Panasonic VT20 Owners Thread

[Bunn999]

By the way vt30 50 inch is launching in India soon.

 

[TheSeeker]

no one else to share their experience here ?

 

[BLASTO]

I bought a panasonic VT20 like most of you here around the month of Nov 2011, got a fair deal on the Tv and i pulled the trigger.. First VT20 i got i used the slides to take a look at the red green blue grey, what i noticed when playing the grey slide abt 2 inches from the right side of the frame a white shadow like line appeared to run vertically across the screen, i was visible only on grey slides.. i called panny and they sent their technician over, who after taking a look said that it wasn't a problem as it wasn't visible in "normal tv viewing" then i saw a movie in which the credits scrolled on a grey slide it was clearly visible. but Panasonic refused to do anything abt it, i spoke to the dealer and he agreed to replaced the TV for another VT20. If not for the dealer i dunno what i would have done.

The 2nd VT20 which arrived had a "vibration" and "rattling" sound is emitted from the back of the TV when the viewing any content having low frequency sound accompanying them esp deep male voices or bass, the whole back frame vibrates, lo and behold i had to call the same Panasonic tech's who came saw the TV took off the back cover and the problem was still there, they have replaced two sets of speaker and woofer at the back and even thou the problem has reduced 20% its very much still there.

Now they have exhausted their efforts, and are now claiming that its " NORMAL" for speakers to "Jarr" in some frequencies. i refuse to accept that.
Vol is 50. and settings "music bass +4, over 30 cms from the wall. if i change/increase any of the settings in "SOUND" for example set bass to over +6 or +8 the jarring is much more. They claim that i should watch the Tv in reset defaults, not to touch anything in the sound setup. What crap!

Its very annoying to watch Tv and when it hits a low bass note or to watch someone talking with a deep male voice and the whole tv kinda resonates. It has seriously taken the fun out of the whole experience and its frankly frustrating as much as from the TVs end also from the kinda AFTER SALES SUPPORT PANASONIC gives. They give out 3 year warranties. but god forbid if your unit is a faulty one like mine then You've had it. Dealing with them is like hitting your head against the wall. They are a MNC and a huge corporation & should behave like one.

There are many recent VT20 owners i would like to hear from all of you. Is anyone facing similar problems with their TV.

First issue - Not there.
Second issue - Iam using external speakers, so will not know.

BTW, a lowly creative 2.1 speaker for 2k will sound better than the TV's inbuilt speakers. Why dont you get one instead of 'dealing' with the service for sound? (Iam not saying youshould ignore the issue, but just suggesting better altenative.)

 

[BLASTO]

Panasonic Service sucks! They say VT20 Never had a problem and never will.! What kinda statement is that!

Thats arrogance coupled with ignorance of the highest order!!
They should read the story of the great Titanic.

 

[Bunn999]

I have a nice home theater with the TV and don't wanna add another pair of small speakers next to it, crowd the hall with speakers all over.. I do use the HT when i watch blu ray but prefer TV speakers for TV viewing.

The Panasonic VT20 has arguably one of the best speaker setups in a flat TV, 2 speakers and a sub if they work as designed that is. And it should! Every TV comes with a pair of speakers !!! they shouldn't resonate with the frame, that surely isn't normal. Rattling speakers can be very annoying!

In Bangalore one of the top technicians of panny's service team had come over and he had never opened a VT20 before..he admitted looks like they haven't sold many VT20's till recently i guess.

Anyways latest update is that they are " working on a solution on it and have asked for one weeks time to get back to me "

 

[BLASTO]

The Panasonic VT20 has arguably one of the best speaker setups in a flat TV, 2 speakers and a sub if they work as designed that is. And it should! Every TV comes with a pair of speakers !!! they shouldn't resonate with the frame, that surely isn't normal. Rattling speakers can be very annoying!

I haven't heard how the TV sounds nor entered the sound menu yet (since I have a 2 channel setup attached and not a 5.1).

I will experiment this and post here.

