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Official Panasonic ST50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk] - Page 35

post #1021 of 9468
4/3/12 at 1:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by evgeshais300 View Post

i just don't get it, whats all the fuss about brightness? How bright do you want it? I have an ancient Panny 42pwd6uy in a bright room with double sliding doors on the right side and the TV is plenty bright in the daylight. Are you trying to get some tan while you are watching TV ????

Not trying to get a tan since my skin is already dark :P

I'm just wondering if any of the more knowledgable folks here had any settings they were specifically using during the day in their bright rooms since the screen tends to get grey as room/sun light increases. Switching to "vivd" mode is too torchy and not pleasant to watch. It's certainly an increase in panel brightness, but a huge loss in overall quality. I've tried some adjustments, but have yet to find something satisfactory for these conditions. My bro-inlaw has 10 year old Sammy plasma that is SUPER bright. So maybe, as seems to be the case with your older Panny, they just don't make them like they used to?
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post #1022 of 9468
4/3/12 at 1:31pm
Just for those who are waiting around.......

Finally some GT50 are showing up around the US.
Cleveland Plasma Insider
» Get the latest news and updates at the Cleveland Plasma sponsor page.
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Cleveland Plasma Insider
» Get the latest news and updates at the Cleveland Plasma sponsor page.
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post #1023 of 9468
4/3/12 at 4:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by evgeshais300 View Post

i just don't get it, whats all the fuss about brightness? How bright do you want it? I have an ancient Panny 42pwd6uy in a bright room with double sliding doors on the right side and the TV is plenty bright in the daylight. Are you trying to get some tan while you are watching TV ????..

I have a 42px80, and it is plenty bright. I briefly got a 55st30, and it was not nearly bright enough. Mine may have been a dud, but the 2011 models were supposedly not too bright. From what I have read, the 2012 models are brighter.
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post #1024 of 9468
4/3/12 at 6:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WayneNumm View Post

I have a 42px80, and it is plenty bright. I briefly got a 55st30, and it was not nearly bright enough. Mine may have been a dud, but the 2011 models were supposedly not too bright. From what I have read, the 2012 models are brighter.

From reading almost every post regarding the 2011 sets (and the 2012) the Panasonic sets were simply not set very bright out of the box (when compared to the Samsungs) but when calibrated both sets were almost identical in brightness.

The 2012's are brighter though
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post #1025 of 9468
4/3/12 at 9:39pm
Halfpipetrick, where did you get yours? I plan on mounting mine (also 60" ST50) to a Techcraft TRK55B stand with mount. It has great reviews on Crutchfield and Amazon.

I hate the color of the stand (silver) and mounting will enable me to lose the stand--and also provide better stability.
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post #1026 of 9468
4/3/12 at 10:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ultraviolet353 View Post

Halfpipetrick, where did you get yours? I plan on mounting mine (also 60" ST50) to a Techcraft TRK55B stand with mount. It has great reviews on Crutchfield and Amazon.

I hate the color of the stand (silver) and mounting will enable me to lose the stand--and also provide better stability.

Overstock.com. They have a bad return policy though on large screen TVs (non-returnable over 30 something inches). Definitely not the vendor for someone wanting to test drive a tv. My mind was completely made up on this model though before I purchased it. I also paid with a credit card that extends the warranty substantially and has an excellent dispute policy...I don't mind the stand. I think the TV looks nondescript which is fine by me. Thought about waiting for the GT model to be released but figured I'd save the few hundred dollars.
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post #1027 of 9468
4/3/12 at 10:29pm
Yeah, I got mine at Amazon with price match. Their customer service is unreal.
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post #1028 of 9468
4/3/12 at 10:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ultraviolet353 View Post

Yeah, I got mine at Amazon with price match. Their customer service is unreal.

Amazon oddly didn't have the 60" when I ordered mine. I'm happy with it. Friends that have seen it want to get one too.
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post #1029 of 9468
4/4/12 at 12:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad_Dracule View Post


From reading almost every post regarding the 2011 sets (and the 2012) the Panasonic sets were simply not set very bright out of the box (when compared to the Samsungs) but when calibrated both sets were almost identical in brightness

Do you mean professionally calibrated? Bummer if so. I tried as many settings as I could find on the DIY settings thread, but still couldn't get it bright enough, and it seemed that others were struggling as well. Anyway, I'm glad the 2012's are brighter.
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post #1030 of 9468
4/4/12 at 2:06am
I would also really like to know how this set handles streaming material from either DNLA or the usb port. I plan on buying this set and want to rip all my bluray discs to a large external usb hdd, or stream through dnla from the laptop, but its important that the quality is not degraded too much and free of lag. but can the st50 handle this okay or is it better to get the gt50 which i understand have a dual core processor for this purpose. Also, will it be able to handle 5.1 DTS through dnla or usb streaming?
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post #1031 of 9468
4/4/12 at 7:58am
Hey everyone, I am looking to purchase a plasma for my living room to mainly use as a HTPC. I will be sitting 13'+ back, so resolution shouldn't really be a problem, through I plan to do a lot of web browsing on this thing.

