ZT60 Series, Shipping May 2013, Models/Sizes/List Prices - Page 3

While I most likely won't pay $7K for a TV, anything up to $5K is doable, especially if it can match the PQ of the 9G Kuro that I have.

^Only an LED could be more expensive than the best Plasma on the market. Your mid-3k prediction also gels with ABT's confident preorder pricing. If a customer locks in that $3.5k but the price ends up getting hiked a bit upon release, ABT will likely have to swallow the difference (or lose customers over the fiasco).

^Salient point.

I am looking to buy a new panasonic. Should i get a VT now Or should I just wait for the new ZT? Prices have dropped as we know, and as for myself this will be my first plasma. Maybe just use D-nices' settings and I will be good? Thanks for anyone's input.

It's reasonable to assume the 2013 panels will be at least as good as the 2012 but the VT50, if you can find one, is going to be a much better value than the ZT60. So it really comes down to budget and when you want the TV. And yes, if you don't plan on having your TV calibrated you can just use D-Nice's settings (or the THX settings).

If one could get a VT50 for, say, $2500 or so, it'd be around $1000 or more to step up to a ZT60. That's totally reasonable, but also a great deal of money for what will be a marginal improvement. Good marginal? Probably, but marginal.

I think that's really the tradeoff.

Thanks rogo, That's kind of the way I will probably go. I think I just needed to hear it from somebody else. I am sure the ZT will be great, but I am no expert, and I am sure I will be happy.

All I'm saying that for around $4k, a 65 ZT series is very doable, if the PQ is what it promises to be. If the picture quality is not up to snuff, then I wouldn't touch it, even if it's priced thousands lower.

One, it aint gonna be $4k. Two, I think you are kidding yourself if you dont think the VT60 and ZT60 move us another step forward. Panasonic has proven lately they have their swagger back in plasma tech, which they lost their way for a bit with a few controversies.

^Am I imagining things or didn't you recently accuse me of being overly optimistic about Panasonic's progress this year (even going so far as falsely aligning me with one of those "guys" who is fooled by the hype every year)?

I dont think I accused you personally, I just think people we getting a little overboard at the beginning of the other thread, and it happens every year.

1) I said "move a step forward"; nothing flashy here, they make an incremental step every year. My comment was directed really at the thought of picture quality not being up to snuff. Since the VT25 they have gotten better and corrected their issues, with the VT50 being a top display. To think all of a sudden the flagship would not be up to snuff is just not feasible IMO. Now, I could have just said the ZT60 will be the best display ever, so long kuro

2) They have gotten their swagger back. Think of all the years of floating blacks, rising blacks, it was like they just didnt care any more. They have turned it around.

Am I willing to say the ZT is the best thing ever, or its going to be some revolutionary mll step for Panasonic? Hell no. But I dont buy for a second it wont be up to snuff.

That is all.

Hey. I'm all for hopes and changes.......................for the better.

everyone has to remember the SOP every year. Its incremental steps, not leaps and bounds

Just because you put lipstick on a pig... Not saying the ZT60 is a pig, but they are only gonna do so much each year, they have proven that. The best thing for us, the consumer, is we get our hands on a 65" plasma that should be even better than an already great 65" plasma from last year (VT50).

Thanks for the clarification, gadgtfreek. I just thought you had singled me out with that previous comment in January. I had a sneaking suspicion even at the beginning that this year might be a gamechanger and finally bring a panel that is on equal terms (or nearly so) with the Kuro. I was much less confident of that being the case in any of the prior years (now someone will quote an ancient post of mine showing otherwise ).

I might have just been in a pissy mood too lol. Nothing meant to be personal, sorry if it was taken that way.

I hope the ZT can run around 0.001fL. We will all be happy.

OK - I'm starting to get anxious for serious reviews from people who will be first to get theirs.

Anxious? We have another 3mos....lol

Let's be optimistic--2 1/2 months. Hopefully some pre-release units go out to CNET and all the usual suspects so we can get a good review and comparison.

Yes - and that is why I'm anxious. If they were already out why would I be anxious?

I doubt these things will cost over $5000 in North America. I was quoted a price of $4299 for the 60" and I live in Canada. Was also told this was the list price from Panasonic and the store will likely have a lower price then that.

I know of at least one site that is listing prices. Here's another.
Edited by repete66211 - 3/6/13 at 2:50pm

Haha, no. Reputable dealers, including at least one AVS sponsor--are accepting preorders.
Edited by repete66211 - 3/6/13 at 2:49pm

ABT is another.

IMO, the only way I'd upgrade my GT50 is if this year's sets significantly improve motion handling. I don't think this year's jump in mll or color is significant enough to keep me waiting to see what 2014 or 2015 have to offer. Sure the prototypes at CES looked good but they are prototypes. I'll be interested in hearing what the new red phosphor does for people. I mean after all, isn't that the biggest complaint regarding color? Can anyone explain what the new red does exactly and why it would make the image better?
Edited by sheshechic - 3/6/13 at 8:38pm

^^^ GT60? Do you mean GT50? If so why would you want to upgrade what is by all accounts a great TV?

*blush* Yes. 60GT50 If you don't mind, I'm going to correct that.

It is a great TV but not the best, the best is yet to come. And the tv is shrinking. lol