Panasonic TV Owners & Discussion Thread

[nis200979]

HN quoted me $3850 for the th50PX600A with the extended warranty 5 year. Anyone know if their ext warranty is any good. The salesman said it was in house, so I dont have to take it anywhere.

What, they can't give you a hand out of the terms and conditions of their warranty? Maybe you wouldn't buy it if you knew.

HN warranties are one of the worst on the market that I know of. It's an aggregate warranty, and underwritten by themselves.

Those who purchase a warranty from Brashes (underwritten by the company) know how dangerous that is. If HN goes under, the warranty is worthless. However, that is not likely at this point in time. Some of these online retailers this is a massive issue.

I had a mate that bought one of those sub $1000 laptops from HN. It had two repairs that where documented at just over $600. When it had another problem (motherboard) they decided not to fix it and gave him a check for just under $400. Because he paid $999, and they did roughly $600 worth of repairs, that left him with $38x.xx to buy a new laptop.

A Current Affair (or Today Tonight) did a review of extended warranties recently, these warranties are the ones they where attacking. They are close to worthless. They are the new Monster cables, a way of fleecing another $300 off the customer.

[automan]

What, they can't give you a hand out of the terms and conditions of their warranty? Maybe you wouldn't buy it if you knew.

HN warranties are one of the worst on the market that I know of. It's an aggregate warranty, and underwritten by themselves.

Those who purchase a warranty from Brashes (underwritten by the company) know how dangerous that is. If HN goes under, the warranty is worthless. However, that is not likely at this point in time. Some of these online retailers this is a massive issue.

I had a mate that bought one of those sub $1000 laptops from HN. It had two repairs that where documented at just over $600. When it had another problem (motherboard) they decided not to fix it and gave him a check for just under $400. Because he paid $999, and they did roughly $600 worth of repairs, that left him with $38x.xx to buy a new laptop.

A Current Affair (or Today Tonight) did a review of extended warranties recently, these warranties are the ones they where attacking. They are close to worthless. They are the new Monster cables, a way of fleecing another $300 off the customer.

Thats the thing with warranties.

You really have to look into them.

The one I got from GG says unlimited claims at no charge at all, in home servicing, covers wear and tear and will replace product with a current model that compares with its specs and freatures.

Sounds fair to me.

[whiteknightoz]

Any word on when the TH50PX600A will be dropping in price? someone on here must have some inside knowledge !!

Seems like $3315 is the cheapest price at the moment..

[Dave_L]

Any word on when the TH50PX600A will be dropping in price? someone on here must have some inside knowledge !!

Seems like $3315 is the cheapest price at the moment..

I'd expect when the PX700A is released. From memory, this will be the same unit except in an "all-black" case (not black & silver as per the PX600A.....though I'm not sure how much it will drop by.

When the PZ700A is released (1080p version), then prices might start to fall more dramatically (especially when all the other manufacturers release their True-HD 50" plasmas and there is actually some competition in the marketplace).....though I imagine alot of people on this forum would then consider the PX600's to be "old-hat" and be looking seriously at the 1080p temptation....

One problem these manufacturers might face is that until a HD format leads the pack, many consumers might hang back until HD-DVD players etc. become more mainstream, HD television has more content and the prices of such equipment drop for the average person to afford them...

That might take a while.

My $0.02

[Redav]

There's usually a get-out-of-jail statement somewhere in the advertising like: "E&OE" - Errors and Omissions Excepted.

Well, it's probably still worth asking. He got a 2k+ screen for half price just for making a phone call.

[graemelow]

Any word on when the TH50PX600A will be dropping in price? someone on here must have some inside knowledge !!

Seems like $3315 is the cheapest price at the moment..

Not inside, but I'd say the price has already come down. This week has seen a new low price, and the std low price has been notably easier to obtain IMO - that tells me that retailers are already getting kickback for moving these units prior to the new model - only question is whether there's some fat left in to drop it another couple of hundred dollars. when its easy at a HN, you know they are making some money out of the transaction!

bring on the black model (hopefully matt, not piano under glass - or I'll be down to bunnies for matt black spray paint ! )

[rebel1]

I had my heart set on the PX600A, the price worked out everything, just was waitng for the new cycle on the credit card to give me 45 interest free. Then I bumped into the foxtel stand and asked the question: I am looking to get a new plasma, should I get the one with HD? They said no. get one HD capable but not with built in tuner.

When foxtel comes out with HD next year they said, I will have to upgrade to their HD box to receive their signal, so I may as well wait till then. Not point having an inbuilt tuner that will never be used. I dont access the normal FTA and my FTA comes thru foxtel.

So now I will get the 60A 50" and wait.

HN has them for $2999 but I am sure I can get a good deal with warranty thrown in, I will scroll back a few pages and get my ammo.

