Customer Reviews

Panasonic TC-P58VT25 58-inch 3D 1080p VIERA Plasma HDTV

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've owned this 58VT25 for a few weeks now. HDTV broadcasts and Blu-ray video are just amazing, not to mention the very excellent 3D seen from Direct TV broadcasts. And by the way .. There are no grayish backgrounds where one would expect black. On this TV, blacks are BLACK. Also, on mine, there isn't any, "buzz" (someone here reported hearing a buzz) or any sound other than program content regardless of how close I get to the TV. If there was, I would call Panasonic's repair service.

One thing I learned early on is, don't mess with the color adjustments on this TV right off the bat; wait a few days for the TV to stabilize then adjust if you feel the need. The color realism on this TV is extraordinary. Being typically an early adapter, I've owned a few other plasma TVs. My gripe with my earlier Panasonics is .. I could never get the reds quite right (leaned toward crimson), and there always seemed to be just the slightest greenish hew. Yes .. I'm picky .. kind of a perfectionist I guess.

The reason for my having owned several TVs over the recent past is because those before never seemed quite right. This one though is a keeper. If there's any gripe at all it's with watching non-HDTV broadcasts. They look great, but I think they looked even better on the TV I replaced this one with. But broadcasters are all switching over to HD so that little complaint will never cause me to continue in my early adapter ways. This one, I'm sure, will stay in my house until one of us passes away (I'm a few years into retirement).

And by the way, I will edit this review if any negatives become apparent on this TV over time.

Having previously owned a 4 year-old Panasonic Plasma that was only 720p, this TV is truly a treat - the black levels are outstanding, THX mode for color settings provides great out-of-the-box viewing experience.

As to the buzzing that others have alluded to. Plasma TVs buzz, more than LCDs, it is a known fact. Panasonic refers to their "10 foot rule" meaning that you shouldn't be able to hear the buzzing at a distance of 10 feet. Mine had a horrendous buzzing which varied in intensity based on the scene - Panasonic service had a repairman out to me in no time, and it turned out to be a bad ferrite core - something ironically meant to suppress buzzing.

That issue having been promptly fixed, the picture quality is amazing, especially with a 1080p feed (pop in a BluRay DVD like Planet Earth or Life and just drool as you watch it on this TV). I have to admit I haven't tried the 3D aspects yet apart from unpacking the glasses and trying them on. They seem rather flimsy and oddly constructed (two weird interchangeable nose pieces, neither of which seem too comfortable). However, I don't care if I never use them, but admittedly I bought the TV for its other features, such as size, resolution, black levels, picture quality, etc, and it doesn't disappoint!

We recently purchased the 58" Panasonic 3D HDTV. We were planning on a different unit that was not 3D. However, when we were checking them out at the electronics store they had a special on this TV that included a free Panasonic 3D bluray player with extra 3D glasses and two movies as well. Upon review we discovered that this TV was the top pic for ZD Net's 2010 Plasma TV's for 2D and 3D both so we figured we couldn't go wrong with this unit.

Our previous TV was a 50 inch LG Plasma that exploded and died one night, so when considering new TV's we revisted the whole LCD vs. Plasma debate before settling on a Plasma again. I highly recommend you go into a store with multiple TV's, as there is indeed a difference in the look of the images between the technologies in addition to some weird artifact on the screens with the LCD TV's (at least to our eyes). When we were just reading about the TV's we thought for sure we'd end up with an LCD. However, once we were looking at them side by side we had no question that plasma was the right look and "feel" for us. (We compared both old style LCD and the LED LCD styles with the Plasmas)

I'm not an AV expert, so I can't talk all the technical details. However, I've discovered that I'm definitely someone who appreciates the feel of film that you get with plasma over the more slick, soap opera look of the LCD screens. However, if you like very bright pictures the LCD might be right for you.

All in all, suffice it to say that we love our new Panasonic plasma TV. It far out performs our old LG plasma. When shopping for it, it also seemed to out perform the other plasmas and LCD's in the big box electronics store when we assessed them side by side. (which I strongly recommend you do).

