Panasonic plasma

[TommyC]

Just ordered a 65ZT60. Panasonic's 2013 flagship plasma.

I don't really need a TV, but Panasonic is closing its plasma division this december, so I better get one. Don't want to miss out like the Pioneer Kuro.

[NOLG4EVR]

I agree. Bought one last month after learning they were going to stop making them. Great TV.

[W9TR]

Too bad - I really like what I see in my Pioneer plasma TV's.

[kev313]

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

I agree. Bought one last month after learning they were going to stop making them. Great TV.

Oh no! Really?! I just bought a new Panny plasma. My second. My first lasted 9 years. Love Panasonic plasma.

[dirtbag]

Good choice Tommy. I want one but don't need one.
Amazon.com has them for $3200 USD.

[TommyC]

I got one for 4K. Best deal I could find as they are getting very rare. I have one of the last units in BC.

[prepress]

Panasonic's reported exit from plasma would leave LG and Samsung as the only ones left. But I thought it was next year they were stopping; perhaps it's the official exit I heard about. With Pioneer, I think they stopped making them a few months before the official exit in April 2010.

I have a Kuro PRO-111FD, and a few weeks ago had it re-calibrated. It hadn't drifted much in 5 years, which was remarkable. I wonder what things will be like when the time comes for a new TV.

[esteban]

I have a 65VT60 and couldn't be happier. If you are going to do your watching in a dedicated dark room, there are no differences between the VT60 and ZT60 models. The ZT60 works SLIGHTLY better in rooms with lots of windows and direct sunlight, since it has a special "airless and gapless" panel that eliminates all reflections, both external and internal. Other than that, it's the same TV and you won't see a difference in a typical dark HT room. This was confirmed and verified by the industry's top ISF calibrators. Same black levels, etc. In fact, I would actually say that the VT60 is the better buy, since it has slightly brighter whites and MUCH better, front-firing side speakers (the ZT60 has the speakers in the back... terrible choice!). Even if you use a sound system, the front-firing speakers are great for casual movie watching during those days when you don't feel like firing up the whole system. The VT60 also has a pop-up camera (great for Skype) that is only optional on the ZT60... The 65VT60 can be currently had for $2300. An amazing deal.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by esteban

I have a 65VT60 and couldn't be happier. If you are going to do your watching in a dedicated dark room, there are no differences between the VT60 and ZT60 models. The ZT60 works SLIGHTLY better in rooms with lots of windows and direct sunlight, since it has a special "airless and gapless" panel that eliminates all reflections, both external and internal. Other than that, it's the same TV and you won't see a difference in a typical dark HT room. This was confirmed and verified by the industry's top ISF calibrators. Same black levels, etc. In fact, I would actually say that the VT60 is the better buy, since it has slightly brighter whites and MUCH better, front-firing side speakers (the ZT60 has the speakers in the back... terrible choice!). Even if you use a sound system, the front-firing speakers are great for casual movie watching during those days when you don't feel like firing up the whole system. The VT60 also has a pop-up camera (great for Skype) that is only optional on the ZT60... The 65VT60 can be currently had for $2300. An amazing deal.

Exactly. Did you attend/watch the 2013 Value Electronics HDTV Shootout? I was there for the Saturday session.

I almost wish I was in the market for a new TV; the VT60 would be my choice, though in the 55" size, as that's all this room will take comfortably. And the better sound system would make the ZT advantages moot for me. Like you, I don't want to fire up my rig just to watch The Weather Channel.

[Mr. Big]

I have a 5-year old 60" Kuro and here's my dilemma: Do I buy the 65ZT60 now or do I hang in there hoping that a 60" OLED will be produced and come down in price before the Kuro craps out on me? LCDs are not an option because of the inherent drawbacks to the technology.