Mr. GURU:

Great review! I have three concerns though…

1: HDMI 1.4a – Would the VT20/25 ship with the recently released HDMI 1.4a spec and if no would you recommend that we wait until 1.4a is included with the models (TC-P58VT20) scheduled for release later this year? With regards to future proofing, would you wait for 1.4a?

2: Black Level Reduction – I know that it is too soon to tell but the recently discovered black level loss on the 2009 V series is cause for great concern. Do you think that we should purchase these sets knowing that the black levels may reduce after 1500hrs of use? The majority of readers on your forums fork out extra dollars to purchase Panasonic plasmas for their superior black level performance? Any technical enhancements in the 2010 VT20 models suggest that this would not occur?

3: Kuro – Have we reached the holy grail? Are the VT20s black levels worthy successors or are they still falling a bit short?

Regards,
Clint

These models, which you gave four hearts, are replacing 2009 models that got five hearts, yet they seem to have better whites, blacks, colors, anti-glare and motion processing. In which ways are they worse than their predecessors? SD programming? DVD?

And no mention of the previous article on Panasonic black-level rise? Granted, you were not able to do an aging test, but you had the engineers right there to discuss the algorithm.

As Panasonic will once again be increasing idle drive voltage over time for the 2010 models, it is reasonable to assume that the MLL will increase to around .012 ftL over time (2-3 years), and that the contrast ratio will therefore decrease to around 2700:1 tops (assuming white levels remain mostly unchanged). It is probably with these figures in mind, and the corresponding implications for visual performance that these sets should be evaluated by individuals contemplating buying them.

Wes Sokolosky

If next year’s models get below Kuro black, even if the blacks tripled, they’d still be hitting under .001 ft/L.

People are waiting for deeper blacks. Even the 500m is said to not look completely black during dark scenes in a black room. This is a set that calibrates to over 10 million to 1 on a CALman chart.

These are really only issues with critical theater viewing. The new filters and deeper blacks will probably suffice, since most watch with some ambient light in the room.

Panasonic already admitted that these sets lighten, just not as quickly as the 2009′s.

Does the G25 have support for 24 fps without 3:2 pulldown.

Yes, but it’s the same crappy 48-Hz botch from previous years. Why Panasonic includes 96-Hz refresh on UK and European models but not U.S. models is inexplicable, except maybe they want to milk American consumers. European Viera plasmas also tend to have better image controls and, on the Gx5 models, more HDMI ports (4 vs. 3).

The removal of the second layer of glass over the plasma panel concerns me.

I really only have ONE complaint about my Pioneer Kuro KRP-600M plasma monitor. My complaint is the audible buzz. The Kuro does not really buzz any louder than any other plasma, but the buzz is far more noticeable because it actually emanates out the front!

With other plasmas, the second layer of glass blocks the operational buzz from coming out the front, so the buzz really only emanates from the back and top. With the Kuro, however, there is no second layer of glass, so the buzz is clearly audible coming right out the front panel itself!

This is very annoying to me and has prevented me from putting the Kuro in my theatre room. Instead, I only use it in the living room where ambient noise levels are higher. Even still, the operational buzz annoys me (and is totally unacceptable in the theatre room).

I would expect that the operational buzz from these Panasonic VT20/25 models might be far more audible in the same way. Without the second layer of glass, the operational buzz from the panel is free to emanate out the front.

It is just ridiculous to me that the experience of a $3500 60″ display is ruined for me by its operational noise. The picture quality of the Kuro is stunningly good, but the audible buzz makes it a no-go for my theatre!

I was very much hoping to perhaps get a 3D display for my theatre this year and a Panasonic plasma was definitely at the top of the list, but I have to know whether the same buzz problem that prevented me from enjoying my Kuro will be present with these new Panny models!

@Rob H. If you can’t stand the plasma buzz, you’ll hate the fan noise! I hope it’s better this year, but 2009 models sounded like there was a small beer-fridge in the corner of the room. I wish someone had told me before I bought it. Check if the model size you’re interested has fans. Problem is, you won’t hear anything in a shop, probably not even in a “quiet” demo room. But in your theatre room during low-volume viewing or quiet films or scenes, it’ll be infuriating.

