Frustrating to demo Plasma

[Vishal]

I am in the market for a high-end HDTV (Plasma or SONY W) and it is really frustrating to find and demo the high-end plasma TV's especially Panasonic but even Samsung.

It seems Panny has really dropped the ball of retail marketing and distribution! I just cannot find any ST50, ST60 or other high end models to demo. Even the Croma and Vijay Sales have 1 or 2 old and poorly displayed Plasma models from Panny and Samsung. The moment you mention Plasma, they just lose interest in you. Even the F5500 Plasma is hard to find.

The Panny Brandshop in Mumbai are pathetic probably bcoz poor brand value of Panny and retail costs in Mumbai. I called up 2 of them and they barely have any ST50 or ST60 models. All they say is "i can arrange it if you pay".

There is no way I will pay 1 Lac or more without serious demo of the TV's. Panny should take a leaf out of Sony's book - I am amazed at SONY's marketing. Their W series is nicely laid out and easily available at most retailers plus SONY Center's are easily accessible and well staffed.

Really struggling to find good Plasma and might just decide to buy a Sony LED.

 

[prosenjit]

true..being a fine brand panasonic..but indian scenario is pathetic

 

[purple_heyze]

Pretty much the same story in Pune. I was pretty much certain to buy either of ST60 or F5500, and was out for a demo, to much of my surprise none of shops that I visited had a plasma in demo. Visited at least 10-15 shops including Croma, e-zone, Vijay Sales, Samsung Plaza... and moment you mention it's plasma you are looking out for - they would first try to convince better go for LED, or will move to some other customer.

Some of them however told that they could arrange plasma if I decide to buy one.

Eventually, I could find one shop which has ST60 for demo, but it was pretty far from my place and called them up about offers and pricing details. To much my surprise they didn't entertain my queries and asked me to come to their shop. Further they told in whole city they are among the few shops who have the model in demo, so I have to really hurry up & be there in next few hours. And there I lost interest in dealing with them.

Next, I went back to come of near-by shops telling them to arrange 50ST60 (decided to trust online reviews), but none of them gave commitment on date of delivery. They just keep calling one warehouse after another, but couldn't commit any date to me.

Fed-up with all this, went ahead and purchased Sony LED. Good deal, delivered at home in next 1.5 hours, next day demo, great bunch of knowledgeable folks, wonderful picture quality. I'm loving it!

 

[hfvtush]

Yes you are right.
I went to vijay sales thane.
When I asked about samsung and pana plasma salesman said no one buys plasma. They had just 2 old plasma displayed at corner. I have given them Sam 51f5500 and Panama 50st60 model nos. just to get some price information.
After Reading positive reviews and discussions in forums about plasma PQ decided to get plasma but at stores there are no TVs for demo.

If plasma PQ is so obviously better than led why there is so less quantity available at stores and not many wants to buy plasma

 

[hfvtush]

Pretty much the same story in Pune. I was pretty much certain to buy either of ST60 or F5500, and was out for a demo, to much of my surprise none of shops that I visited had a plasma in demo. Visited at least 10-15 shops including Croma, e-zone, Vijay Sales, Samsung Plaza... and moment you mention it's plasma you are looking out for - they would first try to convince better go for LED, or will move to some other customer.

Some of them however told that they could arrange plasma if I decide to buy one.

Eventually, I could find one shop which has ST60 for demo, but it was pretty far from my place and called them up about offers and pricing details. To much my surprise they didn't entertain my queries and asked me to come to their shop. Further they told in whole city they are among the few shops who have the model in demo, so I have to really hurry up & be there in next few hours. And there I lost interest in dealing with them.

Next, I went back to come of near-by shops telling them to arrange 50ST60 (decided to trust online reviews), but none of them gave commitment on date of delivery. They just keep calling one warehouse after another, but couldn't commit any date to me.

Fed-up with all this, went ahead and purchased Sony LED. Good deal, delivered at home in next 1.5 hours, next day demo, great bunch of knowledgeable folks, wonderful picture quality. I'm loving it!

Hi
Which Sony model did you buy and at what Price

 

[emmarbee]

Any place in chennai where one could demo either 64 F8500 or ST60 or VT60?

