[The News Bot]

Reviewed by David Mackenzie
I could personally live with one of these displays for everyday TV usage, and that isn't something I can say often.
Read the full review...

[acid007]

Thanks for the excellent review David, its intriguing that this set measured noticibly better than the 50" reviewed ealier.
Was this just in colour acuracy or did it out perform in other areas too.?

I know you did not go as far as to say but is this down to the 65" having/doing something the 50" was'nt/lacking?, or is this simply a case of each set having a different set of foible's.

Thanks

[Phil Hinton]

Originally Posted by acid007

Thanks for the excellent review David, its intriguing that this set measured noticibly better than the 50" reviewed ealier.
Was this just in colour acuracy or did it out perform in other areas too.?

I know you did not go as far as to say but is this down to the 65" having/doing something the 50" was'nt/lacking?, or is this simply a case of each set having a different set of foible's.

Thanks

It could be a number of things that throw up a different result. It could be that the larger panel is better and more stable - possible.
It could be that the tollerances of components have a slight effect - likely.
Or it could be a refinement of the factory process and software now that they have been manufacturering the sets a while and have improved the way they set up the THX mode - very likely.
But unless we get to speak to the engineers its speculation at best as to exactly what they have done to improve the results seen.

[Mark Hodgkinson]

Originally Posted by Phil Hinton

It could be a number of things that throw up a different result. It could be that the larger panel is better and more stable - possible.
It could be that the tollerances of components have a slight effect - likely.
Or it could be a refinement of the factory process and software now that they have been manufacturering the sets a while and have improved the way they set up the THX mode - very likely.
But unless we get to speak to the engineers its speculation at best as to exactly what they have done to improve the results seen.

I know there was a software upgrade for the V's that contained various colour fixes, particularly magenta IIRC. Could it simply be that this 65" is running latest software?

[KaDargo]

Do you know if the design of the 58 is the same as the 65, ie not 'one sheet of glass' ?

[SimonH]

Cheers for the review, very interesting as it's a pretty big chunk of TV for not an insane price tag.

I don't suppose you've ever played with a PF11 and could offer a comparisom between the two ?>

[Phil Hinton]

Originally Posted by hodg100

I know there was a software upgrade for the V's that contained various colour fixes, particularly magenta IIRC. Could it simply be that this 65" is running latest software?

Funny that, when I spoke with Panasonic they denied any such firmware update.

[Phil Hinton]

Originally Posted by SimonH

Cheers for the review, very interesting as it's a pretty big chunk of TV for not an insane price tag.

I don't suppose you've ever played with a PF11 and could offer a comparisom between the two ?>

As this TV in Davids opinion betters that of the VX100 (for accuracy) we don't see much point in covering the PF11 at this late stage. We will wait for the next pro models.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by Phil Hinton

As this TV in Davids opinion betters that of the VX100 (for accuracy) we don't see much point in covering the PF11 at this late stage. We will wait for the next pro models.

I missed that he preferred it to the VX100, that's really quite some thumbs up , it's starting to look incredibly tempting , it can be had for £3,600 with a bit of searching.

I wasn't by the way looking for a full review on the PF11 , more just a verbal confirmation from David if he had seen the PF11 properly calibrated and how he compared them.

I guess that's moot if he feels it's a better set than the VX100 , wasn't the VX meant to be superior to the PF11 ?

I've lost track now but I seem to remember that being the assumption.

The review is really making this incredibly tempting.

I wish you could find a dealer for these who actually has them calibrated.

[Mark Hodgkinson]

Originally Posted by Phil Hinton

Funny that, when I spoke with Panasonic they denied any such firmware update.

The evidence is buried somewhere in the large V10 thread, I know David MacKenzie saw it.

There's also some indication a similar thing happened with the G10, if this members measuring equipment is to be believed.

I'd find it strange that if they have done something that they wouldn't take credit for it though

[acid007]

Originally Posted by SimonH

I missed that he preferred it to the VX100, that's really quite some thumbs up , it's starting to look incredibly tempting , it can be had for £3,600 with a bit of searching.

I guess that's moot if he feels it's a better set than the VX100 , wasn't the VX meant to be superior to the PF11 ?

I've lost track now but I seem to remember that being the assumption.

The review is really making this incredibly tempting.

I wish you could find a dealer for these who actually has them calibrated.

