Official Panasonic GT50 Series Discussion Thread [No Street Price Talk] - Page 215

Originally Posted by wattheF 

Thanks, I am leaning towards the ST60 because of its value, but what do you think that ZT will cost? sounds pretty amazing

Originally Posted by Easywind 

Hi everybody,

I've been researching TVs to death and was waiting patiently for the ST50 to get to $1000, then I waited for the GT50 to get to $1000 (which it now has). I've made several trips to Best Buy (from looking at everything to narrowing it down). I was thinking the VT50 was a bit out of my price range, so I didn't check it out much. However, on Friday I checked out the VT50 and, man, that picture is out of sight. I went back and forth between the two Magnolia home theatre rooms to look at both the VT50 and GT50 - even used "The Dark Knight" on both to compare. I noticed the picture on the GT50 was severely lacking in comparison, but I discovered that it was only connected via component cables, while the VT50 was run via HDMI. Since I couldn't get an accurate assessment, does anyone have any useful feedback as far as differences? The cheapest I've seen the VT50 is around $1600. The VT50 really blew me away, but is it $600 better than the GT50? Has anyone done a real comparison on an even playing field and have any thoughts as far as the disparity between the two? Someone mentioned that the two look very similar after calibration. If i do get it calibrated, it would be a down-the-road thing since this and a new stand, sound bar, etc., will already be a huge purchase.

Thanks for any input!

Originally Posted by Easywind 

Hi everybody,

I've been researching TVs to death and was waiting patiently for the ST50 to get to $1000, then I waited for the GT50 to get to $1000 (which it now has). I've made several trips to Best Buy (from looking at everything to narrowing it down). I was thinking the VT50 was a bit out of my price range, so I didn't check it out much. However, on Friday I checked out the VT50 and, man, that picture is out of sight. I went back and forth between the two Magnolia home theatre rooms to look at both the VT50 and GT50 - even used "The Dark Knight" on both to compare. I noticed the picture on the GT50 was severely lacking in comparison, but I discovered that it was only connected via component cables, while the VT50 was run via HDMI. Since I couldn't get an accurate assessment, does anyone have any useful feedback as far as differences? The cheapest I've seen the VT50 is around $1600. The VT50 really blew me away, but is it $600 better than the GT50? Has anyone done a real comparison on an even playing field and have any thoughts as far as the disparity between the two? Someone mentioned that the two look very similar after calibration. If i do get it calibrated, it would be a down-the-road thing since this and a new stand, sound bar, etc., will already be a huge purchase.

Thanks for any input!

Originally Posted by htwaits 

Your set is fine. You didn't provide any critical details so I'm going to list my assumptions.

You are watching TV when this happens. Therefor what you are seeing is the edge transmission junk that was always hidden with CRT direct view sets. CRT displays had built in over scan to hide what you're now seeing. Most likely you see it on SD channels, but it's possible to see it on HDTV too. Another assumption is that your display is set to map the input signal dot by dot on your screen. I don't own a Panasonic, but I know that there are two settings that go with the Full mode. They are "something 1" and "something 2". If you're bothered by what you are seeing, just switch the setting and you will get a 5% over scan that will hide the junk. Of course, over scan reduces sharpness and detail slightly.

This problem may not be at the top of repeated questions, but it does come up frequently for all HDTV sets that are capable of dot by dot image mapping.

Originally Posted by tpollagi 

That thing is an encoded data stream. Its one way to beaming stuff into your tv that is kinda a legacy approach that is still being used. It can contain anything the broadcaster wants to send. Like closed caption data and channel and program information. A little annoying but 100% normal.

Originally Posted by htwaits 

Your set is fine. You didn't provide any critical details so I'm going to list my assumptions.

You are watching TV when this happens. Therefor what you are seeing is the edge transmission junk that was always hidden with CRT direct view sets. CRT displays had built in over scan to hide what you're now seeing. Most likely you see it on SD channels, but it's possible to see it on HDTV too. Another assumption is that your display is set to map the input signal dot by dot on your screen. I don't own a Panasonic, but I know that there are two settings that go with the Full mode. They are "something 1" and "something 2". If you're bothered by what you are seeing, just switch the setting and you will get a 5% over scan that will hide the junk. Of course, over scan reduces sharpness and detail slightly.

This problem may not be at the top of repeated questions, but it does come up frequently for all HDTV sets that are capable of dot by dot image mapping.

Originally Posted by tpollagi 

That thing is an encoded data stream. Its one way to beaming stuff into your tv that is kinda a legacy approach that is still being used. It can contain anything the broadcaster wants to send. Like closed caption data and channel and program information. A little annoying but 100% normal.

Originally Posted by humbland 

I also researched them every which way. In most cases, the picture differences are not noticeable, unless you have them side by side. Even then, with most content, it's difficult to see. For me, the room setting was a deciding factor. The VT series handles reflections better (the claim). With windows being a factor in our media room, and a Best Buy display model discount, I went with the VT. The picture is beautiful.
I say, you can't go wrong with either choice. Go for it and don't look back.

Originally Posted by acarney 

I know that CNET isn't the end all of reviews but its what sold me on the GT50 being "great enough" especially at the $999.99 price point for the 50". The blacks in the two sound about the same unless you have them side by side. The extra features of 96hz seemed to disappoint CNET because it introduced some flicker for some reason or something and its not avalible in 3D mode. That makes the GT and VT about the same in 3D mode except for the slight panel differences. If they had a 50 inch VT that was like $1199 or even $1299 I would have got that. But the entry price of +$600 compared to a GT set, it's steep! Even if you do get 5 extra inches, if you WOULD have been happy with 50 inch then you probably will be happy with the GT!

