Panasonic VT30 Video Review - TX-P50VT30B

[mattkingston08]

Does this model feature two different colour/brightness presets, one for general 2d viewing and a brighter one for 3d viewing? the reason i ask is that 3d content is much darker due to the shutter glasses and could do with being bighter to compensate, is this possible without having to mess about with the settings each time i want to view 3d one day and 2 the next? any feedback would be much appreciated, thankyou.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@mattkingston08 You can set up 2 different pictures modes if you wish on the TV. Say set the "Normal" option for 2D and then Cinema for 3D if you want to. You will always have a darker picture when wearing the glasses. Panasonic have tried to improve the glasses, but compared to watching without them in front of your eyes, the picture will always appear darker with than without.

[mike696100]

tell me what you got to give,the only problem is that i live in Corfu Greece.I am intrested in the 50 inch.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@mike696100 I'm afraid we couldn't supply you with a package, couriers have stopped offering to ship large TVs across europe. The WArranty only covers for products within the UK.

[mike696100]

hi there,can you split your screen and watch tv and a different input at the same time

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@mike696100 Yes you can on the VT30! You can either watch Picture In Picture (PIP) or Picture and Picture (PAP). You can watch a digital TV programme and an external input (AV, Component or HDMI) at the same time. This feature is referred to in the manual as Multi Window. This is a VT30 specific feature.

[mike696100]

@TPSThePerfectSignal thanks a lot

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@mike696100 No problem at all. Are you after a package at all? Just that we do have some very good offers on the VT30 range currently.

[druss999]

Well done.Very hard to find someone to tell you about all the nitty -gritty specs of panel tv.

Keep up the good work and ignore the people who use Youtube , just to insult people that they have no fortitude to insult face to face.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@druss999 Thank you for your comments. They are very much appreciated.

[maxou5757]

I bought a Panasonic 60GT30 Plasma. I know it's not as high end as the 55 or 65VT30, but how does it compare? Do you see a big difference between the GT and the VT model? Thanks

[TimeBreaker1987]

You could've cut out the last 5 seconds.

Try to also include some sort of test video and not only images.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@TimeBreaker1987 I should've done really, but we are still learning about this kind of thing, all very new to us :-)

problem is showing content on this kind of video is that when you view it online, you're never going to get a true representation of quality. It is always best for people to come and look at a TV with their own eyes. no one else will be as good a judge of quality as the end user giving it the once over. But thank you for the feedback, it's always welcome.

[TimeBreaker1987]

@TPSThePerfectSignal You're right of course :) but I still think it'd make a nice addition to the review and you may bring in your personal note, your opinion does matter for novices!

[SpreadingTruths]

They don't make a VT30 smaller than 55", so how can that TV be a VT30? It looks too small! Are you lying?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@SpreadingTruths Morning, for all information relating to Panasonic UK 3D TVs for 2011, please visit Panasonic UKs website. YouTube forbid me from posting links in replies, so I cannot provide you the direct link. When you look on the products page, please note at the top of the page you will see the full VT30 lineup for 2011 which includes a 42", 50" 55" and 65" models.

[joseph10704]

QUESTION so the 2011 year is almost done and that mean's ces 2012 is almost on it's way what are some of the new thing's that u have herd panasonice is going to do with ther 2012 plasmas tv i been holding off for a long time now but thats ok i think 2012 is going to be a fantastic year for tv.let me know thanks.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 morning, as of yet, Panasonic have not said anything about next years models and are unlikely to until the week of launch.

This year it was only a month before the official launch that rumours began to circulate. I feel that people who wait and wait, will never end up buying anything. You can't make an omlette without breaking any eggs. no TV will ever be perfect. The VT30s are the best Panasonic have ever produced and are the best on the market this year.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal i mean u are right its hard to say i am going to wait but when u know u need to pay bills and money is low its kinda hard to say hey lets by a nice tv lol i wish i can go out and but this tv right now really lol,i wanted to ask u what is the life spand on this tv how many years will this tv last me compared to a LED tv to a plasma.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 Well, the answer is that Panasonic state that their plasmas will last longer than an LCD or LED LCD TV.

Panel lifetime for plasmas according to Panasonic is 100,000 hours compared to 60,000 hours from an LCD product.