 

[rxchandu]

I bought VT20d in dec 3rd week after reading all the good reviews on the forum.
as Bunn99 mentioned i had the exact same issue that that he faced with jarring sound in one of the speakers, i had ti literally fight with Panasonic service to make them believe that jarring sound exists, even spoke to main dealer and asked for replacement as the issue cropped up 3 weeks after i bought the tv, but you know how it works they never agreed, it took them two visits to figure out and that after recording instance of jarring sounds on TataSky HD+ they replace one of the speakers. i was told that this is the first instance that VT20d had issues. one of the main reasons for me to zero in on panasonic was 3 years warranty, but never realised thay i would need to make use of it in the first month :sad:. after replacement it seems to be working fine, hopefully it will continue to be trouble free, i am attaching the photo and highlighted the speaker they changed.

 

[TheSeeker]

would be good if any of you could post here about the frequency of occurrence of this. this jarring sound, i've heard it may be 3-4 times since the time i got the TV home, ie, since october 2011. but yes, its loud. if you people have heard it quite a lot, that means it was sure one irksome thing. at this point i could only say that may be some more TVs have this problem, albeit in varying degrees; some are more afflicted than others. waiting for blasto's post now....

 

[IBL]

I think I too have noticed this problem but it's on the P42ST30. This is a brand new 2 month old piece. The problem happens when the volume of the TV is turned up high (> 40) and some deep bass sound is played. It sounds like something loose in the Tv starts to resonate and makes the rattling sound, turning down the volume doesn't cause this. I haven't investigated the source of the "rattle" in the TV yet but I'll let you know if I find something.

Here's a suggestion for an experiment, download a frequency sweep generator software. (I had one freeware a long time ago but don't remember the name now). Output the sound from the PC to the TV speakers. Gradually sweep the frequency of the sound (5Hz to 1KHz) and find out at what frequency it rattles. Then keep the "rattle" frequency constant and gradually increase the volume till the rattling is produced.

If this is reproducible on several TV's it means Panasonic have a design defect on their hands !!!

 

[TheSeeker]

i see that some other users too report the same thing, from here :

Panasonic 50 and 65inch VT20 pricing/reviews/owners thread - Part 5 | AVForums.com - UK Online - Page 5 (post #149)

Best Buy - Panasonic VIERA / 50" Class / 1080p / 600Hz / 3D Plasma HDTV customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings

similar problem in sony HX800 :

Sony HX800 review - FlatpanelsHD

 

[Bunn999]

I bought VT20d in dec 3rd week after reading all the good reviews on the forum.
as Bunn99 mentioned i had the exact same issue that that he faced with jarring sound in one of the speakers, i had ti literally fight with Panasonic service to make them believe that jarring sound exists, even spoke to main dealer and asked for replacement as the issue cropped up 3 weeks after i bought the tv, but you know how it works they never agreed, it took them two visits to figure out and that after recording instance of jarring sounds on TataSky HD+ they replace one of the speakers. i was told that this is the first instance that VT20d had issues. one of the main reasons for me to zero in on panasonic was 3 years warranty, but never realised thay i would need to make use of it in the first month :sad:. after replacement it seems to be working fine, hopefully it will continue to be trouble free, i am attaching the photo and highlighted the speaker they changed.

@rxchandu: I knew it, i knew someone somewhere had to have a similar problem..these service guys try and try you into beliving that in the whole of india only i am having this issue. The first TV i got after the service guy came to check for the white vertical line a few hours later i switched on the TV and i got the "red light of Death" the tv was blinking the red light 10 times and wouldnt switch on. problem : A board blew! next day it was replaced but i had decided to return the TV for a refund, but the dealer said the best he could do is give me another TV which panny refused. The dealer arm twisted panasonic and then they agreed.

Now You say that one of your speakers was jaaring.. but you didnt have the low freq resonating which i have am i correct ?
i want to know from you how could you hear the jarr... in normal tv viewing with vol set to what number ?

 

[Bunn999]

I think I too have noticed this problem but it's on the P42ST30. This is a brand new 2 month old piece. The problem happens when the volume of the TV is turned up high (> 40) and some deep bass sound is played. It sounds like something loose in the Tv starts to resonate and makes the rattling sound, turning down the volume doesn't cause this. I haven't investigated the source of the "rattle" in the TV yet but I'll let you know if I find something.

Here's a suggestion for an experiment, download a frequency sweep generator software. (I had one freeware a long time ago but don't remember the name now). Output the sound from the PC to the TV speakers. Gradually sweep the frequency of the sound (5Hz to 1KHz) and find out at what frequency it rattles. Then keep the "rattle" frequency constant and gradually increase the volume till the rattling is produced.