I think the final words should have a comparison between KURO2 and v10vs this model.

I’m concerned how the 2010 Panasonics will perform in room with moderate lighting.

My 2008 Panasonic plasma is completely washed out with moderate lighting and is only “good” in a room with dim lighting (but hardly superb). Only when I black out my room am I really satisfied with my 2008 Panasonic plasma.

I note in this review that maximum brightness has dropped significantly from last years G10. The HD Guru reported a “retina searing” 92.2 foot lamberts for last year’s G10 while he only reports 65 ft lamberts for this set. Now those levels may be more than bright enough but I’m given little guidance to know if that is the case.

Screen reflections are also key to the performance of any HDTV and if the new Panasonic is only effective at reducing the light from overhead light fixtures then it is not going to help an average home owner very much but will help sales in a showroom.

We need better real world testing.

Looking forward to this same type of review of the Samsung PNxxC8000 series 3D TV! Most importantly, how do the black levels stack up against each other. Here’s to another great review from the HDGURU!

@Chud Samsung doesn’t make TVs anymore. All they make are mirrors that supposedly produce images too (but you can’t see them since your own reflection gets in the way!)

I like the fact that this is going to be the first 3D or one of the first to hit the market. I’m excited about this as I really enjoy seeing 3d movies. I look forward to it.

Samuel

If you’ve never heard of the Black level issues with Panasonic plasmas (11G & 12G and it appears, 13G too)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=18074202&postcount=3002

@Bob Stone
“I note in this review that maximum brightness has dropped significantly from last years G10. The HD Guru reported a “retina searing” 92.2 foot lamberts for last year’s G10 while he only reports 65 ft lamberts for this set. Now those levels may be more than bright enough but I’m given little guidance to know if that is the case.”
i don`t know but in my eyes V20 is much brighter than G10.

Wow, another “ooh – deep black” and “ahh – great picture”. Just wait until the blacks begin to rise and Panasonic just laughs in our faces because we’re dumb enough to throw our money away on this junk.

Remember what Panasonic is doing to the people who bought the deteriorating 2009 Viera plasmas – NOTHING!

Save your money people or buy from another manufacturer.

I’d LOVE to buy from a different manufacturer, Bob. The problem is that every other 3D display coming out is even worse than these Panny plasmas will be – even after their black levels rise!

All of Samsung’s LED 3D displays are edge-lit and have glossy screens. Consumer reports has already compared them and found them to show cloudiness and poor off-angle viewing (as expected for any LED edge-lit LCD).

Samsung’s plasmas also have glossy screens. Samsung’s plasmas also have major phosphor lag (put up a bright image, suddenly switch to a dark image and a “ghost” of the bright image stays on screen for a second or two). Samsung’s plasmas also buzz so loud that you might as well forget about any sort of audio fidelity in your home theater experience.

LG is following Samsung down the glossy-screen hell hole. And LG’s black levels are never anywhere close to black. Maaaybe an LED local-dimming backlit LCD from LG will look ok, but, again, glossy screens this year and terrible off-angle viewing.

Vizio is just rebadged LGs. Seems like matte screens might happen with Vizio though, so that’s good news. The 72″ Vizio is really my only hope this year, so if it isn’t good, I truly have zero options!

Sony is going glossy screen this year. And unless you’re happy with only 52″ max size, LED edge-lit is the only 60″ option for 3D.

So what’s a person to do? You can buy a Panny plasma, enjoy it for 300 hours and then scrap it because its blacks turn grey. Or you can buy something else and not watch it at all because all you can see is your own reflection.

That’s the state we’re in right now and it just plain sucks!

I want to know Which are Brighter in vivid mode? V10 or V20?

@killer

It should not matter. It is a useless mode most people do not use.

As much as I learn from the HDGuru, I sometimes learn even more from the comments/postings. Keep it up guys!