The plasma will outlast a LCD TV by over 50% longer.

Any Panasonic dont even mean that after 100,000 hours the panel will be dead, it means that the TV will only output 50% of its original brightness levels.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal i see that explans why my LCD tv from samsung looks so not bright anymore lol,its like 4 and a half years old now my LCD tv that i got at the moment but i think its time for a new one very soon ,i been looking into the LED OR PLASMA tvs i am just trying to find the right one for me thats all its take alot of time .for me anyways.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 Plus technology has moved on rather a lot in the last 5 years. I remember when I bought my first plasma. 37PV500 first ever Panasonic HD Ready TV. and now you compare the quality from then to now and the difference is staggering. I and all the other guys here would honestly recommend plasma over LCD.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal i think u are right bro i will say that plasma has one hell of a picture for sure we will see what i can do for now i am going to wait tho but hey in the states we dont have a 50 inch VT30 series we have from what i see a 55 60 or 65 size's idk why its like that but i will have to look into it more at the moment i was at my local bestbuy looking around and i see the 55 GT30 series and i have to say that was nice looking but then right near the tv it hadthe D8000 samsung LED.

[pitbull1981gr]

best tv on the market i got the 65" vt30... blew me away

[deurkl]

Does it reflect more light than the GT30?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@deurkl Honestly, its difficult to say. you would assume that it might, but the filters that are on the panels do help reduce glare and reflection, but only to a point.

[MrCottonsock]

Thank you for all your help, if you come across , a calibrated set you might post the settings , that would be worth trying thanks again.

[MrCottonsock]

Hi , I have a very good picture now having played around with the settings in normal mode. I would like to have it calibrated by a pro , but I don't know of anyone over here in Ireland that can do a top job on it.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock I'm afraid I don't know of any ISF calibrators in Ireland. Have you been onto AV Forums, you can sign up for free, and they have owners sections, you can ask questions and generally you will find out anything you wish to know.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

Morning everyone, just to let you know, we have had our 2nd delivery of Panasonic 65VT30s this week!!!! Got quite a few in, get them while you can!!!!! ring us on 0161 344 0123, or email me on chris@tps.uk.com, or visit tps.uk.com or alternatively, follow us on twitter TPS_UK

[MrCottonsock]

Hi what would you say is the very best settings on the vt30 ,two get the very best picture possible. would you change anything in say normal mode ,or dynamic ect.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock Morning, its a difficult one to say really. I personally hate Dynamic with a passion, a lot of shops seems to use it, but everything is overdone when using dynamic. IN my shop, I tend to set the TVs on Normal, and play around with the settings. Are you going to have the VT30 calibrated or not??? The other thing is, that everyones personal opinion on settings is different.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

Panasonic 65VT30s Now available, we have some in stock, get yours now as they will sell quickly, some have already been sold!!!

Call us on 0161 344 0123 to reserve yours!!

[eujeeves]

oh wow I thought the VT's only came in 55" and 65"

[brewt1mer]

btw i got the 42" model..and i bought it mainly for gaming as i have a projector for home cinema..

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@brewt1mer What warranty package did you get with the 42VT30? we retail the TV at £1449 with a 5 year warranty, so we like to think that compared to online companies such as RGB Direct, we are very very competitive.

[brewt1mer]

@TPSThePerfectSignal i only got 1 year with it...

[jaberq879]

@brewt1mer is the TV release ?



[brewt1mer]

@jaberq879 yes i have one..

[jaberq879]

@brewt1mer thanks ..can you tell how is it ? is it better than pioneer kuro 9g ?

[brewt1mer]

@jaberq879 without doubt the vt is better..this is the best plasma tv so far...

