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ZT60 vs VT60

post #1 of 28
2/20/13 at 7:52pm
Thread Starter 
I currently have a VT50 that is being replaced by warranty by Panasonic and was wondering what the differences are between the ZT60 and VT60. I would be looking at the 60" model. Looking at the spec shets released today, both sets seem to have the exact same specs with the only difference being the studio master black panel for the ZT60. The rest is the same, 3000 subfield drive, new red pixel in both, new glass design to eliminate ghosting on both. So what are the differences besides the panel that would give better blacks. Also both promise a new clear image processing.
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post #2 of 28
2/21/13 at 5:34am
Hmm, I thought only the ZT had the new red drive thingy. And I thought it was the only one with the airless gap. Not saying that's the case, but that's what I thought for some reason.
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post #3 of 28
2/21/13 at 5:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shpankey View Post

Hmm, I thought only the ZT had the new red drive thingy. And I thought it was the only one with the airless gap. Not saying that's the case, but that's what I thought for some reason.

As did I. I have a 55" 2012 VT50 and I plan to upgrade to the 60" ZT60. I expect that the PQ will be quite a step up else I'll pass.
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post #4 of 28
2/21/13 at 6:08am
Thread Starter 
All the information I've seen shows that both are on both sets, not on the ST though. Can others confirm?

Both sets list the same number for color gradation on Panasonic's site, plus I've read both feature the new red pixel, so I assume it's in both.
Edited by mark_b - 2/21/13 at 6:18am
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post #5 of 28
2/21/13 at 6:43am
Thread Starter 
Upon further digging, it seems both have the new red pixel technology, but the glass is only on the ZT60. I'm hoping the price of the ZT won't be too expensive in Canada. Would love to upgrade to this knowing that I have a replacement coming for the VT50.
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post #6 of 28
2/21/13 at 9:13am
How does the new red phosphor improve the picture? Did Panasonic say?
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post #7 of 28
2/21/13 at 9:19am
Thread Starter 
Adds to the gradation of color, so better color. 98% of the color scale they use and a higher color gradation.
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post #8 of 28
2/21/13 at 10:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_b View Post

Adds to the gradation of color, so better color. 98% of the color scale they use and a higher color gradation.

In theory perhaps, but I'll be interested to see what regarded calibrators say about the 98% thing for calibration. And, my understanding is that you can defeat the 98% DCI color if you choose. One needs to ask themselves, IF it makes for better colors, why give the owner the option to turn it off? tongue.gif I'm not saying it may not be beneficial, but I would wait for calibrators to get their paws on these sets...
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post #9 of 28
2/21/13 at 11:20am
If there is no material to take advantage of the extra colors offered by the expanded gamut you will not notice a difference with it on or off. The source material has to have the expanded gamut.
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post #10 of 28
2/21/13 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hungro View Post

If there is no material to take advantage of the extra colors offered by the expanded gamut you will not notice a difference with it on or off. The source material has to have the expanded gamut.

And I don't believe ANY BR discs have the expanded gamut...and may never!
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post #11 of 28
4/10/13 at 1:22am
In addition to the studio master panel glass being different, it looks like the ZT does not have the pop up camera, but an optional camera is available. Also something is up with the speakers. They don't show the bit about the VT slim speakers for the ZT and in the specs they have a slight difference in wording. Then again, the pictures look the same. I tried to confirm with Panasonic but it seems no one wants to chat at 3:00 am.
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post #12 of 28
4/10/13 at 12:17pm
Spec Sheets for VT60
http://mktdocs.com/MSC/VT60.pdf

Spec Sheets for ZT60
http://mktdocs.com/MSC/ZT60.pdf
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post #13 of 28
4/10/13 at 3:16pm
OK, so chatting with Panasonic they say, "VT 60 focuses more on picture quality, the ZT60 focuses more on sound quality"

So I ask, "but isn't the Studio Master Panel in the ZT supposed to be better than the one that contains air in the VT?"

and they said, "It would ultimately be your decision on which one has the better picture/audio based on your preference but Panasonic created the VT based on picture quality and the ZT60 on sound"

So I think I'm more confused now.

They also said, "the TCP65VT60 has a integrated camera while the other does not."