If this is reproducible on several TV's it means Panasonic have a design defect on their hands !!!

You say you hear it in your ST30, i saw a 50 inch ST30 at Koramangala Brand shop witch was jarring very badly. there was this plastic cover around the frame like all new tvs have. the dealer blamed it at the plastic saying its over the speakers that's why its rattling.. at that time i didn't think too much i thought yeah maybe that's the reason.
what you have described is exactly what i am hearing, " Its like something is loose in the TV and starts to resonate " what are you going to do abt it.. Your not considering opening the TV yourself is it ?

This software you mentioned, do you have a copy of the same or from where i could download it ? it might show the problem very well.. but Panasonic wont buy it.. what i mean is..

I've had 3 engineers at a time coming home 2 senior Panasonic service advisors and one senior tech you can tell by their uniforms, This problem only occurs in deep male voices and some bass freq. in normal tv viewing i have to wait maybe 15-20 mins to hear the sound, i have recorded a few programs on tata sky+ " sach ka samana " is one such program where its clearly audible. but Panasonic techs say " we dont want to see Recorded programs we want to hear it in live TV ".i have seen survior india live and recorded the same problem occurs at the same time in both the feeds live or recorded. i watch a lot of TV atleast 4 hours a day esp at nights where its all quiet. i have also invited them to take 2-3 hrs off and come watch tv with me various programs on live tv !!! They just want to blame you for anything and wash their hands off. There is no attitude of resolving a problem of the customer, The whole service attitude is wrong esp coming from a huge corporation like Panasonic, i haven't bought an AKAI right ?

Do you guys know of any movies were theres a lot of bass or low frequency sounds.. it would really really help.

 

[Bunn999]

i see that some other users too report the same thing, from here :

Panasonic 50 and 65inch VT20 pricing/reviews/owners thread - Part 5 | AVForums.com - UK Online - Page 5 (post #149)

Best Buy - Panasonic VIERA / 50" Class / 1080p / 600Hz / 3D Plasma HDTV customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings

similar problem in sony HX800 :

Sony HX800 review - FlatpanelsHD

thanks for the links, looks like same issue. its a quality control issue these pieces should have never left the company in the first place.
Was surprised to see a Sony there thou that's a high end TV. does it have a SUB ??

 

[rxchandu]

@rxchandu: I knew it, i knew someone somewhere had to have a similar problem..these service guys try and try you into beliving that in the whole of india only i am having this issue. The first TV i got after the service guy came to check for the white vertical line a few hours later i switched on the TV and i got the "red light of Death" the tv was blinking the red light 10 times and wouldnt switch on. problem : A board blew! next day it was replaced but i had decided to return the TV for a refund, but the dealer said the best he could do is give me another TV which panny refused. The dealer arm twisted panasonic and then they agreed.

Now You say that one of your speakers was jaaring.. but you didnt have the low freq resonating which i have am i correct ?
i want to know from you how could you hear the jarr... in normal tv viewing with vol set to what number ?

@bunn999 I had the same issue what you had mentioned, the jarring sound used to come only for certain low frequency sound, especially as you said deep male voice, but it wasn't that frequent either. this occurred at normal sound settings, even sound kept at 20 in TV. when the panny service guys came for the first time they watched TV for 20 to 30 mins the jarring sound did not appear, then they saw the plastic still on the bezel and told me that jarring sound is because of that and removed that. they left after that saying you won't hear jarring sound again. the second time i had recorded several clips where the sound originated and played back to them. after that they agreed that problem exists! my TV was fixed on 11th of Jan, was yours fixed before that?

 

[TheSeeker]

thanks for the links, looks like same issue. its a quality control issue these pieces should have never left the company in the first place.
Was surprised to see a Sony there thou that's a high end TV. does it have a SUB ??

sorry. not certain.

@bunn999 I had the same issue what you had mentioned, the jarring sound used to come only for certain low frequency sound, especially as you said deep male voice, but it wasn't that frequent either. this occurred at normal sound settings, even sound kept at 20 in TV. when the panny service guys came for the first time they watched TV for 20 to 30 mins the jarring sound did not appear, then they saw the plastic still on the bezel and told me that jarring sound is because of that and removed that. they left after that saying you won't hear jarring sound again. the second time i had recorded several clips where the sound originated and played back to them. after that they agreed that problem exists! my TV was fixed on 11th of Jan, was yours fixed before that?

in that case, i think i too might've to call them. have got 1-2 movies wherein i've heard the sound. would show those to them. did one of your service-coupons get exhausted in this process too ?