Btw, I just ordered a 50GT50 about an hour ago. I couldn't fork out the extra $600 for the 55 inch VT :P

Originally Posted by Easywind 


Thanks for the replies. Indeed, this will be tough not having seen the GT50 on a level playing field with the VT50. I'm just wondering if there is any more wiggle room with the VT50 at $1600 - not sure if it will be going much lower.

Originally Posted by Bond 007 

????

Originally Posted by JukeBox360 

If that's the price your getting it at. I wouldn't try lower. As its insanely low to Begin with

Originally Posted by humbland 

Here is a strategy that may not have been considered.
At least in my market, the supply chain is drying up. I went into Best Buy to purchase a GT and they were no longer available. The manager then tried to get a VT, but that was also difficult. In the end, he offered me the store display model VT with a new factory warranty at a great price.
Some of you that have been waiting for the pricing bottom, may be able to leverage the supply shortage. You might try going to local Best Buys with cash. Cut to the chase and get the store manager to help you. Offer to buy their store displays (either GT or VT), if they will include the factory warranty. This allows the manager to make a sale and remove a piece that he can no longer get. It's a win/win.
They will have to start doing this on there own soon anyway, you are just taking a preemptive action. You could get lucky and score a good to great deal....

Originally Posted by humbland 

...he offered me the store display model VT with a new factory warranty ....

Originally Posted by tpollagi 

Exercise some caution with store displays. Some of those store demo sets see more abusive behavior in a month than most sets will see in their life. I did not know store managers could issue a new factory warranty on demo items. If nothing else, go over the screen with a magnifying glass and every color slide known to man to look for irregularities.

Originally Posted by wattheF 

For me the big question is...do try to go get a 55' VT50 for around $1600/$1700 or wait for the 60'' ST60 for the same price?
I need to replace a 55'' GT50 that my kid broke! It sounds crazy but I can't fathom shelling out another $1600 just to have the SAME TV! For some reason I will feel better about stepping up in either model or size. So since I will probably not calibrate either, I don't know if I want to pay the same for the slightly better black level of the VT when I can still have excellent blacks AND 5'' more screen with the ST. And the reason I would wait for the ST60 rather than the ST50 is the deals are not that great on the 50's and the new 60's are priced $200-$300 (msrp) less to begin with than last year. Not to mention the new ST60 will look so much nicer than the plastic ST50.

Seeing how much the prices have dropped on the VT50, maybe I wait it out until the ZT is available for half price at the end of the year! I don't think I will be able to tuff it out with the old 42'' LCD projection TV for a whole year though!

Originally Posted by wattheF 

For me the big question is...do try to go get a 55' VT50 for around $1600/$1700 or wait for the 60'' ST60 for the same price?
I need to replace a 55'' GT50 that my kid broke! It sounds crazy but I can't fathom shelling out another $1600 just to have the SAME TV! For some reason I will feel better about stepping up in either model or size. So since I will probably not calibrate either, I don't know if I want to pay the same for the slightly better black level of the VT when I can still have excellent blacks AND 5'' more screen with the ST. And the reason I would wait for the ST60 rather than the ST50 is the deals are not that great on the 50's and the new 60's are priced $200-$300 (msrp) less to begin with than last year. Not to mention the new ST60 will look so much nicer than the plastic ST50.

Seeing how much the prices have dropped on the VT50, maybe I wait it out until the ZT is available for half price at the end of the year! I don't think I will be able to tuff it out with the old 42'' LCD projection TV for a whole year though!

Originally Posted by humbland 

Here is a strategy that may not have been considered.
At least in my market, the supply chain is drying up. I went into Best Buy to purchase a GT and they were no longer available. The manager then tried to get a VT, but that was also difficult. In the end, he offered me the store display model VT with a new factory warranty at a great price.
Some of you that have been waiting for the pricing bottom, may be able to leverage the supply shortage. You might try going to local Best Buys with cash. Cut to the chase and get the store manager to help you. Offer to buy their store displays (either GT or VT), if they will include the factory warranty. This allows the manager to make a sale and remove a piece that he can no longer get. It's a win/win.
They will have to start doing this on there own soon anyway, you are just taking a preemptive action. You could get lucky and score a good to great deal....

Originally Posted by ehfz 

... Are these picture modes not available in DLNA mode? I can't think of any logical reason why they wouldn't be. That and the fact that I can't pass DTS audio from mkv files in DLNA back to a receiver are the two things that are turning me off about the advertised DLNA capabilities. Any advice for me?

Originally Posted by Recstar24 

Under custom pro settings, can anyone clarify what exactly the color space is? I googled that it was actually color gamut, wide seems to make the colors pop out more.

Originally Posted by chunon 

They may pop more but it is not accurate, wide expands the color gamut beyond the Rec709 gamut, again if you are looking for accuracy not accurate but it may look good to your eyes and that's all that matters in the end.

Originally Posted by Recstar24 

My set was professionally calibrated by chad b, he set it there. In addition to the service menu grayscale adjustments he tweaked the cut an drive values in the pro settings as well to account for the wider gamut. The measurement graphs shows color still measuring within target.

Originally Posted by Recstar24 


My set was professionally calibrated by chad b, he set it there. In addition to the service menu grayscale adjustments he tweaked the cut an drive values in the pro settings as well to account for the wider gamut. The measurement graphs shows color still measuring within target.