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@jaberq879 The 42 50 and 55 inch models are all in stock, I heard yesterday that Panasonic today are receiving their first batch of 65VT30s into the UK today. there seem to be lots of rumours of stock already being available, but Panasonic UK have not released the model yet. BY the end of today, it will be officially available. We have 1 on order to come to us straight away, any others are dependent on orders being placed. Deposit required £400 which is a 10% deposit. the 65VT30 will be £3999

[rhymenbrian]

Nice presentation but how about some info on its ability to handle HD gaming. Anyone can stand there and read out what Panasonic's website says about its own tv but gaming is a $50 billion industry and the second most used format on HDTV s these days but so little USEFUL info is given to the public by these online "experts"

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@rhymenbrian Good Morning, I suppose the main reason why I didn't mention anything about gaming, is mainly because so far in my experience, it hasn't been a big priority for people buying this kind of set. Not to say that it isn't useful, just that we have never been asked by any customers that I can think of about it. I myself and I know the other staff here aren't big gamers too. But it is food for thought and it is definitely something I will bear in mind for my our future reviews.

[brewt1mer]

great video..this helped me to decide to get one..

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@brewt1mer May I ask where you purchased yours from and for how much? Would seem a shame if we werent asked about pricing seeing as we are a Panasonic Dealer.

[brewt1mer]

@TPSThePerfectSignal hi..i got it from rgb direct and it was £1399

[gorillapancake]

It's astounding that in 2011, Panasonic is so lame that their flagship TV doesn't have built in Wi-fi.

Is it so difficult to do it?

Pathetic.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@gorillapancake all opinions are welcome, but in light of the fact that Panasonic have made losses on their TV division for the last 3 years, they cant be affording to meet everyones requirements. However they do provide you with a free wi-fi dongle, so I'm not sure what your point is if I'm being honest.

[gorillapancake]

@TPSThePerfectSignal

A dongle is finicky, un-stylish and superfluous.

Why bother including a free dongle instead of just building the W-Fi in?

Sony and Samsung have heaps of Wi-Fi TVs this year, so why can't Panasonic? Their top 2011 Blu-ray player has Wi-Fi, so why can't their best TV? To be honest, I'm a little baffled by it. It doesn't make sense to me.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@gorillapancake I'm afraid I do not possess all the answers, and I am certain that neither will Panasonic UK. All manufacturing decisions are made in Japan. I personally don't find it a massive issue that the TV is supplied with a wifi dongle, yes it may be neater to have the wi-fi built in, but the wi-fi dongle doesnt alter the aesthetics from the front, looking at the side you will see it, but it will not detract from the look, really not an issue in my opinion. May I ask why is it a concern?

[gorillapancake]

I think most that want the best TV on the market, will be perfectionists. I know I am. If I'm going to spend serious money on a TV, I'd like it to be modern, sleek and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Plus, I'd hate to have a separate little piece that can be lost if moving the TV or if kids get at it. (I have toddler nieces.) In 2011, it doesn't make sense for the best TV available not to have built-in Wi-Fi. It's a lost opportunity. Why defend it? Can't you be objective?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@gorillapancake I can be objective, but see little point in being so, as it wont make a blind bit of difference. what you or I would like to see in a TV will probably not materialise for a good number of years.

[gorillapancake]

@TPSThePerfectSignal

Why not be objective and voice it? Perhaps they'll listen and do what we want.

I used to love Sony. I still have an HD widescreen CRT that was the pinnacle of that technology. But their persistence with pathetic LCD has lost me. I no longer have brand loyalty.

Panasonic frustrate me. They appear to be hanging onto the best plasma crown, although this year's Samsung comes close. But their design is lacking. 2011's Samsung and Sony models look way cooler.

Maybe next year.

[MrCottonsock]

When is the vt65vt30 ,due in stock ?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock Good Morning, We have no delivery dates from Panasonic, but at the European Launch, they said June as a prospective date.

If you want the first one that comes in, you can place a £200 deposit and when they arrive you will be contacted. If you also place your order before close of business tomorrow, you can take full advantage of the package deals we have available. All Dealer offers on the VT30 finish tomorrow (10th June). 0161 344 0123 chris@tps.uk.com or @TPSPanasonicSky

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock Morning, just to let you know that Panasonic UK are receiving their first batch of 65VT30s into stock today apparently. If you want one, then a deposit will be required and then we can put our request in for stock. I know we have 1 definitely coming to us, but I am not sure if it is sold or not yet. If it isn't I imagine it will be pretty soon.

