Calling all V20 owners

[strapped for cash]

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice from any owners of a Panasonic TX-P42V20.

I own a 42G10 (i.e. 2009 model) and I'm trying to discern whether the V20 represents a worthwhile upgrade? The problem is, I can't audition a V20 anywhere, which is hardly surprising, given some of Panasonic's 2011 models will be available in a matter of weeks.

Based on reviews I've read online, the V20 should deliver slightly deeper blacks, more accurate colour via the THX picture preset, a greater range of picture tweaking options (including gamma control and colour management options); and looks a little prettier than my G10.

On the other hand, will any improvement in performance justify the outlay? I'd love to make that judgement myself, but since I can't audition a V20 anywhere, I'm stumped.

Any advice from V20 owners is much appreciated...

 

[Anonymous]

hi strapped, i went from a g10 to a v20 and imo the picture quality is a fair bit better, very deep blacks, very detailed, great sd and hdtv performance, but blu-rays are where it really shines, they look sublime..

the ifc is useless though, the version on the g10 was much better, though i never felt the need to use it on the g10. the v20 however does not do 50hz motion as good and turning on ifc makes things worse.

is it worth it? i didn't think so (becuse of the motion issues) and returned mine, though i paid full wack and it wasn't an easy decision, if your getting it at the right price "you may" be able to accept the minor qurks given the overall performance.

edit.. by 50hz motion i mean the motion when watching a 50hz source, all tv and dvds, but not blu-rays

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Max.

Motion seems to be the stumbling block (though it's certainly not perfect on the G10, either). Guess the "IFC Pro" badge is misleading, then, as I hoped it would offer more subtle processing than 2009 models. In other respects, however, the V20 sounds very appealing.

As you know, unlike the G10B, the V20 allows access to gamma and colour management controls; and throws in a single tuner recording option, to boot. That said, none of this matters if I can't stand the picture every time the camera moves.

I'd hold out for the 2011 models, but Panasonic has removed Freesat tuners from their 2011 plasmas. I guess this makes sense, as Freeview HD will achieve national coverage in the near future. However, I live in an area with dodgy reception, so I'd love to keep Freesat as an option.

As far as I know, the V20 doesn't scan SD content at 100Hz. Who knows why this is the case, as 100Hz scanning worked well on 2009 models?

Perhaps the only solution is a VT20, but it's a hell of a lot more money. Also, I object to buying a 3D-ready TV on principle, as I'd hate to give Panasonic's marketing department the impression I'm an eager adopter of 3D.

Apologies for the mini essay, but I guess the short version is that I would gain in some areas of performance and lose out in others. Not really sure where this leaves me.

 

[Anonymous]

the vt20 suffers from the same minor motion issues. just an idea but if you stated your location then a friendly fellow forumite with a v/vt20 may offer you a cuppa and a look at their tv?

 

[strapped for cash]

I live in the Midlands, so not sure how local the fellow forum member is? I've been keeping an eye on their progress, however...

In your experience, Max, is the V20 worse with motion than the G10?

 

[Anonymous]

yes, when viewing 50hz material the v20 is prone to slight judder on camera pans, the g10 isn't.

it's subtle though strapped, a friend of mine couldn't understand why i returned mine, when i pionted out the (addmitedly rare) motion isues he thought they were nothing..

once you spot a problem (however minor) on a tv you've just paid alot of money for it is annoying and you can become sensitive to it, almost subconsciously looking for it..

however if you haven't paid alot of money for it........

 

[strapped for cash]

maxflinn:once you spot a problem (however minor) on a tv you've just paid alot of money for it is annoying and you can become sensitive to it, almost subconsciously looking for it..

Exactly. Though my G10 still represents excellent value, as time goes by, minor gripes I have with picture quality are magnified. If all I'm doing is swapping older problems for new ones, it doesn't seem worth trading up.

EDIT: though did you buy a 50V20, Max? Perhaps direct comparisons are invalid, since the 42" and 50" versions use different panels...

 

[Anonymous]

my lg50pk350 is a better tv than the g10, quite a bit better imo. and it has zero flaws. and it's only £500

edit.. the problems are found on all sizes unfortunately...

