[quote user="rch19754"]
I agree with you - if you can see it when watching dark scenes then it is unacceptable in my book. However I honestly think I would not have noticed this issue if I had not really looked for it.
I supose the key question is - is there a 37" LCD out there without this problem or this common?
Perhaps swapping for a Plasma is the only solution to this problem?
[/quote]
Plasma would certainly solve it, as there is no backlight (not to mention many other advantages,as detailed at length in other threads on the Forum).
However, we test TVs in both light and dark rooms, and with blank channels when we're changing sources, too, and we always note any backlight issues - and we've never found highly noticeable backlight bleed with any of the top-brand sets.
I think there are some dodgy sets around - maybe due to the sheer number being sold, there is a small percentage of defective ones, as with any products.
But I also think that maybe some peoples' expectations of LCDs are unrealistic. They're getting a lot better, but the very means by which they work still precludes true inky blacks.
We'll continue to tell you which are the best around - and the Pana is far better than many - but would again urge you to see the sets in action before you buy, as maybe no LCD will satisfy you.