ST30 Update #3
So I've finally got my 3rd ST30 (after 2 returns)
Just a recap (and I did not use break-in slides for 100 hours, but I did use D-Nice's Custom calibration settings)
ST30 #1 - It was delivered poorly by Pilot (they all were, in fact - even after complaints to Amazon. They were always delivered by one person, even when the order specified two). The Netflix app streamed very poorly, the 3D didn't work, and the buzzing was loud) I ordered an exchange. There was also rare, but occasional light fluctuations.
ST30 #2 - There was a light green blob in the center of the screen when I played green slides. When playing video, it was not noticeable. However, there was a high level of fluctuating light, and it was very distracting. I had the light fluctuation issue with almost all content. I ordered another exchange.
ST30 #3 - I think this one's a keeper! I have noticed some light fluctuation (I unfortunately look out for it now), but it wasn't nearly as intense as on ST #2. The set has been buzzing a bit, but certainly no louder than #1 nor my previous GT25. Everything else works swimmingly.
After 3 tvs, here is my pro/con list. It is also a comparison to a GT25 that I owned for almost a month. Keep in mind that I am not an expert.
PROS
Picture - The picture quality is awesome. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm looking out a window. Whereas the GT25 THX mode was slightly red, the ST30 likes to lean toward green. However, a few tweaks in custom mode can and has fixed that issue. The picture on the ST30 is sharp, but like the GT25, there is some noticeable dithering, usually in the background on items such as tan walls and the sky. Dithering has not been distracting, and is not terribly frequent. I prefer ST30 Custom to the GT25 THX.
Motion - While some pans are still choppy, I find that they are less choppy then on the GT25. There is also the Motion Smoothness option on the ST30, which adds a bit of "soap opera effect," but also does help smooth out the motion. However, sometimes it adds its own subtle "choppiness," to the content of the screen, such as head movement (when in close ups). It's mostly an unnecessary feature, but it can still be useful at times. Overall, the ST30 is slightly better with pans then the GT25, imo.
Standard Definition - The ST30 looks MUCH better than the GT25 when playing SD. The GT25 practically looked like a youtube video when I played SD (my cable provider doesn't offer Comedy Central in HD!), but the ST30 gives a very satisfactory SD picture.
3D - Along with more 3D menu options (more control over strength of the effect, then the GT25), the ST30 also works with YouTube's 3D channel. The GT25 could only create the 2D>3D conversion, but the ST30 will allow you to turn a double image into a single 3D image when Viera Connect is playing 3D content. It's a small item that most people won't use, but I do like having the option. There is also less crosstalk on the ST30 then the GT25 (but I didn't find crosstalk to be a huge issue on the GT25, either)
Viera Connect vs. Viera Cast - Viera Connect has many many more options, and access to the Viera Market, which should continue to grow. I've heard that Hulu+ is coming to, or already offered on Viera Connect, but I haven't seen it. Hulu Plus does come with Viera Cast, but it's media options are quite limited.
Networking - Free wi-fi adapter is included, which allows me to hard-wire my blu-ray player and use the wi-fi for the television. It's just a little bonus, but I enjoy it. The wi-fi adapter does not work with the GT25 nor my Panasonic Blu-Ray player, however, just in case anyone was thinking of using it on another device.
CONS:
Picture - Fluctuating Brightness. It seems as if the display gets confused when light and dark images are displayed in succession. This issue also seems to affect some STs more intensely then it does others. I returned one because of this issue. I believe I will keep my current one, as long as it remains relatively inactive.
Other negative comments about picture quality (but much less important), Involve the out-of-the-box picture. The set likes to lean toward green. Most of the non-custom modes (standard and cinema - I haven't played with Vivid or Game) like to lean green. When using D-Nice's settings and forgoing the 100 hour break-in period, you will need to compensate for the green tint. I believe I had to play with the tint a bit in Standard and Cinema as well. Standard and Cinema also work better in different color temperatures, if I remember correctly (they're all written down somewhere...unfortunately not near my bed at 12:45 am. They were also calibrated strictly by eye, so may not be worth posting, anyway).
The set buzzes, but it's not distracting and other than set #1, I rarely hear it from 10ft away, and only then, when the television is on mute.
So that's about it. If the brightness didn't fluctuate, this television would be amazing. As it stands, I would choose it over the GT25, but not by much. I prefer the unmentioned thinner panel, the improved 3D, the custom mode picture (over THX), Viera Connect, and the comparable price. I would also like to mention, that if you miss the more saturated THX picture of the GT25 (vs the cleaner ST30), the ST30 can almost match the look, by setting the panel brightness to "mid." I never noticed floating blacks on the GT25, but I certainly did notice the light fluctuations. The only detracting issue is the light fluctuation, and I'm just hoping that the set can suppress it better then my #2 could. I'm also crossing my fingers for a permanent fix via firmware update.
That's it! Hopefully, someone can fine these opinions useful.
1
price range I should be considering?
