Official Panasonic 2012 LCD Lineup and Information Thread - Page 3

The TOTL / 3D - WT50 series IS NOT a "Full Array" LED Backlit Display.

If you want a TOTL 3D tv your best bet is to look at the LG 47LM9600 , as far as any "best of the best" it is the only full array that I am aware of for 2012.

I had hopes of Sony coming out with a new 2012 XBR , but after 10K lay-off`s and scaling back it`s tv production , that is not going to happen.

Many will think Samsung will take over the top slot for 3D / Smart tv`s , however with only 3 HDMI inputs on there TOTL , I can`t see Samsung becoming "top-dog"

So ...

How will be the best of the best for 2012 ?

Either the WT50 or the LM9600.

Both have strong points and both are very different.

Panasonic = 3D-Active ( No glasses included. )

LG = 3D - Passive ( 6 Pairs of glasses included )

So it`s like BluRay versus HD all over again , there can be only one the end , after all is said and done. ( IMO )

Or a NO glasses technology that works in a real world setting and a real world size , namely 42" thru 55".

That can only happen with OLED , and for it to happen in this economy is very unlikely , so in the end the war between active and passive will regrettably continue with the consumers on the losing side ( or winning side ).

Just my most humble opinion !

Me 

I for one, am NOT interested in 3D at all, but I do like some of the features of the new Pannys that are 3D LCDs. The 2d ones don't have those features.
So, for me, looking to upgrade from a non-smart 40" samsung (2008-ish), I have a feeling that the ET5 series will serve me well. I just need a 55" smart LCD panel with a good set of features and web connectivity.

Although I did like the samsung we have, there's something more 'solid' / serious about the Panasonics that attract me, perhaps it's not-too-gimmicky web features and apps, although for most people that will be a (-) point, as they seem to like LG and Samsungs widget/gadget filled UI.

As far as features , I`m torn between the LG and the Panasonic that I mentioned.

I have a real old Panasonic tube 27" , and the picture is as great as it was new. So the Panny`s , if they still build them like they did in `95 , have my vote. Plus as U mentioned they do seem to have a solid build ( atleast on paper ! ).

I must also know more about the LG , before I make a commitment , and of course I would like to see them side by side ( that may prove difficult ).

As far as apps , don`t really care , I have a Mac-Mini hooked up to my tv anyway , so internet stuff is not an issue.

I`m curious as to what the Panny will sound like , 2 X 8 watts + 10 for the sub. =18

LG is stating a slight edge with 4 drivers ( 2 + 2 / R-L @ 10w each ) plus 10w sub. =30
But the LG seems almost like a toy compared to the WT-50 , atleast build wise.

I`m not really hung up on "full array" versus "edge lit / w "smart" local dimming".

Of course we really won`t know until folks buy them and post their views , I hope !

O__Well , its a waiting game __

Later ,

G. 

I checked out the TC-L47DT50 yesterday. I was impressed by the overall picture quality of this display. I didn't notice any uniformity issues (clouding or flashlighting), and this was at a semi-darkened display floor. I didn't realize this, but the YUV444 (no chroma subsampling) and 1080p pure direct modes are reserved for the WT50! So I guess the $500 MSRP delta between the 55" DT50 and WT50 adds these PQ features! Seems like it will actually be another month before the WT50 becomes available in my area. I'm still really enjoying my 55" XBR8, but it's always fun to look!

I also checked out the TC-P60ST50. Looks pretty good, but I was instantly done with this set when I changed the picture mode to Movie and noticed the nice ol'yellow phosphor lag... PASS!

It doesn't look like there are any WT50 owners yet?

Hi everyone, I'm really thinking of getting the 42" version of the ET5 passive 3d tv but I have just a couple questions that need answering.

First, does anyone who has the ET5 series passive 3d tv know what computer screen resolutions the ET5 supports while in both digital and analog pc mode?

Second, does anyone know if the ET5 series tv supports passive 3d in pc mode just like the LG brand passive 3d tv's?

Thanks for the info "rgb32" , that was helpful !

Yes all the adjustments you mentioned are only on the WT50 , the DT series losses some of the finer points of PQ , however I`m sure that the DT series provides a very nice picture.

FG ,

If you plan on using a PC with one of the ET5`s HDMI input so should be good to go for 1080i , if not 1080p.

If you plan on using the analog RGB input then that may be another story.

The HDMI , should support 3D via PC , even with the newer Intel graphics card and an "I" series processor = > than i3 , ( i5 & i7 ) will support 3D with any newer graphics card.

As far as other resolutions , I`m not sure , but native res is always the best , might be small fonts for web surfing , but movies and games should be A-OK.

If you are using a Mac , then Mini Display to HDMI , if not does your PC have HDMI out ? > If so your good , if not Monoprice.com might have a converter ( RGB to HDMI ) just not sure how good it would work or what ver. HDMI it would support ( ver. 1.1 you would need to hook up audio ).

Take care guys , and please keep those comments coming !!

G. 

I am wondering about the ET5. It's avail at my local BB today. What is general opinion of these? I don't see any reviews yet. Intriguing to have a large format LCD offering from Pani.

Here are two reviews of the European models

http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.p...&id=1332412080

http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Pana...83/Review.html

damn on that 2nd review they say that the ET5 sucks in low light ??
i watch almost all serious movies in a dimly lit or almost fully dark room...

Wonder if I should just wait and see if the DT50 will come down in price some day....