@Bervick
yes i know but The HD Guru reported a 92.2 foot lamberts for G10 while he reports 65 foot lamberts for VT20.any way , i only want to know which are brighter @ vivid mode because i heard panasonic used 10 lumen/watt technology for these sets.

Rob H. – you are absolutely correct.

I thought the V10 provided a good balance between picture quality, black levels and price. I didn’t expect Kuro performance, but certainly didn’t expect measurable performance degradation 300 hours into it’s lifetime!

My advice for potential buyers – buy something under $1000. Don’t spend $2-3k because it’s just not worth it.

That way, if it goes snap, crackle, pop, buzz or gray, you won’t feel completely ripped off, unlike the 2009 Panasonic plasma owners do.

Any by the way, does anyone really want to buy version one of 3D? If you do, I have some land you might be interested in.

When trying to decide between Panasonic’s 3D plasma and anyone else (3D LCD displays) keep in mind one important point: there is no LCD TV out there that can maintain a 1080p image as objects go in motion. Only plasmas can do that. ALL LCD TV’s have to drop their resolution substantially (down to 800 or 900 lines of motion resolution) when objects on the screen move. Do don’t forget that when you buy a 3D LCD TV from someone, you aren’t actually getting 1080p at all, at least not while objects are moving on the screen. Even at it’s worst, Panasonic’s new VT20 is FAR superior to ANY 3D LCD TV from any other manufacturer. This is just one of the ways the VT20 wins, and by a wide margin. The list is far longer though. Just wait until you see a 3D demo of the VT20 in the stores though. Compare it yourself to any other 3D TV that comes to market this year and you will quickly see what I am talking about. The VT20 is absolutely in a league of its own.

I’ve little doubt that in 2010, Panasonic’s plasmas will offer the best 3D image quality – at least until the image degrades and if you can stand the operational noise (which I fully expect to be more noticeable with the removal of the second layer of glass).

The best LED local-dimming backlit LCDs in 2009 produced some pretty impressive image quality, but for some still-glaring short-comings. So I am looking toward the 2010 local-dimming models with great interest!

Motion resolution is not a big concern to me. Other than specific test patterns, motion resolution is virtually impossible to actually see with the naked eye. But things like motion blur, image lag, glossy screens, blooming, backlight pumping, cloudiness and terrible off-axis viewing all need to be overcome before LCDs of any type have a shot against plasma.

So, once again, my most anticipated displays are Vizio’s XVT PRO models. With 480 zones of dimming in the 72″ model, cloudiness and blooming should be reduced. Time will tell, but I’m basically looking for ANY reason to avoid giving Panasonic my money this year after their treatment of customers (ie. neglect) in 2009!

@Rob H.
As far as your Samsung comments go, those are unfair comments. I’ve seen the threads and complaints about the buzzing, but I have yet to hear a single buzz coming from any Samsung plasma in any store I’ve been to and I always make a point to get up close and personal to check. Remember, that you’ll have alot more people complaining about something than you’ll have people writing about good things. I’ve seen quite a few of them in peoples’ homes too since I’m a calibrator and still have the same experience there too.

As far as the black levels go, Samsung is getting better blacks each year. Don’t count them out until the 7000/8000 series are released and reviewed. At least their black levels won’t rise! We’ll have to see how well the 3D performs. (Hopefully better than it does on their LCD models) Samsung also does a much better job in terms of color control. With a full color management system at your disposal, you can calibrate a Samsung much more than you can a Panasonic.

Oh, and before you say it, I’m not a fanboy. I actually want to see some long term tests of the VT20/25. I’m hoping the black level rise on these aren’t as bad as the ’09 models. I’m looking forward to calibrating both sets when they come out!

The 2009 black level rising of Panny’s imo a tad overblown. After 300 hours mines still really good, there is a rise, yes. Not the end of the world. I do think it’s very disappointing but not a money waste. 2010 models supposedly more gradual, but still part of “Panasonic’s” design… flawed maybe yeah. Personally I wish they’d just put 72 or 96Hz for 1080p/24 viewing for ALL their new models. Why keep 48Hz on lesser series it’s really not THAT much more expensive to produce. I loved Panasonic until the last year questionable things by them. Oh well.

