Panasonic Warranty Issue / Question

Model Number - Panasonic Plasma TC-P46S2

I am just curious if this is typical of Panasonic. If so, I understand and so be it, but I don't think I will purchase a Panasonic ever again.

On Jan. 24, 2011 I purchased the above model. On Sept. 20, 2011 a large purple vertical line ran down the center of the TV. A warranty provider, chosen by Panasonic, came out and deemed the entire panel faulty. On Sept. 23, 2011 (that is the date on the invoice, although actual repair took place near the end of Sept. 2011) the panel was replaced with a new one.

On Dec. 15, 2012, a rather large, two inch vertical line appeared in the center of the TV, running vertically from top to bottom. This time the color is not purple, it is just a large mess of randomness (sorry, can't describe it better) that runs down the center, two inches wide. I sent pictures to my service provider, telling them the new panel only lasted 14 1/2 months, and wanted them to tell me whether or not Panasonic would honor a warranty of that length. Based on the pictures, the service provider felt the second panel was shot, and contacted Panasonic for me, but later told me Panasonic would not help mitigate or cover costs re: a new panel.

I realize the initial warranty is only one year, but it seems odd a second panel failing at sub 15 months would not be honored. Is this typical of Panasonic? I mean, I understand and am not upset. The silver lining for me is that I can eliminate one brand from future purchasing decisions, but this seems pretty sad. Two failed panels in less than two years...

Anyone have any suggestions, options etc. for me?

Also, since it seems a replacement is inevitable, what is a similar size (I do not want to go smaller) 46-50 inch either plasma or LCD / LED option?

Thank you,
Mark

** Let me add a few things for suggestions on new TVs. I would like to spend less than $600, so I can wait a few weeks for the Super Bowl sales. Approximate viewing distance is 12 feet, slightly above viewing height. Ambient light is a non issue. Ghosting for games is something I would like to take into consideration (RPGs, FIFA, Madden), but it is not the #1 priority. Black levels are important, but fall somewhere in the middle of my priority list. Sound is a non issue as I use my own HT. Plasma would be the preferred type, as in this price range, it seems to beat out LCDs (in regards to what I am looking for). But, if Panny does not honor or help me with the above issue, I think I would prefer either Samsung or LG, perhaps LCDs if their plasma offerings are not up to snuff. This is for an apartment at the coast, and I am only there half the year, if that. So, it does not need to be an end game TV, as should be obvious by the price, as I have my regular home TV room to budget for haha.
Edited by Mark617 - 1/7/13 at 12:15pm

I realize warranties usually apply only to original equipment, but to me, two panels in less than two years is unacceptable. But, like I said, I understand and really don't have any ill will. Live and learn.

I am on the coast, and I suppose the salty air could have something to do with it (I am less than 700 yards from the ocean). Still though, one would think durability would be better. I mean, the TV is in the living room, not on the patio haha. Besides moving, is there anything I can do to mitigate the environmental issues? Probably not, other than moving

Thanks for the info on those two television options. I will look into them.

"but what would you buy instead?"

Alas, this is my predicament. I may very well go with another Panasonic, because my options seem to be limited to Sammy, Pan, or LG, for a bang for buck type plasma display. And this is fine for a part time residence.

My frustration, while somewhat with the TV, is more with the customer service. A simple, "yes, that sucks you have gone through two panels in less than two years, but our warranty won't cover the second, as it is clearly stated to be one year" would suffice. So far though, I just get the runaround, which is what is annoying to me. I know every manufacturer has their issues. I went down to some of the local stores and looked at both the Sam E530 and Pan U50 and I like the Pan PQ a bit better. Samsung seems saturated to my eyes, but then again, I could only adjust things so much and I certainly couldn't do much to alter the viewing environment.

I may wait for a great sale over the next 6-8 weeks and pick up a model one step up from the above and get an extended warranty. I suppose then, either brand may suffice.

It is not about a double warranty and it is not about not reading the warranty. Clearly I read the warranty the first time this happened. I probably know the warranty parameters better than you, since I have had need to deal with them so often. My issue is with build quality. To not be able to get a single year on either panel is completely unacceptable to me. I have a certain level of build quality expectation, and if you purchase a TV with the expectation for it to not even last two years, I salute you, but I can assure you, you are in the minority. I realize it may be something unique to my location, and if so, so be it. I just find it odd all the other electronics in the house, some much older, some seeing much more use, some sharing the same outlet, are showing no signs of degradation.

Your comment re: a different brand is also a bit strange. The defect rate only affects an individual if THEY experience a defect. It's like swimming in the ocean. Do you think the bulk of people don't go in because of shark attacks? Of course not. But survivors of a shark attack likely think twice about how they approach said activity. I guarantee there is at least one person out there who finds a Samsung or LG or any number of other manufacturers provide units good enough for their uses.

As for environment, the apartments are brand new as of 2010 (not that it really means anything) and everything is protected from the outlet to the TV (no alterations inside the wall re: an in line / house protector unfortunately). The area sees lightning maybe once or twice a year. I know living by the ocean is an issue due to the salt, corrosion etc., but there are plenty of older electronics in the same room which have survived (again, I realize this is not proof of anything).

In the end, it is a learning experience.
Edited by Mark617 - 1/9/13 at 10:05am