AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Plasma Flat Panel Displays › Official Panasonic ST50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk]
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Official Panasonic ST50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk] - Page 236

post #7051 of 9509
11/20/12 at 7:21am
Whats up,

Ive been following this forum for some time as I am getting ready to buy a new TV and home theater system. I actually work at BB so that helps but we dont stock the ST50. One of my coworkers has it and says its amazing and that when they did stock the tv it sold so well no one was buying any of the Samsungs. Ive seen the UT50 in store and it blows the LEDs away and the 849 price tag is pretty attractive but I really want decent 3D with the set I purchase. Ill be sitting about 6 feet away and the TV will be mounted above my fireplace. I plan on of course using a tilt mount to compensate for the height but I really dont want to spend 1299 for the the 55, since I know I wont feel comfortable without adding a service plan. My only hesitation is I want to buy everything (home theater/service plan/ and tv) all in one shot but I really dont want to spend two grand. Might not seem like alot but I am in the middle of a home remodel, recently married and i still owe my wife a stainless fridge wink.gif I guess my questions are, should I stagged my purchases and get the home theater sound first ($500 total Denon receiver and klipsch speakers), get a smaller tv 50 instead of 55, maybe step down a model and save about 200 bucks??? I know these are alot of personal preference questions, but I have a wife I need to sell this vision to. In my mind if she has speakers in the bathroom and kitchen and wirelss music streaming she will be dreaming of the day when the tv is up on the mantle and we are sitting on the couch watching The Walking Dead. BTW we dont have a tv in the living room now, so its pretty much just the room we walk through on the way to the kitchen so we cant even really entertain guests at this point. What do you think?
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #7052 of 9509
11/20/12 at 8:27am
I'll be purchasing a 55ST50 within the next week or two and, like many others here, am trying to make sure I do the best prep I can for the first few hundred hours.

To be sure I have full-frame, logo-less content as burn-in prevention material, I was thinking I could run 16:9 Blu-rays on repeat virtually 24 hours a day for a few days. Is that crazy? I don't have cable or an antenna, so my viewing will be Blu-ray plus Apple TV and Viera content. I guess I could play an iTunes movie on repeat also.

confused.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7053 of 9509
11/20/12 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OSUBuckIam02 View Post

Whats up,
Ive been following this forum for some time as I am getting ready to buy a new TV and home theater system. I actually work at BB so that helps but we dont stock the ST50. One of my coworkers has it and says its amazing and that when they did stock the tv it sold so well no one was buying any of the Samsungs. Ive seen the UT50 in store and it blows the LEDs away and the 849 price tag is pretty attractive but I really want decent 3D with the set I purchase. Ill be sitting about 6 feet away and the TV will be mounted above my fireplace. I plan on of course using a tilt mount to compensate for the height but I really dont want to spend 1299 for the the 55, since I know I wont feel comfortable without adding a service plan. My only hesitation is I want to buy everything (home theater/service plan/ and tv) all in one shot but I really dont want to spend two grand. Might not seem like alot but I am in the middle of a home remodel, recently married and i still owe my wife a stainless fridge wink.gif I guess my questions are, should I stagged my purchases and get the home theater sound first ($500 total Denon receiver and klipsch speakers), get a smaller tv 50 instead of 55, maybe step down a model and save about 200 bucks??? I know these are alot of personal preference questions, but I have a wife I need to sell this vision to. In my mind if she has speakers in the bathroom and kitchen and wirelss music streaming she will be dreaming of the day when the tv is up on the mantle and we are sitting on the couch watching The Walking Dead. BTW we dont have a tv in the living room now, so its pretty much just the room we walk through on the way to the kitchen so we cant even really entertain guests at this point. What do you think?

buy the best sound system you can first, then keep making comments about how nice it would be to have a tv. she will come around. then think of the size of tv you want, add at least 5", and get that size. you will regret going smaller than you originally want, i promise.
Reply
Reply
post #7054 of 9509
11/20/12 at 8:38am
This TV needs no prep, just needs to be enjoyed. Avoid black tiles movies first 50 hours or so, im enjoying mine without a problem, didnt have an IR and im at 200 hours now. Dont waste electricity on something crazy like that. Maybe that would work on old plasma tech, this new Neo-Plasma tech on these Pannies is simply very good. Not perfect, it as some dithering (seeing up-close) for example but you get more quality at a regular viewing distance.

