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2M views 18K replies 1K participants last post by  rododoktolos 
#1 ·
This is the first review based on European/British model TX-P55VT65B:

Pros

Superb analogue looking images

Reference black levels

Incredible contrast ratio and dynamic range

Lack of PWM noise and clean looking images

Very good out-of-the-box greyscale

Reference greyscale after calibration

Excellent out-of-the-box colour gamut

Reference color gamut after calibration

Reference level 3D performance

Comprehensive calibration controls

Wonderful motion handling

Excellent video processing

Built-in WiFi, Freesat HD and Freeview HD

Excellent Smart TV platform

Highly effective remote app

Well designed menus and remote control

Attractive design and excellent build quality
Cons

Some DFC

Stand doesn't swivel

Fans might bother some




http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Panasonic-VT65-VT60-TX-P55VT65B-P50VT65B-P65VT65B-3D-Plasma-TV_507/Review.html
 
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#14,841 ·
It took 40 hours ( also known as 10 hours for 4 days, lol) of mixed full screen and white washing to get rid of it but it's gone.
When you say "mixed full screen", do you mean just running an HD Bluray or TV Show (with no watermarks of course)? I've been running the Screen Wipe in the Settings overnight the last few nights... so about 8 hours for the last 2-3 nights..

Thanks for the advice.
 
#14,843 ·
Can the metal edge trim be removed?

It's distracting, picks up light even in the dark and reflects a bit of it. I'd prefer an all-black front. The trim appears to be made of strips with corners cut at 45 degrees, and the strips held on with small screws. What's underneath? Is the trim structural, protective, or purely ornamental?
 
#14,844 ·
It's distracting, picks up light even in the dark and reflects a bit of it. I'd prefer an all-black front. The trim appears to be made of strips with corners cut at 45 degrees, and the strips held on with small screws. What's underneath? Is the trim structural, protective, or purely ornamental?
I wouldn't remove it, but it's easily covered with black trim/decal material.
 
#14,845 ·
I've had my VT60 for about 8 months now and the other night there was a click sound while I was watching the TV and the left four inches of the screen went black. I've tried changing the inputs, disconnecting the tv and reconnecting everything, and it just looks like those four inches are black.

I've called Panasonic and they informed me it must be a bad screen, but since the VT60's aren't made any longer, they don't have the parts to repair it. The only silver lining is they said they'll completely refund the TV for me, since it's under warranty. It's a shame though... I really loved this TV and the picture quality was amazing.

Oh well... time to find a new TV :(
 
#14,846 ·
I've had my VT60 for about 8 months now and the other night there was a click sound while I was watching the TV and the left four inches of the screen went black. I've tried changing the inputs, disconnecting the tv and reconnecting everything, and it just looks like those four inches are black.

I've called Panasonic and they informed me it must be a bad screen, but since the VT60's aren't made any longer, they don't have the parts to repair it. The only silver lining is they said they'll completely refund the TV for me, since it's under warranty. It's a shame though... I really loved this TV and the picture quality was amazing.

Oh well... time to find a new TV :(
Man, what a bummer. Sorry to hear that. It's ashamed such a great TV at what was a very reasonable price is no longer being made.
 
#14,847 ·
It's incredible and extremely concerning that they no longer have parts to fix these TV's. Even if they offer a full refund, what are you going to buy with that money? Nothing comes close to the VT60 that's currently on sale, except for the F8500, and that one is hard to find and not cheap and comes with its own set of issues.

My own 65VT60 (which is about 16 months old) acted weird last night. It was displaying a very faint, sightly flickering horizontal white line in the lower black letterbox bar while watching 2.35:1 movies. I would say ionly 2 or 3 pixels high. REALLY faint. It was intermittent and seemed to go away every time I switched from HDM 1 to TV/Cable. But then it would come back. Again, very faint (my wife could not even see it) but annoying and distracting since it ruined the "floating image" effect on a 2.35:1 movie. Those blacks are quite dark, as we know, so any variation in light output is immediately evident to the trained eye. I thought perhaps the disc was defective, or there was a fault in the encoding or transfer of the movie (the original "Casino Royale"... NOT the Daniel Craig film), since the line looked like time-code data or something you see in crappy local broadcasts from a no-name station, the type of data that used to be invisible due to overscan in the old sets. I switched from HD Size 1 to 2 and back, and it was still there, so it wasn't the disc. I then turned the TV off but still no luck (the line came back again, it would go away when switching inputs, and then come back). I finally turned my Oppo 103 off and on again, watched about 90 mins of other 2.35:1 blu rays afterwards, and the line SEEMS to have gone away. Perhaps it was an HDMI handshake issue (never happened before) or the Oppo just needed a re-boot... Not sure if the Oppo or the VT60 were to blame. Still, comments like the above REALLY concern me. I would be heart-broken if my VT60 needs repair and there's nothing that can be done about it. I even bought the 3-year warranty, but it seems that wouldn't help at all. I just hope that this thing lasts enough time for OLED to become affordable in a 65" size... Very, very upset about Panasonic not keeping enough parts in stock. I'm really sorry about your case, David. I hope you are able to work out a solution you are happy with. Please keep us posted if anything changes.
 