Thanks for all the great info on this forum to all those that have submitted

cheers

the rebel

[tdarian]

Just picked up a 42" PV60A for 1900 with 5 yr warranty from HN today. The list price was 1949, and I talked him down to 1800, then asked for the 5yr. When he said 1900, I bought immediately.

[nis200979]

I had my heart set on the PX600A, the price worked out everything, just was waitng for the new cycle on the credit card to give me 45 interest free. Then I bumped into the foxtel stand and asked the question: I am looking to get a new plasma, should I get the one with HD? They said no. get one HD capable but not with built in tuner.

When foxtel comes out with HD next year they said, I will have to upgrade to their HD box to receive their signal, so I may as well wait till then. Not point having an inbuilt tuner that will never be used. I dont access the normal FTA and my FTA comes thru foxtel.

So now I will get the 60A 50" and wait.

HN has them for $2999 but I am sure I can get a good deal with warranty thrown in, I will scroll back a few pages and get my ammo.

Thanks for all the great info on this forum to all those that have submitted

cheers

the rebel

Ummm. The Foxtel guys are always the best source of advice for HD television. </sarc>

Those guys are hopeless, even if Foxtel does goes HD, I can;t imagine their box having the same performance as the very good one inside the Panasonic. If price is the object, then the PV60 is a bargain. But the PX600 is a better tv for more than just the tuner.

[plasmanewby]

Watched this forum and this topic for a coupla weeks. The comments & info were very helpful and used the advice to narrow my purchase down to the Panasonic TH50-PX600a. I am upgrading from a 2.5 year old 42" TEAC Plasma which gave me a fault free run.

Today I purchased the PX600a for $3,200 (incl deliv) from the Good Guys in Hoppers Crossing (Melb). Added their extended warranty (total 5 years) for $500. I was told that the warranty price was not negotiable but I could select how many years. Well I took the full extra 4 years to make it five in total. Had long discussion about the warranty and what was covered and was happy with the info given. Again thanks to this forum for providing pointers on what to look for.

However, when I got home I read the fine print which states "The extended warranty period over plasma screens beyond the manufacturers warranty period is to a maximum of 3 years total coverage". Now I am no lawyer but is seems that I just purchased a full 5 year warranty that will only cover me for 3!!!!! So it's back to the Good Guys tomorrow for a discussion on the warranty, or am I wrong in my interpretatin?

I was happy with the service at the store and Steve (the salesman) was very helpful and spent a lot of time with me. The sticker starting price for the 600a was $3,999. The sticker price at RetraVision was $4299 and JB $3,995. JB salesman laughed when I suggested a $3,300 price and I left empty handed.

Obviusly the prices on the 600a will continue to drop, especially when the new model arrives, but if you keep waiting for the right time you will never buy.

[plasmanewby]

Whilst buying my Panasonic TH50-PX600a I questioned why the big difference between in price to the PV60a. Info on this forum indicated that it was the same panel but the 600a has built in tuner and better sound. Well the salesman agreed with the sound and tuner but said the PV60a was made in China and the PX600a was made in Japan.

I actually prefered the appearance of the all black finish on the Samsung (also built in tuner) and to my eye I could not pick any picture quality difference. The cheaper Samsung would appear to be a good buy if budget is a problem but I decided on the Panasonic because of quality and Japan biuld.

The new model Panasonoc replacement for the 600a will look great in all black (rather than the current silver edge) but I was not prepared to wait and pay a much higher price.

[diesel]

The new model Panasonoc replacement for the 600a will look great in all black (rather than the current silver edge) but I was not prepared to wait and pay a much higher price.

Most likely to be the same price or even cheaper

[plasmanewby]

Most likely to be the same price or even cheaper

Interesting comment. With the 600a RRP approaching $5,000 and current sticker prices around $4,000 I doubt that the new model will hit the low $3,000's for quite a while. But the current model will quickly drop into the high $2,000's.

Just my thoughts based on observations of retailers habits.

[Zacspeed]

Thats an interesting point, but if its like last year the 700A wont be released till around Xmas time but the 70A should be sometime soon. Besides the colour and the fact its a 10th gen panel. It has less features than the 600A.

As prices tend to be cheaper each release, i'd guess that the 70A would be similar in price to the 600A.

[rebel1]

MMM, still debating, I will ask the foxtel man tomorrow when he installs my foxtel IQ.

Is it a waste buying the 600A ? I suppose for dvd's that may be the only benefit I get?

I am looking at a bose speaker system,I can get 5 speakers $700 new on ebay. So the better speakers in the 600A doesnt sway.

The HD box that foxtel will have to supply when they send signals in HD, will have to be of a certain standard I would think. So maybe I only need the 60VA.

the next question do I really need to pay $400 ish for extra warranty? I pa on my visa gold it doubles the standard warranty to 2 years. So in 2 years tim ea comparable tv would have to be under $2k based on the price drops that have happened, so I may take the risk and hope it lasts longer than 4 years then I am in front.

