with Samsung offerings inside a big supply yard, Samsung's plasma image looked better but I took a risk for this since the price was better. Though the ST30 is often a cheaper price compared to the GT30, I am unable to think about the image getting any better by paying more. Perhaps the VT30 would be, but you'll be nitpicking - the ST30 is superb.
love this TV
Wonderful TV - picture and sound, very good
The 50 inch model was the most important screen which could easily fit into us room space. Happily, setup would have been a snap and that we were watching this news and weather within Twenty or so minutes (including using huge cardboard box over to your truck).
Interestingly, we found that our old HD cable box didn't provide an HDMI connection port so on the HD stations, the image quality wasn't crisp. Hmmmm. A fast visit to our local cable support store and also a swap out for that newest box and yes it was instant "wow!" for your crisp colors, sharp pictures and good quality sound over the built-in speakers.
We have not yet research the web interface (Hulu, Facebook, Netfilx, etc.,) although connecting it wirelessly cannot happen to be easier. (Yes, we have a wireless network in our house.) The Netflix interface seems like a chance since a show ticket inside theatre today is $12.
As a died in the wool Sony guy, finding happiness in the Panasonic is high praise indeed.
Highly recommended.
Best picture ever!
So the conclusion this TV is an excellent smart 3D TV.
Better than I was expecting!
bought for my son
Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST30
Issues with Viera Cast feature.
First of most viera cast is a great feature we use it all the time, netflix, amazons video service, hudu
suggestions for panasonic:
- Please include VUDU and
- Please allow hd view in youtube (all youtube content is tied to Standard definition)
New firmware please!!
Make mine 55 ...
OK with purchase
Great Panasonic Plasma TV
Received my shipment confirmation info & name/number of who does be contacting me for delivery date--they called me as promised & scheduled delivery--they then called on morning of delivery to offer me w/est delivery time--they turned up punctually as promised --very professional did whatever they were suppose to complete and left--very happy w/delivery service.
As for actual TV--could Not happier -very easy to setup--took longer to emerge from box and hang into position than joining all of the connections and settings for colors.
Have been there for approx monthly now & am Pretty pleased w/overall picture quality & easy of operation --would strongly suggest both this TV & delivery service to anyone---even my mother inlaw.
Best value
AWESOME 3D TV
Great tv !
Get it now.
Best TV for the price
great tv
Great TV - understand it whilst you can
Superb Picture for the Price - No Fluctuating Brightness Issue
The picture was very good out of the box. I ran the D-Nice break-in and calibration. It is now offering a very good picture with great color, overall detail, and dark detail. Excellent value, you can not beat this set as of this price.
Awesome TV!
AWESOME!
TV awesomeness = permanent butt imprint on couch
I haven't any major complaints relating to this TV so far. Minor complaint - there's occasionally a "humming" noise from your TV if you watch certain channels. I've come across people mention this matter in reviews on Amazon. Not too bothersome. Sound is superb (TV is within a fairly-small lounge). Picture is just gorgeous. We have yet to look at various movies with this thing, so cannot comment about any fluctuating brightness issues mentioned previously by other reviewers. Another thing - creating WiFi around the TV would have been a serious problem, and took many years, and was only resolved by digging through numerous online forums for "codes" to input.
Overall, pleased as punch!!
Awesome television your money can buy.
Love this TV
I love all of the features and also have used a lot of the more interesting ones. I have used the DLNA connect to view movies and photographs from my home network, I have tried personally the viera url to connect the Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D Blu-ray DVD Player i bought and delay great. I have also used the web content alot since I am a prime member and have netflix.
The only downfall for this TV in my experience was the location in the USB ports, when you turn on either the dongle or anything else it shines along side it from the TV. However I solved this by hardwiring my internet as well as will be while using SD slot instead of the USB.
All in most this TV can not be beat for the price. I have the best TV beyond anyone I am aware and quite a few people paid much more than Used to.
Great TV, specifically for the price
Amazing set...Love the Viera Connect feature
After performing a Great deal of shopping, I decided which you can't beat the cost of performance and property on this set.
Very happy return panasonic customer.
Oh, I would not use whatever of those brightness fluctuations that some reviewers complained about.
Experience buying from Amazon was perfect. Delivered in front of schedule and my local home theatre store (that we have spent thousands at) could not have the set, then when it might appear in, their finest price was almost $500 more! That's almost 33% higher priced...ridiculous. Thank you Amazon!
