Low contrast ratio? Isn't this a low contrast ratio for a plasma? Most plasmas I see are 10,000:1 or better, while this one is only 5,000:1. Even LCD's have better "dynamic" contrast ratios than this set. I'm trying to get the best of both worlds here; 1080p and the depth of plasma, so this spec worries me a little. Anyone have an opinion on this? Low contrast ratio? Isn't this a low contrast ratio for a plasma? Most plasmas I see are 10,000:1 or better, while this one is only 5,000:1. Even LCD's have better "dynamic"... » Read More Low contrast ratio? Isn't this a low contrast ratio for a plasma? Most plasmas I see are 10,000:1 or better, while this one is only 5,000:1. Even LCD's have better "dynamic" contrast ratios than this set. I'm trying to get the best of both worlds here; 1080p and the depth of plasma, so this spec worries me a little. Anyone have an opinion on this? « Show Less
1099816
I have heard that the brightness is really only a problem in the show rooms. Once you take it home and start watching it under more "normal" lighting conditions then it looks good. For the most part "cinema" mode and the like just lower the brightness so that it is not overwhelming when you are watching it in a darker room.
560322
I saw this model in Circuit City. The color balance looked a lot better than the equivalent 1080p 50" Samsung. We messed with the Samsung's R/G tint and the Panasonic still looked better. The Samsung baseball players all looked red (Oompa-Loompa-like) or otherwise strange. I think the only issue about the Panasonic is, it isn't very bright in the face of external glare.
1099817
That 5000;1 contrast ratio is native not dynamic. most LCD screens are rated at dynamic and the native is more like 2000;1. For example the new model is native 20,000;1 but dynamic is 1,000,000;1
322055
Because the American consumer is....how to put it delicately...not very sophisticated. When they go to Best Buy, they like the brightest, shiniest option, that being LCD or LED. The fact that plasma is a superior product doesn't factor into their purchase decision. Therefore plasma sales have plummeted relative to other technologies, despite the fact that it's always had the best picture quality. If you pass on this set, you'll probably have to wait for OLED before you can buy something as good.
454754
I have read and reread the descrition and can't seem to find if the display is plasma or LCD. Does anyone know?Thanks, Clara
693953
I found that my TV does not have reflection issues...they are not eliminated but are reduced to a point that you have to be looking for reflections in order to see them at all. Glare has not been an issue for me at all. Remembering that plasmas inherently have lower brightness than any LCD/LED set, the reflection/glare level is satisfactory, your issues may be more brightness related. The set has a beautiful picture!
165163
It makes all this video says : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R2GdD94jTo It doesn't improve the color ( It depends what kind of tv you have . I think a Plasma is better than any other technology ( except : OLED ) if we talk about color gamut . The Seiki cable Works better in a 4k Tv ( just don't forget to set your BD in 1080 p and cable box in 720 p ) . Otherwise it won't work and it could turn the screen bluish from time to time . Salu2
1774408
I have the 55vt60 with about 1700 hrs. . I pulled up the tv menu and looked at the grey on the top and bottom of the menu . Yes , I see what you are talking about ( I think ) . I see it at about 1 ft. and it disappears at about 3 or 4 ft. . If you are seeing this all across the gray area . I believe you are OK . If you are seeing this in a small area in the gray that is different . You might have a problem . I would take a video of this and go to avsforum.com - Plasma Displays - ZT60 thread and post it there . If I am seeing what you see , it is OK . Sit back and enjoy !
864097
4K TVs by contrast are resolution enhanced but rely on the same LCD front panel (twisting crystals) with a backlight source (LED). While there have been incredible improvements in LED TV black levels, they still don't match the best plasma TVs, which is one of the biggest factors in a superior picture. Plasma TVs have a big enthusiast following. Look up articles about the Pioneer Kuro. Look up how a lot of those Pioneer engineers moved to Panasonic. And the disappointment when Panasonic decided to stop making plasma TVs. There's a reason why these TVs are up in price... but it's more so nostalgia. I agree with you, it's NOT worth the price. If you want a plasma TV, get the Samsung 8500 for half the price. But I would also say that right now is a bad time to buy ANY expensive TV since the industry is in-between technologies. What TV channels feed 4k? I would wait if you're in that price range. Prices are going to drop quite fast.
567668
That makes sense. As much as I love the Samsung plasmas for superior motion, picture quality, colors, and blacks -- for movies and hi-def TV, even in 768P -- I would still get a 1080p LCD if I were going to use it regularly as a monitor for a computer. Just be sure whatever LCD you do buy supports HD monitor display from a computer -- and via a type of connection that your computer has. Also be sure it does allow the display to be shown in different sizes and does not stick on 4:3 as my LCD does. You will want versatility.