[joseph10704]

the 3d from what i herd is not as good infact if u go to CNET .COM they say that the best 3d picture is the UN55D8000 so idk about u but for me this tv is over rated and when u look at a plasma compared to a LED the led tv will last u 10 time more in life time them a plasma infact these panasonice tv take up too much watts compared to a LED tv ther not even poor rateing take a look at cnet if u dont belive me .all in all this tv is not worth it a big waste of time if u ask me .

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 Everyones opinion is welcome, but everyones opinion is subjective. I think that if you visited a large number of independent dealers, you will find most staff their have plasmas. I own a 42G20B from last year, it is my 3rd plasma. Some of the guys here own Pioneer plasmas.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal i understand buddy i was not trying to say that panasonic is bad i think what the thing is that i been a samsung buyer since hell 8 years now and i am stuck on buying there tvs so changeing and going to panny is kinda hard for me one thiing that make me so afraid is if i get aburn in that would ake me soo mad lol and also the thing that makes me stray awhy from any plasma is how much watts it uses and that goes for any plasma there just not green friendly i wish ther were.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 Not a problem, we are all different. if we were all the same, life would be very boring.

My family own some Panasonic LCDs and some Plasmas too. But I have always thought that 37" or above, for me, the faster response time, and better black levels are why I personally choose plasma. I understand why people buy LED LCD TVs and we even sell them in the range this year.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal u are right about that buddy have u yourself ever had a LED or LCD tv and have u alwhy been a panasonic fan or have u ever had a samsung tv eather why i think there both 2 cool company's if i had the cash i would buy 2 different tv from both companys the biggest tv i think i would get is a 55 or maybe 60 for a plasma but idk LED would just be a 55 no bigger .

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 I did once own very briefly a Samsung LE32R41D back in 2005, I then had a dabble with a Panasonic TX-32D500 but preferred the 37P500 plasma panel, and then got the cabinet for it as well. I had that for over 3 years, loved it, then I got a 42X10 and then i sold that to my neighbour because I bought the TX-P42G20B last year. My parents own a Panasonic TX-L26X10B and a TX-32LZD85 LCD, she didnt go larger due to owning a mahogany cabinet. Plasma over LCD or LED LCD in my opinion.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal thats cool so have u ever had the chance tomown at least a 55 inch plasma how is panasonic coustermer servise are thy good what would u rate there servise like.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@joseph10704 NO, I have not owned anything larger than a 42" PDP. My store last year had both the 50 and 65VT20s out last year, and they sold very well.

Panasonics Warranty cover is very comprehensive. They have a network of Authorised Repair Centres across the entire UK. If you have a problem with your TV, simply call/email Panasonic Technical support, they will put you in touch with your nearest repair centre, who will collect, repair and deliver back your TV under the terms of the warranty.

[joseph10704]

@TPSThePerfectSignal ok cool dude injoy and thanks for talking ur a cool person i live in america so just to let u know but still i am sure for what u said about if i get a problem i can just do the same call them up or bring it in for repair so yup thanks again.

[Mozo901]

Great content!

[swemda]

It looks like the glass is more reflective than on other Panasonic screens. Is that correct?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@swemda The entire front of the TV is a single sheet of glass. To be honest with you, the location in our shop is great for when people coming in because they see the TV straight away, but we have very large glass windows and we do get more light coming into the shop than you probably would at home. it is an unavoidable thing for us I'm afraid. In addition, the TV is mounted higher than most people would ever normally mount it.

[aptnicola]

@swemda

Hi just a little about my experience with panasonic

Had a TX-P50VT30B On order since 12/04/2011 and today 1st June 2011 still no TV, Panasonic have given 3 delivery dates and each time the TV does not turn up !!. Customer service emails take over 1 week to reply and i dont want to call the premium rate number for hours i think £2200 pounds is enough to spend. 

Last contact from panasonic yesterday still wont commit to a delivery date for the TV.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@aptnicola We have the TX-P50VT30B in Stock for £1999 + Carriage The TV Includes 2 pairs of glasses (however we let you choose the sizes rather than just settling for 2 medium pairs), and also comes with Panasonics 5 Year Warranty - when purchased instore.

[darthvadermasterchie]

is there a difference between tx-p50vt30B and tx-p50vt30E??

