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Official Panasonic VT50 owners thread - Page 296

post #8851 of 12304
1/4/13 at 8:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SC0TLANDF0REVER View Post

I've been out of HT so long, I'm not up on the latest & greatest. Time to run off to the Audio section for some research biggrin.gif

Heck I had my last 5.1 system for 15 yrs, couple of the channels finally began going out on my old Kenwood so I now have the Denon 1913 (which I really enjoy) and 7.1 was the only way I was going when upgrading and told my wife that I'd keep it all tight and clean while installing everything. She loves it and even the dog thinks the house is haunted with all the different noises flying around the room lol.

Back on the subject of the VT50 after we finished watching a movie tonight I hadn't even thought about trying out the 3D yet. We didn't have a 3D movie on hand so we watched a little of the 2d to 3d conversion on a movie and I told them ahead of time not to expect to much excitement with that route. As I suspected it was like... meh, not much going on but it did add a little more depth to it. My daughter wants Nemo in 3D and from what I've read its a good one for the family to enjoy so I'll likely pick that up soon to get a better take on the 3D side of this tv.
Edited by 7thSeal - 1/4/13 at 8:50pm
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post #8852 of 12304
1/4/13 at 9:06pm
Hello my fellow VT50 owners!

My VT50 arrives tomorrow morning. I'm stoked. However, I received a Wii U for Christmas (it is still inside the box) and I have heard that it's HDMI cable only sends limited RGB signal across HDMI, resulting in washed out blacks and faded colors on some monitors that don't support Limited RGB.

Anyone with a Panny VT50 know if this is a problem? Should I invest in component cables instead?

Thanks!
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post #8853 of 12304
1/4/13 at 10:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7thSeal View Post

Heck I had my last 5.1 system for 15 yrs, couple of the channels finally began going out on my old Kenwood so I now have the Denon 1913 (which I really enjoy) and 7.1 was the only way I was going when upgrading and told my wife that I'd keep it all tight and clean while installing everything. She loves it and even the dog thinks the house is haunted with all the different noises flying around the room lol.
Back on the subject of the VT50 after we finished watching a movie tonight I hadn't even thought about trying out the 3D yet. We didn't have a 3D movie on hand so we watched a little of the 2d to 3d conversion on a movie and I told them ahead of time not to expect to much excitement with that route. As I suspected it was like... meh, not much going on but it did add a little more depth to it. My daughter wants Nemo in 3D and from what I've read its a good one for the family to enjoy so I'll likely pick that up soon to get a better take on the 3D side of this tv.

Nemo is a great 3D movie.
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post #8854 of 12304
1/4/13 at 11:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Styphin View Post

Hello my fellow VT50 owners!
My VT50 arrives tomorrow morning. I'm stoked. However, I received a Wii U for Christmas (it is still inside the box) and I have heard that it's HDMI cable only sends limited RGB signal across HDMI, resulting in washed out blacks and faded colors on some monitors that don't support Limited RGB.
Anyone with a Panny VT50 know if this is a problem? Should I invest in component cables instead?
Thanks!

You'll be fine, VT50 can be set up to accept limited or full RGB. From how you describe it, WiiU will output limited RGB just like your cable box or blu ray player.
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post #8855 of 12304
1/4/13 at 11:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by emcdade View Post

You'll be fine, VT50 can be set up to accept limited or full RGB. From how you describe it, WiiU will output limited RGB just like your cable box or blu ray player.

Edit... I'm removing my question here because it turns out I've been unnecessarily running Full RGB for a few years now on my PS3 to an older TV that doesn't support it. Thanks again for your help.
Edited by Styphin - 1/4/13 at 11:46pm
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post #8856 of 12304
1/5/13 at 12:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by copene View Post

I'm in Toronto, call Chris at clevelandplasma.com and he'll set you up. I picked mine up in Niagara at a depot that let me open the box and run slides,etc. You'll end up paying 75% of that $4k if you call Chris.

I live in Calgary so I don't think Clevland Plasma would be able to do anything for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kpt_Krunch View Post

I saw/heard the TV - no buzzing at all (I made sure there was no volume turned on actually - I don't need to 'hear' a TV just see it smile.gif ).
Also, one other note, this is the 'best tv'. There was only one left in Edmonton at the store I went to. People who are buying them are the people who want the best, price is not an issue with them. i.e. doctors/lawyers/sports stars, etc. Because they are in limited supply, they don't really haggle that much - now an ST or even a GT - you can get a much better price I'm sure. The 65 GT could be had for around $2700 (before taxes etc) and it's 'almost as good' as the VT - but it isn't. Sometimes if you want the absolute best, you gotta bite the bullet. Heck, I could die tomorrow (hopefully not as I don't get the TV for another week) and any money I saved would do me no good in my grave wink.gif

I went to Visions today and they informed me that they have one 55" VT50 and one 65" VT50 demo unit. Seeing the 65" and then looking at a 55" TV makes it look really small so I'd prefer to go with the 65". The demo unit has been on the floor for three months, was most likely not burnt in correctly if at all and has probably been on for about 700+ hours. While they've discounted it significantly buying a demo unit just scratches me the wrong way.

