Panasonic ZT60 (now ZT65)

[strapped for cash]

I suppose if this did not weigh more than 30kg it might be possible

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/TC-P55VT60

Probably going to wait and see what they now announce for next year now, before possibly buying a back up.

I'm not sure this will represent a dramatic improvement over your GT50. It'll likely cost more than £2,500, too. Is there a specific reason you're looking for another TV so soon after your last upgrade?

As someone that has owned three different TVs in the last four-and-a-half years (sounds scary when I put it like that), I can understand the temptation. However, I'll be doing no more TV buying for at least another four years, at which point OLED technology will hopefully have matured and dropped markedly in price.

 

[Son_of_SJ]

Hello gel,

I agree with strapped for cash's comments in the post immediately above this one. Your Panasonic 50GT50 is a very fine machine, with black levels that I'm sure are better than those of my Pioneer LX5090 and of course, many modern features appropriate to a (almost, except for the VT50) leading 2012 television. No matter how much improvement in meaningful performance (as opposed to gimmicks) the VT60 and ZT60 series might offer, I would be quite surprised if a (fantasy) 50" version of them would be worth the upgrade over your already excellent 50GT50. For instance, the Oppo 105 Blu-Ray player has just been released, to thunderous acclaim. I can't afford it, but even if I could I would feel no need to buy it to replace my existing Oppo 95, with which I am quite happy.

By the way, why can't you buy a 60" television? Lack of space, lack of money, or Mrs gel?

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Hello gel,

I agree with strapped for cash's comments in the post immediately above this one. Your Panasonic 50GT50 is a very fine machine, with black levels that I'm sure are better than those of my Pioneer LX5090 and of course, many modern features appropriate to a (almost, except for the VT50) leading 2012 television. No matter how much improvement in meaningful performance (as opposed to gimmicks) the VT60 and ZT60 series might offer, I would be quite surprised if a (fantasy) 50" version of them would be worth the upgrade over your already excellent 50GT50. For instance, the Oppo 105 Blu-Ray player has just been released, to thunderous acclaim. I can't afford it, but even if I could I would feel no need to buy it to replace my existing Oppo 95, with which I am quite happy.

By the way, why can't you buy a 60" television? Lack of space, lack of money, or Mrs gel?

Yep, I think you guys are right. The 60 inch will be too big for my AV stand, when I bought I intended only getting a 42 inch TV but they have since got a lot slimmer and lighter making it possible to go up to 50 inches. I don't think I could afford it either, but say in about a years time, there was a 50 inch ZT50 knocking around for around £1500 I would be tempted, especially if Panasonic did pull out of making plasmas.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

I suppose if this did not weigh more than 30kg it might be possible

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/TC-P55VT60

Probably going to wait and see what they now announce for next year now, before possibly buying a back up.

I'm not sure this will represent a dramatic improvement over your GT50. It'll likely cost more than £2,500, too. Is there a specific reason you're looking for another TV so soon after your last upgrade?

As someone that has owned three different TVs in the last four-and-a-half years (sounds scary when I put it like that), I can understand the temptation. However, I'll be doing no more TV buying for at least another four years, at which point OLED technology will hopefully have matured and dropped markedly in price.

Oops, missed your post earlier.

I am not sure it would be a sufficient upgrade either thinking about it. Just how much I love my GT50 the thought of going another step on is really tempting. To be honest the GT50 feels like a bit of a clone of the 5090 Pioneer TV I had, so the quality I have seen for several years now, although I do think it is slightly better on Blu-ray. For me this will definitely be the best TV ever, and I love everything about my GT50, so the thought of it being even better is wow!

 

[Joe Cox]

Seems like there's only going to be a 60in in UK/Europe. Mentioned in passing at the Panasonic European launch. Will confirm later today.

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks Joe, that'd be good to know!

If/when you get a ZT60 in for review, can the team pay close attention to screen uniformity? A grey slide with the TV's contrast turned right down clearly reveals uniformity problems with 2012 Panasonic plasmas, which at times intrude on actual viewing.

If you're likely to speak to a Panasonic rep, I'd be fascinated to hear their response to reports of uniformity problems with ST/GT/VT50 plasmas... Is the dirty screen effect officially "within specification?"

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Seems like there's only going to be a 60in in UK/Europe. Mentioned in passing at the Panasonic European launch. Will confirm later today.

Pretty sure I read in this months mag something about a possible GT60? Is the VT60 going to be 55 inches and above too?

 

[strapped for cash]

Seems like there's only going to be a 60in in UK/Europe. Mentioned in passing at the Panasonic European launch. Will confirm later today.

Pretty sure I read in this months mag something about a possible GT60? Is the VT60 going to be 55 inches and above too?

There's no word on a GT60, though the ST60 series may be re-branded as GT. Panasonic said nothing about a GT series for 2013 at CES.

