Don't buy Panasonic!

[mbonsaver]

On 12/31/2001 I purchased a Panasonic PT-47WX49 High Definition Television from Best Buy in Mesa. (Store #254)

This is a 16:9 wide format HDTV with several viewing modes.
a) 16:9 Full screen for viewing DVD movies
b) 4:3 screen for viewing regular television broadcasts
c) 16:9 Zoom mode
d) 16:9 JUST mode
e) Split Image mode for viewing two channels at the same time
f) Split image mode for viewing one channel while seeing what is showing a numerous other channels.

Of the six modes described above, 3 have gray bars either on the sides of the image, or on the top of the image. This appears to be a normal mode of operation for the TV. In fact, you must put the picture in 4:3 mode, even when switching the TV to wide screen mode.

When I was choosing which TV to purchase, I was trying to decide between wide screen format and standard format screens. The salesman, Ryan, stated that if I watched DVD, the best option was a wide screen TV. However, when we viewed a standard TV signal in wide screen format, the image was stretched out, causing the people and objects to look “fat”. Ryan said that pushing a button on the remote and changing the display to 4:3 easily solved this. He then demonstrated this feature. Based on this feature, I decided to buy the TV.

Since this was an expensive purchase, Ryan also suggested that I purchase the Best Buy service plan, so that if anything went wrong in a 4-year period, Best Buy would repair or replace the TV. He instructed me that Best Buy would even come out to my home every 6 months and adjust the TV to make sure the image quality was adjusted.

The TV was delivered to my home a few days later and set up by the Best Buy deliverymen.

On May 12, 2002, I noticed that there were faint “bars” on the right and left side of the screen. I contacted Best Buy, and they sent a man out from Bob’s TV. They came out and said there was a problem and that they had to get parts from Panasonic. However, later that day, they called back and said neither Panasonic or Best Buy would authorize the repair.

I contacted Panasonic, and they said that viewing the TV in 4:3 format caused this, and they would not repair it. Panasonic said that it was clearly stated in their manual that this was not covered and that the TV should not be used in 4:3 mode.

I had read the manual and the section they refer to is listed under the heading “Important Information regarding the use of Video Games, Computers or other fixed image displays”. Since I was not using any of these items with the TV, I concluded this did not apply to this TV. The rest of the manual discusses:

a) Care and Cleaning
b) Installation
c) Split Screen operation
d) Set Up of Audio and Video

The manual does not discuss normal operation, which is covered in the Remote Control Guide. In the remote control guide, it clearly states that the ASPECT button is used to “select the picture size (ratio) to match the programming format”. From this description, since the standard television broadcast is in 4:3 format, it is obviously meant to be used in this mode.

After Panasonic told me this was not covered, I re-read the section. This section clearly states that the intent is to use the TV for viewing moving images. It does not state that the use of 4:3 is forbidden. It does not state that the gray bars are considered a fixed image. Since I have been viewing only moving images on the screen, I was convinced I was operating the TV properly.

I contacted Best Buy, and they also said they would not repair it under their service plan, even though the plan clearly states that they will repair or replace the unit.

My points of contention are as follows:
1) Panasonic knowingly has a feature in the TV that will result in damage to the screen. However, they failed to disable this feature at the factory and failed to properly inform me prior to and after the sale.
2) Panasonic deliberately mis-lead me in the way the information was written in their manual, considering it was under the heading “Video Games, Computers and other fixed image displays”.
3) Panasonic is in breach of the warranty agreement.
4) Best Buy knowingly sold me an extended 4-year warranty plan, yet failed to honor the warranty. The problem arose after only 5 months of use.
5) Best Buy’s sales person did not inform me of this potential problem with the set prior to the purchase. In fact, I was mislead by the sales person to purchasing this set because of the very feature used to put the picture into 4:3 format.

At this point I have filed a complaint with the Arizona Corporation Commission and am Taking both Panasonic and Best Buy to court.

[mbonsaver]

While I'm not allowed to reveal the details of my agreement with Panasonic, after filing a claim in small claims court against Best Buy and Panasonic on my burn-in issue, Panasonic contacted me and a very reasonable attorney for them agreed to get TV repaired. And the attorney for Best Buy also "made it right" as well.

So - lesson learned to all of us concumers. Yes, you can challenge the big guys and win. The key is to be reasonable in what you want.

[kevinw]

Glad to hear you got things resolved. To bad you couldn't talk Best Buy into a different brand.

