panasonic v series tvs

[hammer]

I would like to know if the new v series plasma tvs from panasonic are that much better than last years 800 series. I read that the v series has a little higher contrast ratio and also has 96 hz refresh rate, along with the viera cast hookup. I am more interested in the 96 hz refresh rate, because the 48 hz rate on the 800 series had a lot of flicker and I could not watch it in that mode. Any information regarding if the new v series tvs are worth buying and replacing the 800 series would be greatly appreciated, thanks hammer

[MrBoylan]

I would like to know if the new v series plasma tvs from panasonic are that much better than last years 800 series. I read that the v series has a little higher contrast ratio and also has 96 hz refresh rate, along with the viera cast hookup. I am more interested in the 96 hz refresh rate, because the 48 hz rate on the 800 series had a lot of flicker and I could not watch it in that mode. Any information regarding if the new v series tvs are worth buying and replacing the 800 series would be greatly appreciated, thanks hammer

It's hard to say really as the review samples haven't been sent out yet. I've seen them at line shows and demos but these aren't the best places to judge picture quality. We hope to get one in as soon as Panasonic has review samples available. The PZ800 series models were excellent HDTVs but the 48 Hz Cinematic Playback mode did create some flicker. Personally, I found that my eyes adjusted to that within a couple of minutes. The upgrade from 48Hz to 96Hz should really improve things for watching movies.

In terms of performance upgrades over the G10 series, the V10 offers Cinematic Playback (96 Hz) and a Digital Cinema Color option to match that color space. I think those are the major differences. Hope to be able to say more when we get one in for review, but for the TVs, the review samples sometimes go out *after* the set is available at retail (which the V10 seems to be, in limited quantities).

I know Daylight Don had his eye on one, so if he pulled the trigger then hopefully he'll share his thoughts with us on the forum.

-CB

[OzzieBloke]

I'm sure I read a review of a V-series TV already somewhere that noted that with lower quality material (480 and 720 material) the image quality was actually quite disappointing, compared to some cheaper previous models, but that the image quality with full HD material was spectacular.

I'll try and rustle that up again, if I can remember how I found it originally...

[hammer]

I look forward to reading your review when you get your hands on one. I also noticed that the v series have a picture mode called studio reference along with THX. I use THX setting on my 800 series all the time, especialy when I watch blue ray movies. But what is the better picture mode to give you more of a film like quality in movies, THX or studio reference ?

[MrBoylan]

I'm sure I read a review of a V-series TV already somewhere that noted that with lower quality material (480 and 720 material) the image quality was actually quite disappointing, compared to some cheaper previous models, but that the image quality with full HD material was spectacular.

I'll try and rustle that up again, if I can remember how I found it originally...

Well the US PR guy from Panasonic assures me no one has been sent review samples yet (at least not in the US). Not even CNET who usually gets these first. So if there are any reviews now, they're either for non-US models or someone managed to buy one and review it on their own.

I'd be surprised if they took a step back in SD upconversion, but anything's possible. If you do find the review, please post the URL.

Thanks,

-CB

[OzzieBloke]

Found it:

Panasonic TX-P42V10 / TX-P50V10 / TX-P42V10B Review

[MrBoylan]

Found it:

Panasonic TX-P42V10 / TX-P50V10 / TX-P42V10B Review

European model. Odd that there's no mention of Cinematic Playback mode, which means either it doesn't have it or it's called something else. Possibly "24p Smooth Film?" But reading about 24p Smooth Film mode, it sounds more like frame interpolation which is completely different and will give 24p sources more of a video like look.

Hate to say it but it's looking like the European (and Asian) V10 models may not have a native 24p mode akin to Cinematic Playback.

Take a look here and check out the features of the North America, Europe and Asia models in the V series:

VIERA | PDP&LCD TV | Panasonic (continent is selectable via tabs).

Note that "Cinematic Playback" is only listed for the models in North America.

-CB

[OzzieBloke]

European model.

Note that "Cinematic Playback" is only listed for the models in North America.

-CB

Yes, I've noticed that, and I'm going to be rather cheesed off if that really is the case If that is the case, I'll be stuck with having to import a model from the US and use a voltage upconverter to run the set here in Australia, but what a headache it would be if I needed to get it repaired...

I'll wait to see what happens when the V series is released here in Australia.

[PTN 39]

European model. Odd that there's no mention of Cinematic Playback mode, which means either it doesn't have it or it's called something else. Possibly "24p Smooth Film?" But reading about 24p Smooth Film mode, it sounds more like frame interpolation which is completely different and will give 24p sources more of a video like look.

Hate to say it but it's looking like the European (and Asian) V10 models may not have a native 24p mode akin to Cinematic Playback.

Take a look here and check out the features of the North America, Europe and Asia models in the V series:

VIERA | PDP&LCD TV | Panasonic (continent is selectable via tabs).

Note that "Cinematic Playback" is only listed for the models in North America.

-CB

Katzmiers CNET review is up for the V10 series 50 and 54 inch. Larger screens will be reviewed later. These two have earned a editors choice award from CNET. I was on the fence between the G10 and V10 54 inch models but I like the one piece of glass look and more pic controls so I'm going with the tc-p54V10. Have several panasonic components and one other plasma 42 pz700u and have been happy with them overall.

[MrBoylan]

Katzmiers CNET review is up for the V10 series 50 and 54 inch. Larger screens will be reviewed later.

That's good news as it means we'll be getting one soon. BTW, they didn't get both. They got the 50-inch TC-P50V10 and assumed (perhaps rightly so) that performance will be similar on the 54-inch model.

These two have earned a editors choice award from CNET. I was on the fence between the G10 and V10 54 inch models but I like the one piece of glass look and more pic controls so I'm going with the tc-p54V10. Have several panasonic components and one other plasma 42 pz700u and have been happy with them overall.

I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Not sure if we'll get the 50-inch or 54-inch model for review but hopefully we'll get one of them in time to do some head-to-head comparisons with the 950 series Samsung LED/LCD we have in for review.

-CB