The Wife Approves!
Plasma Panasonic Viera TV
I am also comfortable ordering such an item from Amazon. I was hesitant in the beginning but our son assured us that Amazon is a very reputable company and they also support the things they sell.
Nice TV
Great value
The ST is a good tv and also a great value for money, particularly if you don't care about the excess internet features, that this has, but i didn't need. I just need a great picture and 3d capable TV.|
impressed
Amazing!
Love this plasma!!! 60ST30
First set would be a 60GT30 from BB, noticed green blob on a gray screen and $500 a lot more than this set and so i returned. Second set was a Samsung 59D7000 from Amazon but that set buzzed a lot of, could not hook up with wifi, really flimsy looking, and cheaply built (although it look cool). Therefore i sent that problem and ordered this 60st30.
First off shipping via CEVA is 100% superior to Pilot. Two guys actually took out in the box, helped assembled, and hang it for the mean me. The inventors from Pilot simply wanted me to sign the paper, didn't even wish to watch for me to test for cracks on the screen (I built them into wait). Wanted to decrease it off and run off as soon as they might.
When I first saw it, I was thinking they had mistakenly sent me the 60GT30 since bezel looked so great. Plus it was so much thinner than I anticipated. If you are being deciding whether to spend another $300 for the nice bezel, DONT'T! It's not worth the cost. Spend that money as long as you desire an additional HDMI, THX (which I won't be using anyways since i have plan on using CUSTOM mode), or in order to mount your TV as near to the wall as it can be (don't recommend this since you will have pretty tough time plugging anything into TV after it's mounted. You will need about 1.5-2" from wall to TV for clearance of cable and bottom speaker protrusion.
Now that this TV is about the stand, We can tell you I have no regret getting the ST within the GT (also another excuse I got the Samsung because I was thinking it looked cooler). So regardless of whether the 3 sets worked perfectly, I'd get the ST and save at least $300 over other 2 sets. To date I have not watched much TV but seventy one sets looked on the same to me, I personally much like the panasonic a lot better than the samsung. Issues done any research you already know every one of these sets have similar picture so can't go wrong with them. I have a 7 year-old panasonic plasma and I'm still happy from it, no problems in any respect. I plan to bear this TV for at least another 7 years.
Awesome TV!
I needed to reset the picture settings to have the picture to check the top. I used settings which were recommended on plasmatvbuyingguide.com and lastly, upgraded my cable plan to recieve HD.
I have never tried the 3D yet. We've asked Santa to create me some 3D glasses for Christmas.
Buying from Amazon.com was a pleasure. I was lucky to get in on a couple day sale in which the cost of the television was unbeatable. They shipped it in top condition in just more than a week. The delivery company brought it into my house, unboxed it, push the button, and turned it to be sure it worked. Why don't you consider that for service! And also on surface of all this, THE DELIVERY WAS FREE!
Loving my 60ST30
Amazing!
Save your eyeballs. Just buy it or Panasonic VIERA TC-P65VT30 65-inch 3D TV.
Panasonic tc-p50st30 under $800...yes please!
The service was poor at the start but exceptional right at the end.
I was set for a scheduled delivery between the hours of 4-7pm. Around 1PM I called CEVA while i had been at work to ensure the delivery and this time frame. The rep from CEVA confirmed this and said I used to be set. I believed this would be perfect because I was planning on surprising my partner after she left the home at 1PM. Once i stuck, I headed back to my desk and obtain an appointment coming from a weird number. I really answered thinking it turned out CEVA. It sure was!!! Nevertheless it was the delivery guy calling saying he's outside the house door and my spouse was in the background. To remind you it absolutely was only one:05PM. I told him to return at 4 when I jump off work and that I sets it once i get back. That has been my only negative experience.
What was positive was they came exactly at 4 ( I really saw them waiting down my street while i got home lol), took the tv out of the box, don it the stand, and turned it on, which has been associated with a cable source. It literally took them 5 mins. The wife came home and had been surprised however i really wish i could have experienced her initial reaction.
Now to the TV! This TV was shipped from the Arizona distribution center and I wound up getting an April build. In the beginning I became somewhat discouraged because it had not been a post august build. But seeing many thread posts on AVSFORUM, this set could be fixed by the technician that panasonic sends out and will be fixed within 15 mins. However when I switched on it, I searched the fluctuating brightness and I only saw minor fluctuations every once in a while. In addition things are all exceptional. The colours are natural and also the blacks are black. Before We used D'nice slides I used to be watching the Thursday Night Football Game (Marshawn Lynch=Beast Mode). There is no Image Retention, no Green Blobs, with no buzzing. We were holding a lot of things I used to be trying to find basically was gonna return the set.
