Tuesday 22 September 2009

By Wolfra W Kuhanau M D - hdtv, 1080p


I spent hours researching LED/LCD vs. Plasma. I don't like the artificial motion that the 120/240 LCD screens produce. I was also concerned about putting a plasma screen in our living room which has a lot of windows and a sliding glass door. After reading many reviews and finally comparing the set in-person, my wife and I purchased the 60" GT30 from Amazon.



Unfortunately, the first TV that arrived was cracked. After calling Amazon, they quickly ordered a replacement unit, and scheduled to have the broken one picked up.



After waiting another 7 days, we received the new unit--shipped by a different, and much more careful carrier. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our purchase. As previously mentioned, the TV sits in a very bright room, and looks fantastic. It is bright and the colors (especially in THX mode) are extraordinary.



While not a perfect experience (broken TV), Amazon once again provided exceptional customer service.



- One day after ordering the TV, a promotion was announced including 3D glasses with the purchase of this specific model. One email to Amazon, and I was quickly sent instructions on how to participate in the promotion, even though I "technically" didn't qualify.

- Amazon originally offered the lowest price for this TV when I ordered it. Even though the price was reduced by over $200 one week later, Amazon promptly provided a credit as part of their low price guarantee. Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT30 60-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV

I never thought I'd own a plasma. I mistakenly thought plasma technology was outdated and inferior to LCD TVs, but after looking into it I learned that a majority of videophiles consider plasmas to have superior picture quality.



I'm so glad I looked into buying a plasma because the richness of the picture on this GT30 is incredible. I've had a 60" GT30 for a couple of months and I couldn't be happier with it.



Right out of the box I was super impressed with the GT30's modern design and construction. It's a very handsome tv. I considered purchasing the Samsung PN59D8000, but the darks of the GT30 were more impressive to me. I also prefer the black bezel on the GT30 over the smoked silver bezel of the Samsung.



The GT30 plays Blu-ray movies and games like Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 flawlessly. Even when standing only a few feet from this tv text displayed by the PS3 or a PS3 game is surprisingly crisp.

Ordered via Amazon and arrived in a week. The third party carrier service which Amazon uses created some confusion and refused to unpack the item for verification. We had to call Amazon customer care and resolved the issue. TV performance is excellent and overall happy with the purchase.

I research 60 inch flat screen Televisions over the past few month. After reading everything I was set on getting a Plasma vs LCD. I read reviews on this particular Panasonic and liked what I heard. I have only had the Television for approx 2 weeks and it has not disappointed me. The set up was easy and picture quality fantastic. At this point I have no regrets.

This TV is a very nice looking TV in the store. We ordered this and scheduled a delivery time at checkout. Amazon did honor their price match on the TV as the price dropped $200 after the ship date. Watch your timing because they only match the price once within 14 days. If we jumped when it dropped $50 we would have lost $150 extra price match.



When it arrived, the TV picture quality was great; unfortunately ours was defective. It had a large (3-4") wide blue and green vertical bar down the entire front of the TV. We returned it (scheduled a return pickup through Amazon and the carrier - you cannot send back the same day because you have to contact Amazon first). Our refund was rather prompt. The only downside with the TV is that with the glass screen it had quite a bit of glare. I would give it 4.5 stars if you are using it in a room with windows and 5 stars without. We returned to Best Buy and realized that nearly all TVs now have glass (vs. matte) screens - even LEDs/LCDs.



We looked at TVs again and ended up going with a Sharp 60" Plasma TV. The glare seems to be a little bit better and we are very happy with the 3D on it. Both TVs have similar features and both are very highly rated TVs. I'm sure ours was just a fluke with possibly being bumped in shipment.



You can certainly feel comfortable ordering large, expensive TVs through Amazon (be sure it's sold or fulfilled by Amazon). You can feel confident with both the 14 day price match and their free 30 day return policy. The TV does not have something "wrong" with it (like ours did) in order for you to return it for free. This is really nice that you can see it in your room without having to worry about having to pay to ship back what would normally be an expensive item to return.

I tracked the GT30 from the moment the release was announced during the winter. After receiving it and "playing" with it for a couple of months, I can safely say I love it now and will for many years. Here's my list:



- The contrast level particularly in anything less than a very bright room is amazing. I have a previous Panasonic plasma and had high expectations, but the new GT black levels are amazingly dark with whites that light the room. Conversely, in a sunlit bright room the picture has to be changed to something like the vivid setting to achieve great contrast. Given the shortcomings in LCD/LED (including my Sony), I think changing the picture setting is a minor inconvenience. Postings on the internet suggest avoiding the automatic ambient light sensor so I've disabled it -- therefore no comment on its' performance.

- Even off, it's beautiful. For many people, the TV replaces the fireplace as the new living room centerpiece. If you paid for stainless kitchen appliances, why not pay for a good looking TV.

- The internet apps are OK. The TV's processor seems to be slow in the selection and a bit clunky. I therefore have used very few apps. I'll probably try Amazon VOD and may update the review.

- The built-in sound is quite good, but at this point doesn't everyone have a surround sound receiver for movies?

- Delivery and setup was easy with lots of detailed options to "optimize". The video compression filter seems to counteract some my cable company's extreme compression.

- PS3 3D games are cool. Avatar in 3D is great, but I really haven't used 3D too much.

- The 60 inch screen seemed very big once installed. I've gotten used to it...



It's really everything I hoped for. - Hdtv - Panasonic Plasma - 1080p - 240hz'


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By Wolfra W Kuhanau M D - hdtv, 1080p hdtv By Wolfra W Kuhanau M D - hdtv, 1080p