I asked the sales person about this year's model and he said they'd most likely get them around the summer time and they'd be MSRP for a while. My only option really is to go with the 55" VT50 or go with the 65" GT50. I'm not sure if the fancier black filter is worth dropping 10" from the TV. Thoughts?

Also, while I was watching the 65" they had Avengers playing. It looked like some sort of smoothing/extra frames functionality was being used. It's hard to explain but the picture seemed smoother than normal and at times blurry. I was expecting to be super impressed with the picture quality and, while good, it wasn't that great. Is there some option on the TV I can turn off that would get rid of this smoothing? I went through the menu and didn't see anything that jumped out at me. It was set to THX 3D and I set the display to reset to default just in case someone changed the settings.
Edited by MeelaPo - 1/5/13 at 1:07am
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post #8857 of 12304
1/5/13 at 5:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Styphin View Post

Hello my fellow VT50 owners!
My VT50 arrives tomorrow morning. I'm stoked. However, I received a Wii U for Christmas (it is still inside the box) and I have heard that it's HDMI cable only sends limited RGB signal across HDMI, resulting in washed out blacks and faded colors on some monitors that don't support Limited RGB.
Anyone with a Panny VT50 know if this is a problem? Should I invest in component cables instead?
Thanks!

I was blown away by the colors of the new Mario game on wii u on my 65VT50. It is connected via HDMI but does go through a receiver.
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post #8858 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kickalillas2 View Post

Hey Guys, new Vt50 owner here, replaced an hx950. I posted in the settings thread a few days ago, but there was no response. Are there any good neutral settings floating around? All I see is Warm 2, which I think, makes whites look a little too yellow. I know every set is different, but if I can get a good base going, I can finish off calibrating on my own.
Also, I noticed a noticeably loud buzz/hum when running the break in slides, only on the white slide. Is that normal? I hear nothing during regular viewing.
Thanks

Welcome to the VT club. The Sony 950 is a great tv too, and that's what I had my choices narrowed down to, but for the price and superb picture I went with the VT50. If the Sony were the same price I may have went with that, but I've been reading the forum over there and with the motion blur, pixels, haloing etc... It made me a little nervous. Anyway my vt50 picture is perfect, no dead pixels, superb blacks, and looks great during video games and while watching football. The only thing I'm undecided on is a have a buzzing noise. I can hear from the couch (about 13 ft away if the volume is off) I will update on this. Just something to check. Anyway as far as settings go obviously none may work for you while another may look great. Based on everyone here I would try wmwilkers day settings to start. You can tweak his to your liking since you might like warm 1 rather than 2. Also right out of the box CNET settings and Mascior's day settings looked good. Perhaps even grab the Disney WOW disc and do some tweaks yourself. Let us know how you like your vt50. I'm especially interested as I almost considered the Sony
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post #8859 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:09am
Turn off motion smoother if you are getting/and don't like that soap opera effect. I think default is weak or medium but you can turn it off. I leave mine on weak and don't really see it, but medium or strong is definitely visible. There's only certain shows it looks great on and I find it actually looks great on animations. That's been the only time I've used medium or above.

Also that's for my Cox cable box. For Xbox, and blue ray I leave all filtering and motion smoothing off
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post #8860 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:01am
I'm growing increasingly concerned. I've been noticing, with greater frequency, especially while watching soccer with its green pitch prevalent on the screen, that my panel has vertical lines (striations?) that cover about 20% of the screen near the center of the right half of the panel.

I just spent about forty minutes cleaning the glass with a microfiber and distilled water in the hopes of finding production residue or something left over from the packing materials. No luck.

I ran the scroller (which I hadn't done more than a couple times prior) and downloaded the slides this morning and have confirmed the lines are consistent. It's not terribly noticeable on regular television programming or VUDU, but it is prevalent during animated shows (Family Guy, etc.) and sporting events (in particular, on a field). If I know what screen door effect is, its like that where I can see the lines as the image I'm following moves behind that area of the panel.

