[zgpsh1967]


Long time AVS fan, first time poster.

 

Like many of you I am dismayed at Panasonic's exit in the plasma display business. 

 

I currently own a TH-42PX60U purchased in Feb 2007 from Amazon.

 

I have had 0 problems and the picture is still quite stunning.  It had very high marks at that time from *******************.com and many other testing organizations.

 

My 60U won't last forever, and I want to grab a Panasonic plasma while I can.

 

Looks like I've missed the boat on the last new models (really want a VT60), so I am looking at used Panasonic tv's.

 

I would have never considered a used tv, but after some thought it makes sense to me.

1 Most sellers of used tv's have no issues with the tv -they are upgrading to larger LED units and don't really appreciate or recognize the benefits of plasma.

2 I can determine the hours used and number of starts in the service menu.

3 I can also inspect the screen quality for any burn in or missing pixels with a reference blu ray movie and some calibration discs.

4 Most electronic issues typically occur early in the life of the unit so the unit should be reasonably reliable.

5 The best part?  I am finding high rated models circa 2006-2012 around $300 to $500 or so for a 50" display.

 

I have noticed some trends in my research and wonder if any of you have experienced these issues:

1 Starting around 2007 there seem to be an inordinate number of power supply issues (eg the 3 or 7 or 10 blinking lights of death).

2 2009 models are noted to have displays that quickly lost their black levels (I believe this was fixed in 2010).

3 Around ~ 2011 there seems to be more reviewers claiming image retention or burn in issues.

4 Around ~ 2011 there some to be more complaints about heat and buzzing noises.  

 

What are you thoughts on good used Panasonic plasma models in terms or reliability?

 

I have listed the Panasonic models and years below.  Please share your thoughts and/or experiences on good used models.  I have a friend who got a 65" VT60 and will sell me his 50 inch PZ85U with 5,000 hours on it for $350 and I strongly considering that model although reviewers have had experienced power supply issues.  Thanks!

 

2011 Models : _X3 / S30 / ST30 / GT30 / VT30

 

2010 Models : _X24 / C2 / U2 / S2 / G20 / G25 / GT20 / GT25 / VT20 / VT25

 

2009 Models : _ PX14 / PS14 / C1 / U1 / X1 / S1 / G10 / G15 / V10 / Z1

 

2008 Models : _ PX80U / PZ80U / PZ85U / PZ800U / PZ850U

 

2007 Models : _ PE77U / PX75U / PX77U / PZ77U / PZ700U / PZ750U

 

2006 Models : _ PD60U / PX6U / PX60U / PX600U

 

2005 Models : _ PD50U / PX50U / PX500U

 

[Axxion]

Youve really done your homework, id say get your freinds display for 350. Its a good deal, and you should be well off until something better comes out to replace our plasmas. I have 2 zt60s and have had alot of the plasmas on your list over the years.

 

[gus738]

+1 go with your friend . i have the px75u the newer model that of yours, i always prefer jap over korean but this last

time i had to go with korean samsung plasma.


first thing i noticed was Image retention on my samsung rarely occured and this was on a brand new set. where as

i had my panasonic px75u brand new IR was there , i got rid of it but my point is that my samsung new has proven

that they are better in regards to IR


Input lag : i noticed that my samsung 5350 is faster then my px75u . another thing that samsung better.


I have to give credit to panasonic for making a great set back on 07.



costco has the 51" and 60" samsung plasma . i wanted 60" or more . the price is $8xx on sale . blacks are amazing (not reference level like my elite but great none the less )


Colors are dead on grayscale gamma color space all on picture settings and its


freakin bright as it is brighter the panasonic.


games look amazing i bought halo4 passed it heroic settings.


now im a samsung believer i was always a pioneer / panasonic guy .

 

[RandyWalters]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Axxion  /t/1520342/used-panasonic-plasmas-best-models-for-performance-relability#post_24423749


Youve really done your homework, id say get your freinds display for 350. Its a good deal, and you should be well off until something better comes out to replace our plasmas.

I agree. The PZ85U/PZ80U/PZ800U/PZ850U models were a big improvement over the 2007 and older models. My friend next door had a PZ80U and it was much much brighter, had better black levels, and the image was crisper and more detailed than on my PZ700U. I don't recall them having a power supply issue, but if it's made it this far it's probably ok at this point. I almost bought her PZ80U from her when she decided to move away but she ended up taking it with her.


$350 for a 50PZ85U is a great deal for a good TV. That year was one of Panasonic's best, I'd jump on it.

 

[zgpsh1967]


Thanks for the input guys.

 

@Gus, I agree.. I'm an 80's kid and grew up on rock solid Japanese electronics.  Still getting used to/trust in the Korean products.

 

@Axxion and @RandyWalters, thanks for your input on the Z85U option.

 

I was on the fence about the Z85U.  My friend, not a good friend, a co-worker really, sold the Z85U Friday night.  Somebody offered more and he couldn't reach me. 

 

I'm a little p***** off, but I'm over it.. he needed to sell it. 

 

Got lucky and found a NEW P50ST60 at a local Sears Saturday for $999. 

 

What are your thoughts on a new ST60?  Is it better than previous generation Panasonics?

 

CNet and ******************* and CR rate it high..

 

Another good thing is if I go new, I can get a Squaretrade warranty which would cover any power supply issues...

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks!

 

[Axxion]

If gaming isnt important to you as that tv has high input lag, then get it. its in my opinion the best tv for the amount of money. Not the best price but i dont know if you have many options. Games might not be an issue if you dont play games that require a fast reaction.

 

[zgpsh1967]


Axxion, yeah I saw some comments about input lag but gaming isn't a priority so OK there.  I agree with you it's one the best values out there.  Thank you

 

[gus738]

Get it dont think twice about it. once it's at your home watch full content stuff at default contrast and default brightness. . fps games like halo and gears of war if you have em or guitar hero /rock band for input lag .

 

[RandyWalters]



Quote:
Originally Posted by zgpsh1967  /t/1520342/used-panasonic-plasmas-best-models-for-performance-relability#post_24429230


Got lucky and found a NEW P50ST60 at a local Sears Saturday for $999. 

That's a great find. BB had been selling the 50ST60 for $999 pretty much the whole time it was in their stores so you got a good price. At this time i'd even pay over list price if i had one last chance to snag a new 2013 Panasonic since nothing else will ever approach it's picture quality-to-price ratio.

Quote:
What are your thoughts on a new ST60?  Is it better than previous generation Panasonics?

Definitely performs better than any previous model from any year, aside from maybe matching the 2012 VT50 series in some categories (and the ST60 is crisper and more detailed than the VT50 was which is a big improvement).

Quote:
CNet and [blocked link] and CR rate it high..

The ST60 was (and still is) widely regarded as the best value of 2013, and it's picture quality is in the top 4 of all the 2013 brands/models.

Quote:
Another good thing is if I go new, I can get a Squaretrade warranty which would cover any power supply issues...

Not aware of a power supply issue on this series, but i also got an ST warranty just in case something goes wrong with my 55ST60 (boards, power supply, panel). I want to have a better chance of getting it repaired if something happens.