If you're excited about 3D, you may want to read my short review about the 3D glasses you need when watching 3D movies. Panasonic TY EW3D10U - 3D glasses - active shutter We were disappointed to find that the fit and comfort of the glasses are terrible for those who have a more petite, narrow bridge of the nose. (Many women and children) To the point that it definitely interferes with enjoyment of watching the 3D movies.

Summary: Great TV, received top rating by ZD Net for both 2D and 3D, visually the picture looked the best when compared to other plasmas and LCD's in the big box electronic store. However the 3D glasses by Panasonic offer a terrible fit, so check them out when considering 3D.

Returned an LED I had some issues with and bought this TV. To say the least, I am very pleased so far. I have only had it about a week, so this is very early in the product's life, but images are superb. Screen uniformity is the best of any flat panel I have owned. Images, when view off angle, are as good as they are straight on - it's really amazing how far off center this image remains consistent. Colors are realistic (and highly adjustable) and motions are very smooth, much better than a Samsung LED I bought. Streaming works very well (I use my Xbox 360 to stream movies) and even SD signals look very good for a flat panel HD TV.

It's hard too image anyone not being please with this product. With the caveat that I have only had it a week, I would highly recommend it.

This is the best TV I've ever sat in front of. It's almost a privilege to watch TV on this beast. 2D, 3D it doesn't matter - the picture quality is simply amazing. Watching the World Cup on ESPN 3D is the best thing ever. It has a slight buzz when watching 3D but is not noticeable sitting 10-12 feet away. You will have to play around with the settings for a little while after buying it to find the desired viewing preferences but when you get it, it's great. Looked at lots of TV's before purchasing this one and am soooooo glad I did. It replaced a 50" Sammy and I have absolutely no regrets.

I am a very picky person when it comes to video / audio. This TV has no flaw! Watching blu-ray and blu-ray 3D is AMAZING. I agree with the other reviewer - It's better than theater. There's no reason for going to theater now, unless u just want to get out of the house or wanna catch new release...

TV Positives:
I did my homework prior to purchase. I started with a very negative impression of Plasma TV's and have since moved to favoring them. I have had over two weeks to experience this TV and I have not been disappointed with it's performance. The 3D is amazing and the TV is fairly simple to set up. The picture is crisp and clear from almost any angle and thus far I have not experienced distortion.
TV Negatives:
I found that the frame around the TV is noticeably wider than one would expect which slightly reduces the televisions sleek appeal. Every guest I have had has commented on the frame.
Remote Control:
Fairly standard however, the user should not have to go to menu to switch between viewing modes, i.e.; Cable, Blu-Ray, etc. One click is the way to go.
Other:
You must purchase the Panasonic's `Panasonic DY-WL10 Wireless LAN Adapter' (extremely overpriced) and the `Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype-Enabled Camera' (extremely overpriced) to pick your WiFi and use of Skype on the TV. I find that Panasonic's propitiatory bend to force their customers into purchasing their products extremely annoying. This will be a major factor in my next purchase. It is this factor alone that I would advise anyone to think twice before purchasing.
The number of applications that are available on the TV are noticeably fewer on this model, an oversight that I hope is remedied in future firmware updates.
The Panasonic 3D glasses:
They work however, an unfortunate design (sides are open) and are uncomfortable.

My first ever review comes from my heart. I love this TV. LOVE IT! The 3D works amazingly, and as my provider, DirectTV gets more channels, I'm sure I will watch more
in 3-D (Laker-Denver game was so much fun to watch, as was BCS title match).
But, what's amazing about the TV, is that you lose nothing watching just plain, old regular HD channels. This is my second Panny HD, and the best picture I have ever seen on any screen I've owned. Currently I have 2 other great TV's- A Pioneer Elite 50" plasma, which is a classic, and a Samsung 56" LED LCDtv, which I love as well. But the 58" Panny, with it's beautiful resolution, and underrated 3D feature, is my favorite by far. If you're thinking of buying one, do so. I've had mine for a month now, and am now in love.