I wanted a Panasonic Plasma because I've always liked the PQ of panasonic models, and would have bought one for my last htpc(2005) if people didn't say plasmas were not good as monitors like I plan to use it. I was planning to sit closer then than I am now, so I want to go with Plasma.

I am saving up for this model right now since it seems to get a lot of great reviews. My question is, I found someone selling an old TH-58PH10UKA for $500. That's a 4+ year old tv through, I am guessing plasma technology advanced a lot since then. Would this be a good buy right now? or should I wait to save up more for the ST50.

I could not care less about internet ready or 3d; like I said everything would be routed through my HTPC.
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post #1032 of 9468
4/4/12 at 8:27am
Hey guys,

Been following this thread for a couple of weeks. I'm planning on upgrading my TV within a couple of months and probably will get the 60ST50. I was originally planning on going front projection, but cost is getting in the way. When I was considering front projection, I had planned to paint my light-colored walls much darker to improve contrast/black levels. I'm wondering if that is really necessary and if it will make a significant difference if I go with this TV. Anyone have any insight? Thanks.
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post #1033 of 9468
4/4/12 at 8:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkeeler10 View Post

Hey guys,

Been following this thread for a couple of weeks. I'm planning on upgrading my TV within a couple of months and probably will get the 60ST50. I was originally planning on going front projection, but cost is getting in the way. When I was considering front projection, I had planned to paint my light-colored walls much darker to improve contrast/black levels. I'm wondering if that is really necessary and if it will make a significant difference if I go with this TV. Anyone have any insight? Thanks.

Check out ideal-lume
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post #1034 of 9468
4/4/12 at 10:20am
Hi Guys

The ST50 so far looks promising and a 60 would be a nice move up from my 50 LG, now my question is if anyone has had a chance at this point to directly compare the ST30 and ST50 in a dark viewing room, the reason I ask is that comparing my younger brothers 50ST30 (D-Nice calibration settings) to my tweaked LG PX950 the overall MLL on the tweaked PX950 is obviously lower, even with a bit of biased lighting on the ST30 the black bars were more often than not lighter than the bezel but are very rarely ever noticeable on the tweaked PX950.
Now with daylight or higher ambient lighting the ST30 appears noticeably blacker because of the much better filter the and I really like the perceived contrast, LG's is lighter but once the lights go out the situation is reversed in favour of the LG, so if the ST50 is noticeable blacker than the ST30 in a dark room (Chad B on the ST50 Blacks were very deep, and most of the time black bars were dark enough that they blended in with the bezel), also spent a bit of time with my other brother's 60 60ST30, overall very similar to the 30ST30.
So if anyone has a chance to compare I'd like to know, as this is impossible to tell in a show room environment, once you're accustomed to lower blacks it's hard accepting anything else.

Also IMHO the overall greyscale is more neutral on the LG especially with regards to flesh tones but again appears to have been improved on the ST50 (Chad B Speaking of natural, skin tones were superb. Scenes where I have come to expect slightly ruddy looks because of the indoor lighting were reproduced just as expected, and there was no chronic sunburn in faces.)

Thanks
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post #1035 of 9468
4/4/12 at 12:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydee View Post

I wanted a Panasonic Plasma because I've always liked the PQ of panasonic models, and would have bought one for my last htpc(2005) if people didn't say plasmas were not good as monitors like I plan to use it.

I've used a DLP RPTV with a HTPC for movies and browsing the Internet. I would never use our plasma display to brows the Internet. That's a perfect way to burn-in desk top features on your display. LCD or DLP displays are safe. Plasma displays are not safe.
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post #1036 of 9468
4/4/12 at 12:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

Hi Guys

The ST50 so far looks promising and a 60 would be a nice move up from my 50 LG, now my question is if anyone has had a chance at this point to directly compare the ST30 and ST50 in a dark viewing room, the reason I ask is that comparing my younger brothers 50ST30 (D-Nice calibration settings) to my tweaked LG PX950 the overall MLL on the tweaked PX950 is obviously lower, even with a bit of biased lighting on the ST30 the black bars were more often than not lighter than the bezel but are very rarely ever noticeable on the tweaked PX950.
Now with daylight or higher ambient lighting the ST30 appears noticeably blacker because of the much better filter the and I really like the perceived contrast, LG's is lighter but once the lights go out the situation is reversed in favour of the LG, so if the ST50 is noticeable blacker than the ST30 in a dark room (Chad B on the ST50 Blacks were very deep, and most of the time black bars were dark enough that they blended in with the bezel), also spent a bit of time with my other brother's 60 60ST30, overall very similar to the 30ST30.
So if anyone has a chance to compare I'd like to know, as this is impossible to tell in a show room environment, once you're accustomed to lower blacks it's hard accepting anything else.