@Red S:
CNET’s tests indicate that black levels triple after about 1,500 hours, so let us know if you’re still satisfied after another 1,200 hours. And I agree, Panasonic should have put 96-Hz refresh on at least the G series as they did in the European versions. As consumers, we should demand better.

@Chud

I’m only harsh on Samsung because I used to really like their displays, but from 2008 onwards, they’ve gotten progressively worse IMO. The A550 CCFL LCD series was the last good series of televisions that Samsung has made IMO.

I rag on companies and their products because I want them to do better! Panasonic does so much right with their displays, but they have this glaring problem with the rising black levels and they also lack a single plasma that doesn’t wash out rather badly in a well-lit environment.

Likewise, Samsung does so much right, but then they go and muck it all up with a few glaring problems. I really love the way the Samsung has been able to deliver displays with accurate colours for several years in a row now. I also think their steady improvement in black levels (for both LCD and plasma types) is great to see every year.

But their plasma displays have the notorious phosphor lag issue. It’s been a problem for 5 years running now! And the buzz? Well all plasmas buzz. And Samsung hasn’t been worse than any other maunfacturer in that regard. Except that with their effort to make thinner and thinner plasmas, the buzz has become more and more noticeable as there is less and less cabinet material to divert the buzz.

I wholeheartedly expect more noticeable buzz to be a big problem with these 2010 Panny plasmas.

In the LCD world, I simply cannot understand why Samsung has chosen to make ALL of their LCD displays with glossy screens. The big advantage, IMO, for LCDs has been that their matte screens makes them a far better choice for well-lit rooms. Panny plasmas wash out and Samsung plasmas are highly reflective. So I’m pissed at Samsung because they’ve taken what used to be a strength for LCDs and nullified it with their decision to make everything glossy and shiny and reflective!

I just want a display with no real weaknesses. The Pioneer Kuro plasmas are as close to that ideal as I have ever seen. But they buzz! And that’s really my one and only complaint about them! In the grand scheme of things, if my only complaint is the operational buzz, then that’s pretty darn good! But I’d still like to eliminate that buzz so that I could enjoy virtual perfection!

I don’t need my next display to have blacks that are just as dark as my Kuro – but they have to be darn close! And they have to STAY that way. I don’t need the colour to be as accurate as my Kuro – but it needs to be darn close!

I DO need for my next display to be no more reflective than my Kuro. The Kuro has the best anti-reflective screen surface that I’ve ever come across on a plasma. Only matte-screened LCDs are better, which is why I want a matte screen option on LCDs so badly!

I need for my next display to avoid posterization (banding), motion blur and image retention just as well as my Kuro does. Samsung’s plasmas fall down hard in this area, but Panny’s plasmas hold up to the mark.

It’s all a matter of just wanting a good TV, dammit! I bought the KRP-600M specifically because I took a look at the market and made an educated guess that there really would not be anything better or any display that could even match the Kuro’s quality for the next several years! It appears as though I was correct in that guess. If my Kuro didn’t buzz, I wouldn’t even be looking. But that ONE flaw, is enough to put me on the hunt for a replacement. I’m not about to take a big step backwards though.

But man, do I wish there were a way forward!

@Rob H.:

I feel your pain. I don’t understand the race to see who can make the thinnest TV. The audio quality has plummeted over the last several years as manufacturers have had to fit speakers into ever-flatter enclosures — so good sound gets worse while bad sound (buzzing) gets more pronounced.

The funny thing is, Panasonic could easily surmount virtually all of its perceived quality problems by doing the following: (1) admit it screwed up with the rising black levels; (2) fix the problem by turning off the black-level brightening via firmware; (3) if affected older 2009 sets can’t be be fixed, offer a trade in for updated 2009 or 2010 sets; (4) stop screwing U.S. customers and add 96-Hz refresh and fine-grained image controls to at least its G-series plasmas (and preferably its whole plasma line); and (5) fix the antireflective properties. If Panasonic can’t fix the black-level problem, then it needs to redesign its panels.