 

[Dirac]

Vt60? Too high expectations.
An st60 itself is hard to find.
The Panasonic idiots mention things on their website but nobody has it for demos.
I think the indian sellers are moving towards leds alone after the bad propaganda that the plasma receives.
Who is worried about a pristine picture?
The world is going ga ga over brightness.
And 99% percent of people prefer soap opera effect.

 

[Vishal]

Thanks Prosenjit, hfvtush and purple_haze for sharing your experience and confirming my suspicions.
If you are planning to buy a car or bike - would you go only by reviews and opinions or would want to test one personally or atleast ensure plenty of availability?

Guys - I think the market is telling us something.. Why would there be such a dearth of Plasma TV's. Either the days of Plasma are coming to an end OR perhaps India is not a market for Plasma. Sammy has also released only 2 new plasma models in 2013 - the 51F5500 and 65F8500.

I would be happy to be proven wrong though but what I feel has happened is that top-end LED has really caught up with Plasma.. the likes of W800/900/W950 especially. I'm not sure how good the top-end Sammy LED's are..

Other Plasma owners and experts .. can you please weigh in on my original post.

 

[gkrishn]

Sammy has also released only 2 new plasma models in 2013 - the 51F5500 and 65F8500.

Samsung also has 4 series for 43 and 50" plasma. 43" f4900 plasma had better color compared to lg and samsung higher series model. It's a 3d model and cost just 43k.

 

[viper08]

Guys - I think the market is telling us something.. Why would there be such a dearth of Plasma TV's. Either the days of Plasma are coming to an end OR perhaps India is not a market for Plasma.
I would be happy to be proven wrong though but what I feel has happened is that top-end LED has really caught up with Plasma..
Other Plasma owners and experts .. can you please weigh in on my original post.

LEDs have MRPs higher than plasmas (generally) due to marketing gimmick and advertising expenses. Can you show me any advt on TV for any plasma TV in India?
Higher price means higher bracket of margin to dealers. Salesmen get additional commissions on sales they make. (higher figures, higher commission). Its easy to lure 10 customers for Rs100k/- LEDs than a single person for Rs200K/- plasma.

People feel LEDs sleeker, brighter, colorful(saturation) plus they hear figures on lower power consumptions, smartness, easy maintenance and many others.
Plasmas on the other hand fails short to convince them the most imp quality for any display: natural and beautiful PQ.

 

[sanjeevji]

I have a similar experience with Panasonic for ST60 demo. After long follow up with Panasonic central sales and local sales office, they have finally agreed to ship a demo piece to Local Panasonic brand shop (at Indore). It was really very frustrating as a buyer who is willing to spend +1 Lac and has to do continuous follow up. It appears Panasonic is not interested in selling Plasma TV in India. This is in stark contrast with Sony who has 4K TV available for demo on their brand shops from the day one. This make me nervous as I am sure what will the service support for Panasonic plasma's in future.

 

[Dirac]

I don't think big players take into consideration the pq of plasma and videophiles in their decisions for promotion of a technology.
It is just strategy.
Leds still have headroom for improvement. So they can plan a slew of releases year after year. After more than 6 years of their release led manufacturers still talk about premium processing technologies to counter blur and motion in leds ,adding incrementally year after year.
First year 100hz.
Second year 200hz.
Third year 400 hz.
Fourth year 800hz.
Again there is difference of native panel refresh rates. What I have talked above is only motion processing.
Whereas 6 years ago I have seen a samsung hd plasma that was buttery smooth.

 

[emmarbee]

Vt60? Too high expectations.
An st60 itself is hard to find.
The Panasonic idiots mention things on their website but nobody has it for demos.
I think the indian sellers are moving towards leds alone after the bad propaganda that the plasma receives.
Who is worried about a pristine picture?
The world is going ga ga over brightness.
And 99% percent of people prefer soap opera effect.

I go ga ga over brightness. I like the Motion Interpolation very much (except few movies that I like to see as a movie). But I want the blacks too!

Waiting for 21:9 4K OLED Passive 3D!