Congrats
Kevin

[migelius]

mbon... do you mean you didn't like the grey bars on left and right of the 4:3 picture? this is a good feature; it helps prevent burn in.... stretch mode which you saw in the store looks odd to me.

sounds like you could be falsely blowing the horn on panasonic

[kevinw]

I think you mis-read.. He was using grey bars exclusively instead of stretching and he got burn in... His complaint was they told him it was his fault for watch in 4:3 programming and not stretching it.
His owners manual did not state that it would damage his tv if he watched only 4:3 programming on a 16:9 set. They only mention static images like video games. It does not state that grey bars are a static image!!
By the way my Toshiba manual says or does not say the same thing.

If you watch almost all your viewing in 4:3 with black or grey bars you are risking burn.

[mbonsaver]

What is even more interesting is that, after the TV was repaired, which meant installing an entire new chassis, the gray bars are a different shade of gray.
On the original set, the gray bars were almost a bright silver gray. On other HDTV's I tested (Sony, RCA, etc...) the bars were jet black.

These bars on the new unit are a "charcoal gray". Not silver, not black. They are a lot easier on the eyes.

However, I do not plan to use them at all now that I have a working TV!

Also, definately purchase Video Essentials by AVIA ($15 at Frys Electronics). Once I used this disk on my system the picture was fantastic! Better than in the store!

[j409]

It took 6 months for the burn in to occur... how many hours a day on average did you run your TV in 4:3 format?? I have a Panasonic 47" widescreen and was wondering if watching a few hours a week in 4:3 would hurt anything.

[kevinw]

If you talking analog just do not do it..Stretch the picture...I would not woryy if you are watching HD. The time during the switch to Hd from the NonHD commercial time is minimal.

[mbonsaver]

Well, I never really kept a log of how many hours a day I watched the TV. But considering I travel a lot, and don't get home until 7PM every night, The most I watched it was 1-2 hours per day. On weekends I watched DVD's.

After reading this site, I did learn about the sets being set up way too hot. That is why I really recommend buying the Video Essentials DVD. It will get the contrast turned down to a reasonable level.

Beleive me, you do not want to get the burn in bars. They are impossible to ignor. And I had to take Panasonic and Best Buy to small claims court to get the set fixed. If you want to try an interesting experiment, try calling them now and telling them you have a burn in problem. (Just for pretend) Their response will convince you to never run the set in 4:3 mode.

[dugansz]

Hi, what is this video essentials dvd you are talking about and exactly what does it do? Thanks Jim

[kevinw]

Go here--
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?s=&threadid=935

The last parts of this thread explain about DVD's used to tune up your TV.

[studranger4]

ive said it before and ill say it again=DONT NOT BUY FROM BEST BUY!!! and im talking from exp -both me AND coworkers--they DO NOT stand behind their products no way no how!!! go with CC --THEY know how to treat a customer and again!! im talking from exp-Best buy is nothing more than a legalized theft operation and when the consumer catches on to them they will go the way of crazzy eddies

[hawks066]

studranger.. i agree with you. I dislike best buy very much. The people they have working there are ignorant and don't care to learn about anything they sell. They didn't even acknowlege me when I went in to ask questions.. All I got from one kid was a NO! and he didn't even look at me and consult me. It was BS. I will not shop there again. I have had great experiences with CC. They know customer service.

[studranger4]

Originally posted by hawks066
studranger.. i agree with you. I dislike best buy very much. The people they have working there are ignorant and don't care to learn about anything they sell. They didn't even acknowlege me when I went in to ask questions.. All I got from one kid was a NO! and he didn't even look at me and consult me. It was BS. I will not shop there again. I have had great experiences with CC. They know customer service. hawks you are 100 per cent right-and if only the others on here knew what a rip off BB is-well--they would be a LOT better off-CIRCUIT CITY from MY experience-and being 60 yrs old lol IVE seen em all-and the only thing best buy is is a place with a license to STEAL-but fear not-as word gets around in 5 yrs there will be a clothing store where best buy was lololol-and good riddance to them-im only talking as per MY experience with them-ME and my co workers getting screwed by them-after sales thats all they care about-screwing the customer-and their return and price protection policies must have been written by clinton lolololo-a PURE joke!!!

[hawks066]

Around here Best Buy is always slammed because of location.. next to barnes and noble, old navy, etc.. But circuit city doesn't get half of the volume of people. It's sad because of the way best buy handles business.

