I bought a 700U about a week ago from Circuit City and noticed some marks behind the glass. they are not marks on the pixels themselves and can be seen when the unit is turned off only. Almost seem like scratches in the anti glare coating, but they are on the inside. You can really only see them in the light and since I have lots of windows it was easy for me to see them when I was dusting the unit off with a microfiber cloth.

I had circuit city replace the unit and the second and third units had the same problem (marks always in different areas). I then went to the store and looked at another brand new boxed unit as well as the display and both the same problems. I also went to best buy and saw this. ????? what's going on here???? is Panasonic not paying attention to quality?

Before everyone sends mail about not knowing what I'm talking about, turn on all your lights in the room and turn the unit off and look closely for any marks that appear to be behind the glass. You might be surprised.

I'm considering exchanging for the Samsung ft-p5084 but really wanted the Panasonic.

I didn't get any replies in the 700U thread. Seems like people are ignoring this issue all together. Wow!

Can you see them when watching the TV? Or is is only when you get close and scrutinize the glass? Like a stuck pixel, if it doesn't affect your viewing from your seating positions then is it worth switching to a (gulp) Samsung?

Have you asked Panasonic about this?

Can you see them when watching the TV? Or is is only when you get close and scrutinize the glass? Like a stuck pixel, if it doesn't affect your viewing from your seating positions then is it worth switching to a (gulp) Samsung?

I can only see it when I'm up close (very close, about 3-4ft.). And yes, I feel the same way about Samsung. :)

Have you asked Panasonic about this?

Yes, via email yesterday. I don't think I'll hear back before Monday, but I'll post their response.

i could be totally wrong but doesn't panny use double pane layered glass and you are probably seeing the internal reflection, i think this has been discussed in the past on the forums .

pioneer uses single pane layer now and this reduces/eliminates that effect, besides reduces cost and saves weight.

if it was a true defect and seen that easily it would be a well known problem and panny could not get away with selling something that problematic.

i could be totally wrong but doesn't panny use double pane layered glass and you are probably seeing the internal reflection, i think this has been discussed in the past on the forums .

pioneer uses single pane layer now and this reduces/eliminates that effect, besides reduces cost and saves weight.

if it was a true defect and seen that easily it would be a well known problem and panny could not get away with selling something that problematic.

I didn't know about the double pane glass, but it may be that I'm seeing the second pane scratched. You can definitely tell because if you mark or smudge the screen with your finger the scratches appear deeper than those smudges. I personally believe that this is a wide spread problem among Panasonic models. I've looked at various of the new models in the stores and see those marks on almost all of them. I've also opened a ticket with Panasonic and they are supposed to call me on Monday to make an appointment for checking it out. I think the service tech will tell me though that I can just swap it out again. I'm hoping this is a certain batch run that's bad, but I'm guessing that's not the case. I'm also surprised no one else has noted this. I know I'm very discriminating and picky, but......anyway.

So, a lot has been going on with this. I had contacted Panasonic and they were going to send a technician out. Well the technician never received the service order, but since I was given his number I called him and talked to him. All he could do is look at the scratches. This didn't make any sense since I thought he would replace the set or something like that. At the same time I received an email from a Technical Customer Service Lead at Panasonic asking me more about the problem. They seemed really curious. I explained everything to him and they asked me for digital pictures. Unfortunately I could not get any good images. They wanted to send the same tech out to get pictures taken, but since that would have happened outsided of my 30 day return period, I didn't want to take the risk and hold on to the TV. So to my extreme surprise the Panasonic customer rep is coming out today (Saturday) and is going to take the pictures himself. Apparently he has some decent equipment to take them with. I still have a few days for the 30 day return policy. I also went through and started to mark (using blue masking tape) the scratches. I was surprised to find so many. I stopped looking after about 15 or 20. They are tiny, but they're there. I think Panasonic knows there is a problem, but they want to confirm it. I also believe there is a lot going on behind the scenes at the factory trying to rectify things. The rep. should be here in about half an hour and I will post another update.

I didn't know about the double pane glass, but it may be that I'm seeing the second pane scratched. You can definitely tell because if you mark or smudge the screen with your finger the scratches appear deeper than those smudges. I personally believe that this is a wide spread problem among Panasonic models. I've looked at various of the new models in the stores and see those marks on almost all of them. I've also opened a ticket with Panasonic and they are supposed to call me on Monday to make an appointment for checking it out. I think the service tech will tell me though that I can just swap it out again. I'm hoping this is a certain batch run that's bad, but I'm guessing that's not the case. I'm also surprised no one else has noted this. I know I'm very discriminating and picky, but......anyway.
Why do you think this "isn't" a batch problem or an issue at one particular plant? That would seem to make more sense than all of their plants producing tv's with inferior glass.

