Panasonic admits plasma TV black level changeIn response to complaints reporting a loss in black level performance in its plasma TVs over time, Panasonic has issued a statement.
 Panasonic says black level increases are automatic as part of normal operation.It also said that newer plasma TVs will include a "more gradual change in black level over time", but made no mention of a fix for existing plasma TVs whose owners first noted the issue at enthusiast Web site AVS forum. Editors' note:We've spoken to Panasonic Asia Pacific on this issue and have been informed that they have not received similar complaints in our region.Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs deliver exceptional picture performance throughout the lifetime of these products. Various elements and material characteristics of all electronic displays change with use over time. In order to achieve the optimal picture performance throughout the life of the set, Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an automatic control which adjusts an internal driving voltage at predetermined intervals of operational hours. As a result of this automatic voltage adjustment, background brightness will increase from its initial value. After several years of typical use, the internal material characteristics will stabilize and no additional automatic voltage adjustments are required. The Black Level at this stabilized point will yield excellent picture performance. The newest Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an improved automatic control which applies the voltage adjustments in smaller increments. This results in a more gradual change in the Black Level over time. More questions than answers I first contacted Panasonic seeking comment on January 11, and the company has not responded until this statement which was emailed to me Wednesday, February 3. Though arguably better than silence, the statement leaves too many major questions unanswered. I have followed up with Panasonic seeking those answers, asking, among other questions, if/when a fix is planned for current TVs to address owner complaints; at what "predetermined intervals" do the voltages increase; when do the materials stabilize; what the quantitative difference is between the initial black level and the "stabilized point"; which are the "newest Viera plasma HDTVs" referred to in the statement; and what should owners do who are unsatisfied with the picture quality of their TVs. I'll update this story when I receive a reply. Tags: Plasma, TV, Web Site, Plasma TV, HDTV |
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Zagatos says...
I dont understand why companies still bet on plasmas. They should just focus on the new technology like LED , the blacks are as good as the plasmas. Hate to say it but plasma shouldnt be produce anymore its an old dated technology.
Feb 10, 2010 09:48
I dont understand why companies still bet on plasmas. They should just focus on the new technology like LED , the blacks are as good as the plasmas. Hate to say it but plasma shouldnt be produce anymore its an old dated technology.
Feb 10, 2010 09:48
rextc says...
@Zagatos
Because..
1) Plasma is not an OUTDATED technology. For one LCD and LED technology has been around for decades. Plasma is a new technology if you want to look at it that way. Plus are you refering to "backlit" LED or OLED? There is a major difference between the two. Your LED tech is nothing more than an LED lightbulb instead of flurocent behind your panel.
2) Plasmas are liked because of their more than double black level MLL ratings. Even a Panasonic at double the .008fl has better blacks than any LCD out. Also people like Plasmas because they have better viewing angels, more accurate colors, better motion handling, etc. If look at the new Panasonic line it is claiming 5mil:1 contrast ratio (full time), and with the Z1 and new Samsungs being only 1" thick... How exactly do you see it as an aging tech?
3) Even most review sites said the new Panasonic line will have the Pio tech (extrem black < .001fl)and have the best 3d technology this year.
Feb 11, 2010 02:17
@Zagatos
Because..
1) Plasma is not an OUTDATED technology. For one LCD and LED technology has been around for decades. Plasma is a new technology if you want to look at it that way. Plus are you refering to "backlit" LED or OLED? There is a major difference between the two. Your LED tech is nothing more than an LED lightbulb instead of flurocent behind your panel.
2) Plasmas are liked because of their more than double black level MLL ratings. Even a Panasonic at double the .008fl has better blacks than any LCD out. Also people like Plasmas because they have better viewing angels, more accurate colors, better motion handling, etc. If look at the new Panasonic line it is claiming 5mil:1 contrast ratio (full time), and with the Z1 and new Samsungs being only 1" thick... How exactly do you see it as an aging tech?
3) Even most review sites said the new Panasonic line will have the Pio tech (extrem black < .001fl)and have the best 3d technology this year.
Feb 11, 2010 02:17
Zagatos says...
@ rextc
Well...
1) There is a reason why big companies like sony and philips stop producing plasmas a while back and pioneer as well. I never mention OlED at all we are not goin to see OLED at 32inch at a affordable price anytime soon, LED is what produces blacks as good as plasmas. The high end models of LG and Samsung come out in LED LCD and the plasmas are always second.
2) plasmas dont have better viewing angles , its 2010 go check and lcd they both have same viewing angles. Now talking about TVs plasma was first then lcd came to the market, so yes plasma is an older technology. Now if u like the thin TVs go check the new models of LCD LED.
3) We have to wait for 3d technology i cannot comment on that but iam assuming sony will make something good with 3d using LCD technology. Hey i was a plasma fan myself but i feel that plasma is holding up the technology, its my personal opinion. Thx for the reply
Feb 11, 2010 09:45
@ rextc
Well...
1) There is a reason why big companies like sony and philips stop producing plasmas a while back and pioneer as well. I never mention OlED at all we are not goin to see OLED at 32inch at a affordable price anytime soon, LED is what produces blacks as good as plasmas. The high end models of LG and Samsung come out in LED LCD and the plasmas are always second.
2) plasmas dont have better viewing angles , its 2010 go check and lcd they both have same viewing angles. Now talking about TVs plasma was first then lcd came to the market, so yes plasma is an older technology. Now if u like the thin TVs go check the new models of LCD LED.
3) We have to wait for 3d technology i cannot comment on that but iam assuming sony will make something good with 3d using LCD technology. Hey i was a plasma fan myself but i feel that plasma is holding up the technology, its my personal opinion. Thx for the reply
Feb 11, 2010 09:45
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