[KuipeDogg]

every product made by every company has a defective ratio...you got a bad one

COMPANYS like Harmon Kardon/YAMAHAH/Klipsh spend more money and time on quality control and will have lower defective ratio than the usauls JVC/SONY/PANASONIC :cool:
They have a process than can weed out batches of production that will have higher rates of defect....these batches get sold to places
like Ciruit City...Best Buy...Future Shop...

[Smthkd]

Well, I disagree with the guy who started this thread, because I have the same model Panasonic HDTv and I read the manual completely. First of all this is a great set and before you buy any RPTV you should always ask or read up on how to prevent burn in's. Most DVD player and HD receivers have aspect ratio settings to prevent this situation and so does thid model tv. Yes, they Best Buy rep. should have been more helpful in explaining this, but like any salemans, its all about making money! But at any case common since should have made him realize that those gray bar were going to eventially cause burn in, most people always look for a solution. Besides, how is it the retailers or manufactures fault for him not reading the manual fully. All of us men are a like! We get new gadgets and feel like we know how the whole thing work and pretty much say "Screw the instructions" :mic: , but as soon as something wrong happens, we want to blame the merchandise, manufacturer, salesman, etc. How about blame yourself!!!! :argue2: You know there's nothing wrong in reading up on a product before you buy it!

[kevinw]

every product made by every company has a defective ratio...you got a bad one

COMPANYS like Harmon Kardon/YAMAHAH/Klipsh spend more money and time on quality control and will have lower defective ratio than the usauls JVC/SONY/PANASONIC :cool:
They have a process than can weed out batches of production that will have higher rates of defect....these batches get sold to places
like Ciruit City...Best Buy...Future Shop...
His TV was not bad. It was from watching an uncalibrated TV with a Static image. The real gripe was that the owners manual gave no warning and neither did the salesman.

[kevinw]

Well, I disagree with the guy who started this thread, because I have the same model Panasonic HDTv and I read the manual completely. First of all this is a great set and before you buy any RPTV you should always ask or read up on how to prevent burn in's. Most DVD player and HD receivers have aspect ratio settings to prevent this situation and so does thid model tv. Yes, they Best Buy rep. should have been more helpful in explaining this, but like any salemans, its all about making money! But at any case common since should have made him realize that those gray bar were going to eventially cause burn in, most people always look for a solution. Besides, how is it the retailers or manufactures fault for him not reading the manual fully. All of us men are a like! We get new gadgets and feel like we know how the whole thing work and pretty much say "Screw the instructions" :mic: , but as soon as something wrong happens, we want to blame the merchandise, manufacturer, salesman, etc. How about blame yourself!!!! :argue2: You know there's nothing wrong in reading up on a product before you buy it!

How would you know what burn is if no one told you?
He never complained about the set. The owners manual nor the saleman said if you watch unstretched TV at the settings predetermined at the factory you will ruin your TV.

[Smthkd]

Well the title of his thread is " Don't Buy Panasonic" thats demeaning the electronic brand also, as regards his manual I don't know what manual he has, but mine clearly states that extended viewing in 4:3 format unstretched will cause burn in's to the screen which is not covered under the factory warrenty! Again, if he shopped around, eventually some salesperson would mention about burn in's!!! There are many forums and website out there that are constantly talking about this potential effect! No offense but that's why I stated "He should have researched first". :rolleyes:

[kevinw]

had read the manual and the section they refer to is listed under the heading ?Important Information regarding the use of Video Games, Computers or other fixed image displays?. Since I was not using any of these items with the TV, I concluded this did not apply to this TV. The rest of the manual discusses:

I don't know what manual he has but mine clearly states that extended viewing in 4:3 format unstretched will cause burn in's to the screen which is not covered under the factory warrenty! Plus, if he shopped around, eventually some salesperson would mention about burn in's!!!

His manual did not say 4:3 viewing will cause damage. It said fixed images. regardless of what you think now, Panasonic corrected the manual since his purchase in 2001. They also felt they were in error and mad it right for the customer. My Toshiba manual never said that 4:3 was a static image either.
Here is the origianl post about this
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=557

[kevinw]

Well the title of his thread is " Don't Buy Panasonic" thats demeaning the electronic brand also, as regards his manual I don't know what manual he has, but mine clearly states that extended viewing in 4:3 format unstretched will cause burn in's to the screen which is not covered under the factory warrenty! Again, if he shopped around, eventually some salesperson would mention about burn in's!!! There are many forums and website out there that are constantly talking about this potential effect! No offense but that's why I stated "He should have researched first". :rolleyes:
Seems to me He did a great job of researching. How long is eventually...
When I first read the original post I thought the same thing as you. I did not find out about burn till after I bought my TV. I researched for over a year before purchasing. At the time no manufacturers websight, saleman or magazine review talked anout the potential damage. They all talked about how great HD is and how good the TV is for diplaying pictures.