Its a fantastic set, you will be happy.
Reply
Reply
post #7055 of 9509
11/20/12 at 8:49am
Actually shes given me the green light to buy whatever I want I think im more concerned that Ill have this kickass tv without the theater right out the gate. But i just read on here that the louvre filter makes viewing the ST50 at anything but eye level slightly distored. That made me want to lean towards the a 55" UT50. I think your right on the audio. I just setup my media cabinet last weekend and got the shelves to put the speakers on. Ill be buying the Denon 1912 Receiver, with a pair of Klipsch Icon bookshelfs for the LR, as well as the Klipsch icon center, and a 200W polk sub. Ourliving room is only maybe 12X12, ill hold out on the TV. I would just be pissed if I overpay, plus I get dibs on display models which I usually buy to offset the cost of the service plan. My only concer is am i going to be happy with the 3D?
Reply
Reply
post #7056 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CLEHD View Post

You would need to change the default speakers on the TV to Home Theater/Theater and turn off the TV's speakers.
That is not necessary for using the digi op cable. She will get sound from both. All she has to do is mute the tv. If she later wants to listen to the tv instead of the receiver she doesnt have to do anything other than leave the receiver off. She is not trying to set up ARC.
Reply
Reply
post #7057 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OSUBuckIam02 View Post

..... i just read on here that the louvre filter makes viewing the ST50 at anything but eye level slightly distored. That made me want to lean towards the a 55" UT50.....

Overstatement. You have to view the set at quite an angle before seeing any impact from the filter.

Possible that someone, somewhere, has a ST/GT/VT sitting on the floor, and their Preferred Viewing Position is Standing 2 Feet away from the screen: unless that person is Rather Short, they will probably be unhappy with the louvered filter.

For the vast majority of owners, with more Normal viewing habits, the filter won't be a problem.

.............

If you watch tv in a room that is less-than-dark, the ST50 will provide a better PQ than the UT50.
The lower sets 'wash out' in the presence of lighting, a trait that starts out mildly, but grows worse as the lighting gets brighter.
Edited by Dierkdr - 11/20/12 at 9:37am
Reply
Reply
post #7058 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dierkdr View Post

Overstatement. You have to view the set at quite an angle before seeing any impact from the filter.
Possible that someone, somewhere, has a ST/GT/VT sitting on the floor, and their Preferred Viewing Position is Standing 2 Feet away from the screen: unless that person is Rather Short, they will probably be unhappy with the louvered filter.
For the vast majority of owners, with more Normal viewing habits, the filter won't be a problem.
lol. Funny and accurate.
Reply
Reply
post #7059 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dierkdr View Post

Possible that someone, somewhere, has a ST/GT/VT sitting on the floor, and their Preferred Viewing Position is Standing 2 Feet away from the screen...

I thought I was the only one watching TV from that position! wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7060 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:49am
Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by StevenA01 View Post

I'll be purchasing a 55ST50 within the next week or two and, .......I was thinking I could run 16:9 Blu-rays on repeat virtually 24 hours a day for a few days. Is that crazy? ......./quote]
As an Opinion: YES, that is crazy. Too much likelihood of some Glitch popping up with the player, or a disk.

Much better off putting material on a SD card, and setting that up for continuous replay. "Break-in Slides" work well for that.

Would recommend 50 hours or so of Full 16:9 material - with Almost NO "HARD" Static Images (logos or letterbox bars) - then start mixing in your normal program material, while continuing to "age" the panel during off hours, at least until 250 hours (or, ideally, longer....).

