Panasonic 42VT30 - Finding the screen a little dull

[Muzza]

Hi,

I just got this TV and although the detail is very good, I am finding the colours a little dull and the screen a little dark. I have upped this in the settings but doesnt seem to matter (my room is averagely lit). I am aware that plasmas are not as bright as LCD's but does anyone know if I am missing something here? Is there an obvious setting or something to increase the brightness?

I am a little disappointed with it at the moment.

 

[Anonymous]

I have seen this issue mentioned on other forums. I think it's definitely worth checking out other forums for settings from a number of calibration professionals that often post detailed post-calibration settings. I've also seen mentioned that Panasonic are due to release some new firmware (I believe) that will improve the current calibration tools and it's been speculated that this will help improve the 'snap' for those that are finding the VT30 a little dull currently.

I'm really précising an awful lot of detail from a particular forum that I really recommend you check out. I'm hoping the WHFSV team don't delete/mask the name, so here goes: highdefjunkies.com

I'm actually very interested in getting a 42" or 50" VT30 myself, so am watching these forums avidly currently for reviews/critique, etc. before buying anything. I'll probably either buy the VT30 or a Samsung D8000/7000/6900, but really want to give plasma a go this time.

Good luck.

 

[Muzza]

I have seen this issue mentioned on other forums. I think it's definitely worth checking out other forums for settings from a number of calibration professionals that often post detailed post-calibration settings. I've also seen mentioned that Panasonic are due to release some new firmware (I believe) that will improve the current calibration tools and it's been speculated that this will help improve the 'snap' for those that are finding the VT30 a little dull currently.

I'm really précising an awful lot of detail from a particular forum that I really recommend you check out. I'm hoping the WHFSV team don't delete/mask the name, so here goes: highdefjunkies.com

I'm actually very interested in getting a 42" or 50" VT30 myself, so am watching these forums avidly currently for reviews/critique, etc. before buying anything. I'll probably either buy the VT30 or a Samsung D8000/7000/6900, but really want to give plasma a go this time.

Good luck.

Thanks for that, keep me updated if you get one!

 

[The_Lhc]

Two things,

1) it takes a while for the phosphors on a plasma screen to properly bed in (this isn't bunkum, this one is an actual fact), until that time you won't get the screen performing exactly as it should and

B) For the duration of this bed in period (typically a couple of hundred hours, check the manual) you should NOT be banging all the settings up to maximum as you're seriously risking screen burn by doing so.

Get the settings back down, give it the time it needs and then make a decision. Or make the decision now, send the TV back and get an LCD.

 

[micks_address]

are you using the THX preset? That boosts light output (compared to ISF pro1/2 modes).. i have the vt30 and it can appear a little dim especially if you have it placed opposite a window.. just the way plasma tech is.. obviously it looks way better the darker the room is..

Hi,

I just got this TV and although the detail is very good, I am finding the colours a little dull and the screen a little dark. I have upped this in the settings but doesnt seem to matter (my room is averagely lit). I am aware that plasmas are not as bright as LCD's but does anyone know if I am missing something here? Is there an obvious setting or something to increase the brightness?

I am a little disappointed with it at the moment.

 

[Muzza]

Two things,

1) it takes a while for the phosphors on a plasma screen to properly bed in (this isn't bunkum, this one is an actual fact), until that time you won't get the screen performing exactly as it should and

B) For the duration of this bed in period (typically a couple of hundred hours, check the manual) you should NOT be banging all the settings up to maximum as you're seriously risking screen burn by doing so.

Get the settings back down, give it the time it needs and then make a decision. Or make the decision now, send the TV back and get an LCD.

Thanks for that, I was unaware of the screen burn issue!

 

[Muzza]

are you using the THX preset? That boosts light output (compared to ISF pro1/2 modes).. i have the vt30 and it can appear a little dim especially if you have it placed opposite a window.. just the way plasma tech is.. obviously it looks way better the darker the room is..