Also IMHO the overall greyscale is more neutral on the LG especially with regards to flesh tones but again appears to have been improved on the ST50 (Chad B Speaking of natural, skin tones were superb. Scenes where I have come to expect slightly ruddy looks because of the indoor lighting were reproduced just as expected, and there was no chronic sunburn in faces.)

Thanks

You know we are both going to jump ship to either an ST50 or VT50. It's just a matter of time.
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post #1037 of 9468
4/4/12 at 2:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by htwaits View Post

I've used a DLP RPTV with a HTPC for movies and browsing the Internet. I would never use our plasma display to brows the Internet. That's a perfect way to burn-in desk top features on your display. LCD or DLP displays are safe. Plasma displays are not safe.

I am gonna pull the trigger on an ST50 series anyday.

I am thrilled about the thought of using it to watch youtube videos.

are you saying that is not safe to do? (or are you talking about browsing the web like I would on a regular old fashioned PC or laptop?)

if I spring for an excellent Panny plasma HD TV, I sure do not want to ruin it.
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post #1038 of 9468
4/4/12 at 3:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by htwaits View Post

I've used a DLP RPTV with a HTPC for movies and browsing the Internet. I would never use our plasma display to brows the Internet. That's a perfect way to burn-in desk top features on your display. LCD or DLP displays are safe. Plasma displays are not safe.

i was under the impression that burn in was a problem with last gen plasmas but not with 2k11 or this years plasmas?
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post #1039 of 9468
4/4/12 at 3:47pm
I was looking into the 2011 Panny Plasma's, but fell in love with a Sharp at a Costco store and ordered one from Amazon (60le835u). While I think it's a great tv; clouding is an issue that I thought I can live with, but it's worse than I expecting, especially since I watch a lot of tv at night.

Since Amazon has an awesome return policy, I am going to send it back and buy the 60st50.

I am loving what I am reading about this tv so far!
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post #1040 of 9468
4/4/12 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by adrian s View Post

Check out ideal-lume

or http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20119418/
sry for OT!
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post #1041 of 9468
4/4/12 at 3:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

You know we are both going to jump ship to either an ST50 or VT50. It's just a matter of time.

Hi bhazard

From what I've been reading Panasonic might just might win me over this year with their 50 series, but for the time being my brother still jumps to any opportunity to check out new movies on the tweaked LG PX950 as opposed to watching them on his ST30.
Problem is our littlest brother (we're 4) has the lead with his dedicated home theater dressed in black velvet with the follow gear
JVC RS25 , 125" 2.35 screen, Integra 80.3, Oppo BDP-83 , Seaton Catalyst 8C's (LCR), Sparks (S,R) Dual Seaton Submersives, Audyssey Pro Kit.
So even a 60"er looks small in comparison and the blacks and contrast ratio are to die for, not to mention the audio, so basically a totally immersive movie watching experience.
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post #1042 of 9468
4/4/12 at 4:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chas51 View Post

I am thrilled about the thought of using it to watch youtube videos.

are you saying that is not safe to do? (or are you talking about browsing the web like I would on a regular old fashioned PC or laptop?)

The bottom line is that heavy use of sources with fixed images will cause plasma display burn-in. If you have a PC desk top image on a plasma screen for long period of time you could cause burn-in. Any source of fixed images or black bars can cause the same thing.

If you watch a wide variety of source material and most of it is full screen without fixed images then you should be fine. We watch cable channels with logos, sports with logos and information bars, and movies with black bars. We also watch a lot of full screen movies and TV with no fixed images. So far, in over four years of viewing we don't have any burn-in.

Someone posted that their most frequent source to watch is ESPN which has fixed image side bars, score bars, ticker bars, and logos. The poster liked to keep ESPN on in the background. I think that would be similar to having the Widows desk top on several hours a day. In my opinion it's not safe use of a plasma display.
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post #1043 of 9468
4/4/12 at 4:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by starcraft2012 View Post

i was under the impression that burn in was a problem with last gen plasmas but not with 2k11 or this years plasmas?