Some great thoughts here. It is very disheartening to see the “disposable, gotta have it now and throw it away tomorrow” mentality of modern america domiating every aspect of our consumer obsesive culture. Is it so dificult to do somthing (anything) right? Pioneer did and sadly very few people could aford them and Pioneer could not remain profitable or competitive. Now panasonic has the sauce, and yet they seem content falling just short of 100% We as consumers could demand more by spending less, yet we buy up mediocre crap by the pound, just so we can throw it away the next year, and buy the next marginal POS. Panasonic is soo darn close. Come on Panny! Give the people what we want. A firmware fix for rising black levels, and the respect and compasion for the very people (ie: Us) who keep you in business to begin with! We deserve it, and you owe it not only to us the consumers, but to yourselves as a company! We could care less if our sets last 30 years. I be shocked if we even have the same TV’s in 10. Just give us reliable quality HDTV with a set of standards you yourself would demand in a product this fantastic. Life span be damned! We want Infinate Blacks, and we want them for as long as the display keeps working, be it 5 years or 30!

Reading the comments:

Thin displays are sexy, compelling, lighter and easier to wall mount.

The futurest dream was always to have thin, flat displays the thinner the better.

Reflective screens is one of the reasons I avoid plasma, but now the latest LCD models are joining the band wagon. Very discouraging.

I think there is additional underling reasons why Panasonic engineers have added that circuit to increase black level. You will read about it.

… typo… DECREASE …

Rob H. you are posting shrewd comments, so I don’t have much too add except EXPECT single pane Panasonic’s to buzz, until confirmed otherwise by atute listeners.
Why didn’t HdGuru give 5 stars if improved over last years with five stars? Why do projector sites give almost ever project “hot tickets awards”?

They walk a fine line between manufactures and consumers. Since consumers got burned rising black levels he obviously turned down the cheer leading.

The free Consumer Reports blog has an excellent writeup on 3D TV. They have finally gained enough experience to document clouding variations in the Samsung black levels. It took years as the green eyes learned, but raising-the-bar is always impressive!

This all really stinks. I’m looking for a new 58″ TV and each one has its own set of problems. Screen glare, fading blacks, edge halo! Doesn’t anyone make an excellent TV anymore?

Oh where are the power consumption measurements?
The palm-of-my-hand measurement indicates that this years plasmas are just as hot as last years.

If you can remember back to last year the $10,000 Panasonic 65VX100… was strongly recommended. Do I need donate it and pay another $7000 this year to upgrade my plasma to 3D?

Hmm I was very happy when I heared about the tv. But unfortunately that 600Hz are no 600fps. Since there is no fast input, it is still not possible to find a tv with pc input with more htan 100Hz albeit I very very need that. And also a problem if they improve the noise reduction. this means that they will increase the lag until the picture is displayed.
Would be oo nice to be able to play games with such things, if they would have no lag and faster refresh rate

So, bottom line: What are the top 3 TV to purchase in 2010
I’m looking to purchase a 55″ TV and it seems that no one is competely happy with the results of 2010 models.
And what about the NuVision TV (price aside), is that the best TV in the market now?

Dropped by Best Buy’s Magnolia Theater yesterday and compared their Panasonic plasma and Samsung LCD displays. I was surprised at the 3D quality difference between them. The Panasonic was WOW, and the Samsung much less so. In fact I could almost watch the Samsung without the glasses. Their 3D depth was very shallow, almost to the point of wondering if 3D was on or not (it was. The picture was bright, but the colors a bit washed out (maybe the store lighting played a negative part here). Motion was smooth, at least I didn’t see any flickering at all.

The Panasonic was brighter, the colors were richer, and the depth was simply amazing. No flicker as some have reported. The salesman played the Monsters vs Aliens Bluray for me on both, the same scene, to compare apples to apples on both systems. Without the glasses the picture was unwatchable, but with, again, WOW. No question if 3D was on or not.

I am assuming the Samsung was set up correctly, and so, can’t believe anyone would buy it after seeing the Panasonic. Has anyone here had a chance to compare at BB? Would be interested in knowing why there seems to have been such a difference.

