Plasma TVs and Image Burn/Retention

[fundmark19]

I should have mentioned I also have a panny plasma for 3 years didn't baby it used it to play hours of mlb the show and nhl. No problems at all for it. My wife watchs charmed on dvd not aspected for the whole screen and no burning in on the side problems at all.

I did read that since 2009 pannys have had a problem with their black contrasts. They look great out of the box then 6 months in they decrease alot.

[nfotiu]

5 year 50 inch panasonic plasma owner here. I have/had 6 Hdtvs of all the various technologies, and the panny is the only one that I can look at and not notice any annoying imperfections. No babying and no burn in.

[Yamer]

Yep, it sounds like I (originally with the LG plasma) purchased a bad panel at a 'too good to be true' price. You get what you pay for, and I wish I could pay more because a tv is a big part of my life and I want the best. A Panasonic plasma, when I can afford it, will be in my future.

I'll have a day coming up here that I can test different things to see if it is an Xbox problem or a problem with the Samsung itself.

[fundmark19]

panny plasmas are under a grand for 50 inch lower end unit

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

panny plasmas are under a grand for 50 inch lower end unit

That is exactly what I want to avoid.

And since my price range is low end, I'm fuuuu'd for now.

[Yamer]

Anywho, so I tried all the options. I tried the other Xbox, lines are still there. Tried the component vs HDMI...still there. Tried different resolutions on both component and HDMI...still there. Changed reference/black levels....still there. Tried 3 different games, still there.

Took both Xbox's upstairs to my low end LCD, and the lines are not there. Tried duplicating the settings I had been using on my Samsung to match my low end LCD, and the lines did not show up.

Plain and simple, I have run into another faulty panel. That would make 3 defective televisions in the past 3 months.

I'm going to take everyones advice and dig into my pockets and buy a Panasonic plasma. I have to admit, plasma just looks better. And if countless people recommend them and have personal experience to back it up, it only makes sense. The only reason I go with Costco is because they extend the manufacturers warranty to 2 years, at no additional charge. In order to get my $800 LCD covered at BestBuy with that kind of service would have cost me an additional $200.

Anyway, if anyone is reading this and still had the interest in the unfortunate luck and petty research of Yamer, I am now looking at a Panasonic 50" Plasma at Costco:

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product....A&Sp=C&topnav=

Is this gonna bite me in the ass too?

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Edit: Also, that bit about avoiding plasmas unless you have a super dark room is a bit whack, too. Just get the anti-glare option. Mine's in my living room beside a huge window that lets in a ton of light. There's also a window facing opposite in my kitchen that used to reflect on my old CRT TV all the time... no glare at all on my plasma. Any time of day.

I actually like the glossy look as it produces more vibrant colors. Anti-glare makes the colors more matte. When there's sunlight coming in the window, I just rotate the plasma screen a little to the right and the angle cuts off all the reflections. It's good to have one with a swiveling base for that reason.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Yamer

Anyway, if anyone is reading this and still had the interest in the unfortunate luck and petty research of Yamer, I am now looking at a Panasonic 50" Plasma at Costco

For the love of all that is holy, I hope this one works out for you.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Yamer

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product....A&Sp=C&topnav=

I think that's the same as the $1400 TCP50S2 model that is pretty popular but without the power saving features. You might pay a little more on your power bill but the screen should be as good quality. Don't take my word for it though.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

For the love of all that is holy, I hope this one works out for you.

This gave me a giggle. Me too!

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I think that's the same as the $1400 TCP50S2 model that is pretty popular but without the power saving features. You might pay a little more on your power bill but the screen should be as good quality. Don't take my word for it though.

I just got back from having a look at it in store. Fortunately, it is listed $200 cheaper so I can take the money and put it towards said power bill.

This thread has evolved from an image burn discussion/help (which I hope is avoided with Panasonic technology) to my poor ability to select a television. Here's hoping the fourth time is a charm.

[McG]

this thread has moved quickly; one tv that did also impress me at costco was the 47" lg5300; led and i have really liked the look of the picture every time i have seen it.

good luck with your tv! looking forward to hearing your updates!

[fundmark19]

I still don't get why noone is giving love to the vizio displays at costco. best lcd for your money

[HalifaxDrunk]

Originally Posted by Yamer

I am now looking at a Panasonic 50" Plasma at Costco:

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10337660&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000& eCat=BCCA|79|2341&N=4008769&Mo=4&No=1&Nr=P_Catalog Name:BCCA&cat=3314&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang= en-CA&Sp=C&topnav=

I have been looking a Panasonic Plasmas for a bit now, with a purchase around Christmas (hopefully).

I asked Panasonic about the Costco one as the Serial number is slightly different than their website. Here is the response:

Please be advised that Panasonic Canada Inc. is marketing the PS24 series exclusively at Costco, which is why it is not featured on our web site. Models sold at exclusive dealers, and are not open for other dealers to purchase, are not posted on our site. The differences between the S2 series and the PS24 series, besides cosmetics, are:

1. The Moving Picture Resolution of the S2 is 1080 lines, while the Moving Picture Resolution of the PS24 is 900 lines

2. The S2 has Game Mode, while the PS24 does not

3. The PS24 has a PC Input, while the S2 series does not

4. The S2 has a NeoPDP panel, while the PS24 does not

The Costco down here in Halifax has the TC-50PS24 on sale for $999.00. If you want the S2 and forgo the Costco return policy you can get the TCP50S2 at Leons for $1,199.00 LINK

[Locke]

Another option is Memory Express.