Overall this is the great set. I suggest this, especially for under $800.
Word of recommendation: "Don't be discouraged by the model# that is not post august build because that could be fixed!!! For me, return in case you have blobs, buzzing, or image retention.
This tv beats any led/lcd tv every day each week. The pq is amazing. colors and blacks are exceptional. The demo sets in the store avoid this tv justice. Trust the reviews!!
Great TV
One thing. The cables protrude from your back with the TV about an inch. I mounted this TV therefore i had to nail a 2x4 towards the studs behind my wall therefore the mounter towards the studs. Careful if the mount is flush towards the wall.
I haven't worked out how to use the online stuff yet...?? I lost the manual though.
Oh plus FYI. I'm about image quality and i also returned an LG LED TV because I wasn't content with it.
Great Product and Service
Excellent
Awesome TV at the Great Price
Looking to get the best 60in flat screen around with a great price don't look any additional...
This TV is preferable to I expected!!
Love it!
Better than I expected.
I am happy with my new Panasonic HDTV.
My new HDTV was purchased in Amazon and also the shipping was free. I was glad Not long ago i got a fresh VISA from Amazon. With purchases like this I'll develop points right away. Now I've got to shell out the dough.
Excellent 3d Monitor
following through
Excellent upgrade from your 50 inch 2008 model
The 50 inch that got replaced would have been a Panasonic TH-50PZ77U. It's a very nice TV, but this 55 inch blows it away.
I tuned up just a little according to generic settings I possibly could find on the net, and also have ordered a calibration disk, but even without that, the sharpness and the colors are significantly better.
The delivery process was painless - I'd have liked it more whenever they had taken the packaging using them, but apparently they wished to get forced out here in case we needed to return it - if it doesn't die in the next 21 days, there is absolutely no chance of that.
Highly recommended.
Great TV
Living Large
Awesome TV!
Best quality plasma!!!
Brand New
As I discussed Used to "extensive" research and after viewing numerous models I bought this model reality some people have criticized this model I cannot. I experienced no problems whatsoever and believe this model has got the best blacks I have ever seen on a plasma. Much may be stated on some D-Nice settings for "burn in" and the like, but with labeling of the calibration testing "at your individual risk" I might equally assume skip it. I did however make advice of plasmabuyingguide and used their setting with a slight adjustment on a few colors. Picture preference is often a personal preference and should stop dictated by anybody else. My only advice is to make sure you refer to the instructions and place the image in "home mode" since it is defaulted to in-store display setting and hang for the hightest settings.
The sound is excellent specifically for how big is the speakers which enable it to be adjusted (Extra bass, simulate surround, etc..). I utilize the speakers when viewing normal tv and employ my house theater audio when viewing movies. Setup is simple and there is a firmware update available upon entering vieracast. I have cat5 attached i really cannot comment on loss of sync issues using wireless.
Yes, I wish the set had more however i browse the product material and knew exactly what I was purchasing and just what features I became receiving. I additionally got a new multi-year protection plan and possess not used nor intend to buy 3-D glasses i really cannot touch upon that.
It is actually difficult to guage any TV inside the store since the models all have been put in their highest settings for that consumer to view, I actually liked several models to incorporate Sony and Samsung. But the pricepoint for your panansonic was spot on for me.
If I encounter 'ANY" issues I will update my review, good luck in purchasing your new TV.
Excellent picture and great features
3D AT ITS BEST
Panasonic 55 inch ST30
TV
Don't use the web features excessive, but they work fine.
Amazing TV, Phenomenal Picture, Awesome 3D, Very Happy
7/3/11 I are actually creating a trouble with a buzzing noise from your back from the TV and also have contacted Panasonic who will be sending someone to look at it in a few days. The brightness from the picture makes the buzzing vary which enable it to be heard when my TV is arrived with a 40, so it's rather loud and annoying. I will keep review updated when Panasonic comes by.
7/8/11 The technician said the noise was normal and to just keep listening to make certain it didn't get any louder. I found this rather odd but I've never owned a Plasma before and a little noise coming from the back for your amazing 3D and great picture, ahh, who cares.