My personal first impressions of 3D TV.

Only based on limited demos of the Sony and Panasonic demonstrations, as of March 25, 2010.

Both equal in picture quality. A far cry in quality from vintage 3D. Truly amazing! Both somewhat dimmer then standard HD images.

I wear corrective lens. The Sony was superior for me in comfort. The Panasonic was very uncomfortable. I ‘m not ready to go 3D. The images were compelling but not yet ready for prime time.

I’m usually an early adopter, but not this time. I don’t think I am ready to commit to wearing cumbersome appendages on my face. I will wait for this tech to mature. I want OLED instead!

Can we get a better picture of this TV? The one in the review makes it look extremely ugly and unprofessional.

I am going through some of the buying pains as others here…what to buy now?

Curious, no one brings up Runco – specifically their 50″ CinemaWall which could be had for ~$3,500?

The new Panasonic sets will have gradual “rising blacks”, but the G series (and I’ve heard VT series) have “floating blacks” as well. I haven’t heard a buzz, from 1 foot very irritating. The entire market right now is dreadful. I’m still hoping that the Samsung c8000 plasma series will be amazing. It’s interesting–we’re all frustrated that no one is making the right television set? I just read about the new BeoVision LCD set by Bang and Olufsen. The thing does better blacks than Kuro, and it’s a fricken LCD. Yeah, it’s eighteen thousand dollars too. You want the pure cocaine, boys? Then go pay for it. Otherwise, shut up and realize that we are middle class “experts” who are lucky to even have the weak crap they’re throwing at us.

Well said jeffwine03. You get what you pay for and by all accounts the best at the moment is this Panasonic plasma for the price my mere mortal pay cheque can afford. I guess if I want one now then that’s my TV choice, if I don’t then next years model is always cheaper and better. Which just begs I’m chasing rainbows. And really, if I want home theatre then I’d buy a 720 or 1080p projector not an HDTV. (Interesting that DLP is now out of flavour which leaves Panasonic and Epson LCD).

Hi,
do you experience motion judder in 120Hz 3D mode with 24p movies?
I know that Panasonic use 3:2 pulldown for 24Hz 3D movies (providing 60Hz for each eye), am i wrong?
Thank you

A was going to get the V10 untill a saw the review a like the look of it am in two minds go for V10 or wait for the V20 help my heads wreack

I didn’t know about all these problems. I am thrilled with my Kuro. I am especially pleased with the SHINY screen! It is like a mirror but black so it doesn’t reflect your face very well but it certainly will reflect a lamp left on.
Rob H. is overlooking a huge problem with satin LCD screen surfaces. Black backgrounds remain in the background on “picture window” screens. On a dull screen that black background shows up as a “matte” black at the surface of the screen. Foreground!!!
Samsung does it correct with their top of the line models: SHINY. Sony has it backwards: Their top models are dull, (ANTI-3D) cloudy windows. Also with dull screens anything wet and shiny like human eyes are not as stunningly realistic!
Almost universally, the TV designers have gotten it all backwards. Dull screens and WARPED SHINY black BEZELS which REFLECT and DISTORT and practically scream out “Look how cheap i am, put me on a pressed wood and vinyl veneer stand!!”
The only shiny black bezel in the whole world that disappears with the TV on is the almost perfect (dark bronze)plexi-glass over black bezel of the Pioneers. Every other shiny black bezel is crap!
The cost cutting manufacturers need to switch to SATIN black bezels or better yet anodized aluminum even if it is really plastic like the 2020 Samsungs.

typo correction: 2010 Samsungs

So in regards to the glasses will all makers of 3D tv’s have their own type of 3D glasses? or could the Panasonic glasses work on the Sony TV. It would be great if the TV manufacturers came out with a standard. I’m gonna be waiting to get a 3D tv not enough content and the price is breakin my balls.