The Panasonic TC-58VT25 58" is an impressive piece of work. It was not difficult to set up out of the box and the picture in its default settings is just amazing. I recommend looking at the folks who have reviewed the smaller versions of this TV who have recommended tech specs on how to view various characteristics if you have a very particular taste in screen quality.

-VieraCast: helpful but limited selection of items to access the internet and the dongle to get a wireless signal was a separate purchase (and therfore more $$). That said, once you have wireless access the Netflix image is much better than the one's I get from the Sony Blu-ray player and the Nintendo Wii. I think this is because there are fewer "jumps" from the modem to the TV when the signal goes directly to the TV. The drawback however is selection. The Netflix interface on the Panasonic only lets you see the first 25 suggested movies based on your previous interest. The blu-ray and wii allow you to search for that particular movie you were thinking of watching.

-image: I can't say anything better technically compared to other reviewers but I remember being concerned when watching game shows for the first few times on this tv. There was some pixelation when the camera would swing across the stage. But after a couple of views my wife and I realized that this is connected to the spotlights on the stage. My hope is that the pixelation is a problem on all TVs.

Also make sure that your image problems are not the result of the cable connection. Since we use satellite, we sometimes get choppy images etc. After comparing numerous shows and channels we're more confident that any low resolution is due to the cable/ satellite signal than the TV

-interface with other devices: the interface is pretty straightforward and we have the TV hooked up to a Sony blu-ray, a Wii, and a Sony home theater sound bar w/ subwoofer. I was a little creeped out that within a day, the controllers for all Sony devices could operate the TV, and then the Panasonic remote was able to operate the home theater soon after. I like that I only need 1 remote for 2 devices but I have never had the remotes "figure out on their own" how to do this! The only drawback I have faced is the use of the blu-ray. Whenever we switch to the blu-ray, we have to reset the home theater first in order to restore sound and video to the TV from the cable. for some reason the blu-ray likes to be the dominant source for the home theater and the home theater controls the TV. But the picture quality compared to this minor hassle is totally worth it.

oh and the Wii image - I recommend the advanced component cables (the 4 plug thing) for a better screen image as you play. seeing the Wii on such a big screen is a real treat. we use the Wii Fit plus and while it's not crazy on graphics, the feel of exercising with the bigger image is nice (especially the bike exercise).

-the only thing we have not tried is interfacing the TV with wireless headphones. I may repost if there are issues there.
-admittedly, after 3 months, I have still not tried the 3D functions (shock!)- the reviews all said that 2D on this TV is amazing, and since there is only 1 set of 3D glasses, and my budget is blown from the TV purchase I haven't had a chance to find a 3D movie to watch on the TV. Besides most of the 3D content I have seen isn't all that "3D" so my review is based on my everyday 2D viewing.

great TV, no regrets!

I won't knock the stars on the account of Vieracast, but I will tell you this: This is one heck of a TV. I am using the full HDMI 1.4 feature set as well (ARC). It supports a single HDMI cable to your receiver for audio, allowing all of your devices that connect to your TV to pump audio through the TV back to your receiver. What a cable saver! (Make sure your receiver supports ARC - Audio Return Channel). This does take up an HDMI slot, but you have a ton.

The 3D has been flat out amazing, no cross talk issues. I am not a fan of the heavy battery-equipped glasses and plan on purchasing the newer models at some point. You should note that when viewing 3D the glasses result in a tint (like looking through sun glasses), so you have to up the brightness when watching. I select one of the built-in choices: vibrant. This raises the brightness of the image to the point that you are not aware of the sunglasses effect.

Vieracast, and basically all of Panasonic's menu systems are a little on the confusing side. I love the features the offer but their interface is a little slow and cumbersome. Netflix (once you get out of vieracast into it) is great.

VieraLink allows you to control natively any panasonic device connected over HDMI (as long as it also is a vieralink device). For me this includes my receiver and bluray player, so I just use the single TV Remote.

The Remote is quite nice and has a backlight. The one ding on the remote is that the more frequent buttons I tend to use are very low, making it uncomfortable. I mostly use my tivo remote, and I assume most of you will use your own DVR box remote as the main remote anyway.

RECOMMENDED: Best TV I have owned.