[Smthkd]

I've read the original post! Also, I bought mine in 2000 and although it didnt mention 4:3 as a static image, it did warn about the gray bars cauing potential burn in! If the manual mention GREY BARS, common sense tells you this is refering to the tv being set @ 4:3. The grey bars ONLY appear in 4:3 mode on this Tv. He is not posting what the manual says, rather, he is posting what the setting show as you scroll through them on the Tv. The manual clearly explain's burn in's and grey bars, in 4:3 format! I have the first edition of this manual and downloaded renderd version off their website!

[kevinw]

I've read the original post! Also, I bought mine in 2000 and although it didnt mention 4:3 as a static image, it did warn about the gray bars cauing potential burn in! If the manual mention GREY BARS, common sense tells you this is refering to the tv being set @ 4:3. The grey bars ONLY appear in 4:3 mode on this Tv. He is not posting what the manual says, rather, he is posting what the setting show as you scroll through them on the Tv. The manual clearly explain's burn in's and grey bars, in 4:3 format! I have the first edition of this manual and downloaded renderd version off their website!
Common sense assumes the that something is comonly known. Would you have know if you did not research forums?
I think that something that can cause damage to your TV during normal use should be stated very clearly. If you read everything in these posts, the original poster finally got his TV repaired and gave credit to Panasonic for admitting to and fixing a wrong.
I am willing to bet that he would buy Panasonic again now that they proved themself an honorable company.

[Smthkd]

Yeah, I see you point! But, I hope in the future people need to understand that new technology does not always work with existing technology unless you follow directions completely and learn as much as possible about the new technology, especially before they invest money into it. Its like the stock market of electronic! Don't invest until you learn how it works!

[Ratman]

Just imagine if they were 'black bars'!
The burn in 'effect' would be much worse. Grey bars can be your friend, to hopefully age the phosphors consistently.

But... no matter the color, bars are a 'static image'.

[kevinw]

Yeah, I see you point! But, I hope in the future people need to understand that new technology does not always work with existing technology unless you follow directions completely and learn as much as possible about the new technology, especially before they invest money into it. Its like the stock market of electronic! Don't invest until you learn how it works!
I am with you- Spread your knowlege. Everytime I browse at a BestBuy,HHgreg or even Circuit City I give the Sales People the adress to this sight. If I see somebody looking at TVs I do the same for them also. If enough of us pay it forward so to speak, we will make a difference.

BTW What part of GA are you in?

[Smthkd]

Im in Griffin, GA south of Atlanta! I agree with you on spreading the knowledge, I never thought about giving the sell reps in Morrow this web address! I think Im going to do the same! You know, It really will beneft them as well because they are technical airheads!!!

[rmaverick]

I have a 53'' panasonic widescreen i purchased about 1 1/2 years back. i have had no problems with it so far, I think panasonics are a really good choice for HDtv's, as far as "burn" goes, dont keep ur tv on for too long in 4:3 format

[gparris]

Looks like you watch HDTV like I do:
1-2 hours at night if time allows, DVDs on weekends. ;)
While I have always had issues with Panasonic for years with quality, some clients and friends of mine have had good experiences with them. :rolleyes:
As for Best Buy, I only go there when Circuit City doesn't have the product as both match pricing, although with HDTVs neither carries the same product. I have Mitsubishi HDTVs, neither of which I bought from Best Buy as the sales people got my test for knowledge and failed...even so I still would buy from them as I DO, they just didn't carry the models I wanted to buy. I have not heard anything good or bad about their service from where I live. :confused:
My best references come from those who buy from Circuit City as they got excellent service, best pricing and excellent HDTVs...LCD RPTVs from Sony. :)

[JetFlyGuy]

We should all be careful here, because if the lawyers get their hands on product instruction manuals, your next TV might come with a 6,000 page manual! :rofl2:

[txnewmanfan]

Here where I'm from if you shop at circuit city you will get ripped off. The ones at best buy are the ones that will save you a buck by not selling you more than you want.

[kevinw]

Here where I'm from if you shop at circuit city you will get ripped off. The ones at best buy are the ones that will save you a buck by not selling you more than you want.
Thats interesting because I have yet to see a BestBuy sales person NOT try to sell you Monster cables with each electronic purchase :wow: