Question about a plasma TV that MAY get a fault

insanity202

I got a Panasonic G10 tv on the 7th sept last year from Dixons online.
Now i got this for its fantastic blacks and its advert on the site and at Panasonics site stated a contrast ration of 2,000,000:1 on dynamic/ 40,00:1 on native settings.
Now Panasonics VP in USA has said that a voltage rise will make the black levels rise (they will be more gray). As a result the advertised contrast ratio will change to what was originally advertised. It will be a lower figure. This is supposed to happen at around 1000hrs of use (about 6-8months).
Now seeing as the adverts dont say 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for then first 1000hrs then it will drop, do i have the legal right to take the set back to Dixons and ask for a full refund or a exchange for a tv of equal specs?
Panasonic claim this change is normal due to a voltage change BUT have stated in the 2010 line up the voltage change will be more better and slower so the tv keeps its dark blacks. And they say there is no plans in fixing sets effected by the rise.:mad:

EDIT: Panasonic got sued for this over in America and have admitted it is a firmware issue that is causing the rise in blacks BUT will not release a fix!

roddydogs

Youve got me worried, ive got one of these, but ive never heard of this.! ive probably gone over 1000 hours, and dont see any change

Esqui

Is it possible that the voltage change may be a US-only thing?

In any case, as you said, it may happen - you might not even notice if it does!

insanity202

Esqui wrote: »

Is it possible that the voltage change may be a US-only thing?

Theres a website called AVforums theres loads of uk G10/G15/V10 owners that have this issue. Some say its happened after 200hrs others up 1500hrs.
avforums.com i cant post a hyper link as i'm still a new member.
Its under a heading in the Plasma section called Panasonc plasmas: problem with black levels after 1000 hours.
Theres about 48 pages but makes a good read.
The thing is not everyone has this issue, but i dont want to keep a tv that may go gray at some point. But again it might not. My set has clocked up over 2000hrs and its still pure black, other sets i've seen over 1000 hrs look like a cheap lcd.

maninthestreet

Why would the voltage rise after 1000 hours???

insanity202

maninthestreet wrote: »

Why would the voltage rise after 1000 hours???

Something to do with a voltage that runs though the screen illuminates the phosphor in it as plasma tv's dont have a back light like LCD tvs do. When the phosphor cells get damaged the screen gets duller. The slight voltage increase is there to keep the screen looking new, but in some sets its too much of a voltage so it makes the phosphor illuminate too much thus making grays and washed out pictures. Voltage changes happen in 99% of plasmas so there product like lasts about 50,000-100,000 hours. With plasma tvs your sets are supposed to look even better as they get older, damaged phosphor cells make better blacks and react faster.

vyle

I was not aware of this... that might explain why one of the S or U10s (I can't remember which) on the shop floor is looking decidedly grey at the moment.

That's very interesting.

insanity202

Right slight update.
A guy on AV forums sent his set away for repair to Panasonic in the uk in Feb. He has just had the following reply.
Thank you for your e-mail enquiry.

In response, we are in a position to inform you that the investigation on your television has been completed by our Manufacturing Division in the Czech Republic.

I would clarify that the product was found to be operating correctly to within specification. However, our investigations found that there had been some adjustments made to the television, resulting in the RGB values being higher than normal. As a consequence, the picture had been made brighter, causing the low black level that you had experienced.

We would be grateful if you would kindly confirm whether you have made this adjustment or indeed arranged this via another party.

The appropriate corrections have now been made on the settings of the television and we would like to arrange for your television to be returned to you and at the same time collect our loan unit. We will be in contact with you directly to make the necessary arrangements in the near future.

We can also confirm that your set was in the same physical condition as we originally received it. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience whilst this investigation was completed and trust that the above findings will help to clarify your enquiry.


Now the above highlighted bit is kinda saying that the person in question went into the Service Menu, which he has told us he and no-one else has.
Thus to me it seems the software that adjusts the voltage level, also alters the Service Menu settings for colours etc. Now if your a calibrator or no how to get into the service menu these settings can be altered. But it would more simple if Panasonic held its hands up and said yes the software created a error we shall issue a firmware upgrade.

Darksun

It could be classed as normal wear and tear though, since it only happens after a significant amount of use. I think it'd depend on how drastic and noticeable the drop in contrast would be.

Your contract is with Dixons, so you can always ask for an exchange or replacement, but if they refuse it's going to be a tricky fight

ses6jwg

This is the risk you take with Plasmas, I would never buy one without a 5 year warranty.

roddydogs

And how would i get a new panel/telly under the guarantee, how would I "prove" the black levels were low?