I really loved this TV
Second coming from all I performed the 200 hrs break-in using D-Nice settings and WOW. Picture looks great, no green blob or green tint problems, bright enough to watch flawlessly without burning your vision, overall a Great Product which has a great price. I think that price/performance ratio is unbeatable. There may be many TVs with a greater image and gratifaction than this but for the price it's actually a steal.
I ought to delay until the 3D glasses arrive to view the 3d capabilites, i will update on that.
Amazing picture
MG1245xxxx from September 2011
Ordered from Paul's TV (fulfilled by Amazon). Could save $50 while ordering from Electronics Expo but reading several pages with their rating/feedback, the concerns about their reputation have affected my decision. Plus, an earlier TV was from Paul's TV too (fulfilled by Amazon too), and so i was biased. I have experience with exchanging/returning three big and heavy (160 lb!) TVs because of defects, so if you will find there's chance that a seller will point going back item in my opinion scares me a lot! By the way, should you be curious, returned TVs were from Sanyo, Polaroid (using a Samsung panel and electronics inside), and Sony brands.
Panasonic has a strong green/ecological program in addition to being a somewhat environmentally concerned consumer, I prefer their program and it has affected my making decisions rather.
The box arrived via Home Direct (eventually late), nevertheless the driver has helped to carry it in and unpack (Big Because of him!).
This TV was version MG1245xxxx and manufactured in September 2011. If it's very important to you, the assembly was over in Mexico, but from the vent holes you are able to note that the panel itself was produced in Japan.
The sound of the speakers and also the inputs/outputs are not imperative that you me. Honestly speaking, you are happy to spend this cost for this kind of TV, one should be anticipated to spend $200-$400 on a receiver. Within the older days plasma TVs were not real TVs, these folks were HD monitors and I could be prepared to buy this TV for the same price even when it would simply have one HDMI input with no speakers.
The media player (with AVCHD support) can be a nice feature. Because of Panasonic to the continued inclusion in the SDHC card reader! Never have tested with SDXC yet.
Regarding the black level. In the event you look at the screen, even when the tv screen is off, the screen NEVER seems to be black because bezel. If the TV is on, and there is a second or a couple of black between credits along with the action, as an illustration, then that black doesn't look as black since the bezel too, and looks a bit lighter compared to appearance in the screen in the event the TV is off. Some people in on-line forums explain that plasmas have deep blacks that cannot be achieved by LCD and LED-based LCD panels because every person plasma cell could be switched off completely. Well, I expected an in-depth black (like the black bezel) in those pixels, but it is not happening (Would it be in a situation with OLEDs? We'll see in 10 roughly years). It isn't a con, in order to maintain your evaluation objective!
There was a lot of temptation with regards to a 70" LED LCD Sharp, but paying $600 more for a brand that is valued under Panasonic was excessive. Yes, there's a difference in power consumption (P65ST30 consumes 500 watts versus around 300 watts for Sharp), nevertheless the excellence of the picture and durability are from the higher priority in terms of such a an item.
Speaking about durability. Although Panasonic is generally regarding as a long-lasting brand, but everybody knows that some bits of electronics fail prior to when other, so I've added a 4-year manufacturer's warranty from SquareTrade just in case (the experience of returning three other TVs remains inside my memory).
UPDATE from May 18th, 2012: Not sure be it that this TV is larger or because it has better dynamic range and better rendition of colors and shadows comparing to a 42" LED LCD by Panasonic, nevertheless it appears as if while watching the same movies from Blu-ray discs and from DVDs, now we have seen details, which appeared to be missed with all the previous TV. Should it be a combination of the size and the dynamic range. Mind you, a blu-ray player, attached to this TV, is Panasonic DMP-BD45 Ultrafast-Booting Blu-ray Disc Player (Black). It's connected via an expensive HDMI cable. It does not take same setup that's used with the 42" LED LCD model.|
amazing picture even better wifi included
Panasonic Viera 65-Inch 3D Plasma
Set up was simple. I run everything through my Yamaha receiver using HMDI cables.
The 3D aspect is amazing. Over delivers i believe and watching Avatar in 3D was like watching it on the theatres.
Wathcing Blu-Ray 2D movies is usually amazing and the picture is unmatched. You do should manually adjust along with settings thought, "Standard" setting the tv screen is sold with is dark. Cinema is better however, you can adjust it after that.
