42" 3D TV, $1300ish; possibly TC-P42GT25?

[Widgetcraft]

Hey guys, while I'm technically inclined, I don't keep up with what is the best-of-the-best in the world of televisions, or even what is best in the mid-range. I'm planning on getting a TV with a no-interest financing promotion that Amazon is running, which I'll be able to pay off by February or March. Currently I'm looking hard at the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P42GT25-42-Inch-Certified-Television/dp/B0040Q4TLQ/ref=br_lf_m_1000610021_1_10_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=electronics&pf_rd_p=1280610182&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000610021&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1NJ3AMK5DARB3XQKBGF7). From what I understand it's panel isn't the best, but it does do 2D-to-3D conversion. Another plus is that I get two pairs of glasses with it, plus some other junk.

Here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=br_lf_m_1000610021_grlink_1?ie=UTF8&plgroup=1&docId=1000610021) is the complete list of TVs that are available in the promotion, from the four different manufacturers in it. If you can see a better 3D" TV, 37"-42" (quality is more important than size for me), please let me know. Also note that the area the TV will be in cannot fit a TV above 42".

It's primary use will be watching TV (often SD), and playing video games. It's performance with gaming is very important. Of course I also enjoy watching Blu-ray and DVD movies, as well as streaming Netflix. I'm not overly demanding of picture quality, but I do want the best for my budget and needs. Should I steer clear of plasma? I'm hearing bad things about uneven lighting on LED backlit LCDs.

How much of an issue will burn-in be with this set? It will be on long hours, and as we all know, many channels have logos on the screen now (though, I assume that isn't a huge issue since the logos don't appear on commercials). Typically I will leave it on when I'm home, including when I sleep, and turn it off when I go to work. On the product page they give the panel a 100,000 hour life-span, but that seems unrealistic. I don't expect a TV to last an eternity, but four or five years is good.

I know I'm bombarding you guys with a lot of info, but any help would be very appreciated.

[Dukefrukem]

It's a Plasma. So it WILL have burn in (technically). There's been improvements in the past few years that have reduced it so it will PROB never happen to you, but it's technically possible.

It will also generate a ton of heat. So if you're puttin git in a small room, it will affect the temperature of the room. (I'm not kidding)

(Didn't realize when this thread was made, hope you got your info)

[Urizen]

Crap. My post got deleted. Here's the summary....

1. Unless you're desperate for deep blacks and obtuse viewing angles, take the downsides fo plasma into consideration, including your electricity bill. You should be aware the chances of burn-in are greatest early in the TV's life. You should pay more careful attention to potential burn-in for the first hundred hours.

2. I gotthis set (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BRAVIA-KDL46HX800-46-Inch-3D-Ready/dp/B00391VM18/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291974971&sr=1-1) for $997 the Sunday after Thanksgiving. No complaints. Lots of built-in net features, no flashlighting, even, smooth illumination and great for sports/fast-paced action. I had to spend another $35 on a 3d emitter and will wait to see the next gen of 3D glasses at CES before deciding on those.

The deal I got leads to me believe you should be able to get a better one yourself.

3. On principle, I would recommend you stay away from LG plasmas, and lean towards the Samsung. Never considered plasmas in my own research, so I can't say that with too much confidence. The place we live right now came with a 42" LG plasma, though.

4. If at all possible, try to find the set you're leaning towards in person. Even if a specific unit's specs appear worse, but the picture looks better to you side-by-side, trust your gut.

[Widgetcraft]

I think I'm just going to go with the non-3D version (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P42G25-42-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UBG/ref=br_lf_m_1000610021_1_4_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=electronics&pf_rd_p=1283578282&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000610021&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11HR0GR971B3Y77YC11K) of the TV. Amazon's promotions for the free 3D glasses and Blu-ray player aren't working properly right now, even after a thirty minute call to their support system. I was told on avsforum that this is pretty much the best 42" TV on the market (the 3D version, anyway), and that's specifically the size I'm looking for. It doesn't sound like burn-in is much of an issue after the 200 hour break-in period.

[Urizen]

I think I'm just going to go with the non-3D version (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P42G25-42-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UBG/ref=br_lf_m_1000610021_1_4_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=electronics&pf_rd_p=1283578282&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000610021&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11HR0GR971B3Y77YC11K) of the TV. Amazon's promotions for the free 3D glasses and Blu-ray player aren't working properly right now, even after a thirty minute call to their support system. I was told on avsforum that this is pretty much the best 42" TV on the market (the 3D version, anyway), and that's specifically the size I'm looking for. It doesn't sound like burn-in is much of an issue after the 200 hour break-in period.

Amazon's support letting you down is pretty disappointing. I like knowing my TV is future-proof as far as 3D is concerned, and I am excited for Killzone 3.