Its really silly that we buy an expensive item and "hope" it lasts.

Is there a break down on how many plasmas die in the first 3-4 years ?

I wonder what the percentage would be, and if Panasonic are under the average, I hope so As i will probably buy a panasonic.

[Muzzer]

Here's some more on a 42" 1080P version of the Panasonics that's being released in the USA.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainm...ence-248218.php

It is a pretty good point about viewing distance....

[nightbreed]

The PZ models are going to be expensive.

42" RRP at 2500 Pounds in the UK available in June

50" RRP at 2800 Pounds

The PX70 Model for 42" is RRP at 950 Pounts.

That is a huge $ difference for a extra billion pixals.

http://www.avland.co.uk/plasma/index.htm#plasma

I don't think 2800 pounds is that bad. Thats about $6300Au. The Pioneer 5000ex is $11,000, the 52" X Bravia is $9999. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. If it's even close to the picture quality of the 5000ex it's will sell by the truck load.

[Zacspeed]

If it's even close to the picture quality of the 5000ex it's will sell by the truck load.

In reality whats the difference in PQ over the 50" Full HD Pio or Pana panel compared with the 50" HD 1366 x 768?

I know theres all theoretical answers to this but wondered in practice what its like.

When labs etc review panels, the resolution is rated 4th on the list of important features as the colour depth, perception, contrast etc gives the panel more impact.

The Full HD panels (Panasonic atleast) have a contrast ratio of 5000:1 so wondered if it all makes a difference.

+EDIT+

I noticed in reading the link re the 1080p release in the USA that on the 42" the Pana specialist commented on how you'd be hard pressed to notice the difference.

So for now is it just wank factor?

Im after a 50" but wondered how it would compare.

[Kirium]

The PZ models are going to be expensive.

42" RRP at 2500 Pounds in the UK available in June

50" RRP at 2800 Pounds

The PX70 Model for 42" is RRP at 950 Pounts.

That is a huge $ difference for a extra billion pixals.

http://www.avland.co.uk/plasma/index.htm#plasma

The gizmodo article says the 42" will be $2499 USD = $3095 AUD. 2500 pounds = $6075 AUD.

I'd pay around $4k for that screen. I wouldn't pay over $6k.

[nightbreed]

In reality whats the difference in PQ over the 50" Full HD Pio or Pana panel compared with the 50" HD 1366 x 768?

I know theres all theoretical answers to this but wondered in practice what its like.

When labs etc review panels, the resolution is rated 4th on the list of important features as the colour depth, perception, contrast etc gives the panel more impact.

The Full HD panels (Panasonic atleast) have a contrast ratio of 5000:1 so wondered if it all makes a difference.

+EDIT+

I noticed in reading the link re the 1080p release in the USA that on the 42" the Pana specialist commented on how you'd be hard pressed to notice the difference.

So for now is it just wank factor?

Im after a 50" but wondered how it would compare.

The Pioneer PDP-5000ex running with a 1080p source is without a doubt the BEST panel out there! The difference between the 507 & the 5000ex at about 3 meters is night and day!

[Muzzer]

Here's even more detail in an official Panasonic press release on this new range including US pricing:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories....6010&EDATE=

Interesting stuff!

[Kirium]

So the 1080P TH-42PZ700 isn't 1080P at all??

The TH-58PZ700U, TH-50PZ700U and the TH-42PZ700 -- combined with the hold-over current 65-inch and 103-inch Plasmas, offer an incredible resolution of 1920 x 1080p.

TH-42PZ700

1366 x 768 resolution, side firing

speakers, SD Memory Card slot, 2

HDMI inputs, EZ-Sync, Anti-Glare

coating, Gallery Player

June 2007 $2499.95

The 750 models sound interesting with the "Studio Reference Mode" and "Pro Setting Mode"

[taksan]

Has anyone heard of an Australian release date? It shouldn't be too much longer.

The PX700 series will be released in June localy.

The 1080p PZ series will not be released here until October.

[superted]

The Pioneer PDP-5000ex running with a 1080p source is without a doubt the BEST panel out there! The difference between the 507 & the 5000ex at about 3 meters is night and day!

Agreed.....but ppl will still try and justify 1366x768 at greater then 2.2m as being no different.

[kingbaz1503560777]

Watched this forum and this topic for a coupla weeks. The comments & info were very helpful and used the advice to narrow my purchase down to the Panasonic TH50-PX600a. I am upgrading from a 2.5 year old 42" TEAC Plasma which gave me a fault free run.

Today I purchased the PX600a for $3,200 (incl deliv) from the Good Guys in Hoppers Crossing (Melb). Added their extended warranty (total 5 years) for $500.

Can you email a copy of the receipt please??

kingbaz at iinet.net.au