Why do you think this "isn't" a batch problem or an issue at one particular plant? That would seem to make more sense than all of their plants producing tv's with inferior glass.

I never said that I didn't think that. Nor did I say that I did. All I know for fact is that every (EVERY) Panasonic I've looked at (recent models) have had this problem. And every time, I've had someone with me or at the store confirm.

...I'm hoping this is a certain batch run that's bad, but I'm guessing that's not the case. I'm also surprised no one else has noted this. I know I'm very discriminating and picky, but......anyway.
You said yourself you dont think its a batch problem...you said "but I'm guessing thats not the case"

That means you think it is a problem across the board not just with a batch, you said it yourself. All I'm asking for is has Panasonic said something that makes you think that? Simply seeing them on the shelf at various retailers is not a good indicator due to distribution of the product.

My point is that it could very well be a batch/factory issue at one location and not a widespread issue. Having said that it could be a widespread issue, I have no information on this which is why I'm prodding you for more info especially since panasonic is currently number 1 on my TV list. If there's an issue I'd like to know it gets resolved before I purchase my HD set.

You said yourself you dont think its a batch problem...you said "but I'm guessing thats not the case"

That means you think it is a problem across the board not just with a batch, you said it yourself. All I'm asking for is has Panasonic said something that makes you think that? Simply seeing them on the shelf at various retailers is not a good indicator due to distribution of the product.

My point is that it could very well be a batch/factory issue at one location and not a widespread issue. Having said that it could be a widespread issue, I have no information on this which is why I'm prodding you for more info especially since panasonic is currently number 1 on my TV list, if there's an issue I'd like to know it gets resolved before I purchase my HD set.

Dude, chill. Saying that "I'm GUESSING" does not mean that it's a fact. I think if you re-read my postings you'll realize that I'm on the fence on this. Anyway, I'm not going to get in to a silly argument with you. Either way, when I post a fact, I make sure folks know it. And when I state an opinion you will know it also. Don't argue my opinions, please. I'm not going to engage.

Now, if you really want to know what happens then just stay tuned. Don't get emotionally attached to a vendor if you don't want the disappointment that comes with it. Otherwise don't read any of the negative threads or problem threads and rely on the fact that ignorance is bliss.

Dude, chill. Saying that "I'm GUESSING" does not mean that it's a fact. I think if you re-read my postings you'll realize that I'm on the fence on this. Anyway, I'm not going to get in to a silly argument with you. Either way, when I post a fact, I make sure folks know it. And when I state an opinion you will know it also. Don't argue my opinions, please. I'm not going to engage.

Now, if you really want to know what happens then just stay tuned. Don't get emotionally attached to a vendor if you don't want the disappointment that comes with it. Otherwise don't read any of the negative threads or problem threads and rely on the fact that ignorance is bliss.
I know you're on the fence, I'm just asking for the details of what you know. How many of these sets have you looked at in stores? Were they 75s/77s/700s/750s? Or just 700s?

I will definately be staying tuned, this has several implications. 1) How panasonic treats you as a customer 2) the resolution 3) how widespread this is.


Sorry if I came off as a bit attacking earlier but I am really interested in seeing what happens here and bleeding all the detail I can out of you.

No problem. I'm here to share all of the info. I still think the Pana is the best plasma out there. See my answers in your quote.

I know you're on the fence, I'm just asking for the details of what you know. How many of these sets have you looked at in stores? Were they 75s/77s/700s/750s? Or just 700s?

I looked at others, not just the 700U. 75s and 77s. So it's not just the antiglare.

I will definately be staying tuned, this has several implications. 1) How panasonic treats you as a customer 2) the resolution 3) how widespread this is.

So far Panasonic has been great. I think this is out of the ordinary, but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the folks at Panasonic are on the phone. Normally they would send a repair tech out, but this is a strange issue so the customer rep is coming out. Definitely better service than I expected and I usually have high standards for customer service.

Sorry if I came off as a bit attacking earlier but I am really interested in seeing what happens here and bleeding all the detail I can out of you

No problem. I just didn't want this thread to turn inot "you said, he said". I'd rather keep it to facts, but of course we always give our 2 cents. :)

While writing this response, I received a call from the rep. that's coming out. He is about an hour behind schedule. The guy is driving from pretty far away (probably a few hours) just to get the pictures. WOW!!!