Hi,

I just got this TV and although the detail is very good, I am finding the colours a little dull and the screen a little dark. I have upped this in the settings but doesnt seem to matter (my room is averagely lit). I am aware that plasmas are not as bright as LCD's but does anyone know if I am missing something here? Is there an obvious setting or something to increase the brightness?

I am a little disappointed with it at the moment.

Thanks Micks, will try the THX!

 

[The_Lhc]

are you using the THX preset? That boosts light output (compared to ISF pro1/2 modes).. i have the vt30 and it can appear a little dim especially if you have it placed opposite a window.. just the way plasma tech is.. obviously it looks way better the darker the room is..

Hi,

I just got this TV and although the detail is very good, I am finding the colours a little dull and the screen a little dark. I have upped this in the settings but doesnt seem to matter (my room is averagely lit). I am aware that plasmas are not as bright as LCD's but does anyone know if I am missing something here? Is there an obvious setting or something to increase the brightness?

I am a little disappointed with it at the moment.

Thanks Micks, will try the THX!

Just not yet eh?

 

[Muzza]

What do you mean? lol am lost!

are you using the THX preset? That boosts light output (compared to ISF pro1/2 modes).. i have the vt30 and it can appear a little dim especially if you have it placed opposite a window.. just the way plasma tech is.. obviously it looks way better the darker the room is..

Hi,

I just got this TV and although the detail is very good, I am finding the colours a little dull and the screen a little dark. I have upped this in the settings but doesnt seem to matter (my room is averagely lit). I am aware that plasmas are not as bright as LCD's but does anyone know if I am missing something here? Is there an obvious setting or something to increase the brightness?

I am a little disappointed with it at the moment.

Thanks Micks, will try the THX!

Just not yet eh?

 

[The_Lhc]

Erm, for the reason I mentioned in my previous post, until the screen has run in you need to avoid very bright or high contrast settings, which is what the THX setting sounds like it's doing.

 

[Muzza]

Erm, for the reason I mentioned in my previous post, until the screen has run in you need to avoid very bright or high contrast settings, which is what the THX setting sounds like it's doing.

ah yes understood!

 

[strapped for cash]

If it's anything like the V20, I wouldn't worry about using the THX setting while running in. The professional modes are notably dimmer than the other picture presets, but the THX setting isn't the brightest option, either.

Obviously avoid the "dynamic" preset (you should avoid this anyway, as it produces a horrible picture). On my V20 -- which admittedly is a different TV -- the "normal" setting is also brighter than the THX option.

I used the THX preset from day one; and it hasn't had an adverse effect on the panel. Just leave constrast, brightness and colour at their default levels and you'll be perfectly fine. This should produce the most accurate picture out of the box anyway.

 

[micks_address]

Yep, i've been using THX since day one to and no problems.. it does take a little while to get used to plasma though.. you might find you enjoy it more in the winter with shorter evenings etc.. i know sounds daft.. generally if i'm watching the tv early afternoon i'll pull down our blind and pull the curtains as the sun shines right in our window for about 3pm onwards..

If it's anything like the V20, I wouldn't worry about using the THX setting while running in. The professional modes are notably dimmer than the other picture presets, but the THX setting isn't the brightest option, either.

Obviously avoid the "dynamic" preset (you should avoid this anyway, as it produces a horrible picture). On my V20 -- which admittedly is a different TV -- the "normal" setting is also brighter than the THX option.

I used the THX preset from day one; and it hasn't had an adverse effect on the panel. Just leave constrast, brightness and colour at their default levels and you'll be perfectly fine. This should produce the most accurate picture out of the box anyway.

 

[bay24]

Again I think the thx setting will be fine. My tv is much Older than yours but this mode is the best by far for me it makes motion and image so much more natural. To me though it is probably the darkest of the presets so I don't think it will solve your dullness issue, perhaps you just prefer a brighter picture?