What is 4K TV? 10 reasons why you should care - Opinion - Trusted Reviews

 

[chitrang_6996]

hi guys
i also gone through same phase from last 5 months for plasma in surat, gujarat.
As mumbai & pne struggling so i can understand that surat also for that
1) around february i searched for samsung 51e8000 2012 model but unavailable
2) than last 5 months other panasonic 50st50, 50st60 & samsung 51f5500 & 51f8500 but only 51f5500 available , 51f8500 not launched & it is not built for slightly lit room, it must be darkness only otherwise black becomes grey & reflections.........
3) finally no option but have to settled with LED.... but atleast 3 yrs warranty, additional 2 3d glass & discount of 7000 rs extra.....no worry of darkness & brightness...
4) as samsung brand showrooms also not promoting their plasma , u visit there and they will count you 20 disadvantages of plasma will force you towards LED..

 

[Lakshminarasimhan]

Any place in chennai where one could demo either 64 F8500 or ST60 or VT60?

Please go to vijay electronics , on TTK Road Alwarpet. You will find the beautiful monster on Display.. it just takes away your breath..

Next to this is Panasonic show room, as mentioned above even they will not demo plasma and push for LED:sad:. There are 2 sets 1 model 50s60 (i think) and one UT series for demo. if you are as mentioned above; willing to pay , they will arrange for delivery.

In case you would be interested in last year 50ST50D, PM me and I can direct you and if you are lucky , you may get one.. let me know.

 

[NGM]

Same here in trivandrum too.You are at their mercy if you want to buy Plasma.No demo and if you order they can get it for you with less discount as well.

 

[sunilkm]

Hi,

I had the similar experience in Bangalore. Visited EZone ( Koramangala ) during the independence day holidays. When I have asked about Plasma the sales person told no it is not available and he was not interested at all.
I could see mainly LEDs. Very frustruating approach from the sales folks.

Panasonic Brand shop in Koramangala had X60 model only. I have given my mobile no and He told he will call once the stock arrives. Note that this happened almost 2 or 3 weeks back.!

 

[vakharia]

I am in the market for a high-end HDTV (Plasma or SONY W) and it is really frustrating to find and demo the high-end plasma TV's especially Panasonic but even Samsung.

It seems Panny has really dropped the ball of retail marketing and distribution! I just cannot find any ST50, ST60 or other high end models to demo. Even the Croma and Vijay Sales have 1 or 2 old and poorly displayed Plasma models from Panny and Samsung. The moment you mention Plasma, they just lose interest in you. Even the F5500 Plasma is hard to find.

The Panny Brandshop in Mumbai are pathetic probably bcoz poor brand value of Panny and retail costs in Mumbai. I called up 2 of them and they barely have any ST50 or ST60 models. All they say is "i can arrange it if you pay".

There is no way I will pay 1 Lac or more without serious demo of the TV's. Panny should take a leaf out of Sony's book - I am amazed at SONY's marketing. Their W series is nicely laid out and easily available at most retailers plus SONY Center's are easily accessible and well staffed.

Really struggling to find good Plasma and might just decide to buy a Sony LED.

I am in Pune and can give you a demo of my ST60. Another forum member has a S60 and lives close by. Both TV's are good. You won't go wrong with either of them.

In Mumbai, Ghatkopar brandshop is notorious in managing to get stock, though display piece is unheard of these days (thanks to the limited stock).
These things are so limited in supply that they get shipped from the warehouse to the buyer (no display piece is needed for selling them).

 

[raghumailbox]

Most of the sales people are not aware that Plasmas are still manufactured. Once u say Plasma, they are shocked to hell as if we are asking for the CRT.

 

[Swamy_HT]

Guys,

You need not to have a demo for Panny Plasma. Sure it will please your eyes.
It can give you a guarentee that, Its PQ is far better than any LED back lited LCD (So called LED TV's)

You can blindly order panny plasma.
I bought 50" ST30 before 3 years for 1L. (That time i had demo options in all the Panny brand shop).

Less manufucturing cost with more margin is pushing the LED sales by dealers.

Only a Full Array LED can neay be Panny Plasma, which will be multiple time costlier than Panny.
(or) Wait for some time and let OLED take the market. (Plasma + LED brightness), then go gor OLED.