#14,848 ·
It's incredible and extremely concerning that they no longer have parts to fix these TV's. Even if they offer a full refund, what are you going to buy with that money? Nothing comes close to the VT60 that's currently on sale, except for the F8500, and that one is hard to find and not cheap and comes with its own set of issues.

My own 65VT60 (which is about 16 months old) acted weird last night. It was displaying a very faint, sightly flickering horizontal white line in the lower black letterbox bar while watching 2.35:1 movies. I would say ionly 2 or 3 pixels high. REALLY faint. It was intermittent and seemed to go away every time I switched from HDM 1 to TV/Cable. But then it would come back. Again, very faint (my wife could not even see it) but annoying and distracting since it ruined the "floating image" effect on a 2.35:1 movie. Those blacks are quite dark, as we know, so any variation in light output is immediately evident to the trained eye. I thought perhaps the disc was defective, or there was a fault in the encoding or transfer of the movie (the original "Casino Royale"... NOT the Daniel Craig film), since the line looked like time-code data or something you see in crappy local broadcasts from a no-name station, the type of data that used to be invisible due to overscan in the old sets. I switched from HD Size 1 to 2 and back, and it was still there, so it wasn't the disc. I then turned the TV off but still no luck (the line came back again, it would go away when switching inputs, and then come back). I finally turned my Oppo 103 off and on again, watched about 90 mins of other 2.35:1 blu rays afterwards, and the line SEEMS to have gone away. Perhaps it was an HDMI handshake issue (never happened before) or the Oppo just needed a re-boot... Not sure if the Oppo or the VT60 were to blame. Still, comments like the above REALLY concern me. I would be heart-broken if my VT60 needs repair and there's nothing that can be done about it. I even bought the 3-year warranty, but it seems that wouldn't help at all. I just hope that this thing lasts enough time for OLED to become affordable in a 65" size... Very, very upset about Panasonic not keeping enough parts in stock. I'm really sorry about your case, David. I hope you are able to work out a solution you are happy with. Please keep us posted if anything changes.
The F8500 is far from hard to find and is reasonably priced.
 
#14,849 ·
Man, what a bummer. Sorry to hear that. It's ashamed such a great TV at what was a very reasonable price is no longer being made.
The F8500 is far from hard to find and is reasonably priced.
Let's not go there, please. I vastly prefer the VT60, for many other reasons besides picture quality (better audio, 65 vs. 64", aesthetics, etc). I have no intentions to start yet another VT vs F8500 debate. The point in my previous post is clear, I'd like to think. By the way, I would appreciate any feedback regarding the issue described in that post.
 
#14,850 ·
I've had my VT60 for about 8 months now and the other night there was a click sound while I was watching the TV and the left four inches of the screen went black. I've tried changing the inputs, disconnecting the tv and reconnecting everything, and it just looks like those four inches are black.

I've called Panasonic and they informed me it must be a bad screen, but since the VT60's aren't made any longer, they don't have the parts to repair it. The only silver lining is they said they'll completely refund the TV for me, since it's under warranty. It's a shame though... I really loved this TV and the picture quality was amazing.

Oh well... time to find a new TV :(
My condolences :( I am hoping my set lasts for a while
 
#14,851 ·
Let's not go there, please. I vastly prefer the VT60, for many other reasons besides picture quality (better audio, 65 vs. 64", aesthetics, etc). I have no intentions to start yet another VT vs F8500 debate. The point in my previous post is clear, I'd like to think. By the way, I would appreciate any feedback regarding the issue described in that post.
There is really nothing to say about what happen to you last night and nothing to worry about unless it happens again. As for the Samsung 8500 it is a worthy replacement, especially if you can afford to get it calibrated. Much better than what is on the market currently unless you want a curved OLED that is only 55 inches or your a forum member named Fruad (spelling) who has 3,000 posts in 5 months :eek: regarding the incredible Vizio E, M, P, R series. Enjoy your set, I know I am and you have a few more years of coverage should something really go wrong.
 