If you've already consulted the oracles at AVS Forum, then you should be fine. I've found some of the Amazon customer reviews to be useful, too. That's where I go for layperson's feedback.

[Widgetcraft]

Yeah, it does kind of suck not getting 3D, but in four or five years that tech will have matured and I might get something that doesn't need glasses, you never know. I dunno, I'll think it over for the weekend. One big plus of the TV in the OP is that it has a feature to make 2D content 3D, though of course it doesn't work all that well; I think I'd still enjoy it, I'm not terribly picky.

[Widgetcraft]

Meh, took the plunge on the 3D TV. Got the bundle with the two pairs of rechargeable glasses, Avatar 3D, and the blu-ray player. I'm gonna be getting the Sly Cooper Collection for it, which will be my only 3D game for a while, but a lot of good stuff is coming out next year that will support 3D (Last Guardian, and the ICO/Shadow of the Colossus re-releases for starters). I really wish Sony would go back and patch some more stuff to work in 3D, particularly God of War 3.

[Grifter]

Meh, took the plunge on the 3D TV. Got the bundle with the two pairs of rechargeable glasses, Avatar 3D, and the blu-ray player. I'm gonna be getting the Sly Cooper Collection for it, which will be my only 3D game for a while, but a lot of good stuff is coming out next year that will support 3D (Last Guardian, and the ICO/Shadow of the Colossus re-releases for starters). I really wish Sony would go back and patch some more stuff to work in 3D, particularly God of War 3.

Great TV! I was going to grab the 55" model but because I will have my PC hooked up to it the chance of burn in is just to great with plasma's even after all the amazing anti-burn in features.

There are a few 3D demos on the Playstation Network and if you have Gamefly I would grab Gran Turismo 5 and Enslaved. GT5 supports 3D out of the box but you have to buy the $10 expansion for Enslaved to get 3D.

[Wackman3000]

Great TV! I was going to grab the 55" model but because I will have my PC hooked up to it the chance of burn in is just to great with plasma's even after all the amazing anti-burn in features.


I really don't understand this comment. Burn in only occurs when someone doesn't turn off their panel or leaves on a solid image for hours on end, like the weather channel.

People passing up excellent televisions because of a fear of burn in should really look to what's the issue causing it. With a proper screen saver implemented, I see no reason to pass up a plasma because of a PC being used as an input source.

However, if you tell me that you planned at staring at your windows taskbar all day or you have small children who have a habit of leaving the set on, or a wife/girlfriend who adores the weather channel music, then maybe I can see your point. :p

[Widgetcraft]

Great TV! I was going to grab the 55" model but because I will have my PC hooked up to it the chance of burn in is just to great with plasma's even after all the amazing anti-burn in features.

There are a few 3D demos on the Playstation Network and if you have Gamefly I would grab Gran Turismo 5 and Enslaved. GT5 supports 3D out of the box but you have to buy the $10 expansion for Enslaved to get 3D.

Thanks for the tip on Enslaved, I may consider that one, not much of a serious racing fan. That 55" isn't really that much more expensive than the 42", I just can't fit it into the spot I want it. I'll update the post with my impressions of it once it gets here, which should be this coming Monday.

[Grifter]

I really don't understand this comment. Burn in only occurs when someone doesn't turn off their panel or leaves on a solid image for hours on end, like the weather channel.

People passing up excellent televisions because of a fear of burn in should really look to what's the issue causing it. With a proper screen saver implemented, I see no reason to pass up a plasma because of a PC being used as an input source.

However, if you tell me that you planned at staring at your windows taskbar all day or you have small children who have a habit of leaving the set on, or a wife/girlfriend who adores the weather channel music, then maybe I can see your point. :p

I know what causes burn in;
Internet browsers have tool bars, tool bars are static images, prolonged exposure of static images cause burn in. I don't have a PC hooked up to the TV so can run a screen saver 24/7. Some times I like to sit on the couch and browse the internet, some times I'll spend a couple hours reading through a forum or a series of articles. A games HUD can also be an issue, I didn't pass up a great TV specifically because of fear of burn in, I bought another great TV because it's technology was better suited to how I'm going to use it.
It's really not too hard to understand.

[Dukefrukem]

Grifter is accurate with his post.

[Widgetcraft]

So, that free Avatar 3D Blu-ray I'm getting with my TV/Glasses/Blu-ray player is apparently exclusive to Panasonic owners. It seems to go for roughly $150 on eBay, sealed... WTF.

[Urizen]

So, that free Avatar 3D Blu-ray I'm getting with my TV/Glasses/Blu-ray player is apparently exclusive to Panasonic owners. It seems to go for roughly $150 on eBay, sealed... WTF.

I heard about the exclusive deal, and that people were upset about it. I had no idea it was selling for so much on eBay. If I were you, I'd flip it.

