Official Panasonic 2011 TC-PxxVT30 Series Thread Discussion Thread [No Price Talk] - Page 75

Originally Posted by lakinsdad


Here is a pic of my Vt30

Originally Posted by Speakerphile

I would also recommend checking your local Magnolia store for pricing and not relying on the BestBuy.com pricing. The price in store can be lower and more in line with what Amazon may be at.

Originally Posted by mvision7m

Nice looking set-up. Whats that little white(ish) looking blob in the center of the screen?

Originally Posted by joefaro48

It does stink a little that we have to break a tv in but i guess thats where we are today.

Originally Posted by mohanman

Well I have had my 55VT30 for almost 4 months now, and I hate it. The reason why? I think the picture sucks. I have an old Panasonic 42" that is almost 8 years old and the picture is so much better. Anyways, with all the reviews saying Samsung this, samsung that, just the latest sound and vision gave it rave reviews, that is where I'm going next. I'm still waiting for Panasonic to fix my FBR issues now been >3 weeks, still waiting for the part. Anyways, just thought I would share my frustrations.

Originally Posted by lakinsdad

Thats nothing. Just reflection from my ceiling can lights. Screen is perfect. Picture was taken while running break in slides.

Originally Posted by Mac13

Nice setup lakinsdad. I noticed that the mount you have gives you the option to use brackets that either tilt or place the TV closer to the wall. Which brackets are you using now?

Originally Posted by mohanman

Hey guys,
Thanks for asking why.. it seems like the picture is always washed out, like fade to the entire scene. For example in Avatar, it just doesn't look crisp, it looks blah, and the motion not so great either. I have good hdmi cables, 1080p hookup, and I've tried so many settings. I'm still waiting for FBR to be fixed before professionally calibration, but it just doesn't cut it:

1) I've tried Cnets settings.. both THX and Custom mode
2) I've tried D-nices settings
3) I've tried my own settings, I thought I was close on custom mode, now I'm just using standard mode:
Contrast 84
Brightness 50
Color 45
Sharpness 50
Warm 1
no other changes, and this is the best so far that I've ever gotten it, but still doesn't please me, and its driving me crazy as I sit there for hours and hours messing with the settings. Why can't they just have had 1 or 2 settings? Its enveloping my life, and my wife is sick of me messing with it too. AghHH!!!

Mo

Originally Posted by Speakerphile

I would also recommend checking your local Magnolia store for pricing and not relying on the BestBuy.com pricing. The price in store can be lower and more in line with what Amazon may be at.

Originally Posted by lakinsdad

The ones that DONT TILT ...lol .

So it is a real pain in the ass. When Dnice comes to calibrate it sunday I know i'm going to have to help him connect. Which means moving my speakers out of the way and moving the low boy out from the wall. In the end it will be worth it.

Thanks for the compliment. My wife hates the front presence speakers. She says it looks "cluttered"

But i'll tell you this much , those 2 small front presence speakers really make a difference when listening to music in 9.1

Originally Posted by DD007

Try this go to setup at the bottom reset to defaults for a complete reset of the TV.
Custom
Contrast 76 that's it fore cable
THX fore Blu-ray
And enjoy
Hope this works for you

Originally Posted by JohnnytheSkin

@robertrobert,

Thanks for the posts and the PMs. I'm going to make a decision within a week or so, and this will help.

Originally Posted by Mac13

Gotcha. Whenever I get around to mounting my TVs I want them as close to the wall as possible. Looking at the VMPL3 it says that when you use the non tilting brackets then the TV is 1.25" from the wall. Did you have to use any additional spacers for your install or is your TV 1.25" from the wall? I didn't know how the bump at the bottom of the back of the TV came into play when mounting the TV. Also, would you want the TV closer to the wall or do you think it is close enough to the wall? Have you noticed of the wall or back of the TV get hot? Thanks!

Originally Posted by LoD80k

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum but have been reading for days. I want to thank everyone for helping me to choose the right HDTV-VT30 over the HX929. I have yet to purchase as i'm waiting for the color decoding firmware fix.

I see many discussing the build dates etc...for making sure that your TV purchase is post Fluctuating Brightness issue and has a new A-Board etc...

That said i just spoke with Panasonic and thought i would share:
Was told that as long as the serial number is LL1215 or greater you should have a unit that no longer has the FB issue.

Thanks again for sharing all of your insight.

Originally Posted by robertrobert

I am posting this from **************.com that have tons of documented posts on the FB problem. Again August build VT30's have the fix but you can read through this if interested since it even mentions the actual Panasonic Tech bulletin number that I would think would be helpful when calling Panasonic since they very likely act clueless most of the time it seems.