The online features will also be fun, the tv screen included a wireless router and was simple to setup. Vieracast comes with some neat programs and features like movie channels, NetFlix, and Skype to name a few.
I would definetly recommend this TV to friends and family-
High Quality, perfect price point
Update to my previous review.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE...............
After several weeks of watching this gem, I still provide 5 stars. By all accounts I ought to be having the Fbr issue. I received a May 2011 build having a PDP-EEP value of 72.51. I have never seen any Fbr problems YET.
I used Dnice's slides for more than 100 hrs and applied his settings. Very nice! Used to adjust some minor things however the picture is sick good!!! Blacks are truely black and white's are really white. I prolly have 200+ hrs for this tv and also have not seen any retention/burn in, and i also watch numerous buisiness channels because of the tickers and logos.
The sound is just OK, but it is never great with any of these slim Tv's. I've a home theater system, but even though Some I can take care of the sound. It isn't really a big issue.
Amazon uses great delivery. Some say that they add the pedistal and put it over a stand. They didn't make it happen to me. Nonetheless they plugged it straight into ensure it worked.
Have not checked out the 3d freature cause I am unable to decide what glasses to acquire. I'm able to only that is amazing it will be awesome. This Tv is Awesome. I would not think you'd reget spending the bucks just for this tv. Amazon involved 500 dollars less then my local stores. Great Buy!!!!
Update.. Tv still works flawlessly... BUT, I really do watch MSNBC and FOX in many cases. These stations and many more have static images that created a burn in on my own panny. We've a number of options to reduce, or eliminate the retention/burn in. To start, I personally use the disney wow vid which has the possibility for pixel flippee. After hours people it was no help. I really then used the scrolling bar feature with panny... Still no joy.. have read several articals about "burn in" as apposed to retention.. After several hours of trying to aliviate this problem, I'm thinking this is true "burn in" rather than retetion. I've come across retention and was able to rid it.. I can't eliminate this,.. Any help could be appreciated..
CASUAL USER
Great TV, Poor delivery
GREAT TV,BUT...
I love my Panny!
I wish it had more apps. My spouse loves the pandora app and i also prefer that I could stream my music on the tv. I know Panasonic announce more apps but so far I have not seen any have to have.
I would certainly buy it again.
Excellent Picture in HD
Panasonic VIERA TC-P65ST30
First allow me to say this... this TV is big. Should your viewing distance is less than 10 feet away, it can be too big. We set this up in your current house at 8.5 feet, and we're very fortunate how the new house is further back, because at 8.5 feet away your neck receives a workout watching it. I have two friends who bought 60 inch TV's and so they both said the TV was too large, opting to match a 51" TO 55" instead, and moving the monster inside the basement. Aside from being too big for 8.5 feet away, the image is amazing.
Now the important question... do you need 3D? I had been undecided about this, but we selected a 3D TV even though it's cool and it is better to have it instead of require it than want it not have it... right? Well, not. We took place to Blockbuster to rent a 3D movie... nothing/zip/nada. We went along to Best to buy and bought the final Harry Potter for $30 in 3D (I hadn't seen it) and IMAX beneath the sea in 3D (also $30). Underneath the sea was sorta cool watching it on some $50 SainSonic 3D active shutter glasses we have on Amazon for $50 each. Harry Potter conversely was lame... there, I said hello. The movie will not be lame, however the 3D added nothing for me personally. Would I go 3D again... prolly not. Would I go 65" at 8.5 feet, certainly not. I can't wait to buy an area adequate to enjoy this TV from 10 feet away.
Now for your wireless... do you need this? I only say no. If you need to streamline Netflix, get it done in the Blu-Ray. I bought the Harmon Kardon AVR3600 for the music power as well as the Oppo 93 to streamline video, why do I would like the TV to go to the net? It does, and i also may require it later, however i really do not have to have the Amp, Blu-ray and TV to complete a similar thing.
For the record I am very happy with this particular purchase. The guy solved the problem unpackaged it and hang it for the stand. He said Amazon's return policy was the best, with out appear, make sure to keep the box. He relayed an account of a BestBuy TV he delivered and was standing there because guy was speaking with BestBuy, explaining to them it arrived broken. BestBuy advised him to keep it and told him that returning the TV tomorrow (even though it was broken) wasn't a choice. Unlike Amazon, which makes sure to make sure cool before you accept it, I discovered this cool.