1247281
I just went on Walmart website, and on the product list page, with the brief product description the contrast ratio is listed as 20000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. However, when you click on the product LN40B530 it lists the product as 60000:1. So I went back to samsung website, and the same thing happened. At the samsung website, when u place the cursor on the product and the window pops up, the short product description shows 20000:1, but once again, when you click on the product and the full product description is displayed it shows 60000:1. Same product description conflict on both websites. I am guessing that the TV is 60000:1. I just went on Walmart website, and on the product list page, with the brief product description the contrast ratio is listed as 20000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. However, when you click on the product LN40B530 it lists the product as 60000:1. So I went back to samsung website, and the same thing happened. At the samsung website, when u place the cursor on the product and the window pops up, the short product description shows 20000:1, but once again, when you click on the product and the full product description is displayed it shows 60000:1. Same product description conflict on both... » Read More I just went on Walmart website, and on the product list page, with the brief product description the contrast ratio is listed as 20000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. However, when you click on the product LN40B530 it lists the product as 60000:1. So I went back to samsung website, and the same thing happened. At the samsung website, when u place the cursor on the product and the window pops up, the short product description shows 20000:1, but once again, when you click on the product and the full product description is displayed it shows 60000:1. Same product description conflict on both websites. I am guessing that the TV is 60000:1. « Show Less
35435
I think Justin's settings are fine and that the key is high contrast, low brightness and I keep my settings just around where Justin's are too. I have my color set down to around 31 and sharpness very low, energy setting at medium.There's several settings at the www.avsforum.com for this tv
1926556
It's important to note that there are two elements to the contrast ratio. There's the contrast provided by the 3 LCD screens, and then there is they "dynamic contrast" added by the auto iris that adjusts overall picture brightness. The 5030 is an advanced iris that boosts apparent contrast -- and I have to say it works pretty darn well. Even dark scenes have solid blacks and contrast.That said, it's almost impossible to set up a direct comparison (same lighting conditions, same materials). I'm very pleased with the 5030UB, but it's whatever you like/want to pay.
509532
I'd like to know how much power this display will draw in 3d. I have active 3d on a plasma and passive 3d on an lcd and the perceived difference is negligable . You can quote specs all you want but in the end your eye makes the call. The one thing both of my 3d sets have in common is they draw alot of wattage to display 3d content. If Sony fixes that they have given me a strong reason to purchase.
448853
The static contrast ratio is 3,000:1 instead of 2,000:1 as well. That's one of the best I've seen for LCD.
1875465
I have never own a plasma TV before always had lcd. The TV is worth more then $500. Right now Amazon is selling it for $798.97 If you can find it for $500 I think you will be very happy when you see the picture that you will get from a plasma vs lcd. You should also read the reviews on Plasma Vs LED.
1774402
Hi -- I saw the same thing on my unit from extremely close by. I believe that's just how plasmas work because of the medium they are using. This has not impacted our viewing experience from our regular viewing position.
2065009
A 4K TV has 4x the resolution - it's like asking what's better, the best Trinitron TV or an early HD set. I've seen various 4K TVs in person and they're stunning with 4K content, there is not 1080p set that can compare WHEN you have a 4K source. In my opinion, and others are free to disagree, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend $2K or more right now on a 1080p set when in a few months you'll be able to pickup quality 4K TVs in the same price range. I wouldn't have any issues if it was under $1k, but to me buying this now is like buying a $500 top of the line VHS player when DVD was already available. A 4K TV has 4x the resolution - it's like asking what's better, the best Trinitron TV or an early HD set. I've seen various 4K TVs in person and they're stunning with 4K content, there is not 1080p set that can compare WHEN you have a 4K source. In my opinion, and others are free to disagree, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend $2K or more right now on a 1080p set when in a few months you'll be able to pickup quality 4K TVs in the same price range. I wouldn't have any issues if it was under $1k, but to me buying this now is like buying a $500 top of the line VHS player when DVD was... » Read More A 4K TV has 4x the resolution - it's like asking what's better, the best Trinitron TV or an early HD set. I've seen various 4K TVs in person and they're stunning with 4K content, there is not 1080p set that can compare WHEN you have a 4K source. In my opinion, and others are free to disagree, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend $2K or more right now on a 1080p set when in a few months you'll be able to pickup quality 4K TVs in the same price range. I wouldn't have any issues if it was under $1k, but to me buying this now is like buying a $500 top of the line VHS player when DVD was already available. « Show Less
195257
Audio output is via HDMI or optical only. There are very few port options on the back of this TV. Also the contrast ratio is variable depending on how you customize your settings. Obviously, it won't be as good as a plasma but the contrast is still pretty good.