Sears had the 55dt50 for 2199.00 with a delivery date of 4-30. FYI.

Sears now has it for 2399 and available 5-1-2012. Hoping the price at other stores will be 2199 or lower.

Ah, I said what the heck and ordered it on Sunday for the 2199 price. See how it all goes in a couple of weeks.

For what it's worth, after a few e-mails, Panasonic told me that e5 series is full led backlit, not edge lit.

Does anyone know what the real differences between the e50 and e5 are? I've tried to locate a user's manual for the e5 but haven't had much luck. I have not been able to see the e5 in action but I did check out the e50 and loved it, but if the e5 is essentially the exact same set with less online features (which I do not care about at all as I have a PC and PS3), I would love to save 130 dollars.

I recently got a ET5 and I would say that it is not a TV I would get if I watched movies in a fully dark room. I think you would best be served by a plasma ST50.

Thanks
Can you explain why it's bad in dark ? Is it something that cannot be tweaked by PQ settings/backlight adjustments?
My room is never FULLY dark when i watch movies, but it's very dark I would say.

I do watch MOST movies in a darkened room, but there are times that the room is not fully dark...So I am not sure if i am ready for a plasma...
I might have to pin my hopes on the DT series...

I think the FlatPanelsHD review is accurate (with one caveat) - it certainly matches up to my own experience. I am impressed with the picture quality and the colors, and I am pleased with the response time for my games (it's far far better than my old Samsung). The clips I watched from the Disney WOW disc were truly impressive, especially Wall-E. But the black levels, I would say are not extraordinary.

The caveat is that I can't find the "Advanced Setup" unlock they talk about, to adjust white balance and the like. Maybe it's only in the UK TV's?

I still haven't got a clear answer from the review or you why it's not good in a dark room, but your last post hints at not so great black levels. is THAT the reason?

Yes, that's the reason. Sorry I wasn't clear.

No problem - Thanks! I will have to revamp my strategy...
I am still not ready for plasmas: even in this newest 2012 plasma line ups, there are still reports of green globs, buzzing, the good ole burn in etc etc... too much of a risk and the number of people here on AVS returning one set after the other due to one of the above is just scary.

Perhaps i should just 'audition' an ET5 at a store just to be sure...

Yea, try it out. On the whole, I am satisfied with the TV, but I don't watch movies in a dark room. Like I said, I am pretty happy with the picture quality. In the end, no TV is perfect, as you point out.

Here is the review of the DT50 from FlatPanelsHD:

http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.p...513&newsletter

Not Bad. I'm still waiting for the WT50 to come out.

Thanks , for posting that link , I too am waiting for more info on the WT50`s.

Me 

Thanks Rick for the link, interesting they didn't really mention anything about the 1920 backlight scanning, but the app looks cool. I'm sure it will be nicer than my LGSL80.

I also wanted to know about the 1920 scanning but, your right no mention of it. From what i read from HD Guru, the WT50 has excellent black levels and the DT50 look average.

You and jedi29 are both welcome, for the link.

Got a L32E5 yesterday, and spent most of the day / night trying to adjust the settings for optimal picture. This replaced a LG 32CS560 which I returned because I really wanted a 3rd input (don't all guys though?)

I find text to be fuzzy in comparison, and there doesn't seem to be a way to improve it. I also find that it's washed out, and haven't yet found any combination of black level or back light, contrast, brightness, etc. that corrects this. With the black level set to "dark", the blacks are really black. Not like my VT25, but pretty damn black. Unfortunately, everything else gets dark too. With black level set to light, it's just "washed out".

I want to love this TV because the features are perfect for me, but so far, the LG had a far superior picture out of the box (even if motion wasn't quite as fluid.) Going to keep working at it, and try a calibration disk or something.

If anyone has recommended settings, I'd be curious to see them.

Any thoughts on this? I have the same concerns and would love to save the cash.

It looks like big difference is 360 backlight scanning vs 180. Their method of "smoothing" by simulating higher refresh rate. I can tell you after a couple of days with the E5, I find it at least as choppy with fast motion as a regular 60hz set with no "smoothing" technology.

I have had the 42e50 for a week now. As usual content displayed makes a huge difference, even some hd netflix titles look good. I opted for E50 over ET5 since the only differences seemed to be lack of 3d and no wifi. I can use the slot loading Panny 320 Bluray for wifi if needed. I played The Laststarfighter Bluray to test black performance. Some scenes, especially starfields had acceptable blacks. It seems that the darker the black, the better the performance. Unfortunately as previously mentioned about the E5, the E50 also has a black enhancing option that makes the whole display darker and not just the shades of black/gray that perform poorly. Overall I Iike the performance for the price and didnt feel any flex when I carried it up to a third floor bedroom. The vivid setting is super bright, a bit too bright for home viewing, but the setting will help the set to stand out in a showroom.

Most likely like E3 vs E30 the panel is different, eventhough both of the IPS type (8bit AS-IPS vs 10bit IPS Pro or so I've read on another forum for E3 vs E30).
One review claims the E50 has 800hz backlight scanning and on the Panasonic site it lists 300 for the E5 ...
Not sure if this directly translates as IFC but for the E30 it listed 200hz IFC and 50hz for the E3. In European numbers so that would probably be 360hz vs 960hz for you guys. All the webshops and local Panasonic website so far have listed these numbers as opposed to the info on page 1 here ...