I just looked at my TH-50PZ700U and I can see little "scratches" behind the screen as well. You really have to look at the set at odd angles to see them and I doubt they do anything to the picture. Hmmm . . . I'm wondering if I should call them as well. Just bought this set four weeks ago at CC and it wasn't cheap. :mad:

On a side note, is it just me or does the piano black finish scratch just looking at the damn thing?

I don't plan on watching my 42PZ700U from 3-4 feet anyway so i'm not going to scrutinize the glass from up close, thus i'll never have to worry if my glass is scratched :p

I bought a 700U about a week ago from Circuit City and noticed some marks behind the glass. they are not marks on the pixels themselves and can be seen when the unit is turned off only. Almost seem like scratches in the anti glare coating, but they are on the inside. You can really only see them in the light and since I have lots of windows it was easy for me to see them when I was dusting the unit off with a microfiber cloth.

I had circuit city replace the unit and the second and third units had the same problem (marks always in different areas). I then went to the store and looked at another brand new boxed unit as well as the display and both the same problems. I also went to best buy and saw this. ????? what's going on here???? is Panasonic not paying attention to quality?

Before everyone sends mail about not knowing what I'm talking about, turn on all your lights in the room and turn the unit off and look closely for any marks that appear to be behind the glass. You might be surprised.

I'm considering exchanging for the Samsung ft-p5084 but really wanted the Panasonic.

I didn't get any replies in the 700U thread. Seems like people are ignoring this issue all together. Wow!
Nixage, don't worry your not crazy... well about seeing this dust. I've come accross this about 5 times this month with the same model. I called Panasonic about it they said take it back (I usually have the customer provide their own equipment). When I spoke to a manager the 5th time he told me the had a "slight quality control issue on a batch" and that they had been getting in a few calls about it they said it was a small group. I would take it back and ask for an exchange of the same model. Have them open the box and check out the screen before you leave with it. If you see the same problem then I would consider switching to something else. Good luck.

I just looked at my TH-50PZ700U and I can see little "scratches" behind the screen as well. You really have to look at the set at odd angles to see them and I doubt they do anything to the picture. Hmmm . . . I'm wondering if I should call them as well. Just bought this set four weeks ago at CC and it wasn't cheap. :mad:

On a side note, is it just me or does the piano black finish scratch just looking at the damn thing?
Check the date of your receipt. If its more than 30days good luck with CC. As I said prevoiusly they had a "quality control issue". I've come accross 5 myself this month with the problem. Take it back if you can and inspect the next one before you leave. This is considered cosmetic and don't believe this is covered by the Panasonic warranty.

I don't plan on watching my 42PZ700U from 3-4 feet anyway so i'm not going to scrutinize the glass from up close, thus i'll never have to worry if my glass is scratched :p

Good idea. I can get nuts sometimes with perfection. If only I didn't see this thread! ;)

Check the date of your receipt. If its more than 30days good luck with CC. As I said prevoiusly they had a "quality control issue". I've come accross 5 myself this month with the problem. Take it back if you can and inspect the next one before you leave. This is considered cosmetic and don't believe this is covered by the Panasonic warranty.

This the fifth week I've owned it so I guess I own it. In the end I guess it really isn't an issue. I mean I'd have to watch the TV from the floor while it's off to see the imperfection and I only do that once or twice a week. :p

I just looked at my TH-50PZ700U and I can see little "scratches" behind the screen as well. You really have to look at the set at odd angles to see them and I doubt they do anything to the picture. Hmmm . . . I'm wondering if I should call them as well. Just bought this set four weeks ago at CC and it wasn't cheap. :mad:

On a side note, is it just me or does the piano black finish scratch just looking at the damn thing?

I'd call Panasonic just to see what they say. I'm not sure about the piano black finish, but I do use a high quality microfiber cloth whenever I touch the tv.

Ok, so the Rep. finally showed up. I didn't know he was coming from about 4 hours away. He was a really nice guy and took pictures of the marks/scratches. In his opinion they may be small cardboard fibers. He will get back to me on Monday about what Panasonic will do. They may swap it out, but I still have the option of swapping it out at CC. I'd rather do it with Panasonic since I may get a newer or later serial number. Meaning it won't be from the same run (hoping).

Also, I asked him about the plants and Pansonic has only one plant in Japan. That's it.