I'm not sure if any of that is right to be honest. All of the VT60 sizes show the pop-up camera in their description on the overview tab so unless the web site is really wrong then I don't know. Perhaps the 65ZT has the pop-up camera and the other ZT's don't, I have no idea.
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post #14 of 28
4/10/13 at 3:21pm
did you hold your chat in Best Buy???rolleyes.gif

anyone here using your TV for sound??? Anyone?? Buehler?
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post #15 of 28
4/10/13 at 3:23pm
Chatting with Panasonic where? hopefully not an online rep as you will get a different answer almsot everytime you connect to someone....
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post #16 of 28
4/10/13 at 3:43pm
Yeah, it was an on-line rep that I contacted through tech support on the Panasonic web site.
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post #17 of 28
4/10/13 at 5:27pm
Then there you go, not someone I would get answers from regarding unreleased products wink.gif They really only know whats in front of them and then even that can be "iffy" biggrin.gif
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post #18 of 28
4/10/13 at 6:02pm
The ZT is the reference for picture quality. The Vt is the next step down. The VT is reported to have a better sound system and the pop up camera. The ZT does not have the built in camera.
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post #19 of 28
4/12/13 at 11:28am
Breaking News - Panasonic To Continue Plasma TV Research and Development

Excellent news! Contrary to recent rumors that Panasonic would stop plasma TV R&D, read this response issued today by a Panasonic North American VP to an "HD Guru" website inquiry.
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post #20 of 28
4/12/13 at 1:53pm
Take Okamoto statement...the guy that said "we continue" works in marketing.
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post #21 of 28
4/12/13 at 2:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TWD View Post

The ZT is the reference for picture quality. The Vt is the next step down. The VT is reported to have a better sound system and the pop up camera. The ZT does not have the built in camera.

I'd be VERY disappointed if the flagship for PQ (ZT60) had wasted investment in speakers and camera. Who on earth uses the stock speakers at this level of video!? I do wonder if the ST60 and VT60 will have virtually the same PQ.
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post #22 of 28
4/12/13 at 3:04pm
From the sounds of it, the ZT is pretty much strictly about picture quality. Doubt the sound quality will be any different/better than the VT60. There are videos on YouTube of interviews with Fabrice Estornel, Head of TV at Panasonic UK. He basically states that the ZT60 does not have the camera, in order to save money (because the panel is so expensive to produce, is my guess). They did not want the ZT to be that much more than the VT60, and still be at an affordable cost to people. Which I think they did a good job at. $500 more than the VT is a good premium, for those who want the best of the best.
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post #23 of 28
4/12/13 at 3:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jh901 View Post

I do wonder if the ST60 and VT60 will have virtually the same PQ.

This is my biggest question as well. It was really hard to tell when I saw them in the store. Both sets were not right next to each other, not to mention it is hard to tell anything in the brightly lit store and with all TVs in torch mode. I also wonder how of a difference there will be between the VT and the ZT (as they are a lot closer in price than the ST and VT, when comparing).... only time (and reviews) will tell smile.gif
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post #24 of 28
4/12/13 at 3:23pm
Every year, after pro calibration, the VT has performed over the ST. I expect no different this year even if the gap is not huge between them.
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post #25 of 28
4/12/13 at 7:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jh901 View Post

I'd be VERY disappointed if the flagship for PQ (ZT60) had wasted investment in speakers and camera. Who on earth uses the stock speakers at this level of video!?

More people than you think, including my household a majority of the time (despite having an excellent AV receiver and speaker system installed and a Harmony One remote to make using it with the TV easy). I've had this discussion on this forum many times...
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post #26 of 28
4/13/13 at 7:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamHD View Post

From the sounds of it, the ZT is pretty much strictly about picture quality. Doubt the sound quality will be any different/better than the VT60. There are videos on YouTube of interviews with Fabrice Estornel, Head of TV at Panasonic UK. He basically states that the ZT60 does not have the camera, in order to save money (because the panel is so expensive to produce, is my guess). They did not want the ZT to be that much more than the VT60, and still be at an affordable cost to people. Which I think they did a good job at. $500 more than the VT is a good premium, for those who want the best of the best.


I don't care about audio since i have that licked with my Paradigm SIG2's, i just want a new display that is a good step up from my 65VT30.
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post #27 of 28
4/13/13 at 8:06am
Aside from what's already been covered, the ZT is the only Panasonic model that will not be using MgO in the panel. Panasonic won't specifically state that this implies improved IR performance (apparently they're unwilling to talk about IR at all for legal reasons, which to me suggests that they know how bad the IR issue was in 2012), but it very well may mean exactly that. There'd be no reason that I can think of to make that change except to reduce the occurrence of long-duration IR that's associated with the MgO coating on the electrodes.
Edited by headlesschickens - 4/13/13 at 8:33am
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post #28 of 28
4/13/13 at 9:33pm
My big hang-up about trying to nail down the speakers was that I prefer not to have them taking up space on the front of the panel, regardless of how thin they are. So my thing was that if both have the same speakers then I'll probably go ahead and get the lower price VT but if I can get a slightly narrower panel in the ZT, at the same size, then I might be willing to put out the extra cash. I'm upgrading from a seven year old DLP so I think I'll love either one. However, I must have read 1,000 post by now on the VT and ZT but have yet have one person discuss the specifics about the speakers but there does appear to be some difference based on the Panasonic site descriptions.
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