I went there for my new TV and I got a 50" LG Plasma. Granted, I've only owned the thing for 3 weeks, but I love it.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

I still don't get why noone is giving love to the vizio displays at costco. best lcd for your money

They do look pretty stunning in the store, and the prices are more than right. I had never heard of Vizio before, so I chalked it up to my brand prejudice and never really gave them another thought. They have a LED/LCD on display that looks pretty sharp.

Originally Posted by HalifaxDrunk

I have been looking a Panasonic Plasmas for a bit now, with a purchase around Christmas (hopefully).

I asked Panasonic about the Costco one as the Serial number is slightly different than their website. Here is the response:

Please be advised that Panasonic Canada Inc. is marketing the PS24 series exclusively at Costco, which is why it is not featured on our web site. Models sold at exclusive dealers, and are not open for other dealers to purchase, are not posted on our site. The differences between the S2 series and the PS24 series, besides cosmetics, are:

1. The Moving Picture Resolution of the S2 is 1080 lines, while the Moving Picture Resolution of the PS24 is 900 lines

2. The S2 has Game Mode, while the PS24 does not

3. The PS24 has a PC Input, while the S2 series does not

4. The S2 has a NeoPDP panel, while the PS24 does not

The Costco down here in Halifax has the TC-50PS24 on sale for $999.00. If you want the S2 and forgo the Costco return policy you can get the TCP50S2 at Leons for $1,199.00 LINK

Awesome info, thanks for this. I have never heard of moving picture resolution. In this case, does it mean that even though the S24 says that it is capable of 1080p/i, it actually isn't? Can the naked eye tell these things?

No game mode. How necessary is game mode on a plasma? I can notice a slight difference in input lag on my Samsung (with game mode on/off), and I also notice that game mode degrades the picture somewhat. Certain high end features were also not available. On my Insignia LCD there is a game mode, but it seems to do absolutely nothing.

And from everything I can understand, the NeoPDP technology just makes it more energy efficient. It might also give a slightly better PQ, however this would be hard to spot with an untrained eye. Am I missing something?

Fully prepared to be wrong on this, just looking for the right info. I can usually do most this research on my own however Google has become one of the most confusing search engines in recent history.

[fundmark19]

Memory express does have the best exchange program outside of costco. It isn't free but alot cheaper then the big box stores


Vizios are always taken as editors choice on cnet. Highly reccomend looking into one. Costco and walmart are the only stores selling them

[Vulcan]

Awesome info, thanks for this. I have never heard of moving picture resolution. In this case, does it mean that even though the S24 says that it is capable of 1080p/i, it actually isn't? Can the naked eye tell these things?

Most LCDs can't do 1080p moving picture resolution. This is why the newer higher end ones have 120hz with motion adaptive technology to improve this weakness so I wouldn't worry about the plasma only doing 900p when displaying motion as that would be very good for an LCD.

[Draug]

Vann's, in Montana, has the 50" S2 for $920 US.

The nearest Vann's to Alberta is in Kalispell. If your the type that often heads down there, you can save a couple hundred bucks.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...asonic-tcp50s2

[McG]

i was really looking at buying a vizio; love the qwerty bluetooth on the remote. i couldn't get the model that i was looking for at costco or anywhere in canada. if you go this route, make sure that you check the model numbers. they are close together and they have distinct features. just make sure to check before you pull the trigger to make sure that you get the one that you want.

[Yamer]

For anyone still interested:

Sigh. I officially give up.

I just couldn't bring myself to buy the Panasonic. I am paranoid about Plasma technology after getting different opinions on it everywhere I go. I just can't feel comfortable knowing that an image may burn in. As much as every sales rep and everyone says it here, I have experienced it on a quality brand with new technology. I don't get how anyone can say it is a thing of the past then give you a long list of precautions to avoid it. It certainly exists, and still happens. And comparing the PQ in the store (the Panasonic) it was obviously fuzzy and completely underwhelming. So I was convinced by a salesman that the Vizio 47' LED/LCD panel they had would rival the Samsung I had previously. He was wrong.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product....at2341&topnav=

I brought the TV home, and within an hour of usage it is just obvious that Vizio is a terrible brand. You can't adjust any of the picture settings while using a source such as an Xbox. It literally only allows you to change brightness and contrast, and only allows you to choose presets. The picture certainly isn't any better than the Samsung, even though boasting a better contrast ratio. Changing the motion blur settings seems to do absolutely nothing. I have it set on a demo split screen, and the tickers blur the exact same on each side.

It's razor thin, probably the only good feature. The freaking stand doesn't even swivel. All the inputs are right along the side, so all my cords stick out of the side of the set. The component inputs actually feed in downwards, and was awkward as all hell to try and set up.

I don't know enough to not get swindled. I don't have luck to get a properly working set. I am at my wits end, and extremely upset. I'm taking back my 4th television tomorrow morning, and will not be spending this money on another in the foreseeable future.

I am open to suggestions, informed ones please.

And the saga continues.......