 

[strapped for cash]

I think it would be too big for my room; and I'd have to shell out £300 for a Freesat PVR... I'm really not fussed about other features the LG lacks, however. Maybe I should get the tape measure out!

 

[Anonymous]

unless you want to chance a v20 i'd wait strapped, the lg's replacement will be around soon, and if that or nothing else takes your fancy then you could perhaps wait 12 months for the opportunity of a cheap vt30? because that just may be the best there is..

ps rob, note i said "just may be"

 

[strapped for cash]

You're probably right, Max. Shame I can't view a V20 in action to decide.

The G10's still a good TV. I spent the last week trying to persuade my parents to spend a little more on a new flatscreen. Eventually they opted for a relatively cheap 37" LG; and I have to say, the picture quality doesn't come close to my Panasonic (though they're both perfectly happy with it). Cheers for the input, anyway...

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Anonymous]

I think Technosound at Milton Keynes (just off junction 14 M1) may have a V20. They seem to have quite a few of the Pana range set up. Might be worth a call?

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks for the info Marnie.

They do have a V20, but it's ex-display and a bit pricey. I'd be able to audition, though.

They also have a G20 at a reasonable price, which might be a better proposition...

 

[micks_address]

are you sure panasonic have removed the freesat tuner from the 2011 models?

strapped for cash:
Cheers Max.

Motion seems to be the stumbling block (though it's certainly not perfect on the G10, either). Guess the "IFC Pro" badge is misleading, then, as I hoped it would offer more subtle processing than 2009 models. In other respects, however, the V20 sounds very appealing.

As you know, unlike the G10B, the V20 allows access to gamma and colour management controls; and throws in a single tuner recording option, to boot. That said, none of this matters if I can't stand the picture every time the camera moves.

I'd hold out for the 2011 models, but Panasonic has removed Freesat tuners from their 2011 plasmas. I guess this makes sense, as Freeview HD will achieve national coverage in the near future. However, I live in an area with dodgy reception, so I'd love to keep Freesat as an option.

As far as I know, the V20 doesn't scan SD content at 100Hz. Who knows why this is the case, as 100Hz scanning worked well on 2009 models?

Perhaps the only solution is a VT20, but it's a hell of a lot more money. Also, I object to buying a 3D-ready TV on principle, as I'd hate to give Panasonic's marketing department the impression I'm an eager adopter of 3D.

Apologies for the mini essay, but I guess the short version is that I would gain in some areas of performance and lose out in others. Not really sure where this leaves me.

 

[strapped for cash]

Freesat tuners are only included on the most expensive, 3D models, I'm afraid.

Shame, as this is a deal-breaker for me. I'd happily hang fire to see how the mid-to-upper range 2011 models perform, if they had integrated Freesat tuners.

 

[strapped for cash]

maxflinn:edit.. by 50hz motion i mean the motion when watching a 50hz source, all tv and dvds, but not blu-rays

Just a few quick questions, Max. Was judder really noticeable on HD TV channels (i.e. BBC and ITV1HD)? Just wondering how I'd get on watching sport in HD?

Finally, taking all elements of SD performance into account (colour accuracy, contrast, detail and, of course, motion) would you say the V20 betters the G10? In other words, do the positives outweigh the negatives?

If so, I'm still very tempted, particularly as performance with Blu-rays is, by all accounts, spectacular. Cheers mate...

 

[micks_address]

Hi strapped.. i had the V20 for about 4 months before changing it for the VT20.. hd sports are pretty good.. at 42" i dont think you'll notice them as much as you would at say 50" the main problem seems to be with panning shots.. i think Max mentioned dragons den as an example.. even in HD.. when the camera pans you can see some ghosting on the faces etc.. almost a slight blurring.. i can also see it sometimes in the background while watching footie.. at say a corner kick or something you can see the crowd clearly but when the camera moves the crowd blur slightly but the foreground looks fine.. its hard to explain and to be honest.. if i hadnt heard others complain about it.. then i might never have copped onto it! the other thing to watch for is floating blacks.. they are their on the V20 and VT20 and probably all the plasma range to be honest..

blu-ray viewing is great.. only issue you might have is floating blacks..

strapped for cash:

maxflinn:edit.. by 50hz motion i mean the motion when watching a 50hz source, all tv and dvds, but not blu-rays

Just a few quick questions, Max. Was judder really noticeable on HD TV channels (i.e. BBC and ITV1HD)? Just wondering how I'd get on watching sport in HD?

