Uncertainity in Plasma

[Vishal]

Given the recent news about slowdown/shutdown/rumors of Plasma TV production for Consumers by Panasonic - What are the practical options available for someone looking for 46'' and above TV's:

1. Stick with the best in Plasma i.e Panny UT, ST or other models knowing that Plasma is an endangered breed.

2. Future proof by buying Sammy - 6 series, 8 series?

3. Revert to SONY Bravia models - ?

 

[just4kix]

Although Panasonic has announced the 2013 models, it remains to be seen what their India-centric policy is. If they continue to have plasma models for India, and you happen to like plasma over LED for whatever reasons, then you could continue with plasma. As far as I know, this is not a Panasonic+plasma problem; rather it is Panasonic+Home Entertainment problem. Philips have already announced the exit from all home entertainment sub-segments. Samsung and LG, the other two plasma manufacturers, have not said anything about discontinuing plasma. But the plasma range will be restricted nevertheless.

Option 2 and 3 are the same - the only difference is the brand. It depends on what you like, what is your budget, etc.

As regards to being future proof, going with LED does not really make you one. Every year old models are discontinued. So even if LED continues, your model may not get the spares in 2-3 years. I expect that in two years, there will be no LCD models in 40"+ sizes. So what happens to those who purchased the LCD's 2-3 years ago?

 

[longshanks]

Plasma wont disappear any time soon, i am guessing it has a very healthy life until OLED Televisions become mainstream because until then like the past many years top end plasma will be labeled as reference televisions.

This year many amazing plasma television has been announced including the Panasonic ZT60 and Samsung F8500, i am really excited about F8500 and if it is comes to India in 60" i would want to consider buying one.

Samsung Plasma F8500 TV Up Close at CES 2013 - YouTube

Really like the the unique metal design they come up with.

 

[viper08]

I expect that in two years, there will be no LCD models in 40"+ sizes. So what happens to those who purchased the LCD's 2-3 years ago?

Its already happening.
http://www.hifivision.com/television/33146-lcds-no-more-soon.html

 

[etios]

It would be foolishness to buy a panasonic plasma at present, pathetic after sales combined with the news of stopping plasma line in India is enough to avoid pana plasmas at all costs.

Check out sony hx850, if plasma fan then check out the samsung and LG plasma models.

Check these threads:

http://www.hifivision.com/television/34021-sad-shocking-news-panasonic-stop-plasma-tvs-2013-a.html

http://www.hifivision.com/television/36428-st50-replacement-led-refund.html

http://www.hifivision.com/television/28210-thin-vertical-line-my-panasonic-th-p42u30d-plasma-3.html

 

[Vishal]

@ kix- good points. I wonder if one really needs to future proof a tv? If the pq is good and basic spares available should be good enough. Technology will evolve. What I was concerned about was difficulty in getting a plasma, limited options and/or poor customer service or buying a limited shelf life product.

Was trying to summarise the discussions on those 3 threads. Is Plasma worth the effort now or are we splitting hairs here

 

[just4kix]

@ kix- good points. I wonder if one really needs to future proof a tv? If the pq is good and basic spares available should be good enough. Technology will evolve. What I was concerned about was difficulty in getting a plasma, limited options and/or poor customer service or buying a limited shelf life product.

Was trying to summarise the discussions on those 3 threads. Is Plasma worth the effort now or are we splitting hairs here

A small para on service levels:

When it comes to panel replacement during warranty, everyone is as bad as anyone else. Panel cost makes up 80% of the cost of the TV. So when someone reports that a panel is gone bad - colour banding, vertical lines, dead/stuck pixels, etc., the Indian manufacturers will balk at replacement. This is what happened here: http://www.hifivision.com/television/36428-st50-replacement-led-refund.html. They will replace if the TV stops works completely.

There is a section of people here who are in brand camps and will take no efforts in pointing out defects in service levels of other brands. In today's scenario, there are no brands that do not suffer from panel related issues - be it Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, etc. Search the web and you will find many such reports.

That said, I will advise you to wait till April/May. If Panasonic announces 2013 plasma line, then you can go with that - or even Samsung. I am not getting into the plasma vs. LED/LCD debate again.

 

[shanmune]

A small para on service levels:

When it comes to panel replacement during warranty, everyone is as bad as anyone else. Panel cost makes up 80% of the cost of the TV. So when someone reports that a panel is gone bad - colour banding, vertical lines, dead/stuck pixels, etc., the Indian manufacturers will balk at replacement. This is what happened here: http://www.hifivision.com/television/36428-st50-replacement-led-refund.html. They will replace if the TV stops works completely.

There is a section of people here who are in brand camps and will take no efforts in pointing out defects in service levels of other brands. In today's scenario, there are no brands that do not suffer from panel related issues - be it Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, etc. Search the web and you will find many such reports.