Fluctuating Brightness Patch Information (North America)

Do you see brightness fluctuate on your 2011 Panasonic 3D TV (ST30, GT30, VT30) every once in a while? For example, when scenes change the entire screen, or portions of the background, go dim/fluctuate/drop/pop/etc.? If CATS is off, and your settings are not ridiculous, then it is likely you are noticing "fluctuating brightness." Others have noticed this and have voiced their concerns to Panasonic. Lucky for us, Panasonic listened to the complaints, noticed the problem, and has patched it. The only way to receive the patch is through an EEPROM update that requires a technician visit (no, it is not available through an internet firmware update in North America, so don't ask). Depending on the authorization received by Panasonic, the technician will either flash your TV with an SD Card, or install a new A-Board. Both of these methods will correctly patch your TV and it's up to Panasonic as to which patch you receive. Most people receive a new A-Board. The only way to get this patch is to call and open a case with Panasonic. The SD Card/A-Board patch is covered by warranty (FREE).

How to get the fluctuating brightness patch
1. Call Panasonic at 1-800-211-7262 and tell them you see fluctuating brightness on various content (cable, blu-ray, etc.). Make sure to have the TV in front of you when you call.
2. The Panasonic rep will ask you basic questions like if CATS is off, if you have the latest firmware, which settings you use, serial number, etc.
3. Tell them you still see fluctuating brightness with CATS off and the latest firmware installed.
4. Right then, or maybe a phone call later, they should schedule a technician visit to flash your TV with an SD Card, or install a new A-Board (this is most likely).
5. If for some reason they don't know about the update; tell them you want the EEPROM update that is on the SD Card or A-Board that everyone else is getting. Also, tell them the technical bulletin for fluctuating brightness is "Service Reference SH-B34-11-03-REV." This reference number should send the Panasonic representative directly to the right source of info. If you are still having problems then ask for management.

Note that August 2011 builds should already have the patch installed. If your set was built prior to August 2011, it is likely you have a set with fluctuating brightness. It has been reported that some sets manufactured as early as July (65VT30s) appear to have the patch already applied.

Also, firmware 2.070 does not fix FBr, though it does fix some fluctuations that occur in vivid mode. Feel free to update your firmware after the SD Card/A-Board patch, nothing bad will happen.

To do more research on the issue, take a look at the 2011 Panasonic Fluctuating Brightness Master Discussion Thread. Start by reading Gotchaa's post on page 204 (post 4079), then skip to the later pages in the thread so see people's responses after receiving the patch.
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How do I back-up/restore drive cuts?
Pending. PM me with accurate/detailed information and I will paste it here.
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How do I use ControlCal to back-up/restore calibration?
Pending. PM me with accurate/detailed information and I will paste it here.
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How do I know if the A-Board/SD Card update was done correctly?
So, your A-Board was swapped, or you received an SD Card flash, and you want to know if you received the patch. Right now the best way of knowing if you received the patch is to watch content where you previously saw FBr and see if it still shows up. If you want numbers, then the next option is to check your PDP EEP value in the service menu since the PDP EEP value pre/post patch is different (value increases when you receive the patch). Each size and model have different values. Here are some values that have been accumulated by forum user jhatfiel, and other HDJ and AVS forum members (PM me with more data and I will update it here):

46ST30 (Canada) SD update (Joepro): 42.5d (post)
46ST30 A-Board swap (jhatfiel): 42.5b (pre); 42.5d (post)
50ST30 A-Board swap (tazz3): 52.59 (pre); 52.2d (post)
50ST30 A-Board swap (pt6998): 52.59 (post)
50ST30 A-Board swap (pannyjunky): 52.5b (pre); 52.59 (post)
50ST30 A-Board swap (samshaver): 52.59 (post)
50ST30 SD update (mraak): 52.5d (post)
50ST30 SD update (jimmienoman): 52.5d (post)
55ST30 No SD Card/A-Board Patch Yet (ayrton911): 63.50 (pre)
60ST30 No SD Card/A-Board Patch Yet (65Cobra427SC): 72.51 (pre)
60ST30 A-Board swap (ssft): 72.51 (pre), 72.53 (post)
60ST30 A-Board swap (Dackz): 72.53 (post)
65ST30 A-board swap (tfoltz): 82.53 (post)
65ST30 A-Board swap (tbass2k): 82.51 (pre); 82.53 (post)
50GT30 A-Board swap (MobileCortex): 52.0b (pre); 53.41 (post)
55GT30 A-Board swap (jimmyt): 62.43 (pre)
55GT30 A-Board swap (lsmd19): 62.44 (pre); 62.46 (post)
55GT30 A-Board swap (samdee): 62.44 (pre)
60GT30 A-Board swap (rkings): 73.44 (post) (still verifying if he received the correct board)
65GT30 SD update (RichB): 82.42 (pre); 82.44 (post)
65VT30 A-Board swap (sigmahigh): 84.46 (post)

How to get into service menu to check PDP EEP (Note that you can damage your TV if you don't know what you are doing; so stop now if you are nervous)
1. Turn TV On.
2. With TV on, hold down the volume down (-) button on the right side of the TV (not the controller).
3. While holding the volume (-) button down, point the remote at the TV IR sensor and press the "info" button on the controller three times.
4. The service menu will pop up after a few seconds.