[Widgetcraft]

I heard about the exclusive deal, and that people were upset about it. I had no idea it was selling for so much on eBay. If I were you, I'd flip it.

That is under serious consideration right now, as I don't actually give a shit about Avatar.

[Widgetcraft]

So, the shipping company that Amazon uses (or rather, the shipping company that the shipping company uses) for large things like TVs is just awful. Basically, they use a company called Home Direct, who in turn distribute things to smaller companies who handle the actual delivery. The problem is with the smaller company, some seem to be good (from what people say), however the one handling my TV is shit.

The original quoted delivery date when I ordered the TV ("If you want this delivered by Monday, December 20th..." etc) was the 20th. Then over the weekend the tracking page started saying the 21st. On top of that, they were supposed to call me shortly after I checked out, and I never received a call. Finally, on Monday, I called Home Direct to see what was going on. They told me that this smaller company should have called me, and checking the tracking page they claimed to have called me and completed said call. I told them that I received no such call, and the people at Home Direct said they would file a complaint, and gave me the number for the smaller company.

So, I call the smaller company, and I tell them what was going on. They then check their records, and quote a phone number that was wrong by one digit. Keep in mind that Home Direct actually had the right number, because that is what I used to track the package to begin with. So, they simply lied about having made the call. They then tell me that they will call me the next day (today), and schedule the delivery for some time on Wednesday.

This morning I finally receive the call to schedule the delivery, and surprise-surprise, it is going to be delivered Thursday afternoon. I honestly have no faith in it actually showing up on Thursday, and I'm considering calling Amazon or Home Direct to complain. I probably wouldn't be this annoyed if not for the blatant lie about them having called me; who knows what would have happened to my TV if I hadn't taken the initiative to call them.

EDIT: I called Amazon and informed them of what was going on, and they say it's very unusual for this to happen, as usually Home Direct uses pretty good drop shippers. They filed some kind of complaint about this smaller company, and gave me a $20 credit to my account.

EDIT2: Calling Home Direct has been significantly less helpful. To begin with, both times that I have called (yesterday to investigate the issue of having never been called, and today to complain about what's going on with my delivery time) I have been put on hold for fifteen minutes before speaking to a person. Telling them that, not only did this smaller company never complete the call they claimed on the tracking page but that the smaller company didn't even have the right phone number, they simply tell me that they will be deducted "points." That's comforting to know, they aren't going to be on the high score board for lieing about having done a job. As far as the delivery time goes, they say that Amazon should have never quoted me the 20th, and that they shouldn't quote anyone any dates, essentially. They say that this company only drives to my area every two weeks (which is ridiculous, they are a whole three-or-so hours away), and that it wouldn't be possible to deliver it any earlier.

Soo... order large packages from Amazon at your own risk, I guess. Hell, I could have easily driven to the Amazon warehouse to pick up the package the same day I ordered it, and this company is taking weeks to deliver it, and are now telling me that I'm lucky it's the holidays otherwise another truck wouldn't have been coming by until next week.

[Urizen]

Wow. That sucks. I'd make a call to Amazon every day until I got the TV. Only 5 or 10 minutes, but I bet they do something about it every time you complain.

[Widgetcraft]

I just checked the tracking page... now it's showing a delivery for the 24th. I'll be calling them tomorrow to find out if they're delivering it tomorrow or not. If not, they'll be taking it back to Amazon, I'm done with this shit.

[roboninja]

God damn, customer service just keeps going down hill. Sucks, HM.

[Widgetcraft]

I've read all I need to about Home Direct online. From what I can tell, if you aren't in a convenient place to deliver to (minutes from their distributor in the same city), you aren't going to see your purchase, just forget about it. They consider my home to be in a "remote delivery" location even though I'm only three hours away. From what I've read, they can and will delay deliveries for months on end. As far as I'm concerned, they've already broken three delivery dates: Amazon's claim of the 20th, Home Direct's own "estimate" of the 21st, the local company's claim of a possible 22nd delivery, and they're on their way to a fourth with the delivery they scheduled for today.

EDIT: Okay, I called them, and they said they don't know why it says the 24th on the tracking page and that it will be delivered today. So... crossing my fingers here. Really gotta say that I don't have a lot of faith in the local company, I finally found their webpage and both of the 888 numbers they had listed were disconnected (well, one wasn't, it apparently belonged to another company now and hasn't been theirs for seven months).

[Widgetcraft]

Got the TV, I'll be updating this post with my impressions. Thus far, I have to say... 3D is awesome.

EDIT: Just tried out the 2D->3D conversion feature on Just Cause 2, and I thought it looked great! I'm not sure why people complain about this feature, but it may depend on the content. The PS3 menu also looked really good, particularly the moving icons. Going to try out Batman: AA.

EDIT: 2D->3D conversion for Batman: AA wasn't as good, so I turned it off. The game still looks spectacular on the screen.