TX-P50GT50 exchange for 50VT50??

[strapped for cash]

It's important to note that what's considered "reference" shifts over time.

The VT50 matches the newer models in terms of greyscale and colour accuracy, but is beaten in other areas. The 50 series doesn't perform to a reference standard in terms of screen uniformity, IR, and buzzing.

If you're interested in the the VT50, I see no harm in going for it, as long as JL gives you options further down the line. You'd be getting a fair bit more from the GT60 in terms of overall performance, for just £150 more.

Both the GT60 and VT65 received reference status awards, albeit from different review sites.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

I will be interested to see what Digital Versus make of the GT and VT60 because they have already said the ST60 is no better than the ST50. And early reports all said the others won't be much better. I suppose a demo is called for.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Interesting again how the GT60 is said to be much brighter than the VT65, I wonder why Panasonic do that? :? Surely everyone will buy the GT60 again?

 

[bigboss]

The VT75 sports a new red phosphor & filter which is supposed to make a massive difference to the picture. With regards to brightness, this is what Mark Hodgkinson says:

The ANSI checkerboard is a good test but remember, by its very definition, it's at 50% APL which is about double the average of what you actually watch most of the time. 'Real world' contrast is fantastic.

 

[strapped for cash]

Interesting again how the GT60 is said to be much brighter than the VT65, I wonder why Panasonic do that? :? Surely everyone will buy the GT60 again?

I'm sure it's down to energy regs and the VT65's more aggressive filter (i.e. both limit brightness). On a positive note, the VT65's filter should help the TV hold onto those black levels in a brighter environment.

It's funny, if you always watch in a light controlled environment, you don't need the GT60's added brightness. On the other hand, if you watch in a bright room, the VT65 may seem a little subdued (while better holding onto black level, resulting in greater image depth, at least in principle). Neither is the perfect solution.

Given the option, I'd prefer the VT65 for a number of reasons, not all related to perceived contrast. Fully saturated rather than orange-looking reds, better motion, and better sound each appeal. I'm not convinced the extra gradation steps will improve the picture (they didn't last year).

 

[Deleted member 2457]

The VT75 sports a new red phosphor & filter which is supposed to make a massive difference to the picture. With regards to brightness, this is what Mark Hodgkinson says: The ANSI checkerboard is a good test but remember, by its very definition, it's at 50% APL which is about double the average of what you actually watch most of the time. 'Real world' contrast is fantastic.

Yep, the red phosphor sounds good and the YouTube videos looked really good. With the filter is that to make it look better during the day? Because black levels have gone to the GT60 as being better.

 

[strapped for cash]

The VT75 sports a new red phosphor & filter which is supposed to make a massive difference to the picture. With regards to brightness, this is what Mark Hodgkinson says: The ANSI checkerboard is a good test but remember, by its very definition, it's at 50% APL which is about double the average of what you actually watch most of the time. 'Real world' contrast is fantastic.

Though this indicates that ABL will kick in with certain content. If this affects a very small percentage of actual viewing, it's not a big issue.

I feel on the verge of a Clarkson-like rant about eco-friendly regulations, though I guess the future of the planet is more important than peak television brightness.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Interesting again how the GT60 is said to be much brighter than the VT65, I wonder why Panasonic do that? :? Surely everyone will buy the GT60 again?

I'm sure it's down to energy regs and the VT65's more aggressive filter (i.e. both limit brightness). On a positive note, the VT65's filter should help the TV hold onto those black levels in a brighter environment.

It's funny, if you always watch in a light controlled environment, you don't need the GT60's added brightness. On the other hand, if you watch in a bright room, the VT65 may seem a little subdued (while better holding onto black level, resulting in greater image depth, at least in principle). Neither is the perfect solution.

Given the option, I'd prefer the VT65 for a number of reasons, not all related to perceived contrast. Fully saturated rather than orange-looking reds, better motion, and better sound each appeal. I'm not convinced the extra gradation steps will improve the picture (they didn't last year).

Is it better motion on the VT65?

 

[strapped for cash]

The VT75 sports a new red phosphor & filter which is supposed to make a massive difference to the picture. With regards to brightness, this is what Mark Hodgkinson says: The ANSI checkerboard is a good test but remember, by its very definition, it's at 50% APL which is about double the average of what you actually watch most of the time. 'Real world' contrast is fantastic.

Yep, the red phosphor sounds good and the YouTube videos looked really good. With the filter is that to make it look better during the day? Because black levels have gone to the GT60 as being better.