I have a 2007 plasma and burn-in is not a problem as long as a good mix of sources fit the way you use the display. See above for dangerous alternatives.

There is no such thing, at this point, as a burn-in proof plasma. Burn-in isn't covered in any plasma display warranty that I'm aware of. With common sense, it shouldn't be a problem. If it does become a problem, the owner is probably on his own.

The first couple hundred hours are the most risky.
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post #1044 of 9468
4/4/12 at 4:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by starcraft2012 View Post

or http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20119418/
sry for OT!

Ideal-lume back lighting is true 6500K. Other types of lighting will effect the colors you see on your display. It's a personal choice depending on how someone feels about accurate colors.
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post #1045 of 9468
4/4/12 at 4:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by starcraft2012 View Post

or http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20119418/
sry for OT!

I did this same thing but bought this product on Amazon and love it.

It was less expensive, is a tape product and has a remote.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002CQ...3583683&sr=8-1

No offense to original poster but many of us (me) don't have an Ikea close by so this is a great alternative.

We use it all the time.
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post #1046 of 9468
4/4/12 at 6:21pm
thanks a ton htwaits.


Quote:
Originally Posted by htwaits View Post

The bottom line is that heavy use of sources with fixed images will cause plasma display burn-in. If you have a PC desk top image on a plasma screen for long period of time you could cause burn-in. Any source of fixed images or black bars can cause the same thing.

If you watch a wide variety of source material and most of it is full screen without fixed images then you should be fine. We watch cable channels with logos, sports with logos and information bars, and movies with black bars. We also watch a lot of full screen movies and TV with no fixed images. So far, in over four years of viewing we don't have any burn-in.

Someone posted that their most frequent source to watch is ESPN which has fixed image side bars, score bars, ticker bars, and logos. The poster liked to keep ESPN on in the background. I think that would be similar to having the Widows desk top on several hours a day. In my opinion it's not safe use of a plasma display.
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post #1047 of 9468
4/4/12 at 6:51pm
My new TX-P42ST50E doesn't need any LED strips. It's much better than the TX-P42GT30E I returned yesterday aswell as much better than my TX-P50VT20EA. In terms of contrast (dynamic range) it looks about even to my old KRP-500A without the dithering and with the 3D. It's extremely bright for a Plasma with extremely stable blacks. ANSI contrast should be very high on this one. Also it doesn't have any fans and almost no buzzing. I'm very impressed with this one and haven't been impressed like this for quite a while.
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post #1048 of 9468
4/4/12 at 7:37pm
Anyone else not able to connect to Netflix via Vieracast? I called Panasonic CS and was told it is a known issue and both Panasonic and Netflix are working on a fix. I wonder how long that will be?
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post #1049 of 9468
4/4/12 at 8:54pm
I went to BB to look at this set today. The glasses were locked up in some sort of iron maiden that didn't allow access to the button and they couldn't get them turned on and registered for me. I did check out the 3D on other sets though.

The salesperson located a remote for me and left me to do whatever I wanted. I didn't have D-Nice's settings with me, but I will be putting a copy in my purse for next time, which will be when the GT50 arrives.

Personally, I would only buy this tv if I were going to have it calibrated. I wasn't thrilled by what I saw. And my BB is not overly bright either, actually the lighting is pretty comfortable with a lot of black walls and black over hangs.

I did watch 3D on Samsung's ES7000 and LG LM7600. The LG had far less crosstalk, and really what I did see was an effort, and really hardly worth mentioning. The first scene on the Samsung looked like a clip from Planet Earth and it was crazy, maybe because there was so much white and light blues? The store was nearly empty and I spent a lot of time with the TVs.

BTW, all of the demos show clips from Hugo. I just wish I could have viewed the 3D on the ST50 too. And this is my first time ever watching 3D.
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post #1050 of 9468
4/4/12 at 9:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chas51 View Post

I am gonna pull the trigger on an ST50 series anyday.

I am thrilled about the thought of using it to watch youtube videos.

are you saying that is not safe to do? (or are you talking about browsing the web like I would on a regular old fashioned PC or laptop?)

if I spring for an excellent Panny plasma HD TV, I sure do not want to ruin it.

I have a G25. I turned the contrast and brightness down for the first 100 hours and that's all. I watch a lot of news shows including MSNBC, Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. I don't baby the tv but I don't play games either. I have not noticable IR and I don't go hunting for it either by looking at slides etc. There's only one model that I've heard which produced long term IR and that is the VT30.

D-Nice essentially had to put the ST50 through a torture test to get IR.
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