I broke in the TV early October with 200 hours of HD HBO and have been watching various programming since then. I'd noticed along the way, but I believe the affected area might be getting larger, or wider across the panel (maybe not because I'm just now investigating it?).

I looked up from typing this to see a commercial with a white background and could clearly see the striations.

I bought an extended warranty from BB. Should I sit on this and monitor it for another month or so?

I believe it is a defect, but would like to hear thoughts. Other than IR seemingly above the average on this thread (I've even seen minor IR from the Smart Viera logo form time to time after the panel is turned on, hehe), which I'm fine with, I haven't experienced buzz or fans or anything else that I would consider problematic.

Thanks.

JP
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post #8861 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 9suffix View Post

I'm growing increasingly concerned. I've been noticing, with greater frequency, especially while watching soccer with its green pitch prevalent on the screen, that my panel has vertical lines (striations?) that cover about 20% of the screen near the center of the right half of the panel.
I just spent about forty minutes cleaning the glass with a microfiber and distilled water in the hopes of finding production residue or something left over from the packing materials. No luck.
I ran the scroller (which I hadn't done more than a couple times prior) and downloaded the slides this morning and have confirmed the lines are consistent. It's not terribly noticeable on regular television programming or VUDU, but it is prevalent during animated shows (Family Guy, etc.) and sporting events (in particular, on a field). If I know what screen door effect is, its like that where I can see the lines as the image I'm following moves behind that area of the panel.
I broke in the TV early October with 200 hours of HD HBO and have been watching various programming since then. I'd noticed along the way, but I believe the affected area might be getting larger, or wider across the panel (maybe not because I'm just now investigating it?).
I looked up from typing this to see a commercial with a white background and could clearly see the striations.
I bought an extended warranty from BB. Should I sit on this and monitor it for another month or so?
I believe it is a defect, but would like to hear thoughts. Other than IR seemingly above the average on this thread (I've even seen minor IR from the Smart Viera logo form time to time after the panel is turned on, hehe), which I'm fine with, I haven't experienced buzz or fans or anything else that I would consider problematic.
Thanks.
JP

I just exchanged mine with best buy for the same issue. Panasonic also agreed to send it for repair but since I was inside my 30 day return window Best Buy took care of it.

I wouldn't stand for it considering the price paid. I just received a new one this morning with a December build date that appears free of this issue.

I almost feel guilty, got the original 65" open-box for $2,599 and just exchanged for a brand new one!
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post #8862 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:25am
Hi All,

I have a Sony KDSR-60XBR1 SXRD rear projection set that I am about to replace. I am seriously considering the 65VT50 and would like opinions from the group about how well it would perform in my bright room. I have included some pics as a reference. My wife watches a lot of 4:3 material during the daytime and I watch golf. We both enjoy blu-ray movies at night.
All comments welcome

Bob




Below are earlier pics taken during the summer.


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post #8863 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSollecito View Post

Turn off motion smoother if you are getting/and don't like that soap opera effect. I think default is weak or medium but you can turn it off. I leave mine on weak and don't really see it, but medium or strong is definitely visible. There's only certain shows it looks great on and I find it actually looks great on animations. That's been the only time I've used medium or above.
Also that's for my Cox cable box. For Xbox, and blue ray I leave all filtering and motion smoothing off

I do the following with the motion smoother...

Cable TV (HD or SD material) = OFF or WEAK

Blu-ray 2D = Usually WEAK or MEDIUM

Blu-ray 3D = Almost always MEDIUM



Quote:
Originally Posted by 9suffix View Post

I'm growing increasingly concerned. I've been noticing, with greater frequency, especially while watching soccer with its green pitch prevalent on the screen, that my panel has vertical lines (striations?) that cover about 20% of the screen near the center of the right half of the panel.
I just spent about forty minutes cleaning the glass with a microfiber and distilled water in the hopes of finding production residue or something left over from the packing materials. No luck.
I ran the scroller (which I hadn't done more than a couple times prior) and downloaded the slides this morning and have confirmed the lines are consistent. It's not terribly noticeable on regular television programming or VUDU, but it is prevalent during animated shows (Family Guy, etc.) and sporting events (in particular, on a field). If I know what screen door effect is, its like that where I can see the lines as the image I'm following moves behind that area of the panel.
I broke in the TV early October with 200 hours of HD HBO and have been watching various programming since then. I'd noticed along the way, but I believe the affected area might be getting larger, or wider across the panel (maybe not because I'm just now investigating it?).
I looked up from typing this to see a commercial with a white background and could clearly see the striations.
I bought an extended warranty from BB. Should I sit on this and monitor it for another month or so?
I believe it is a defect, but would like to hear thoughts. Other than IR seemingly above the average on this thread (I've even seen minor IR from the Smart Viera logo form time to time after the panel is turned on, hehe), which I'm fine with, I haven't experienced buzz or fans or anything else that I would consider problematic.
Thanks.
JP