@ rob h u r an absolute loser

I really hope panasonic releases a firmware fix that resolves the 3:2 pulldown and noise reduction issues. This is a major performance Issue. There is no reason why a 2010 model cannot passing either one of these, when older models can just fine. They probably should have used a HQV de-interlacing chip. It’s a solid, strong performer. Will wait to see how panasonic acts on this. Currently, there latest firmware update (1007) seems to only address a SD card issue.

I agree. Not passing 3:2 Pulldown & Noise Reduction is unexceptable. What a joke! That’s probably why no five star rating. I also noticed “NO” analog Audio/Video outputs. No S-Video outs. So much for VHS/SVHS recording or passing fixed/variable audio to a reciever or stand alone sub.

rob h,

u r so lame. if u really had a kuro, u wouldnt be writing wannabe editorials about the tv market…

Ignoring the 3D feature, how does the 2010 VT compare to the 2009 V10 set? The article indicates that 2010 black levels are better due to the new panel design. However, I cannot tell whether the overall PQ is equal to or better than the 2009 V10 series. Given that your rating went DOWN to a 4 heart, your plainly were not as impressed. I cannot tell whether the reduction is solely attributable to the 3:2 and noise reduction issues. Comment?

My concern is that Panasonic is going to sandwich the consumer between the lower-end G25, which may have great blacks, but lower overall color or PQ, and the higher priced VT set, which materially bumps the list price over the V10 series due to the 3D feature.

I’m stuck in the same situation. 50G20 or 50VT20? I could care less about 3D. I really wanted the upgraded panel and the 96hz — but not for an extra 1200 bucks! Seems like there should be an ‘in-between’ model.

And at this point, nobody knows how the new 3D panels will age. It’s sort of like buying the first generation of a new computer operating system — you’re essentially beta testing — without the software updates. Firmware to fix some Viera cast thing doesn’t count!!

I’m resigned to save a grand and live with it.

I sell these and the G-25 / Vt25 are both awesome. Could care less about 3d so I will buy a TC-P54G25. I have read everything about lasts years versions, compared them to the PN58C6500 / 7000 and its not even close. Dealing with everyday reliability is not even close. If the black levels decrease over time so be it. Fantastic Tv I can live with and enjoy daily. No LCD comes close.

I would like to suggest a correction to the review. The differences between the VT25 and the VT20 extend beyond the inclusion of the RS-232 port. According to Panasonics website (from their products pages you can download specifications for each model in pdf format) the VT20 also does not include ISFccc, Studio Ref Mode, and Pro Setting. Without a further description of what Pro Setting is, it would elude to an increase in adjustability. It would be nice if these differences had been included in the review with a comprehensive description of them. I would like to know if the price difference of $100 is worth these features or if they are unnecessary for the mid-end home theater enthusiast.

Nice review, but
“with a 0 IRE black test signal, making the contrast ratio indeed infinite.”

This isn’t so. Your instrument just couldn’t measure the low level light so it returned a zero. That doesn’t mean it is zero, and it doesn’t mean the contrast ratio is infinite as you said. It’s probably some very low number the contrast ratio is probably very high. But still not infinite. Never the less, I’m sure it’s one of the best in that regard.

Does Sony 3d blue ray player work well with this tv? I find the sony one a bit cheaper.

A great deal has been said in other reviews about the panasonic 3D glasses, saying that they were the least comfortable to wear being too heavy, and that they aloud light in from the sides which made the lenses appear dirty and so on. surprised that no mention was made of these poorly designed glasses, and seeing how a great deal of the 3D movies available are for family/children, they also appear to be too large for smaller heads.

I have a Kuro 600a, and have contemplated selling for the 65″ panasonic when available in Europe, but the poorly designed 3D glasses, fading blacks overtime, are putting me off the idea, despite all the pros.

I bought panasonic 3D 2 weeks ago and I am not happy with the product at all. the picture quality is fantastic in 3D but the 3D glasses are rubbish, both 3D glasses that includes with the TV are broken, and the other don’t work, the pvc plastic is so fragile that it breaks easy, and both glasses cracked at the same spot on the glasses, so I need to buy new glasses for over 150 dollars each if I want to watch 3D.
Be aware of that if you are going to buy panasonic 3D tv