Our 60ST50 remained quite prone to Quick Onset IR until AFTER 400+ hours were accumulated.
At some point beyond 400 hours, IR Onset time lengthened, and Duration shortened. It was a gradual change, not a "switch."
Currently, IR is not a concern on the panel.
Reply
Reply
post #7061 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dierkdr View Post

As an Opinion: YES, that is crazy. Too much likelihood of some Glitch popping up with the player, or a disk.
Much better off putting material on a SD card, and setting that up for continuous replay. "Break-in Slides" work well for that.
Would recommend 50 hours or so of Full 16:9 material - with Almost NO "HARD" Static Images (logos or letterbox bars) - then start mixing in your normal program material, while continuing to "age" the panel during off hours, at least until 250 hours (or, ideally, longer....).
Our 60ST50 remained quite prone to Quick Onset IR until AFTER 400+ hours were accumulated.
At some point beyond 400 hours, IR Onset time lengthened, and Duration shortened. It was a gradual change, not a "switch."
Currently, IR is not a concern on the panel.

Thank you!! Sounds like excellent advice. The 24 hour Blu-ray idea did seem inadvisable as I was typing it, I must confess.redface.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7062 of 9509
11/20/12 at 11:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by grik View Post

Leave it mounted on the spot you are going to use it for 3 or 4 hours before connecting the power cable. Once you start using it just avoid black tiles films for the first 50h or so and enjoy the fantastic tv-set you just got.

Why is that?
Reply
Reply
post #7063 of 9509
11/20/12 at 11:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ser_renely View Post

Why is that?

It was told by the Techs on the store as they are in close contact with Panasonic. This waiting time is to ensure that the gas was evenly dispersed inside. For example i had to lay the TV on a sofa to screw the base, so the gravity changes the gas structure dispersing inside . Even with bad transport this can happen.
I can guess most of the problems out of the box reported here are because of this plug and play installation. I waited 4 hours like i was told before plugging the AC on the final mounting spot vertically and ready.
Just be patient and enjoy the TV. Until now never had IR or other abnormal glitch on screen.
Edited by grik - 11/20/12 at 12:50pm
Reply
Reply
post #7064 of 9509
11/20/12 at 1:10pm
I was curious what some of you that have had this TV for a awhile do as far as XBOX 360 picture settings - for gaming? I have the 50" in the living room and the 60" in the basement. I just finished running the D Nice slides and dialed in his settings on both. Picture looks amazing! I watched parts of The Dark Knight and was amazed. I have the Disney WOW disk on the way also but really do not think I need to change anything, we will see.

Anyways, I have my Comcast HD Box, PS3 (for bluray), and AppleTV going into HDMI 1 from my receiver with D Nice's settings. I always kept my XBOX 360 on a separate input so I could use different picture settings on my old Samsung LCD. Do most of you just copy your same settings over to the XBOX 360 input or do you use the "GAME" mode and dial back some of the contrast and color as it looks like it is torch mode? I usually do not mind a little extra pop and color on the video games because they are after all video games but was curious what others do, just to try different things.

thanks in advance for any feedback. loving this TV.
Reply
Reply
post #7065 of 9509
11/20/12 at 1:32pm
Just got this TV yesterday and I'm having issues connecting my PC to the TV through HDMI to my MSI Twin Frozr II 560ti and custom computer. I did it successfully with an older Sharp LCD just this weekend (and had it working in Mirror/Duplicate mode for a year or more with audio as well). However, I'm using an HDMI cable to a HDMI to mini-HDMI adapter which may or may not have a loose connection made worse by moving these TV's around. I ordered a new cable that's HDMI to mini-HDMI without requiring an adapter, but I want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong to start with. After trying this cable (I tried a different HDMI cable previously) I'll have to return/exchange the TV to Amazon and assume it's a bad board or something.