#14,852 ·
Thanks for the condolences on the issues I've had with my VT60. I just received word from Panasonic that the shipping company will be picking up the TV in the new few days. As nice as Panasonic has been, I really wish they'd have tried to repair the TV. What people have said about having trouble finding an adequate replacement seems true. Though I have some cash to get a new TV, I don't think I'm going to find anything as good in that price range (~$2000).

Right now, I'm looking at the Samsung 64" F8500 as a possibility, if I can find a good deal over the next few months (currently out of my price range). If anyone has any other recommendations for ~65" tv (plasma/lcd/led), I'm all ears. Feel free to PM me. As much as I love researching stuff, I was completely happy with the VT60, so kind of frustrated. Thanks!
 
#14,855 · (Edited)
Well I am fed up with this model. It looks gorgeous but in the past 4 months the main board/hdmi ports have died on me. I have a whole home surge protector and an in wall surge protector. I know they do NOT guarantee protecting sensitive equipment, but I would at least expect the TV to have a LITTLE bit more built in protection or be more robust (bigger caps?). Never had an issue with any other TV in the house.

I was sitting here watching TV and a distant thunderstorm was approaching. No flicker, no rain/loud boom. All the sudden the TV signal input goes kaput, but audio and source still going strong through the AVR. Do I need an HDMI surge protector (sarcasm)??

I am going to try and do a second warranty claim on this TV and then you will see me in the classifieds (keep an eye out!).
 
#14,856 ·
^ so this is the second thunderstorm that has knocked out your VT60?
 
#14,858 ·
^ It would be nice of Panasonic to fix something that normally isn't covered under their warranty - twice. Once I could see your wondering about quality, twice I would wonder about my home's wiring or cable connection. It's been a while since lightening was an issue for me, but there was no rhyme or reason to what electronic devices survived or didn't. I'm glad I don't live in your neighborhood and I mean this nicely unless your buying another plasma or OLED - enjoy the crappy LED image. I'd just keep the surge protector off and the HDMI unplugged when not in use. The picture from my VT60 would be worth the minor inconvenience vs. what is available right now including the 8500. Good luck with Panny.
 
#14,859 ·
^ It would be nice of Panasonic to fix something that normally isn't covered under their warranty - twice. Once I could see your wondering about quality, twice I would wonder about my home's wiring or cable connection. It's been a while since lightening was an issue for me, but there was no rhyme or reason to what electronic devices survived or didn't. I'm glad I don't live in your neighborhood and I mean this nicely unless your buying another plasma or OLED - enjoy the crappy LED image.
This is the only sensitive electronic device that has ever had issues in my home (28/m IT type with plenty of electronics). Im not upset at the lightning, I'm upset that this is apparently a dainty flower when a lightening strikes 5 miles away from my home somewhere and the only thing to be affected in a permanent manor is this particular TV. Sure there are TONS of variables, but my gripe lies in this premium TV with seemingly little built in safe guard for the inevitable surges. Don't take me wrong, I am not talking about some direct hit... I am talking about the every day fluctuations that not one of my other pieces of equipment have ever suffered from.

I'd just keep the surge protector off and the HDMI unplugged when not in use...
That is ridiculous. However you are the one with less damaged electronics at the moment than yours truly, but none the less ridiculous. Maybe one day I will learn. Cheers!
 
#14,860 ·
Obviously your results differ from mine and Birmingham has more than it's far share of bad weather. I believe Alabama is ranked in the top 3 for storms, tornados and the occasional hurricane/tropical storm. We just had a thunderstorm with a lot of lightening/thunder (woke me up) early Monday morning and no problems for me. To imply that the VT60 is a dainty flower is wrong, I'm sure there are plenty of other VT60 owners who've survived a thunderstorm or twenty since buying their displays. Sorry about the bad luck, but I would still be careful going forward with whatever I bought, they don't make them like they use to. Maybe the Vizio P or R will be the answer to everyone's prayers - not :)
 
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