That said, I will advise you to wait till April/May. If Panasonic announces 2013 plasma line, then you can go with that - or even Samsung. I am not getting into the plasma vs. LED/LCD debate again.

You have hit the bull's-eye. In today's world, all the companies pay more attention in maximising the profit margins rather than improving the brand name. Gone are the days of brand value.

On the lighter side, you very often quote "I am not getting into the plasma vs. LED/LCD debate again". If I am not wrong, you have been quoting this since the time I joined this forum. Nothing wrong, but simply passing my observation.
Any way, I think most of us see you as a good diplomat and I always read all your posts.

 

[just4kix]

You have hit the bull's-eye. In today's world, all the companies pay more attention in maximising the profit margins rather than improving the brand name. Gone are the days of brand value.

On the lighter side, you very often quote "I am not getting into the plasma vs. LED/LCD debate again". If I am not wrong, you have been quoting this since the time I joined this forum. Nothing wrong, but simply passing my observation.
Any way, I think most of us see you as a good diplomat and I always read all your posts.

Ha! Ha!

I don't get into the debate now. I think(?) that I just say read all about pros and cons and take an informed decision. If someone wants to go one way, I just recommend good models in that technology. Please correct if I am wrong.

 

[gsurya]

When it comes to panel replacement during warranty, everyone is as bad as anyone else. Panel cost makes up 80% of the cost of the TV. So when someone reports that a panel is gone bad - colour banding, vertical lines, dead/stuck pixels, etc., the Indian manufacturers will balk at replacement.

I bought a Sony HX-850 & got a defective piece with vertical lining, no picture when unboxed. Manufacturer was apologetic & replaced it in 2 days via the dealer. Even then the service engineer couldnt resist making stupid comments like I should have used a power surge protector.

The problem is we dont have a strong consumer movement via courts & social media that can pressure brands to behave better.

 

[shanmune]

Ha! Ha!

I don't get into the debate now. I think(?) that I just say read all about pros and cons and take an informed decision. If someone wants to go one way, I just recommend good models in that technology. Please correct if I am wrong.

You never went wrong any time. What you have been doing is giving a balanced opinion and well thought out suggestions. No one can fault with you in your approach and I can only see people really appreciating for your realistic and more helpful suggestions. I only wanted to drive a point in my previous message on how well you have maintained yourself in being calm, matured and making sure there is no any unhealthy debates. I appreciate your contributions to this forum. :clapping:

 

[Vishal]

AThat said, I will advise you to wait till April/May. QUOTE]

That was my conclusion too .. Wait for a few months and see how the Plasma/Panny/Philips/Sony issues pan out. Too much uncertainity in the plasma market right now ..

Long Live my 32'' Full HD Series 6 LCD - It looks terrific on TataHD and BlueRay movies.

 

[echo77]

If they are still giving a 3 year warranty, I don't think there should be any problem going for one...

 

[Audiodoc]

Yes they are giving the three year warranty.

 

[etios]

3 yrs warranty doesnt mean anything when even the existing customers are getting lousy after sales service, after they phase out they wont even care.

 

[echo77]

etios has an agenda. he's pushing sony if you see his posts.

 

[vakharia]

The problem is that existing customers who need a replacement due to some manufacturing defect are stuck since higher end models are out of stock.
So after paying close to a lac of rupees, you might be without a functional TV for a few months. In this regard, the Koreans certainly do not let you down.

 

[etios]

etios has an agenda. he's pushing sony if you see his posts.

echo77 has an agenda. he's pushing Panasonic if you see his posts.

You see how easy this was, its very easy to accuse anyone of anything.


I am stating facts with appropriate links and experiences of fellow panasonic plasma owners, nothing is wrong in accepting issues and risks associated with any brand and its products and i have suggested every brand: Sony,samsung and LG in my posts, so your wild, delusional theory is null and void.

 

[Dirac]

The fanatics of PQ wont care whether Panasonic is shutting down its plasma business or running into the risk of occasional panel issues.
They are only on lookout for any ST50/GT50 that they can grab.

I keep comparing the PQ of ST50 and HX850 every now and then with the same material, whether be it a video on youtube or a dvd or a bluray.

The HX850 puts up a good show. No wonder it is the best LED around.

But..ST50 delivers so convincing and natural pictures, I keep admiring it on a daily basis.:licklips:

I cannot imagine my life without my ST50. This is by no means an exaggaration:lol:

 

[just4kix]

I keep comparing the PQ of ST50 and HX850 every now and then with the same material, whether be it a video on youtube or a dvd or a bluray.

The HX850 puts up a good show. No wonder it is the best LED around.

But..ST50 delivers so convincing and natural pictures, I keep admiring it on a daily basis.:licklips:

I cannot imagine my life without my ST50. This is by no means an exaggaration:lol:

You are prodding up with a hornet's nest, my friend. Tread carefully.

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