Finally, taking all elements of SD performance into account (colour accuracy, contrast, detail and, of course, motion) would you say the V20 betters the G10? In other words, do the positives outweigh the negatives?

If so, I'm still very tempted, particularly as performance with Blu-rays is, by all accounts, spectacular. Cheers mate...

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks micksaddress!

That's the other benefit of buying a model soon to be replaced: at least you get the benefit of other owners opinions once they've lived with the set for a while...

Man, this is a tough call. I'm tempted to go for it, but I'll be gutted if it turns out I was actually happier with the G10...

 

[Anonymous]

maxflinn:edit.. by 50hz motion i mean the motion when watching a 50hz source, all tv and dvds, but not blu-rays

Just a few quick questions, Max. Was judder really noticeable on HD TV channels (i.e. BBC and ITV1HD)? Just wondering how I'd get on watching sport in HD?

Finally, taking all elements of SD performance into account (colour accuracy, contrast, detail and, of course, motion) would you say the V20 betters the G10? In other words, do the positives outweigh the negatives?

If so, I'm still very tempted, particularly as performance with Blu-rays is, by all accounts, spectacular. Cheers mate...

hi strapped, the v20 is a far better tv than the g10 and yes the positives outweigh the negatives imo. blu-rays look fantastic and sd and hdtv also looked very good, better than the g10. i didn't find watching sport a problem..

judder was noticeable on some panning shots on whatever channel and on some dvds, it was rare enough though, and i think i could have lived with it had i not paid e1650..

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Max.

I've been watching some of the "floating blacks" videos on you tube and now I'm terrified! I thought this problem would be subtle, if experienced at all, but the videos I looked at show dramatic shifts in contrast.

The retailer I spoke to (phenomenal price, by the way, hence I'm keeping this to myself as they've only a few in stock) said that if I wanted to return the set this would be at my own cost (which didn't inspire confidence, though the retailer has an excellent reputation).

 

[Clare Newsome]

Freesat tuners are only included on the most expensive, 3D models, I'm afraid.

Shame, as this is a deal-breaker for me. I'd happily hang fire to see how the mid-to-upper range 2011 models perform, if they had integrated Freesat tuners.

Not entirely true, actually.

There are Freesat tuners on the VT30 and GT30 plasma models, plus the DT30 LCD sets.

Yes, these are all 3D-capable sets, but they're also avaialble at a reasonable range of size/price-points. Panasonic thinks, for example, that the GT30 sets will be the most popular models in the UK....

 

[Anonymous]

Cheers Max.

I've been watching some of the "floating blacks" videos on you tube and now I'm terrified! I thought this problem would be subtle, if experienced at all, but the videos I looked at show dramatic shifts in contrast.

The retailer I spoke to (phenomenal price, by the way, hence I'm keeping this to myself as they've only a few in stock) said that if I wanted to return the set this would be at my own cost (which didn't inspire confidence, though the retailer has an excellent reputation).

there were no floating blacks that i could see on either of my v20s...

 

[strapped for cash]

Freesat tuners are only included on the most expensive, 3D models, I'm afraid.

Shame, as this is a deal-breaker for me. I'd happily hang fire to see how the mid-to-upper range 2011 models perform, if they had integrated Freesat tuners.

Not entirely true, actually.

There are Freesat tuners on the VT30 and GT30 plasma models, plus the DT30 LCD sets.

Yes, these are all 3D-capable sets, but they're also avaialble at a reasonable range of size/price-points. Panasonic thinks, for example, that the GT30 sets will be the most popular models in the UK....

Thanks Clare.

According to Tom's blog, the 42GT30 would retail at £1,300. The dilemma I have is that I can get a 42V20 for just over half this price right now (and it would be another year, I would think, before the GT30 is available at a comparable price).

The other factor is that we can only speculate about how the GT30 will perform. I appreciate, of course, that it's impossible for you to comment until you get one in for review. These are merely my thoughts/anxieties spilling onto the page...