Official Panasonic GT50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk] - Page 208

Hi everybody,

New to AVS forum and first post.

I've looking to upgrade my 11-year old Toshiba 36-inch HD CRT and am considering the 50GT50. I have done extensive online and in-store research for quite some time (on the 2012 Panasonic Plasma line vs. other makes and models). I was hoping to get some user feedback that pertains to my situation.

I don't watch much cable TV at the moment (Walking Dead, some HBO series), but I do game on my Xbox 360 (on the weekends) and have a Sony Blu-Ray player I received for Christmas that I plan on using.

The reviews for this TV seem to be very positive. I am a bit concerned about the buzzing, but it seems this is a luck-of-the draw type of issue whereas it is always present but to a lesser extent in certain models.

I went to Best Buy this past week (been there several times) to check out the 50GT50. Thankfully, they had it in the home theatre section and not in the main part of the store, so the lighting was more forgiving. I requested "The Dark Knight Rises" and was pleased with the picture. I even messed with the settings (THX, THX Bright Room, etc.). Although THX was a lot better than the other modes, I feel it could definitely use some further tweaking.

I feel that for this price, the comparable LEDs do not hold their own. Movies seem to have a certain film quality that the LEDs lack. However, and I hope I don't offend anyone, I feel that the higher-priced LEDs have a "crispness" that the GT50 (plasmas, in general?) doesn't have. I know there are a lot of "smoke and mirrors" regarding LED picture quality and that most agree the picture on plasmas are better, but I couldn't help but to notice this. I also realize these sets can look vastly different once they are in one's home. In addition, these LEDs that I'm referring to are twice as much (or several hundred dollars more). I also can't stand the "soap opera" look - yuck.

If I pull the trigger, I don't plan on getting this calibrated (will probably just find some nifty settings online - D-Nice?). However, I will do the proper break-in for the first 200 hours. After that, I feel I shouldn't have to tend to the TV (IR, image retention, etc.). (I only game for a few hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.)

My main question concerns how this TV handles gaming. Coming from an HD CRT with no lag time, will I notice a substantial difference? I believe the "game mode," which I'm not fond of using because it will reduce the picture quality, has a lag time of 30 ms. I'm not sure what the regular modes have and how noticeable it may be. Also, does the picture look crisp and vivid for games, or are LEDs better suited? Would anyone recommend using the Panny for movies and keeping my current set for gaming? I know my current TV isn't "true HD," but I literally have no issues whatsoever when gaming (lag, blur, etc.), but I guess the higher resolution (and other advancements) would transolate into better PQ. I asked if I could get a gaming demo at Best Buy, but they couldn't do it.

Bottom Line: What will be the difference in a gaming experience (good and/or bad and how vast) when compared to my current TV?

If gaming wasn't a factor, I would be pretty set on this TV as movies look pretty fantastic.

Thanks for reading - I appreciate any insight (and sorry if I rambled or misspoke on any of these items).


(I'll also post in the gaming forum.)


Cheers!

If you go with passives you will also need an amp. You also will need either a Bluetooth adapter or DAC to tie into the optical out to get the audio into the external speakers unless they have one of those options built in. If not, a Bluetooth adapter is cheaper and will allow you use the volume control on the GT's remote.

You will be totally fine, considering you don't game for 10hrs straight, everyday, however why would anyone pause for 30-60min? You have a Tivo, rewind it. As I posted once before, I had a still image displayed on my GT-50 from my HTPC. It was a music fanart (had a Megamix playlist playing) from XBMC for 3 hours and did not have any IR at all. With tv content my daughter pauses once in a while but not for long. So you shouldn't be too concerned, just watch and enjoy the set.

Love the tv. Have looked all over the net for gaming settings. Yet to find any. Has anyone calibrated their set in game mode? I'm sensitive to input lag which is why I stick to game mode vs thx or custom.

So I ask. Does anyone have setting for game mode? I'd like to try em out. Thank you.

I think I am going to upgarde my current 46" plasma with the 65" GT-50, a few things, 1. most places are sold out of them, just a few left online, should I buy one online or wait for the 2013 lineup? 2. I'm a little concerned about this whole buzzing thing with the gt50's & 3. I am have a hard time finding out if it has an anti-glare screen? Any advice?
THANKS!

If you want a great deal. Get this set while you can. If you want to spend a little more and possibly get a better tv. Wait. Remember. This is AVS. Unless its a Kuro. They will scare you out of any better. My tv is perfect. I love it. Couldn't ask for more. Haven't been this happy with a tv since my UN55B8500.

Just waiting for someone to give out some game mode calibration.

I don't think Paul's TV can be beaten on price right now. You can get the 65GT50 for $2,199.99 and that includes free shipping and no sales tax in most states. (I believe still in stock)
I bought my 60GT50 from them and their service is great.
As far as buzzing goes I have NONE with my 60. I don't even notice it up close and the picture is superb. As far as the 2013 models go I don't really think they changed them that much. Besides they probably won't be out til around April. And you won't get a GT..They dropped that model from their new lineup.
Can not comment on the glare (I don't have any light source that would reflect off screen) but I don't think it would be any worse then my old Samsung LED..

Oh all the owners in here. I can't possibly be the only gamer. Let alone the only gamer that will use game mode.

Someone must have settings lol.