 

[Bunn999]

Service coupon is a hoax.. to answer your question no. No coupons were used or asked for by panny.

 

[Bunn999]

@bunn999 I had the same issue what you had mentioned, the jarring sound used to come only for certain low frequency sound, especially as you said deep male voice, but it wasn't that frequent either. this occurred at normal sound settings, even sound kept at 20 in TV. when the panny service guys came for the first time they watched TV for 20 to 30 mins the jarring sound did not appear, then they saw the plastic still on the bezel and told me that jarring sound is because of that and removed that. they left after that saying you won't hear jarring sound again. the second time i had recorded several clips where the sound originated and played back to them. after that they agreed that problem exists! my TV was fixed on 11th of Jan, was yours fixed before that?

@rxchandu i had raised a complaint of the 5th of January, They have replaced 2 sets of speakers and sub woofer till now.. prob is still there. I had recorded some clips too now they claim that its a recording so it could be because of that.. i'm now searching for some dvd's with lots of bass wherein i can recreate the problem to them. increasing the bass in sound setup or surround settings make it worse. i'll pm you my number.. get in touch with me. has the replacement of speakers completely gotton rid of your problem. ? As of now my issue is still open they have taken a weeks time to let me know what they are going to do abt it.

 

[IBL]

You say you hear it in your ST30, i saw a 50 inch ST30 at Koramangala Brand shop witch was jarring very badly. there was this plastic cover around the frame like all new tvs have. the dealer blamed it at the plastic saying its over the speakers that's why its rattling.. at that time i didn't think too much i thought yeah maybe that's the reason.
what you have described is exactly what i am hearing, " Its like something is loose in the TV and starts to resonate " what are you going to do abt it.. Your not considering opening the TV yourself is it ?

This software you mentioned, do you have a copy of the same or from where i could download it ? it might show the problem very well.. but Panasonic wont buy it.. what i mean is..

I've had 3 engineers at a time coming home 2 senior Panasonic service advisors and one senior tech you can tell by their uniforms, This problem only occurs in deep male voices and some bass freq. in normal tv viewing i have to wait maybe 15-20 mins to hear the sound, i have recorded a few programs on tata sky+ " sach ka samana " is one such program where its clearly audible. but Panasonic techs say " we dont want to see Recorded programs we want to hear it in live TV ".i have seen survior india live and recorded the same problem occurs at the same time in both the feeds live or recorded. i watch a lot of TV atleast 4 hours a day esp at nights where its all quiet. i have also invited them to take 2-3 hrs off and come watch tv with me various programs on live tv !!! They just want to blame you for anything and wash their hands off. There is no attitude of resolving a problem of the customer, The whole service attitude is wrong esp coming from a huge corporation like Panasonic, i haven't bought an AKAI right ?

Do you guys know of any movies were theres a lot of bass or low frequency sounds.. it would really really help.

I just Googled and downloaded the first "audio frequency sweep generator" I could find. To get the sound to the TV, I went to control panel and changed the default audio device as HDMI out since the TV is connected to the PC via HDMI cable. Next I set the software to output frequency from 50Hz to 700Hz and later set the upper frequency at about 200Hz. I found that the rattling was happening between 100Hz and 150Hz with volume at about 35 on the TV.

Next I set the frequency at a fixed 120Hz and went over to the TV. The rattling sound changes when I put my hand on the lower frame in the front where the speakers are supposed to be..........then it hit me

I still have the plastic scratch guard film on the bevels and when I looked closely, they were wrapped around and over the speaker output grills. All this time I though the speaker openings were downward pointing since thats how I had seen the speakers in the V20D. Took a small scissor and cut off the plastic wrap covering the speaker vents and now the rattling sound is gone and overall sound is much better than before. :yahoo:

Well thats my experience, hope it helps someone else out there. GN

 

[dhruvzy]

By the way vt30 50 inch is launching in India soon.

Where did you got the info from? i'm waiting for it!! so i hope it's true

 

[Bunn999]

Some insider, he also claimed that the new brochures had the model in them call your brand shop and see if the have the latest brochure.will try and find out more info for you..