If the ST series is re-badged, expect screen sizes from 42" upwards. Based on what I've read, the ST60 series won't offer a leap in performance over 2012 models. Hopefully Panasonic have improved the AR filter and/or panel driving technology to rectify problems with 2012 sets.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57564297-221/want-a-tv-now-ish-get-the-panasonic-st50-rather-than-waiting-on-the-st60/

I read a thread where someone claiming to be in contact with Panasonic advised that the ST60 series offers nothing over the ST50 in terms of picture performance (same filter, same panel). I don't normally take much notice of conjecture, so we'll have to wait and see. I can't locate the thread now, unfortunately...

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Seems like there's only going to be a 60in in UK/Europe. Mentioned in passing at the Panasonic European launch. Will confirm later today.

Pretty sure I read in this months mag something about a possible GT60? Is the VT60 going to be 55 inches and above too?

There's no word on a GT60, though the ST60 series may be re-branded as GT. Panasonic said nothing about a GT series for 2013 at CES.

If the ST series is re-badged, expect screen sizes from 42" upwards. Based on what I've read, the ST60 series won't offer a leap in performance over 2012 models. Hopefully Panasonic have improved the AR filter and/or panel driving technology to rectify problems with 2012 sets.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57564297-221/want-a-tv-now-ish-get-the-panasonic-st50-rather-than-waiting-on-the-st60/

I read a thread where someone claiming to be in contact with Panasonic advised that the ST60 series offers nothing over the ST50 in terms of picture performance (same filter, same panel). I don't normally take much notice of conjecture, so we'll have to wait and see. I can't locate the thread now, unfortunately...

I have read that too! Perhaps it has something to do with them downsizing on plasmas they have not put much in to this years. The main jump in quality is suppose to be the ZT60 but only available at 60 inches! I have read the VT60 is not much better either.

 

[strapped for cash]

Sounds like a good reason to stick with what you've got.

You could find another way to treat yourself, or put the money aside toward an OLED TV further down the line. With several manufacturers investing in the technology, prices may fall sooner than you think; and competition may drive development forward at a pace.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Sounds like a good reason to stick with what you've got.

You could find another way to treat yourself, or put the money aside toward an OLED TV further down the line. With several manufacturers investing in the technology, prices may fall sooner than you think; and competition may drive development forward at a pace.

I am definitely sticking with the GT50, I love it. I have two living rooms, so would quite like another quality plasma, don't look like it is going to happen though.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

In this months WHF it says a GT60 may just be around the corner! I don't understand that comment because then on the look out for bit no mention - strange.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

£4000 for the ZT60 - ouch!

 

[strapped for cash]

I think the only way there will be a GT60 is if the ST60 is rebranded for the European market. That seems unlikely, though.

 

[Joe Cox]

GT60 confirmed. 42in and 50in. Details to follow.

https://mobile.twitter.com/whathifi/status/300990125549166592

 

[strapped for cash]

£4000 for the ZT60 - ouch!

That's me out (though I don't think I was ever in). Be interesting to see one in action.

I'm waiting for the forum backlash once owners realise it isn't a problem free set. We could start a pool on which problem (or problems) Panasonic plasmas will display this year. I'm voting for screen uniformity issues, as Panasonic has struggled to get this right for the last two years. The ZT60 also uses a new bonded glass panel design that Panasonic may not have perfected yet on a mass produced television.

Sorry if that sounds cynical. I'd still take problems with Panasonic plasmas over issues with other TVs (at least so far).

 

[strapped for cash]

GT60 confirmed. 42in and 50in. Details to follow.

https://mobile.twitter.com/whathifi/status/300990125549166592

NewsFlash! Thanks Joe.

It looks rather ST60-like. Are we sure this isn't just European branding for the ST60 series?

 

[Deleted member 2457]

GT60 confirmed. 42in and 50in. Details to follow.

https://mobile.twitter.com/whathifi/status/300990125549166592

That is brilliant news! Great stuff.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

£4000 for the ZT60 - ouch!

That's me out (though I don't think I was ever in). Be interesting to see one in action.

I'm waiting for the forum backlash once owners realise it isn't a problem free set. We could start a pool on which problem (or problems) Panasonic plasmas will display this year. I'm voting for screen uniformity issues, as Panasonic has struggled to get this right for the last two years. The ZT60 also uses a new bonded glass panel design that Panasonic may not have perfected yet on a mass produced television.

Sorry if that sounds cynical. I'd still take problems with Panasonic plasmas over issues with other TVs (at least so far).

I would love to see one in action too. Think I read only a few dealers will stock them though.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

So that was an exclusive on the GT60 in this months mag - good work guys.

 

[Andy Clough]

"The company's flagship ZT60 plasma TV has been confirmed for the UK as a 'limited edition' 60in model, with the 65in size shown at CES not set to come to Europe." Clickety

And more details on the new GT60 range in our news story.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

So the VT60 is available in 50 inches - awesome.

 

[bigboss]

For the price of ZT60, I can buy a more than decent projector! Of course, a projector won't suit everyone's requirements, but something to bear in mind.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

It seems a bit redundant to still be comparing against the Kuro!

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panasonic-tx-p60zt60-201302112658.htm

 

[Deleted member 2457]

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/49808/panasonic-viera-zt60-tx-p60zt60-plasma-tv-pictures-eyes-on-vs-pioneer-kuro