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@darthvadermasterchie Good afternoon, the letter at the end simply denotes whether or not the model is British or European. All British Panasonic TV's have the letter B at the end of the model number. The British models are set up specifically for the UK broadcasts so it is unadvisable to purchase a European model. Furthermore,it would probably not be covered by any warranty unless you returned it to a dealer in the country it was bought from.

[darthvadermasterchie]

@TPSThePerfectSignal thanks a lot!!! and i still have a question does the 42inch version of the vt30 have worse black levels?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@darthvadermasterchie All 4 sizes of the VT30 are the same specification. the only difference between any of them is purely the size of the TV and the packaging. 42VT30 and 50VT30 are in stock now, we have offers on the VT30s with 3D Blu-ray players, there is a 4 Free 3D Blu-ray Films offer on as well, along side the Free 5 Year Warranty promotion as well.

Free DMP-BDT110K with the VT30, and there is a £140 saving on the DMP-BDT210K & DMP-BDT310K when either is purchased with the VT30.

[boondocksaint4977]

@TPSThePerfectSignal

i.m so excited this week my 55 inch panasonic vt30 is going to arrive.

really looking forward to it!!!

i got 1 question though,what does the calman callibration mean?

as i live in holland,i want to now if this option is also available here.

thanx!

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@boondocksaint4977 What this process does is correct the RGB balance in the TV as no manufacturer can get perfect RGB balance in every panel. In addition, with the use of a meter, and special on screen patterns, your brightness and contrast levels can be set as well as your RGB Balance and also grayscale. In the past manual calibration has only been able to correct RGB/Grayscale over 2 points. This year on the VT30s, the calibration software can analyse and correct it over 10 points.

[boondocksaint4977]

@TPSThePerfectSignal okay...nice explanation,so my retailer store where i bought it can do this for me?

what are the cost,s?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@boondocksaint4977 all depends if your store has decided to buy the relevant software and will actually know what they are doing and want to do it.

It is not the easiest of processes to do, the online videos that calman show online make it look a lot easier than it really is. We are looking at charging at least £100 for this service, and that is also dependent on distance. the further you live form the dealer, the more you will pay. a professionals time costs money, and so does the fuel.

[MrCottonsock]

Thanks, is there a way round it or any hdmi adaptor I can connect to my VGA cable that I have in the wall to connect it.??

[MrMoneyboi94]

@MrCottonsock No there simply isn't a way in converting a VGA signal into a HDMI unless you buy a expensive box converter. Do you have a HDMI slot on your laptop? If you do simply connect it that way as that is currently the best way to connect a laptop to get the maximum resolution and quality. If you dont have HDMI The only think i can suggest is connecting via S-Video although from personal experience I would steer well away from S-Video as the quality is simply terrible.

[MrMoneyboi94]

@MrCottonsock No there simply isn't a way in converting a VGA signal into a HDMI unless you buy a expensive box converter. Do you have a HDMI slot on your laptop? If you do simply connect it that way as that is currently the best way to connect a laptop to get the maximum resolution and quality. If you dont have HDMI The only think I can suggest is connecting via S-Video although from personal experience I would steer well away from S-Video as the quality is simply terrible.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock we have heard of a different way to get link a laptop which only has a vga output to a tv with no vga input.

We have not purchased or tested this but we are looking into it. You can buy a USB to DVI external video card adaptor, HP and other manufacturers sell them, and then you can adapt the DVI to HDMI.

The adaptor wil be recognised by your laptop and will allow you to either run your laptop with dual monitors, or you can change settings to just show what is on your screen.

[MrCottonsock]

Great review , getting 55 " Friday , is there a pc input ?

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock No there isn't a PC Input on this model or other NeoPlasma panels this year.

[TPSThePerfectSignal]

@MrCottonsock Just in case anyone you know is after VT30s, we have 6 x 55VT30s arriving next week, and we have both 42 and 50 inch models in stock - you can choose your own combination of the 3D eyewear, you dont have to settle for the 2 medium ones that are in the box. and we also have the 5 year warranty offer on as well, and add that to the 4 free 3D blu-ray films offer as well, we have some very keen prices. 42" £1449, 50" £1999, 55" £2699, 65" £3999, Extra glasses are £99 each with a TV