In the final, would I buy this again... absolutely. It needs two more MartinLogan Motion 10's, but I'll wait until I will make them for $125 each.|
the best TV i've ever owned...
Amazing!
Spoiled on the max.....
love it! great tv with excellent display quality.o
Great TV
Great Picture
The screen is a little more reflective than my old TV, which does creates a distraction in evening when Sunlight is directly being released the area.
I initially obtained a Sharp Quattaron because of LED hype, but as soon as it absolutely was setup my eyes can't adjust. I thought could possibly be it can be getting from 50 to 60 inch i really gave it a little while, used its settings, colors, contrast etc, Did all of the readings, but tend to not get it to be effective properly.
When I watched it from front, the colors were dull, i really increased the backlight, but when the white scenes came the sunshine caused a glare i needed to look away from the TV. So when I watched it from 30 degree angle the pic looked pale.
Not positive that that has been with my tv or even in general however i couldn't afford a 60 inch mistake in my living room considering me for next 5 years.
This Panasonic TV was close to when it exited the lamp. I like vivid settings, and everything was ok.
Also connected this to youtube, the picture is fine, slightly dull, but same with the information on youtube :) not much to look at there anyways.
The text entry is on search page was Twenty years old technology, however you can connect your USB keyboard if you need. Good thinking to place USB slots and Facts slot sideways then when it can be mounted on the wall they are still accessible.
Sound can be ok for normal transmission, news, serials etc, but if you truly desire to relish some space alien action flick it's better to connect it with a good audio system.
Last thing regarding the Bezel, CNET gave some concerns concerning the surrounding bezel and i also was worried the way it will be on the wall. Actually it looks superior to my old TV and the Sharp I bought. The speakers as an alternative to protruding outwards, and also going backwards, so it closes the space at bottom whenever you mount it over a wall.
The delivery guys were also nice and work it quickly personally.
Saaack!
Another Panasonic Hit
Used D-nice's create for color contrast, brightness, pro settings etc. without needing color slides for that first 100 hours as suggested. The setup is beautiful. Takes away the haze I used to be seeing while using the pro settings with my own, personal settings. The way I think of break-in is if Panny transmitted TV having a known issue of needing break-in time they couldn't make such a quality device as well as their popularity couldn't be of up to it's. cnet brags about the ST, GT and VT TV's. The ST is in no way the best bang for that buck. VT an excessive amount of unless committed to majority of viewing as 3D. That leaves the GT vs. ST, and what I've heard is PQ is comparable. My set can be as perfect when i expected.
Just a great plasma television with extraordinary picture with settings that provides you total control, 300$ extra for THX was not an alternative, rather than needed.
GREAT TV !!! CDN
tv ,Panasonic ( TC-P50ST30) because I had been aware of
getting a tv pre xx1215.I got lucky.The model no . was higher.
I have experienced this set for Two weeks now in fact it is incredible.
I read some websites talking about a "breakin"period.
From several knowledgeable people and also the guys at Digital Home,
they say it's not at all essential to do any fancy breakin steps.
They say that when the tv must be broken within it would in the
owners manual.That being said,in the past a couple weeks I have
watched old dvd movies,hd movies,BD movies,3D movies and even
played videos game.I also watched movies and tv programs with
the transfer from 2D to 3D.Everything looked awsome,especially
watchingn Avatar and Pirates with the Caribbean On Strange Tides
in 3D.I had been very surprised to view how well this tv changed my
2D movies to 3D.Could it be full 3D? No,but certainly adds depth
to the picture.
I also got a new Panasonic 3D BD player and 3D Glasses.
The 3D glasses would be the lighest in weight ( 1 ounce) on the market.
They aren't like the clunky ones they had a year ago.
After a couple of minutes you will get so involved with watching 3D that you simply forget you might have them on.The advertising said that these glasses could be worn over
regular glasses. It's correct !!!They can fit being a glove.
3D Player : DMP-BDT210
3D Glasses :TY-EW3D3MU ( they are available in 3 sizes s,m,l) I got myself the
medium.
I saw the FIFA soccer games a year ago in 3D at Future Shop and was
blown away through the picture.It felt like I became located on the field
with the players.That maybe what 3D does.It can make you feel a part of what
is going on ,on screen. I am hoping the Super Bowl and also the 2012 Olympics
are in 3D because that you will find incredible to find out.
High Desires Panasonic
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