I'll keep you guys posted.

By the way, for what it's worth. Yes, the marks are tiny and don't take away from the viewing experience. I'm a picky guy and for $3000, I don't expect anything to be wrong with it. Also, small individual imperfections may not be noticeable but many of them as a whole can take away from the viewing experience. I don't believe there are enough to do this but I did count about 20 or so this morning before the rep. got here. I'm sure there are more.

Bottom line, it depends on the person and how picky you are. :)

Ok, so the Rep. finally showed up. I didn't know he was coming from about 4 hours away. He was a really nice guy and took pictures of the marks/scratches. In his opinion they may be small cardboard fibers. He will get back to me on Monday about what Panasonic will do. They may swap it out, but I still have the option of swapping it out at CC. I'd rather do it with Panasonic since I may get a newer or later serial number. Meaning it won't be from the same run (hoping).

Also, I asked him about the plants and Pansonic has only one plant in Japan. That's it.

I'll keep you guys posted.

By the way, for what it's worth. Yes, the marks are tiny and don't take away from the viewing experience. I'm a picky guy and for $3000, I don't expect anything to be wrong with it. Also, small individual imperfections may not be noticeable but many of them as a whole can take away from the viewing experience. I don't believe there are enough to do this but I did count about 20 or so this morning before the rep. got here. I'm sure there are more.

Bottom line, it depends on the person and how picky you are. :)
He's wrong on the plants, they have either two or three Japanese plasma plants.

His comment on cardboard kinda makes some sense, although it's still not good that they let numerous sets out the door with this issue.

So can you notice them at all with the set on? if so how close do you have to get?

He's wrong on the plants, they have either two or three Japanese plasma plants.

His comment on cardboard kinda makes some sense, although it's still not good that they let numerous sets out the door with this issue.

So can you notice them at all with the set on? if so how close do you have to get?

I can see them with the set on but you have to be even closer to it. You can't see it when you're more than a foot away. So it's really a non-issue as far as affecting the picture. Unless there were hundreds of them, I guess. But it still bothers me that there quality control didn't catch it.

I can see them with the set on but you have to be even closer to it. You can't see it when you're more than a foot away. So it's really a non-issue as far as affecting the picture. Unless there were hundreds of them, I guess. But it still bothers me that there quality control didn't catch it.
Yeah it would bother me too. Hopefully they'll get this resolved for you.

nixage, got a question. These marks/scratches, do you really have to look at the TV in weird angles or are they noticeable when looking straight on? When I checked my screen the marks we're only visible from an angle etc and moved form one position to another when i moved my viewing angle. Kind of like those pics that change images when you pass by.

Edit:

Just looked again in the daylight and I can see them straight on too. Looks like it's on the surface sometimes but it's not. I'm becoming more bummed. :(

I'd call Panasonic just to see what they say. I'm not sure about the piano black finish, but I do use a high quality microfiber cloth whenever I touch the tv.

Microfiber here as well. Some of them might be from the factory. It's difficult to tell.

Well, I just called CC and asked them if I can return the TV for an exact exchange and I was told that it's no problem even though it's day 32. Tomorrow it goes back for a new panel.

Well, I just called CC and asked them if I can return the TV for an exact exchange and I was told that it's no problem even though it's day 32. Tomorrow it goes back for a new panel.

Cool. Hope you get one without marks/fibers.

I thought about this long and hard and I feel that this panel is the best (in this price range) and I'd hate to sacrifice it because of these marks. In the end they are insignificant as far as viewing experience goes. But spending 3K on a TV ???!!! Really, could anyone have imagined spending this much 15 years ago? This is a huge investment for me and I don't want to do it every few years, therefore I went with the 1080P model.

Anyway, I really hope that Panasonic has things ironed out and the current ones coming off the assembly line are ok.

BTW, sorry to everyone for opening this can of worms. :(

I'm hoping too. I guess I'll find out today but I agree, $3000 for a TV is a lot of cabbage no matter who you are and it should be without defects. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes today.

Oh yeah, I was gonna thank you for making me miserable about my TV. ;)

If you experience any issue with your Panasonic plasma TV, I would recommend contacting the Panasonic Plasma Concierge Hotline at 888.972.6276. They established the concierge service for us, Panasonic plasma TV owners. They may request you provide digital photos of your TV. This will assist them with investigating the issue, especially if it's unusual. Give them a call. That's what they're there for.

What is the date of manufact?