Long-time lurker, I used the information from this thread and pulled the trigger on an 55GT50 and I'm constantly amazed at the PQ. When I leave the room and want to pause whatever source input I'm watching, I turn the TV off to avoid IR. It seems like a simple solution, turn it back on when it's time and pick up where you left off. Any reason that I shouldn't do this? Thanks, Dutch

I think that is perfectly fine as long as you're not doing it 20 times a day every day!

It could put some wear and tear on it over time if you do it a lot. I pause and then switch to an OTA broadcast so that something is moving while I am away. Or if its a short enough period you can run the scrolling bar.

I agree, I don't think there's enough of a change to worry, unless one is considering the ZT. Also, the GT is no longer available so that would leave the choice being between the ST and VT. If you want THX in a 2013 model VT and ZT are it which will cost you more than the 2012 GT.

BTW, I love, love, love my 60GT50. I still have no regrets for returning the VT50 nor for passing up the ST50.

Paul's is ok to deal with?

Paul's is good to deal with especially if you have one local. Otherwise check their return policy.

Amazon will price match Paul's if you contact them. I trust them the most with a purchase like this. They offer low price guarantee, 30 day free returns and super easy return/exchange process. Their delivery process is based upon which company selects your order but at even at it's worst it is no worse than any other online stores offer.

I had a great experience with them. It did take about a week to receive the TV, but I consider that about normal. I used their "white glove" delivery that was free (I think it still is). They use a private shipper and with white glove they bring the TV to the room of your choice and make sure that it works. They do not set the TV up, just unpack it so you can inspect it and check for damage.
Also if you want to save an extra 2% sign up with Fatwallet. Almost works like a rebate from Fatwallet.
Paul's also has a 30 day pricematch..
Highly recommend Paul's..

1. There will not be a GT60
2. I've not had a problem with buzzing or any of the peculiarities listed in these forums with either of my previous ST50 or it's replacement GT50
3. It's "semi anti-glare" IMO.

The A2 have optical inputs?
From the specs on amazon, i cannot tell.
I am looking for something that plugs directly from the the GT50 so that it will turn on/off along with the tv..
I don't want to bother turning a receiver on/off along with the tv.

I agree with your observation that while the GT50 (and plasmas) have a smoother film-like look, LEDs look crisper. To me at least. A lot of folks here are in it more for the movie side, so you have to know what you want. Regarding calibration, you should be fine following the advice and settings in a forum like this. Also, at the least, buy the Disney WOW DVD. Pretty good calibration DVD. Professional calibration is after everything else in the chain is good; cables, equipment, tv settings.

I don't think you'll notice a lag time difference. If so maybe you'll get used to it? Either way going from CRT to Plasma or LCD, it won't be exactly the same.

If you're only gaming for a "few hours" (lol.....some gamers, like poker players, have a different sense of a "few hours"), that could still cause some IR if the game interface is always up. Don't believe it when people say IR only happens after "watching something with a banner or logo for 12 hours". Can be less.

Good luck....

I was truly amazed by the deep, dark blacks of my previous 32-in CRT HDTV (c. 2005). So much so, that I decided several yeas ago that Panasonic plasma is the best route for this should I ever replace it. I've patiently waited for Panasonic to sort their plasma line for the past 2-3 years so I could rest assured that I would get a robust and reliable display.

They finally did just that this year and here I am with this beauty of GT50 now sitting in my lounge room.

BTW, the black levels of new display far exceed anything the old CRT display offered. I highly doubt LCD display could offer this feature with current state of that technology.

Just wanted to swing in and say how fantastic this TV is. It feels liek it is really "coming into it's own" right around the 300hr mark here. The black levels are astounding, the motion performance is astounding, the color accuracy out of the box is astounding, I couldnt be more pleased with this TV.

:thumbsup: amen!

Trust me when I say you won't have to worry about the tv while gaming. I do a ton of it. Sadly. Sometimes 12 hours at a time. Always at least 3 hours at a time. Same game. Black Ops 2. You'd think there would be some burn in. But none. Sure. I've gotten IR. But everything's always gone away within 10 mins. Buy the set and enjoy it.

Now back to by question. Does anyone have game mode picture settings!?

UggH! I knew I should've stayed away from those slides. I've had my 60GT50 for 8 months with no noticeable problems til I ran slides for the first time yesterday. I put the TV on standard setting and sure enough, once it got to the all white slide, a faint buzz heard from 9ft away.
I was thinking about calling my 'hook up' to get an exchange of some sort but then I thought, when am I going to be watching an all white picture with no audio?? I then threw on Happy Feet 2 3D (HD-Masters settings) with contrast up to 100 and during normal viewing of a movie that is pretty much white shots throughout, I can't hear anything. I should've left well enough alone...lesson learned!

These setting rock!! I use them on my custom mode as my THX BRIGHT AND NORMAL have been calibrated by the great Kevin Miller!! Nobody else can make a TV Look as close to reference quality as Kevin does! BAR NONE!!! So i just add these settings to an already perfect calibration and BINGO!!!

The game mode right out of the box looks pretty good on my set, very vivid and tons of pop. Is there a way to find out what the W/B settings are at?

What settings? I don't see any?


Problem with game mode default is color. By default it is way to blue. Not even close to the 6500K target. I'd like game mode settings over THX because I'm very big on input lag.

lol! Yeah I did the slide thing back in '08 when I got my first pdp. That TV is in the bedroom and doesn't buzz at all. My gt50 is a complete non-buzzer as well, but I just watched varied TV for the first ~150hrs, no slides. Not needed imo