I'm amazed , the VX100 is panny latest pro panel worth £8k!. I'm still amazed that the blacks and colours are better on this 65V at less than half the price.
Can David please clarify that statement.

I agree that this does sound even better than i first antcipated.

I see an order coming soon.......

FYI, the 5yrs warranty will run out at the end of the year if memory serves me right.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by acid007

I'm amazed , the VX100 is panny latest pro panel worth £8k!. I'm still amazed that the blacks and colours are better on this 65V at less than half the price.
Can David please clarify that statement.

I agree that this does sound even better than i first antcipated.

I see an order coming soon.......

FYI, the 5yrs warranty will run out at the end of the year if memory serves me right.

Street price is about £6.8k at a push apparently.

I see TLC have their demo 50" for about £2,8...

I would like full clarrification from David before I fully made that assumption as well however.

I notice Phil used the word "accurate", but that is only one element in the overall picture.

Hopefully David will be around soon to quantify to some degree.

This is starting to look very tempting.

Wonder what I can get for Pio LX...

[David Mackenzie]

I'm amazed , the VX100 is panny latest pro panel worth £8k!. I'm still amazed that the blacks and colours are better on this 65V at less than half the price.
Can David please clarify that statement.

The colours are more accurate, yes. No doubt.
From memory, blacks are better, too.

I believe the Gamma tracking is a little worse on the consumer version, though. At least on the unit I reviewed.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by David Mackenzie

The colours are more accurate, yes. No doubt.
From memory, blacks are better, too.

I believe the Gamma tracking is a little worse on the consumer version, though. At least on the unit I reviewed.

David, how would you perceive the overal picture between the two units, I appreciate your saying blacks are better, but what about an overall score between the two units.

Let me put it this way, if money was no object, would you still choose the V10 over the VX100 or does the VX bring something to the table that may make you hestiate.

If not, this makes this set at £4k incredible value.

[KMO]

make a change, turn the TV off to re-enter user mode, and measure what effects this has had on the THX display mode.

Assuming it's like the 42V10, pressing "Exit" on the remote should suffice.

[David Mackenzie]

David, how would you perceive the overal picture between the two units, I appreciate your saying blacks are better, but what about an overall score between the two units.

Hard to say without seeing both side by side. If I had to choose one, it'd be the TX-P65V10 because of the price difference.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by David Mackenzie

Hard to say without seeing both side by side. If I had to choose one, it'd be the TX-P65V10 because of the price difference.

I hear you, the price difference is ridiculous based on this review, I guess my point was more, if price was not an issue , if both were priced at £4k which would be your choice.

That said, it's all becoming a bit moot because it really sounds like even if the VX100 was able to edge the V10, it's not by an appreciable amount.

[SimonH]

Anybody know a place in the Midlands where this can be seen post calibration ?

[acid007]

Originally Posted by SimonH

Anybody know a place in the Midlands where this can be seen post calibration ?

Have called around without any joy!, infact the only stockists i can find are the two Panasonic stores in solihull & Milton keynes. Solihull quoted me 4k with 5 yrs & MK quoted me £3799 with 5 yrs. Neither had plans to put these beasts on display though.

Interestingly though both confirmed that the Panasonic 5 yr warranty will cease end of Nov.

One also noted that the price will rise in the new year partly due to the increase in VAT and partly due to Pioneer ceasing.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by acid007

Have called around without any joy!, infact the only stockists i can find are the two Panasonic stores in solihull & Milton keynes. Solihull quoted me 4k with 5 yrs & MK quoted me £3799 with 5 yrs. Neither had plans to put these beasts on display though.

Interestingly though both confirmed that the Panasonic 5 yr warranty will cease end of Nov.

One also noted that the price will rise in the new year partly due to the increase in VAT and partly due to Pioneer ceasing.

You tempted then...?

I am at this point, but I made a huge mistake not viewing my current TV in the flesh and I won't ever buy another TV without seeing it first for myself.

I'm wondering if the folks at TLC Broadcast will get it in, it's possible, I've just sent a PM to Tony, hopefully I'll get a response.

May just be worth popping up on the train , 2hrs 50 to London from my way..

[SimonH]

Ok just spoke to TLC and they are going to be getting one in shortly approx 2 weeks and will have it as calibrated as these sets allow.

May be worth a trip for you as well, at least you'll be able to see one of them setup up properly and do a direct comparisom between the VX range, Kuros and everything else..