I doubt the vertical bars will go away at this point, so if you really aren't happy with the TV then maybe see if you can get it replaced.
That said, because you are on an extended warranty, it wouldn't hurt to give it another week or two IF you're already past the initial 30 days.
Seems like this vertical banding problem affects some panels out there but not likely the majority.
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post #8864 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:43am

The only place I can put the 65VT50 is in a room that has 6 windows. I would like to know if the light from the windows will wash out the picture. I want to use it it a normally lit room, not have to build a man cave theatre room to enjoy it. Does this TV have to be in a dark room to enjoy it? Any opinions?  I currently have a 55" LED TV which is very bright and would move that to the bedroom.

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post #8865 of 12304
1/5/13 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KONICA TECH View Post

The only place I can put the 65VT50 is in a room that has 6 windows. I would like to know if the light from the windows will wash out the picture. I want to use it it a normally lit room, not have to build a man cave theatre room to enjoy it. Does this TV have to be in a dark room to enjoy it? Any opinions?  I currently have a 55" LED TV which is very bright and would move that to the bedroom.

Direct light on the screen sure wouldn't be good for any tv. What about curtains and blinds? This tv has amazing picture quality potential, sure too please most anyone. But will show its full potential in a darker environment. These new models can be adjusted brighter than previous plasmas, so maybe work fine for you? If you buy from a retailer that has a return period you could always exchange it if it doesn't work out.

Good Luck!
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post #8866 of 12304
1/5/13 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KONICA TECH View Post

The only place I can put the 65VT50 is in a room that has 6 windows. I would like to know if the light from the windows will wash out the picture. I want to use it it a normally lit room, not have to build a man cave theatre room to enjoy it. Does this TV have to be in a dark room to enjoy it? Any opinions?  I currently have a 55" LED TV which is very bright and would move that to the bedroom.

My living room (home of my VT50) is pretty bright, and the only issue I have during the day is a reflection from a window behind me. The panel looks fine during the day and incredible at night. I had the same questions, so I went to a Best Buy and looked at the VT50 hanging on the "wall of tv's" in the main part of the store. That is a very bright environment and it looked great. Decision was made!

Point in case...I was about to go out shopping and "Puss In Boots" came on HBO while I was getting ready. An hour and 15 minutes later and I'm still glued to my VT50 watching this beautiful picture! Source is Directv through Anthem MRX-500.
Edited by scirica - 1/5/13 at 11:14am
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post #8867 of 12304
1/5/13 at 11:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MeelaPo View Post

Thanks for the tips. I live in Canada so, for whatever reason, manufactures and stores feel it's necessary to charge us quite a bit more for electronic products. I've never heard of this white glove service and I don't think they offer it here with the stores that we have. Granted, I'm not even sure the store that I will be buying it from (I get a company discount there) even has the 55" or 65" in their stock.
My only concern now is all of this noise/buzzing business I'm reading about. I'm a stickler for noise and I hear everything. This might be a deal breaker for me so hopefully I can go to the store and see one of these things in action.
If you want to hear buzzing then purchase the Samsung PN64E8000. The buzzing from these sets is horrible and you can hear it directly from the front center and sitting 12 feet away. The VT50 has no buzzing unless you stick your head behind the set then you can hear a slight buzzing sound. From a normal viewing distance you can't hear any noise from the VT50. You won't be disappointed with the VT50.
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post #8868 of 12304
1/5/13 at 12:10pm

Thanks so much for the quick replies. I am going to make the jump if the deal goes through. Hope to be back soon with your advice on breaking in my first plasma. I will check the plasma break in forum first.

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post #8869 of 12304
1/5/13 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 9suffix View Post

I broke in the TV early October with 200 hours of HD HBO and have been watching various programming since then. I'd noticed along the way, but I believe the affected area might be getting larger, or wider across the panel (maybe not because I'm just now investigating it?).

You saw it before/during the break in period but decided to stick with it?
I'd of refused it before hoping that it would be getting better situation.
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post #8870 of 12304
1/5/13 at 2:11pm

Delivery Tuesday!  Exited!!