I've tried HDMI 1, 2, and 3 without success. I've reset settings. I've shut both PC and TV off, plugged in the cable, turned TV on and to the input, turned PC on, with no luck. The TV has been updated through the internet. My computer recognizes I have a Panasonic TV and says so in both Nvidia's Control Panel (listed as PanasonicTV0) and under Display settings on Windows 7. It allows me to choose between my Samsung monitor and the Panny. If I do duplicate, it shows on my PC but not on my TV. I've tried lower resolutions as well and 1080i only produces 30hz and doesn't work either. Extending only extends onto my monitor. When it extends it sets the TV as the primary display. Is there an issue here? Should it not be the primary display? Is there way to change that? Is it a settings or driver issue?

Basically, is it just a bad adapter or does this TV not support this or is the TV defective? I figured I'd ask the pros. Thank you!
Reply
Reply
post #7066 of 9509
11/20/12 at 1:33pm
I received my 65ST50 at lunch today. This is upgrading from my five+ year old 47" Vizio Gallevia LCD. Holy crap. First, it's huge. It makes the 47" look like a microwave. And second, while I never really had an issue with my Vizio other than being ready for a bigger TV, wow, what a difference. It really is great to look at. I can't wait for Bedlam football Saturday!

Being plasma-inexperienced, I was nervous/curious about some plasma stereotypes and tidbits from this thread and others. Buzzing, IR, 720p cable feed, glare (I get a lot of sun in the middle of the day), basketball, etc seem to all be non-issues. I assume IR will take some time, but I don't plan to go looking for it either way. And 3D will be more of a novelty for me than anything else, but it is something I want to check out at some point. Honestly, the only issue I have with it so far is trying to get used to it. It's almost overwhelming.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread for all the knowledge, advice, etc. I especially thank the voices of reason that kept me from getting scared off.
Reply
Reply
post #7067 of 9509
11/20/12 at 2:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grik View Post

It was told by the Techs on the store as they are in close contact with Panasonic. This waiting time is to ensure that the gas was evenly dispersed inside. For example i had to lay the TV on a sofa to screw the base, so the gravity changes the gas structure dispersing inside . Even with bad transport this can happen.
I can guess most of the problems out of the box reported here are because of this plug and play installation. I waited 4 hours like i was told before plugging the AC on the final mounting spot vertically and ready.
Just be patient and enjoy the TV. Until now never had IR or other abnormal glitch on screen.

Interesting thanks.

So you are having IR problems now?
Reply
Reply
post #7068 of 9509
11/20/12 at 2:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by grik View Post

It was told by the Techs on the store as they are in close contact with Panasonic. This waiting time is to ensure that the gas was evenly dispersed inside. For example i had to lay the TV on a sofa to screw the base, so the gravity changes the gas structure dispersing inside . Even with bad transport this can happen. I can guess most of the problems out of the box reported here are because of this plug and play installation. I waited 4 hours like i was told before plugging the AC on the final mounting spot vertically and ready. Just be patient and enjoy the TV. Until now never had IR or other abnormal glitch on screen.

Those "techs" are just plain wrong, and what they told you is a bunch of baloney. Laying the TV down has nothing to do with any of the problems that people are having, and there is no need to wait to turn it on after it's been laying down.
Reply
Reply
post #7069 of 9509
11/20/12 at 3:09pm
I just spent way too long searching for information on these slides people are recommending, and all I can find are posts referring to the slides, but not explaining where to get them. It seems there may be slides from DNice available somewhere, plus RGB slides accessible on the TV itself? Not sure about the latter (I may be mistaken) and not sure where to get the former.

Sincere apologies for my ignorance--I did try to find the answers by searching, but bothering you guys is my last resort. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7070 of 9509
11/20/12 at 3:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ser_renely View Post

Interesting thanks.
So you are having IR problems now?
Nop, with almost 200h and zero anomalies , its in its normal behavior witch is close to fantastic smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7071 of 9509
11/20/12 at 3:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

Those "techs" are just plain wrong, and what they told you is a bunch of baloney. Laying the TV down has nothing to do with any of the problems that people are having, and there is no need to wait to turn it on after it's been laying down.

