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Question

Buying Panasonic Plasma TH-P42ST30D

Jan 3, 2015 1:18PM PST

Hi,

I've been looking for a plasma TV for a while now--unfortunately I started searching a little too late what with the demise of Panasonic plasmas and the last of the TVs all gone now.

However, I did come across an online retailer selling the ST30D series (brand new) originally released in 2011. I'm really interested in buying this TV (a 42 incher) and would like to know if it's a good idea to buy especially since its an outdated model and how it would perform in comparison to LED LCDs of 2014-15.

Also, does Panasonic offer service and support for their plasmas even after it's closure in this business?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Brand new...release in 2011,
Jan 3, 2015 4:22PM PST

I wonder why. Come on, what's the big deal about plasma. There was a plasma TV that impress me a lot but that company went out of business long time ago (I forgot the name now). This is a new year and 4k is here, hehe.

Seriously though, if the deal is great...then take it. Good luck.

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Answer
Skip that one
Jan 3, 2015 11:49PM PST

Unless the deal is absolutely fabulous AND you know the history of the whereabouts of this older device, I would skip it. Also, this particular Panny was nothing special PQ-wise. Their quality improved a great deal afterwards with subsequent models, esp. the ST60s.

Right now, you would be hard pressed to find a better value in plasma than the 51" Samsung F5300. Best Buy still had it listed a couple days ago @ $549. Although it's a non-smart HDTV, it truly can fit the need for a good quality display in a HT space w/ light control. I actually ordered one for a family member before Xmas, and AFAIK they are still listed online when I was stuck on the tarmac surfing before New Years. Definitely check it out.

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Buying Panasonic Plasma TH-P42ST30D
Jan 4, 2015 2:40AM PST

Thanks for getting back to me guys. Unfortunately, the Samsung model you mentioned isn't available in India with the exception of the F5500 which costs about $1000 here. Yes, there's a world of a difference between the prices in the US and elsewhere around the world!

That said the ST30, too, is setting me back at about a $1000. That's about the only two options I got right now if it's gotta be a plasma. The F8500 is too pricey & big for my pocket as well as my room.

If there's still an equivalent LED LCD that would closely match the plasmas if not beat them, I could give them a try.

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It would have been helpful to know that extra info LOL ;)
Jan 5, 2015 9:18AM PST

Yes indeed- you are price and technology trapped, unfortunately.

If there's at least a one year warranty on it, then I say go for it. What's the out the door price, may I ask?

cheers

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Final Price
Jan 5, 2015 2:29PM PST

Pepe7, the out the door price is just that--a 1000 bucks all inclusive of 1 year warranty. I did get in touch with Panasonic support right away to make them "aware" of this online retailer selling the ST30. Although, the guy was not too sure at first, he did get in touch with his manager who confirmed that the warranty is applicable as long as it's a brand new set for a period of one year from the date of purchase.

Incidentally, we do have a couple of ST30s in our office that we bought in 2011 and they all seem to be working in perfect condition long after their warranties have expired. And they have had really long usage hours too. If I wait another year, our office might even be generous to donate these, but I'd seriously doubt how much more life they might have left...and I've run out of patience on buying a big screen now! So if there are some words of encouragement, I might just buy the new 42" and be done with it.

So what d'ya say?

Thanks

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If you are insisting on a plasma...
Jan 6, 2015 5:53AM PST

...I think you know the answer Wink

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Answer
LED TV
Jan 14, 2015 7:09AM PST

I would recommend you to go with LED or LCD the reason is it consumes less energy and you can view it for hours and hours at a time and it will last 10 or more times that plasma also the picture quality will be far better that plasma

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The last resort
Jan 14, 2015 2:08PM PST

Thank you for your valuable suggestion vembutech. I'm still hanging in there checking out what models are available. I'm basically looking for a solution that would set me up for the next few years without having the reason to upgrade. Hopefully, OLED will have become a household name by then. Any particular models you have in mind that I could check? I love the reviews on the Vizios, however, unfortunately they are yet to open up their market in India & importing from the States is not a viable solution at the moment.

Thanks again!

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If you can get a Panny, skip the Vizio
Jan 14, 2015 11:13PM PST

Their repair track record is not so good.

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Sammy to the Panny?
Jan 15, 2015 6:34PM PST

Guys, a new turn of events. The Samsung F5500 51" are still selling in shops in India. Although I'd have preferred the more revered PNF8500, it's available only in 64" here for some reason like we have the money & the walls to show it off!

Anyway, I've seen decent to good reviews of the F5500s as well. It's available directly from the shop floor again for about a grand (Indian money!). At least I won't have the jitters of an online seller selling used stuff here.

Still contemplating...

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Sammy to the Panny?
Jan 15, 2015 6:51PM PST

Oh, the Pan ST30 is no longer available with the online retailer anymore. Somebody scared me that online retailers might be selling demo gear. Anyway I see that seller has put up the UT50s now. Again no guarantee if they are demo models. It's UT50 series against ST30s that he was selling earlier.

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I would skip the UT50- not as good
Jan 16, 2015 12:04AM PST

PQ is sub-par for Panny on this rig IME. That is, if the panel sold in India is the same as the panel sold in North America, which isn't always the case.

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I would ask @ AVS about the Indian F5500
Jan 16, 2015 12:12AM PST

See if the panel uses the same internals as the North American one.

If so, it's a better rig than the ST30. Grab it(!)

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Plasma bought!
Jan 26, 2015 2:01PM PST

Pepe7, after much deliberation & demo'ing the Sam F5500, I've bought the 51". Thanks for all your advice. I did check on the AVS forums and save for the voltage differences between the US & Asia one, everything else is pretty much the same.

I'm currently enjoying the 51 incher and getting used to my first upgrade since my 27" direct view Philips Matchline. I'm running in the TV with low settings but will experiment with different user settings to get the best picture possible!

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Run the break in slides
Jan 27, 2015 12:01AM PST

If you don't want to wait, just run the break in slides. It's a nice HDTV, and well worth the wait though.

Congrats