[Pecker]

When I think of where we were only 3 years ago, a 65" 1080p plasma of this standard for £4k is ridiculously cheap.

Thanks for yet another excellent review, David.

Steve W

[isaacslash]

Good review!

I leave a suggestion: you could share the calibrated settings that you use in the review so we can all share the same experience that you had. it would be good and easier for users to calibrate their tv.
Even if we used that settings from a starters point and just adjust a notch at will.

thanks

[David Mackenzie]

I leave a suggestion: you could share the calibrated settings that you use in the review so we can all share the same experience that you had. it would be good and easier for users to calibrate their tv.
Even if we used that settings from a starters point and just adjust a notch at will.

There's basically no point, especially on this TV.
If you don't have a measuring device and don't want to pay an ISF guy for the usage of theirs, then the THX Preset is a good as you'll basically get.

Also, adjusting a notch at will - there'd be no way to accurately do it without measuring. The notch could end up making the performance worse than it was to start with.

[isaacslash]

Originally Posted by David Mackenzie

There's basically no point, especially on this TV.
If you don't have a measuring device and don't want to pay an ISF guy for the usage of theirs, then the THX Preset is a good as you'll basically get.

Also, adjusting a notch at will - there'd be no way to accurately do it without measuring. The notch could end up making the performance worse than it was to start with.

I wasn't speaking only for this tv...I just think its a good idea, 99% of ppl doesn't know how to calibrate a tv, and that way you could help a lot. just giving the basics!

[acid007]

Originally Posted by SimonH

You tempted then...?

I am at this point, but I made a huge mistake not viewing my current TV in the flesh and I won't ever buy another TV without seeing it first for myself.

May just be worth popping up on the train , 2hrs 50 to London from my way..

Yes, I agree that ideally i would need to view to cement my purchase. TLC is a good 2 1/2 hrs from me too. I am going to Manchester for a few days end of month, i might try to see if anyone has one there.................

Will need to make decision soon as the free 5 yr warranty will be pulled end of November.

P.S Does anyone know who might stock this set in and around manchester?

[Pecker]

Originally Posted by David Mackenzie

There's basically no point, especially on this TV.
If you don't have a measuring device and don't want to pay an ISF guy for the usage of theirs, then the THX Preset is a good as you'll basically get.

Also, adjusting a notch at will - there'd be no way to accurately do it without measuring. The notch could end up making the performance worse than it was to start with.

Why not do it anyway?

If people 'copy' calibration settings they know it won't be perfect.

Steve W

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by acid007

Yes, I agree that ideally i would need to view to cement my purchase. TLC is a good 2 1/2 hrs from me too. I am going to Manchester for a few days end of month, i might try to see if anyone has one there.................

Will need to make decision soon as the free 5 yr warranty will be pulled end of November.

P.S Does anyone know who might stock this set in and around manchester?

Might be worth throwing a call into Panasonic, see if they have a local dealer that way, I was thinking of popping to TLC as they tend to put more effort into the setup of their display models so it's liable to be better than the average Panny shop who are just going to take it out of the box turn everything up full and leave you to it.

Plus I wouldn't mind seeing it side by side with a VX etc, be ideal to be able to see the same content on both side by side.

[acid007]

Originally Posted by SimonH

Might be worth throwing a call into Panasonic, see if they have a local dealer that way, I was thinking of popping to TLC as they tend to put more effort into the setup of their display models so it's liable to be better than the average Panny shop who are just going to take it out of the box turn everything up full and leave you to it.

Plus I wouldn't mind seeing it side by side with a VX etc, be ideal to be able to see the same content on both side by side.

I would try and track down a independant Panasonic approved dealer.
Never been to TLC, it is highly recommended on these forums. Whilst it would be interesting to compare both sets its unlikely to affect my decision, the VX is over budget and would not be included in the free warranty offer as its a pro panel AFAIK.

If i have no joy up north i might have a rethink.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by acid007

I would try and track down a independant Panasonic approved dealer.
Never been to TLC, it is highly recommended on these forums. Whilst it would be interesting to compare both sets its unlikely to affect my decision, the VX is over budget and would not be included in the free warranty offer as its a pro panel AFAIK.

If i have no joy up north i might have a rethink.

Yeah for sure, I wouldn't buy a VX now, that model is dead in the water IMO, but it would be nice to see them side by side , especially along with a Kuro as well to get an overall idea.