Hello,
I have an annoying problem with my Panny TH-42PHD8UK (8th generation professional) display.

It has a very good picture quality and blacks look and feel like we are using a CRT display. However, frequently it can't hold its black level on sudden changes from dark to bright scenes; i.e. we got a sudden increase in white level. It balances itself within half a second but it is really annoying.

Is there anything I can do to fix the problem? Thanks in advance...

See Bruzzi's FAQ about this item. It is a workaround as opposed to a fix but may help you somewhat.

See Bruzzi's FAQ about this item. It is a workaround as opposed to a fix but may help you somewhat.

Thank you sir! I'll try below process when I go home...

from Bruzzi:


07) Black Level Fluctuation Fix for the 8UK Displays

Panasonic has provided a Service Menu setting fix for "black level fluctuation" on the TH-37PHD8UK and TH-42PHD8UK Displays in black areas of Letteboxed video such as DVD playback.

Hold down the {VOL -} button ON THE PLASMA DISPLAY.
Press the {STATUS} button 3 times on the remote.
(Status button is the one above Setup button)

The Computer Aided Test Menu (Service Menu) will be displayed
Using the cursors keys on the remote, select "SD"
And press the action key ( ) to access the menu

At the bottom will be an A or B selection for LETTERBOX.
NOTE: Some Models might be labelled as "Off" or "On" instead "A" or "B"

Highlight the B (On) selection for Black Level complaints. A (Off) is the default.

While in the Service Menu, be careful not to select the B option for REMOTE, only for LETTERBOX.
If REMOTE is set to B and power is cycled, your remote will become disabled.

Press the power button on the Plasma to exit the Service Mode.
If power is turned off by the remote the new setting will not be memorized.

NOTE: The "Black Level Fluctuation" problem affects mostly the 37PHD8UK and 42PHD8UK Displays. The Letterbox Mode is not available for the 37PWD8UK, 42PWD8UK, 50PHD8UK & 65PHD8UK Models.

Also be careful because there is a REMOTE A B selection in the same area that if mistakenly selected will disable your remote.