The default screen that pops up is where all the software info will be; don't push any other buttons. When you are done turn the TV off or unplug it.
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Here are some pre/post A-Board swap videos that show fluctuating brightness has been removed on my 65ST30. Read and comments and watch in HD for best results.

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Social Network 1)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Social Network 1) *FIXED*

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Social Network 2)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Social Network 2) *FIXED*

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Incredibles 1)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Incredibles 1) *FIXED*

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Inception)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Inception) *FIXED*

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Quantum of Solace)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Quantum of Solace) *FIXED*

Old: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Ratatouille)
New: 2011 Panasonic 65ST30 - Fluctuating Brightness (Ratatouille) *FIXED*
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Hope it helps.

Later,
Robert

Originally Posted by robertrobert

Not sure who you talked to but I just got off the phone with Panasonic and they said nothing is listed at all for FB issue under the TC-P55VT30 model number. Also said me giving them the s/n doesn't tell them anything. He asked for the firmware on the set but I told him I was at work and would need to provide later. I tried explaining that I could get the latest FW from Panasonic but heard the FB issue was a hardware fix via a new board. Anyway I don't know if you have to call 16x to get someone knowledgeable enough to know how to cross reference a provided s/n but this person said it doesn't work that way. Also did a live chat before calling and that didn't lead anyplace either.

I wanted to provide additional input to folks looking at the VT30 besides the post above with the LL s/n. I'm confident I don't have the problem. Not sure why all the people answering the phone wouldn't have the same access to information like this. Anyway I have the s/n above the LL one listed so good to go.

Also wondering how you seemed to get so much information on the FW for the color issue that you're wating on. Do you have a magical contact when you call?

Robert

Originally Posted by LoD80k

From what I have read it's not all VT-30's. But what i understand is that none after August will have a problem at all.I'm just learning here so maybe someone else can chime in but i would assume FB wold be something so visible you couldn't miss it?

Originally Posted by Duffinator

Wow, most of us can afford cable or sat and have no need for OTA.

Originally Posted by robertrobert

I already got the best price and it was actually from the Magnolia part of the BB that I went to close to me. I didn't use Bestbuy.com so not sure why you thought this. Anyway I've never seen BB carry the VT30 unless it was located in the Magnolia area, maybe be wrong but at least not in my area. As I mentioned, the Magnolia price was matching a store in my area called Video Only that always has the best possible prices, everyone knows this in our area. Magnolia was actually a couple hundred higher (not mentioning specific dollars here so shouldn't be breaking the don't talk price rule) several weeks ago but I wasn't ready to buy. As of last week, Magnolia lowered their price to match Video Only. This is when I went in the next day with a print out from Abe's from Maine. Do a search today and I'm sure you will see their price which is the best (well, someone else I never heard of had it $4 cheaper so guess they really had the second best price ) Anyway I wanted to use the printout from Abe's since they are a very large internet provider of HDTV. I'm very happy with the price I have and even more happy I bought it from Magnolia / BB since their customer service will be much better. Bottom line is that they the manager said yes to matching it, even the sales person was surprised. Basically I got the 55" VT30 for about $1,000 cheaper than the retail price when it was first released. It may go lower but sure I got it close to the bottom before March when the new displays will likely release with yet very high pricing to start.

Cheers!

Robert

Originally Posted by stevedensmore

Wow, this really isn't a very helpful forum. I asked a simple question about whether or not this television has a built-in TV guide for OTA reception and not a single person could answer it. Smh.

Originally Posted by hiteke1

I have had my VT30 for about 3 weeks now. August build, no FBr. Break in by slides and zoomed tv watching and picture is great.

Only 1 problem. I have a dead pixel upper right hand corner about 6 inches from top. Sitting 6ft or more away cannot see it, closer can see it, esp when displaying solid color.

Should I just let it go (which is hard for me)? Normal viewing, no one ever sees it, but I know it is there.

Does 1 dead pixel mean others will come?

Thanks for any advice.

Originally Posted by hiteke1

I have had my VT30 for about 3 weeks now. August build, no FBr. Break in by slides and zoomed tv watching and picture is great.

Only 1 problem. I have a dead pixel upper right hand corner about 6 inches from top. Sitting 6ft or more away cannot see it, closer can see it, esp when displaying solid color.

Should I just let it go (which is hard for me)? Normal viewing, no one ever sees it, but I know it is there.

Does 1 dead pixel mean others will come?

Thanks for any advice.

Originally Posted by stevedensmore

Wow, this really isn't a very helpful forum. I asked a simple question about whether or not this television has a built-in TV guide for OTA reception and not a single person could answer it. Smh.