I see you as an expert, but it was the only thing said to me, leaving it on normal stand for at least 3 hours. They work closely with Panasonic and that was the only serious warning that they experienced problems, connecting and turning on the TV right after the installation. I dont think its baloney they wouldnt need to tell that. Maybe a new insight to some problems here, new approach for the new neo-plasma Tech. Because i think people here are doing the same that was made 10 or 15 years ago, and now the plasma tech evolved to something better with new standards.

The gas dispersion is a nonsense? Does the gas dispersion is uniform always? Because if its not, it is logic that with gravity misplacing the gas volumes would affect the way they behave when its turned on. Maybe affecting permanently the gas signature inside. And maybe the banding and some other issues that are mentioned in this topic.

If you can explain better why this isn't a possible source of problem, i would be very appreciated. Im just no one here, dont get me wrong. Not trying to win a point but rather making a new approach debate on the subject.

Thanks
Edited by grik - 11/20/12 at 3:42pm
Reply
Reply
post #7072 of 9509
11/20/12 at 6:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grik View Post

I see you as an expert, but it was the only thing said to me, leaving it on normal stand for at least 3 hours. They work closely with Panasonic and that was the only serious warning that they experienced problems, connecting and turning on the TV right after the installation. I dont think its baloney they wouldnt need to tell that. Maybe a new insight to some problems here, new approach for the new neo-plasma Tech. Because i think people here are doing the same that was made 10 or 15 years ago, and now the plasma tech evolved to something better with new standards.
The gas dispersion is a nonsense? Does the gas dispersion is uniform always? Because if its not, it is logic that with gravity misplacing the gas volumes would affect the way they behave when its turned on. Maybe affecting permanently the gas signature inside. And maybe the banding and some other issues that are mentioned in this topic.
If you can explain better why this isn't a possible source of problem, i would be very appreciated. Im just no one here, dont get me wrong. Not trying to win a point but rather making a new approach debate on the subject.
Thanks
In my experience most store techs barely know more than the average person in this forum. Randy is definitely more than average. Many times I have been at Best Buy or H.H. Gregg and knew more than the tech that was helping me. They are not experts just low paid employees with a little electronics background. This issue came up before and everyone said malarkey. One thing that is important though is if the tv has been cold for a while you should bring it inside and let it warm to room temp before powering it on. btw You are NOT no one here.
Reply
Reply
post #7073 of 9509
11/20/12 at 9:36pm
Iam thinking of finally trying out a 3D movie on my 65ST50. Can anyone tell me if I need a newer version HDMI cable for this? The curent ones i have are from 3-4 years ago before 3D was even in anyone's mind at the time. Thx !

For anyone interested in a cheap 3D disc to try out- I just bought this. It has a 4 star review on Amazon so it should be as good as any.
Edited by Chere - 11/20/12 at 9:43pm
Reply
Reply
post #7074 of 9509
11/20/12 at 10:14pm
I have had a p55st50 for about 2 months now. I noticed that when there is a black screen when content is loading that there looks like a lot of noise in the picture, almost like I can see the pixels or there is snow moving on the screen. Is this normal? I haven't really noticed it in movies yet, but it seems like it might still be there. Any thoughts?
Reply
Reply
post #7075 of 9509
11/20/12 at 10:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grik View Post

It was told by the Techs on the store as they are in close contact with Panasonic. This waiting time is to ensure that the gas was evenly dispersed inside. For example i had to lay the TV on a sofa to screw the base, so the gravity changes the gas structure dispersing inside . Even with bad transport this can happen.
I can guess most of the problems out of the box reported here are because of this plug and play installation. I waited 4 hours like i was told before plugging the AC on the final mounting spot vertically and ready.
Just be patient and enjoy the TV. Until now never had IR or other abnormal glitch on screen.
Wow, they fed you the biggest load of hor$e$hit I've heard since the days when clueless salesmen were telling folks that plasmas needed to be periodically refilled. I swear some of these guys must've been dropped on their heads when they were babies or something.