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post #8871 of 12304
1/5/13 at 2:42pm
I pulled the trigger on the Pual's deal for the 65" VT50. I expect delivery this week. Could someone help me to ensure I understand correctly that with ControlCal, I can actually load other users ISF settings if they have uploaded their files (to controlcal.com)? I understand their settings may not be 100% ideal for me based on room/lighting conditions, but this seems to me to be a great starting point. My plan would be to:

1. Run the slides from D-NICE for 100 hours to break in the plasma
2. Download and register ControlCal - allowing me to use the software and obtain the code to unlock ISF mode on the TV
3. Setup network on TV - find the network address via ControlCal and load the settings file (I will go with both day and night settings based on the room brightness during day).
4. Tweak as necessary or load other settings based on results

Thanks for anyone with the experience responding as to whether I understand the ControlCal - file loading part correctly.
Edited by bmagick - 1/5/13 at 4:28pm
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post #8872 of 12304
1/5/13 at 3:53pm
You could also try Custom using the remote.. Though not having to fumble with the owner's remote control and display's menu is not frustrating when using ControlCAL

Do you have any calibration discs (tweak discs better label)?

I'll PM you some info... I'll also give you some meter recommendations, you may one day want to go down that path smile.gif
Edited by turbe - 1/5/13 at 4:02pm
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post #8873 of 12304
1/5/13 at 4:09pm
Can you folks advise if 65VT50 will have automated stretch mode, meaning that once I switch to 4:3 material TV can detect and turn on Zoom to fill dark areas?
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post #8874 of 12304
1/5/13 at 4:41pm
Thanks turbe. I will definitely be downloading and registering Controlcal. The plan is to upload some other users settings and then verify with calibration discs how well those settings work given my display/room/lighting situation. AVS HD 709 does look like an excellent option. Thank you for your help.
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post #8875 of 12304
1/5/13 at 4:51pm
I started a couple of weeks ago, I had a panny 58" 720p. I bought a Sharp 70" 2D from BB. The PQ with movies and some HD programs was good. Most HD programming was so-so.(Dish) Also 70" was a little big for my living room and off axis viewing was horrid. I went to BB for a new remote and saw a 60" Sammy ES7500.(3D) The PQ was awesome and the off axis looked good. They wrote it up and scheduled an exchange.

That's what I get for not researching. Lots of posts about clouding, light bleeding, flash lighting etc. I was hoping I'd get a "good one" and it was delivered today. Great PQ, but....on both sides, light bleed. About a 1/4 in. strip of a lighter color. Dang. Also, the off axis is as bad as the Sharp.

I knew I had to go back to a plasma. Spent 3 hours researching, and it was obvious that I needed a 65 VT50. I went back and spotted the same girl who did the prior trade. She said no problem and the 65 will be delivered Wed. The best part is when all the paper work was done she told me the price was $400 less than the sale price on line! And, she didn't make me pay for the $200 gift card I got when I traded for the Sammy!

So, hopefully the 65 will be a "good one." I'll post up when i get it.
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post #8876 of 12304
1/5/13 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dvzzz View Post

Can you folks advise if 65VT50 will have automated stretch mode, meaning that once I switch to 4:3 material TV can detect and turn on Zoom to fill dark areas?

It does not have such a feature. No Panasonic TV has ever had it.

Sony, Philips, and Pioneer had this sort of "auto stretch" feature on some models but my experience with it was that it didn't always work too well when a 4:3 commercial would come on. Sometimes the TV would go into a fit trying to correct the aspect and it would switch back and forth as the scenes change.
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post #8877 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:08pm


***I couldn't stand it. I canceled the order on a 65ES8000 LED and picked the 65" VT50 plasma along with the insurance just in case. Changed my mind in less than 24 hrs.....tongue.gif Same delivery date .... There was just too much bad stuff I read on the Samsung... I always wanted one... As soon as I made my post on the ES8000 Thread about ordering the ES8000 someone said "I hope you get a December build" mad.gif.... I didnt sleep too well with that thought so I changed my mind. Anyway, got this 65VT50 cheaper . I know you can get a bad tv on any kind but seems there is a lot of bad luck on that other thread.. I hope this TV is as good as they say.. With all the good reviews and it sure did impress me at Sears.
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post #8878 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:23pm
Hogfan...You're going to love it. Great decision! I bought a Samsung LED in May and already upgraded to the VT50. No comparison!
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post #8879 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scirica View Post

Hogfan...You're going to love it. Great decision! I bought a Samsung LED in May and already upgraded to the VT50. No comparison!

+1 , I agree.
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post #8880 of 12304
1/5/13 at 6:37pm
Thanks for the quick reply. I think I will start from the beginning of this thread and learn as much as I can so I know how to set it up properly.
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