Samsung F8500 plasma anticipation thread

[Oldboy]

Cheers Oldboy. I feel I'm due a bit of luck.

I recall your long and rocky road with a series of TVs, so I'm sure you understand my frustration.

As excited as I am by the F8500, I won't make a rash decision and I'll thoroughly audition before parting with more money.

On the buzzing front, others have said the same thing. The strange thing is, I can't hear it, even if I turn my laptop's volume way up. To be fair, my laptop's integrated speakers are awful, so perhaps this is why.

When I finally audition the F8500, I'll keep my ears and eyes open for buzzing and brightness pops.

You certainly are strapped...and yes I understand your frustration completely (perhaps more than anyone in truth)! The thing is I was convinced the GT50 series would right the wrongs of past Panny plasmas but it seems Panasonic either aren't listening to their customers or don't care about the reported issues as they deem the complaints levels to be small in comparison to the amount of sets sold.

Anyway let's hope that you get to audition the F8500 soon and that you can make an informed decision on what you are going to do next, you have the right attitude anyway as taking your time with the decision of your next tv is vital...I can say from experience that research and patients are the key here to getting a tv that suits your requirements and performs to the level you expect. Even if you have to ask for a refund before the time you have to act ends then I would recommend doing just that and making sure the next tv is exactly what you want, it will pay dividends in the end i'm sure.

I can very clearly hear the buzzing coming from the F8500 in the vid on my laptop even through the built in speakers and even more clearly through headphones but as the camera gets so close it may be nothing to worry about but certainly worth listening for when you audition one eh. My G20 had the fluctuating brightness issue too but what I would say is that over time it really did improve to the point where it was barely and very rarely noticable but perhaps again something to look for ?

I'm really looking forward to your thoughts when you get to audition one for yourself and just hope those issues have no ground for concern when you do, in the meantime keep looking and I really hope you get tv nirvana soon.

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Oldboy!

With no news on the F8500's UK release date and price, I fear I'll have to live without a TV for a while.

 

[Oldboy]

Cheers Oldboy!

With no news on the F8500's UK release date and price, I fear I'll have to live without a TV for a while.

Yep but better that than end up with another tv you aren't happy with, see if you can convince a friend to loan you a set for a while if poss? I know oh too well what it's like, I had to live with my bedroom basic Samsung 32inch 1080p LED for a few weeks whilst I made my mind up what I was going to do simply because I had packed up the GT30 in disgust and couldn't be bothered with the hassle of unpacking it and mounting it back on the wall, sounds like you may be waiting longer than me though...hope it's not too long.

Unlike Samsung to not announce release dates of it's tvs as early as other manufacturers, all you can do is keep an eye on it as it seems that's the one you want to see first...I don't blame you as it looks very promising. I presume the ZT60 or GT60 aren't on your radar then after your experience with the GT50, would you even demo them? Obviously the ZT60 may be beyond yours (and mine) price ranges but I would still be curious to see them both...only problem is that if you want to stick to plasma then only Panasonic, Samsung and LG will have options for you this year.

Can't say I've seen the LG line up for 2013...anything there to perhaps tempt you??

 

[strapped for cash]

I'm not ruling out 2013 Panasonic plasmas, but I can't stretch to a ZT, as it only comes in one size (which is too big for my living room).

That said, I feel I'm reaching the end of the road with Panasonic. I've been let down too many times. Not only with the latest round of televisions, but also with a G10 that had the famous rising black level issue.

Unlike yourself, I got lucky with 2010 models. My V20 was pretty much flawless. I wish I'd kept it.

As for LG, I can't see their plasmas competing with the Panasonic and Samsung this year (if arguably ever).

Which leaves me with the Samsung F8500...

 

[Oldboy]

I completely understand your reluctance to consider another Panasonic plasma as after my experience they lost me as a customer due to all the issues I encountered plus I was sure that as a regular gamer another plasma wouldn't be a good idea, i'm glad I chose the Sony in the end as it suits my needs completely...taking the time to choose and demo was key.

Just out of interest I received an email from Richer Sounds today about pre ordering the F8000 LED tvs so I would presume that the F8500 can't be too far behind as info on the F8000 LEDs is on the Richer Sounds website now, fingers crossed prices and release dates appear soon.

I've not seen anything about the LG line up for this year but I seriously doubt there will be anything in it to bother either the ZT60, GT60 or F8500 so I think they are your choices from this years ranges except for the ZT60 of course due to price and screen size.

Just hope you get some light at the end of the tunnel soon :wall:

 

[strapped for cash]

The 51" F8500 is now listed for sale on the Crampton and Moore website for £1,899.

http://www.cramptonandmoore.co.uk/samsung-ps51f8500-51-3d-plasma-smart-tv.html

The 64" is £2,999

http://www.cramptonandmoore.co.uk/samsung-ps64f8500-64-3d-plasma-smart-tv.html

Both are listed as "No Stock" at the moment, so no news of when it'll be possible to get hold of one.

The prices are a little high, so it's all about the quality of the TV. If the F8500 represents a quantum leap in terms of performance, it'll be worth it. If it beats the ZT65, the 64" is very competitively priced, since you'll be getting more screen for less money.

I was hoping the 51" would be a little cheaper. With the current pricing I'm sitting on the fence.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

That is a lot more expensive than I was expecting! Do you think you can stretch to that price? Pretty sure I couldn't or wouldn't.

 

[strapped for cash]

That is a lot more expensive than I was expecting! Do you think you can stretch to that price? Pretty sure I couldn't or wouldn't.

That depends how good the television is.

Bear in mind that at 50" VT60 will be almost as expensive and may have screen uniformity problems (This has been Panasonic's Achilles' heel for the last two years, and Panasonic has done nothing to help customers that have experienced problems.) If Samsung's claims about the F8500 hold true, it's only rival in terms of performance this year is the ZT65.

I can afford the 51" F8500 if I get a full refund on the GT50, though of course I'd rather pay less.

I'm not sure what to do to be honest. I don't think I can put my faith in Panasonic again. Their quality control is shambolic and their customer service is appalling.

I think you've become too much of a Panasonic fanboy, Gel!

 

[Deleted member 2457]

That is a lot more expensive than I was expecting! Do you think you can stretch to that price? Pretty sure I couldn't or wouldn't.

That depends how good the television is.

Bear in mind that at 50" VT60 will be almost as expensive and may have screen uniformity problems (this has been Panasonic's Achilles' heel for the last two years, and Panasonic has done nothing to help customers that have experienced problems). If Samsung's claims about the F8500 hold true, it's only rival in terms of performance this year is the ZT65.

I can afford the 51" F8500 if I get a full refund on the GT50, though of course I'd rather pay less.

I'm not sure what to do to be honest. I don't think I can put my faith in Panasonic again. Their quality control is shambolic and their customer service is appalling.

I think you've become too much of a Panasonic fanboy, Gel!

No way mine is perfect, just a shame you can't get one. You know I thought of one idea and I would do it is change the GT50 for the VT50, that then gives you another 30 days to decide, nothing to lose and I am sure if it was perfect you would keep it. What do you think?

 

[Oldboy]

The 51" F8500 is now listed for sale on the Crampton and Moore website for £1,899.

http://www.cramptonandmoore.co.uk/samsung-ps51f8500-51-3d-plasma-smart-tv.html

The 64" is £2,999

http://www.cramptonandmoore.co.uk/samsung-ps64f8500-64-3d-plasma-smart-tv.html

Both are listed as "No Stock" at the moment, so no news of when it'll be possible to get hold of one.

The prices are a little high, so it's all about the quality of the TV. If the F8500 represents a quantum leap in terms of performance, it'll be worth it. If it beats the ZT65, the 64" is very competitively priced, since you'll be getting more screen for less money.

I was hoping the 51" would be a little cheaper. With the current pricing I'm sitting on the fence.

What I would say is that when the bigger retailers start listing them I would expect their prices to be lower than that so I would have thought £1700 or there abouts will probably be the going rate but that's just a guess of course from my years in retail.

The thing is if you were looking at Kuro levels or better at that price then I don't think the price is too bad at all, yes it's more than any of us were expecting but if it was a case of being completely happy with the tv then the extra outlay would be worth it yes? The thing to keep in mind is how much a Kuro was costing when new before they were discontinued, add inflation and a comparable set would cost much more than even the quoted £1,899.

It's all a case of if it delivers on it's promise as to whether the price tag is justified and for that we will have to wait for the reviews to come in and for customers to start reporting back and that will take time so you need to ask yourself if you are willing to jump in without that knowledge??

 

[strapped for cash]

No way mine is perfect, just a shame you can't get one. You know I thought of one idea and I would do it is change the GT50 for the VT50, that then gives you another 30 days to decide, nothing to lose and I am sure if it was perfect you would keep it. What do you think?

I know Gel. Stop rubbing it in! Based on my experiences (and others', too), you got very lucky.

The VT50 isn't a bad call.

At some point John Lewis will get fed up with me and I'm sure their good will won't last forever. In principle, at least, there's nothing John Lewis can do if I'm within the cooling off period with any TV purchase.

If I'm not happy with the VT, I'd be delaying another purchase for 28 days, at which point we'd hopefully know a bit more about this year's models and prices may have dropped a little.

On the other hand, I've been through so much hassle already I'm not sure I want to complicate things further. In addition, I don't think I want to pay £1,800 for an outgoing model, especially one that will likely have the same problem I've already got.

I don't know, I'm feeling a bit demoralised. I didn't buy the GT50 expecting the ensuing soap opera.

 

[strapped for cash]

you need to ask yourself if you are willing to jump in without that knowledge??

I don't have a lot of choice. I need to do something in the next fortnight.

After that, my right to refund expires and my options become more limited. I'm going to be a test monkey, whether I like the idea or not.

Better climb into that space suit and strap in tight...

 

[Deleted member 2457]

No way mine is perfect, just a shame you can't get one. You know I thought of one idea and I would do it is change the GT50 for the VT50, that then gives you another 30 days to decide, nothing to lose and I am sure if it was perfect you would keep it. What do you think?

I know Gel. Stop rubbing it in! Based on my experiences (and others', too), you got very lucky.

The VT50 isn't a bad call.

At some point John Lewis will get fed up with me and I'm sure their good will won't last forever. In principle, at least, there's nothing John Lewis can do if I'm within the cooling off period with any TV purchase.

If I'm not happy with the VT, I'd be delaying another purchase for 28 days, at which point we'd hopefully know a bit more about this year's models and prices may have dropped a little.

On the other hand, I've been through so much hassle already I'm not sure I want to complicate things further. In addition, I don't think I want to pay £1,800 for an outgoing model, especially one that will likely have the same problem I've already got.

I don't know, I'm feeling a bit demoralised. I didn't buy the GT50 expecting the ensuing soap opera.

http://www.totaldigital.biz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=43_51&products_id=4469&zenid=knb8ogdj82vvpp6l1a98ig9qm3

Here is the latest price on the VT50, to price match with!

£1360 - you just ask John Lewis to price match, which they do.

 

[strapped for cash]

http://www.totaldigital.biz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=43_51&products_id=4469&zenid=knb8ogdj82vvpp6l1a98ig9qm3

Here is the latest price on the VT50, to price match with!

£1360 - you just ask John Lewis to price match, which they do.

Or £1,735 for the 55VT50. I'm still not convinced it's a gamble that'll pay off.

It's worth thinking about, if only as a delaying tactic. That said, I really don't want to mess John Lewis around. I'd feel like I'm cheating a retailer that has been nothing but cooperative.

 

[rocketrazor]

Strapped, do you not have another TV at all that you can use while you decide. That way you can take a refund, wait for the release and see what everyone says before buying? Even if its a 32" or 40" from a bedroom, you could use that for a few months in the lounge?

 

[simonlewis]

I have a tv tuner in my pc which is near the main tv which means i can watch two programs simultaneously which i do often.

 

[strapped for cash]

I have a tv tuner in my pc which is near the main tv which means i can watch two programs simultaneously which i do often.

I could watch TV on my laptop, but the prospect of that as my only option is quite depressing.

 

[strapped for cash]

Strapped, do you not have another TV at all that you can use while you decide. That way you can take a refund, wait for the release and see what everyone says before buying? Even if its a 32" or 40" from a bedroom, you could use that for a few months in the lounge?

I don't mate.

I might ask family and friends if I could borrow a TV for a while.

 

[rocketrazor]

Strapped, do you not have another TV at all that you can use while you decide. That way you can take a refund, wait for the release and see what everyone says before buying? Even if its a 32" or 40" from a bedroom, you could use that for a few months in the lounge?

I don't mate.

I might ask family and friends if I could borrow a TV for a while.

Worth a try mate, it would save 'diving in' without any prior knowledge on your next big set. Alternatively what about picking up a cheap small one that you might be able to sell on or use somewhere else in the house just to see you through. I know its a pain in the .... and its extra expense, but if it saves you spending £1800 on another TV that has issues its money well spent. Also by the time you wait the price drops and for the cost of one TV you have two!

Your DSE must be really bad, sorry dude

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Blimey, it is even cheaper here - £1300!

http://www.hispek.com/panasonic/3d-televisions/panasonic-tx-p50vt50b-50-premium-full-hd-3d-plasma-smart-viera-tv-with-2-x-3d-glasses-free-5-year-in-store-warranty-pd-11003.php?gclid=CKeUnrea_7UCFcHHtAodzCIAKQ

 

[rocketrazor]

Blimey, it is even cheaper here - £1300!

http://www.hispek.com/panasonic/3d-televisions/panasonic-tx-p50vt50b-50-premium-full-hd-3d-plasma-smart-viera-tv-with-2-x-3d-glasses-free-5-year-in-store-warranty-pd-11003.php?gclid=CKeUnrea_7UCFcHHtAodzCIAKQ

Do JL still price match if they offer a 5 year warranty and the other shop/website doesn't?

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Blimey, it is even cheaper here - £1300!

http://www.hispek.com/panasonic/3d-televisions/panasonic-tx-p50vt50b-50-premium-full-hd-3d-plasma-smart-viera-tv-with-2-x-3d-glasses-free-5-year-in-store-warranty-pd-11003.php?gclid=CKeUnrea_7UCFcHHtAodzCIAKQ

Do JL still price match if they offer a 5 year warranty and the other shop/website doesn't?

That is a good question, last time I bought I heard they didn't but have since spoken to someone else at John Lewis who says they do. At John Lewis you seem to get varied answers.

 

[strapped for cash]

Your DSE must be really bad, sorry dude

It really depends on the content. When I can't see it, the picture's great. When I can, I find it a huge distraction.

Some people say the dirty screen effect is visible on less than one percent of content. This hasn't been the case with any of the three GT50s I've owned.

When watching football, I can see it 100 percent of the time; nature documentaries, maybe ten percent; any drama that's a bit subdued in look with pastel shades, probably ten percent again. Brightly lit studio programmes, such as game and chat shows, are perfectly fine.

I'd say something in the region of ten percent of content is affected overall. Since that's an average of six minutes every hour, it's beyond what I'd consider acceptable.

 

[rocketrazor]

Blimey, it is even cheaper here - £1300!

http://www.hispek.com/panasonic/3d-televisions/panasonic-tx-p50vt50b-50-premium-full-hd-3d-plasma-smart-viera-tv-with-2-x-3d-glasses-free-5-year-in-store-warranty-pd-11003.php?gclid=CKeUnrea_7UCFcHHtAodzCIAKQ

Do JL still price match if they offer a 5 year warranty and the other shop/website doesn't?

That is a good question, last time I bought I heard they didn't but have since spoken to someone else at John Lewis who says they do. At John Lewis you seem to get varied answers.

I always thought it was a way of offering a price match, but then not having to give it to you as the 'product' isn't technically the same. They can then argue you get better value by spending a little more and you get the extra warranty. I could of course be completely wrong but I've never managed to get a price match as the terms aren't the same. If its changed then I'll be buying all my future stuff from JL

 

[bigboss]

Blimey, it is even cheaper here - £1300!

http://www.hispek.com/panasonic/3d-televisions/panasonic-tx-p50vt50b-50-premium-full-hd-3d-plasma-smart-viera-tv-with-2-x-3d-glasses-free-5-year-in-store-warranty-pd-11003.php?gclid=CKeUnrea_7UCFcHHtAodzCIAKQ

Do JL still price match if they offer a 5 year warranty and the other shop/website doesn't?

Yes they do. I bought Samsung 32EH5000 for my sister-in-law only last month. JL price matched Richer Sound's price (without the 5 year warranty).