I just got a 42700u and honestly haven't noticed anything like that. But I haven't looked for it. Maybe ignorance is bliss but I'll look tonight and see what it looks like.

My date is June 2007 I believe.

What is the date of manufact?

I just got a 42700u and honestly haven't noticed anything like that. But I haven't looked for it. Maybe ignorance is bliss but I'll look tonight and see what it looks like.

My date is June 2007 I believe.

Mine is June 07. But don't look for them. Ignorance IS bliss. :)

He's wrong on the plants, they have either two or three Japanese plasma plants.

His comment on cardboard kinda makes some sense, although it's still not good that they let numerous sets out the door with this issue.

So can you notice them at all with the set on? if so how close do you have to get?
I've seen several sets without any noticable problem when up VERY close. Installing these you get VERY close to them and if you notice something you gotta point it out to your customer otherwise they try and blame you. So I pay close attention to detail. Most people probably would never notice.

Mine is June 07. But don't look for them. Ignorance IS bliss. :)
I agree... If you see them it will probably be too late to return it anyway. If you're happy with the picture right now that should make you happy. :)

Well I went to CC and they were quite pleasant in helping me out even though I am over the 30 day return threshold. They gave me a brand new set and after checking it out I can see no "scratches" behind the anti-glare screen.

Okay now Im really upset ?!?!?!?

A couple weeks ago I picked up a 50pz700 to replace my 50px50u.
Well I noticed lovely scratches on the shiny black bezel. I reported this to the vendor and they sent me an exchange. I thought everything was good until I read comments about fibers under the glass... well off I go to look and of course, there they are ?!?!??! Another thing I noticed was a lovely spec of dirt on the inside of the glass ?!?!?!?

Im so frustrated right now.
I mean what should I do? Should I even bother persue this?
I think Im going to take this up with Panasonic directly because Im starting to think they have some Quality control issues ?!?!??! Panagurl, care to comment?

Okay now Im really upset ?!?!?!?

A couple weeks ago I picked up a 50pz700 to replace my 50px50u.
Well I noticed lovely scratches on the shiny black bezel. I reported this to the vendor and they sent me an exchange. I thought everything was good until I read comments about fibers under the glass... well off I go to look and of course, there they are ?!?!??! Another thing I noticed was a lovely spec of dirt on the inside of the glass ?!?!?!?

Im so frustrated right now.
I mean what should I do? Should I even bother persue this?
I think Im going to take this up with Panasonic directly because Im starting to think they have some Quality control issues ?!?!??! Panagurl, care to comment?

Call Panasonic and open a ticket. Their customer service is impeccable.

I believe you will not find a 700 that does not have some of those imperfections. I have some on my 42pz700u. They can only be seen with the set off and shining a flashlight on the screen. My guess is that it is darn near impossible the make the non-glare panel without having some of those artifacts. I certainly can't see them with the set on and my face right next to the screen .They don't affect my viewing experience during normal viewing and I sit about 4.5 feet from the tv.

Hey Guys,

Was there ever a definitive response from Panasonic on this issue. I just got a 50 PZ700 a couple of days ago here in the UK and it has some marks behind the screen, as has been said before it doesn't affect the picture so I wasn't intending to do anything about it but was just curious if Panny had said anything.

John.

Also, I asked him about the plants and Pansonic has only one plant in Japan. That's it.
Seriuosly? That would have to be a massive plant to supply Plasmas to every market in the world.:eek: Also I recall Matsushita opening a plant in Mexico for plasma maunfacturing but I could be mistaken...

Seriuosly? That would have to be a massive plant to supply Plasmas to every market in the world.:eek: Also I recall Matsushita opening a plant in Mexico for plasma maunfacturing but I could be mistaken...

I don't know how many they have. Just telling you what the guy said. If you want to know, call Panasonic. I don't care myself.

Hey Guys,

Was there ever a definitive response from Panasonic on this issue. I just got a 50 PZ700 a couple of days ago here in the UK and it has some marks behind the screen, as has been said before it doesn't affect the picture so I wasn't intending to do anything about it but was just curious if Panny had said anything.

John.

No definite answer. They offered my money back since it was within the 30 days or a replacement. I took the replacement but the same issue. I've been watching the screen for months now and no problems. it's not visible from any sitting distance and only really visible when the screen is off. Keep it, you won't regret it.

Yeah, I'll just be keeping it and not letting this worry me, it's an awesome TV, picture is amazing and it doesn't buzz like my old PW5 did :D

John.