Basically, yes, but you can't have it both ways.

The VT65's black levels will look more impressive in a brighter room, but this advantage will be somewhat countered by the lower peak brightness.

The GT60's added brightness also gives the TV some advantages in a brighter environment, though those black levels will wash out a little more.

It doesn't seem like there's a notable difference in black level between the VT65 and GT60 (especially as the readings were taken in different environments -- the VT in a fully dark room, the GT in a room with some ambient light -- which means direct comparison of the readings isn't possible).

In a pitch black room, the GT60 may edge it in terms of measureable black level, though I strongly suspect the two are identical, or so close to identical as to be imperceptible.

In a bright room, the VT65 should hold onto its black level a little better.

You pay your money, you make your choice...

 

[strapped for cash]

Is it better motion on the VT65?

The reviews indicate that the VT65 is better with motion than the GT60. I need to see them side by side with problematic content (football's a good bet for showing up motion issues) and make my own mind up.

 

[mr malarky]

I guess the future of the planet is more important than peak television brightness.

What heresy is this???

 

[strapped for cash]

What heresy is this???

I'm going soft in my middle age.

 

[mr malarky]

What heresy is this???

I'm going soft in my middle age.

pull yourself together man!

 

[civilian]

JL well price match for me on the VT50, but apprantly they have none in stock...! I may go for the VT as they well be giving a 60 day refund option...Or i may hold out and see what else is available to me..

 

[strapped for cash]

What heresy is this???

I'm going soft in my middle age.

pull yourself together man!

 

[strapped for cash]

JL well price match for me on the VT50, but apprantly they have none in stock...! I may go for the VT as they well be giving a 60 day refund option...Or i may hold out and see what else is available to me..

That 60 day refund option perhaps changes things slightly. I'd struggle making that decision.

If you buy the VT50 and all is OK, great stuff. You've got a TV you're happy with at a bargain price.

If there are problems with the VT50 you can keep it for 60 days, at which point 2013 prices may be more competitive.

All that said, it could be a lot of hassle for a relatively limited saving.

:?

 

[civilian]

Agreed on the hassel front. Running in the set..over , and over is doing my nut in. I just want to enjoy the tv. Ill prob go with the Vt if all is well and is issue free. Im hoping not to spend anymore as i wish to buy hifi ect, ect. I need a tv stand, not to expensive but something good..Lol. any suggestions where to buy?

 

[Nick_Shepherd]

JL not getting any more VT50's!! And also, the buying department says thy have no current plans to stock the GT60......

what to do now I wonder...?

would hate to beta refund and buy a VT50 elsewhere....

 

[mr malarky]

Did they give a reason why they're not planning to stock the GT60?

 

[Nick_Shepherd]

Afraid not, customer service checked with the buying dept as I said I would take a GT60 when in stock and they reported back that the VT's are on the list to buy (but no dates yet) but not GT's....

 

[strapped for cash]

Wot no GT60! :O

Did they say anything about the ST60? That might be a good alternative. 55" price matched at £1,249 could be managable. If not, the 50" could be price matched at £849 (if JL will price match with Direct TVs and, of course, they stock ST60s this year).

You'd be free of the vertical banding problem and the set would be more or less on par with the VT50.

I visited the bank today and I'm slightly better off than I realised. A 55VT65 is on my radar, though I might need to sell my subwoofer (which gets no use) to justify that kind of expense.

 

[Nick_Shepherd]

Did not ask about the ST I'm afraid strapped....waiting for a call back so will ask the. If you like....

I may end up staying with the GT50 and pay for calibration?

 

[bigboss]

though I might need to sell my subwoofer (which gets no use) to justify that kind of expense.

IMO a subwoofer is the most important aspect of a home cinema system. Watch your favourite film with & without a sub. Which sub have you got?

 

[strapped for cash]

Did not ask about the ST I'm afraid strapped....waiting for a call back so will ask the. If you like....

I may end up staying with the GT50 and pay for calibration?

Please Nick, that'd be great.

Remind, what's the problem with your GT50? Whether it's vertical banding, buzzing, IR, or a combination of these problems, calibration will do nothing to help (you'll have reference greyscale and the same problems). In my view you'd be throwing money away that would be better spent on a TV with fewer issues.

 

[civilian]

just spoke to JL. They have no idea when the VT well be coming in if any at all. Also, they had no info on the gt60.... Im now not sure what to do. I was hoping to at least move to the VT, cant stand the thought of going back to the issues of the GT50. ARGH.