The only reason I could think of why you might want to wait to turn the TV on is if it was delivered on a cold day. Then, it's possible that the TV had been sitting in a cold truck all day and you'd want to wait until it reached room temperature before turning it on so any condensation could dissipate.
Reply
Reply
post #7076 of 9509
11/20/12 at 11:47pm
Anyone here have ST50 service manual or who knows in detail about repairing these things?

Issue is that my ST50 has serious IR and some burn in. I contacted my local Panasonic support and service and first support engineer said it sounds like my unit is faulty but when I discussed with service engineer it started to sound like it may not be considered a fault at all.
Then I asked if they just could come see my unit here and determine if it meets their criteria but I was told it cannot be determined by looking at the screen and using test patterns. Instead they need to take my unit to repair shop and fully dismantle it and then take voltage measurements before they can say if it is faulty or not. I was stunned after hearing that. It sounded like it is possible they after all that just bring it back in same condition plus possible damages from shipping and opening the unit. Does that sound fair or normal procedure in such case?
Reply
Reply
post #7077 of 9509
11/20/12 at 11:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chere View Post

Iam thinking of finally trying out a 3D movie on my 65ST50. Can anyone tell me if I need a newer version HDMI cable for this? The curent ones i have are from 3-4 years ago before 3D was even in anyone's mind at the time. Thx !
For anyone interested in a cheap 3D disc to try out- I just bought this. It has a 4 star review on Amazon so it should be as good as any.

Your cables will be fine (as long as they are not damaged) one of mine is a 5yr old Monster and it will send everything through without a hitch.
Reply
Reply
post #7078 of 9509
11/21/12 at 12:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PureBlue View Post

I have had a p55st50 for about 2 months now. I noticed that when there is a black screen when content is loading that there looks like a lot of noise in the picture, almost like I can see the pixels or there is snow moving on the screen. Is this normal? I haven't really noticed it in movies yet, but it seems like it might still be there. Any thoughts?

When was the last time you calibrated your TV? It seems like your brightness/contrast settings need to be adjusted. If you can freeze the frame on which you noticed the noise, try adjusting your picture settings. I think you'll find that there's a specific point when the noise disappears.
Reply
Reply
post #7079 of 9509
11/21/12 at 12:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Lebowski View Post

Anyone here have ST50 service manual or who knows in detail about repairing these things?
Issue is that my ST50 has serious IR and some burn in. I contacted my local Panasonic support and service and first support engineer said it sounds like my unit is faulty but when I discussed with service engineer it started to sound like it may not be considered a fault at all.
Then I asked if they just could come see my unit here and determine if it meets their criteria but I was told it cannot be determined by looking at the screen and using test patterns. Instead they need to take my unit to repair shop and fully dismantle it and then take voltage measurements before they can say if it is faulty or not. I was stunned after hearing that. It sounded like it is possible they after all that just bring it back in same condition plus possible damages from shipping and opening the unit. Does that sound fair or normal procedure in such case?

You can download the service manual here: http://elektrotanya.com/
Search for: panasonic st50

You'll need run the white screen for 100+ hrs continuously on high contrast to get rid of persistent IR, read other users experiences: posts 3865, 3871, 3876.
http://www.avsforum.com/t/949107/master-burn-in-ir-break-in-thread-part-ii-all-posts-here-only/3840

Other repair option is to replace the whole plasma pixel panel or whole tv.
Edited by iBrad - 11/21/12 at 1:41am
Reply
Reply
post #7080 of 9509
11/21/12 at 5:56am
I have a 55st50 and I have been experimenting with a few settings from various sources and find the PQ to be outstanding. I do like the settings from cnet but I find that when I have the contrast up above 80, ( they recommend 82 ) the dithering seems to be more pronounced. I dialed the contrast down to 78 and it does seem better. Will this action throw off the the other settings by very much? Will my grayscale thing and color be screwed up?

Melvis
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Plasma Flat Panel Displays

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Plasma Flat Panel Displays › Official Panasonic ST50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk]